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Improvement of Yield of the Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Lentinula edodes on Wheat Straw by Use of Supplemented Spawn

Summary

This research explored ways to improve shiitake mushroom cultivation using wheat straw instead of traditional oak logs. By enhancing the spawn (mushroom seed) with nutritional supplements, researchers achieved significantly higher yields and nutritious mushrooms. This advancement has several practical implications: • More sustainable mushroom production by reducing dependence on tree logs • Better use of agricultural waste by converting wheat straw into valuable food • Increased efficiency in commercial mushroom farming • More affordable and accessible shiitake mushroom production • Enhanced nutritional value of cultivated mushrooms

Background

Lentinula edodes (shiitake) has traditionally been cultivated on hardwood logs, mainly oak, but this poses environmental concerns due to overuse. The mushroom is the second most produced cultivated fungi globally, with over 1.3 million tons produced in Asia. It contains important bioactive compounds valuable to pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. Alternative substrates like wheat straw offer potential benefits, being abundant and relatively inexpensive.

Objective

To evaluate the interactions between shiitake strains and different spawn formulations on yield and biochemical composition of L. edodes fruiting bodies cultivated on pasteurized wheat straw. The study aimed to assess how supplemented spawn affects production parameters and mushroom quality.

Results

Biological efficiency varied between 66.0% and 320.1%, with highest mean efficiency observed using Formula 1 spawn (188.3%). Production periods ranged from 34-56 days. Strain IE-124 with Formula 1 showed the best performance with 320.1% biological efficiency. Mushroom protein content was highest in strain IE-40-F1 at 17.7%. The supplemented spawn formulations (F1 and F2) consistently outperformed the control in yield and production parameters.

Conclusion

The bioconversion of pasteurized wheat straw using nutritionally supplemented spawn offers increased yields and produces mushrooms with high nutritional value. The study demonstrates the importance of specific strain and spawn combinations for optimal production. Supplemented spawn formulations significantly improved cultivation outcomes compared to traditional spawn.
  • Published in:Brazilian Journal of Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1590/s1517-83822014000200013
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