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Optimization of substrate formulation for Hericium erinaceus by replacing wood by straw and their effect on enzyme activities

Summary

Researchers developed an improved growing formula for lion’s mane mushrooms using agricultural waste materials like rice straw and corn cob instead of wood chips. This new formula grew mushrooms faster, with better harvest yields (89% biological efficiency), and produced mushrooms with higher nutritional value including more protein and beneficial minerals. The innovation helps solve resource conflicts with the forestry industry while reducing cultivation costs and environmental waste.

Background

Hericium erinaceus is a valuable edible and medicinal mushroom with high nutritional and pharmacological properties. Traditional cultivation relies on wood as the main substrate, creating resource conflicts with the forestry industry. China has abundant straw resources that can be utilized as an alternative substrate through the ‘replacing wood by grass’ technology.

Objective

To optimize substrate formulation for H. erinaceus cultivation by replacing wood chips with agricultural straw using the Simplex-lattice method. The study aimed to determine the optimal combination of straw materials that supports mycelial growth, enzyme activity, and mushroom yield while reducing production costs.

Results

The optimal formula consisted of 16.3% rice straw, 59.7% cob, 20.0% wheat bran, 2.0% gypsum, 1.0% sucrose, and 1.0% calcium superphosphate. The optimized formula achieved 89.14% biological efficiency, shortened primordium formation by 7-9 days, and significantly increased crude proteins (152.02 g/kg), crude fats (6.10%), and trace elements K, P, and Se in fruiting bodies.

Conclusion

The optimized straw-based substrate formula effectively replaces wood chips for H. erinaceus cultivation with superior yield, reduced cultivation time, and improved nutritional composition. This formula provides a sustainable, cost-effective alternative that benefits both the mushroom industry and environmental conservation, laying the foundation for expanded cultivation and strain improvement.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39735774, DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1436385
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