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Impact of Artemisia argyi and Stevia rebaudiana substrate composition on the nutritional quality, yield and mycelial growth of L. edodes addressing future food challenges

Summary

This study tested using wormwood and stevia plant waste as alternatives to traditional wood chips in shiitake mushroom farming. Results showed that adding up to 45% wormwood or 30% stevia to growing substrates increased both the amount and nutritional quality of mushrooms produced. This sustainable approach addresses mushroom farming’s resource shortage while potentially improving the nutritional value of the final product, making it beneficial for both food production and environmental protection.

Background

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) is the world’s second-largest edible fungus with significant nutritional and medicinal value. The expanding scale of mushroom production has created shortages of traditional wood chip substrates, necessitating sustainable alternatives using agricultural waste.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of Artemisia argyi (wormwood) and Stevia rebaudiana (stevia) as substitute substrates on the mycelial growth, yield, and nutritional quality of Lentinula edodes strain 868, while identifying optimal culture conditions.

Results

Conclusion

Substituting up to 45% sawdust with Artemisia argyi or 30% with Stevia rebaudiana significantly enhanced yield and nutritional quality of L. edodes. Optimal conditions were achieved with PSA/MEA media at 24°C and pH 5.0-6.0, demonstrating that wormwood and stevia represent sustainable alternatives to traditional wood-based substrates.
  • Published in:BMC Plant Biology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMC12505769, PMID: 41062961, DOI: 10.1186/s12870-025-07340-w
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