Evaluation of Substrate Components on Shiitake Mushroom Properties

Abstract

ABSTRACTShiitake mushroom [Lentinus edodes (Berk.)] can have an important role in specialty agriculture where land is limited. This research was the first step to improve mushroom cultivation technology in Iran using locally available lignocellulosic materials as substrate and supplemental materials. Effects of lignocellulosic substrate and supplemental material on biological efficiency, spawn running period, average weight and number of fruiting bodies, and yield of shitake mushroom was determined. Lignocellulosic sources used were oak sawdust, maple sawdust, fir sawdust, and wheat straw, and supplemental materials added were wheat bran, rice bran, maize powder, and no supplemental material (control). The highest biological efficiency (92.35%) was obtained with oak as the lignocellulosic material. The highest fruiting body weight (33.51 g) was noted where rice bran was used as a supplement. Spawn running period was reduced 29.82% with oak sawdust compared to fir sawdust or wheat straw. The highest and lowest numbers of fruiting bodies were from oak sawdust and wheat straw, respectively. There were no differences in yield between rice bran and the control. Substrate had a more pronounced effect on shiitake mushroom culture than did supplemental materials. The best substrate was oak sawdust and the best supplemental material was wheat bran.