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Quantitative Changes in the Biochemical Composition of Lignocellulosic Residues During the Vegetative Growth of Lentinula edodes

Summary

This research explored how shiitake mushrooms break down and use different agricultural waste materials during growth. The study found that vineyard prunings and cereal straws can effectively support mushroom growth, offering an environmentally friendly way to convert farm waste into valuable food products. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides a sustainable solution for agricultural waste management • Creates new economic opportunities for farmers through mushroom cultivation • Offers an alternative production method for nutritious and medicinal mushrooms • Demonstrates environmentally friendly recycling of farm byproducts • Could help reduce agricultural burning and associated air pollution

Background

Commercial interest in shiitake mushroom has increased due to its high market value, excellent nutritional profile and medicinal properties. It is the second most cultivated edible mushroom worldwide. While traditionally grown on wood, there is interest in using agricultural waste products as alternative substrates. Understanding how the mushroom utilizes nutritional elements from non-conventional substrates is important for developing efficient cultivation methods.

Objective

To evaluate chemical modifications in three non-conventional substrates (barley straw, wheat straw, and vineyard prunings) during solid state fermentation by four strains of Lentinula edodes under greenhouse conditions. The study aimed to determine changes in concentrations of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose during mycelial growth prior to fruit body production to improve understanding of how different agricultural lignocellulosic residues are utilized during vegetative growth.

Results

Primordium development occurred fastest on vineyard prunings (39 days) compared to barley straw (48 days) and wheat straw (50 days). Fat content decreased in all substrates during primordium formation. Protein content increased in vineyard prunings and barley straw relative to controls. Significant decreases were observed in hemicellulose and lignin content, while cellulose utilization varied by substrate. Phenol content decreased dramatically in early growth stages. Time to pinning was positively correlated with cellulose and total sugar content, and negatively correlated with lignin and phenol content.

Conclusion

The chemical composition changes during L. edodes fermentation depend on fungal strain and substrate characteristics. Strong correlations exist between substrate composition and vegetative growth. The study demonstrates that agricultural wastes like cereal straw and vineyard prunings can serve as viable alternative substrates for shiitake cultivation, offering both mushroom production value and environmental benefits through waste reduction.
  • Published in:Brazilian Journal of Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1590/S1517-83822011000100004
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