Kg Of Substrate Research Articles

Effects of Applying Biochar on Soil Cadmium Immobilisation and Cadmium Pollution Control in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

In order to analyse the impact of biochar in terms of reducing the bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) in soil, a study was conducted on the solidification effect of biochar on soil cadmium and its resistance to cadmium contamination in lettuce. In this study, soil which was contaminated with 10 mg/kg cadmium was used as the substrate; corn, rice, and wheat straw biochar were used as solidification and amendment materials; and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Grand Rapids) was used as the test plant. The morphological characteristics of the biochar, soil pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and soil-available Cd, as well as lettuce plant height, fresh weight, and leaf Cd content, were measured and analysed. The results showed that all three types of biochar possessed distinct porous structures and functional groups such as hydroxyl, ether, and carbonyl groups. Increases in soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), lettuce plant height, and fresh weight were effectively promoted. Additionally, a significant reduction in the available Cd content in the soil and Cd content in lettuce leaves was observed, with the inhibitory effect becoming more pronounced as the biochar application rate increased. When 5% corn straw biochar was added (1 kg of substrate with 50 g of biochar), the best inhibitory effect on Cd contamination was observed, with a cadmium content of 4.63 mg/kg in lettuce leaves. The available Cd in the soil and the Cd content in lettuce leaves decreased by 32.00% and 49.78%, respectively, compared to the CK group (without biochar treatment). Additionally, the plant height and fresh weight of lettuce increased by 25.56% and 31.31%, respectively, compared to the CK group. This indicated that the application of straw biochar can stabilise soil Cd, reduce the availability of Cd in the soil, inhibit the transfer of Cd into lettuce, promote the growth of lettuce, and lower the ecological environmental risk of Cd. These research results can provide a theoretical basis and scientific guidance for the remediation of soil Cd contamination and the safe production of lettuce.

Detection of plant cadmium toxicity by monitoring dielectric response of intact root systems on a fine timescale.

The root dielectric response was measured on a minute scale to assess its efficiency for monitoring short-term cadmium (Cd) toxicity non-destructively. Electrical capacitance (CR), dissipation factor (DR) and electrical conductance (GR) were detected during the 24 to 168 h after Cd treatment (0, 20, 50 mg Cd2+ kg-1 substrate) in potted maize, cucumber and pea. Stress was also evaluated by measuring leaf chlorophyll content, Fv/Fm and stomatal conductance (gs) in situ, and shoot and root mass and total root length after harvest. CR showed a clear diurnal pattern, reflecting the water uptake rate, and decreased significantly in response to excessive Cd due to impeded root growth, the reduced tissue permittivity caused by accelerated lignification, and root ageing. Cd exposure markedly increased DR, indicating greater conductive energy loss due to oxidative membrane damage and enhanced electrolyte leakage. GR, which was coupled with root hydraulic conductance and varied diurnally, was increased transiently by Cd toxicity due to enhanced membrane permeability, but declined thereafter owing to stress-induced leaf senescence and transpiration loss. The time series of impedance components indicated the comparatively high Cd tolerance of the applied maize and the sensitivity of pea cultivar, which was confirmed by visible shoot symptoms, repeated physiological investigations and biomass measurements. The results demonstrated the potential of single-frequency dielectric measurements to follow certain aspects of the stress response of different species on a fine timescale without plant injury. The approach can be combined with widely used plant physiological methods and could contribute to breeding crop genotypes with improved stress tolerance.

Rendimiento de larvas de moscas en varias cosechas con tres proporciones de salvado de trigo y gallinaza

The aim of the research was to compare the yields of house fly larvae using different proportions of wheat bran and hens feces as larval development medium, in a randomized block experimental design with five replications in propylene containers with 3 cm of depth of substrates: A-100 % wheat bran; B- 50% wheat bran and 50% hens feces; C- 100% hens feces. Measurements of the temperature of the substrates, as well as the temperature and relative humidity of the place where the flies were developing were made every 24 hours. The larval yield per m2 and kg of substrate, (including the water used to moisten the larval media) were also registered. The temperature in the substrates ranged between 22.88 oC and 36.08 oC, always above the ambient temperature in the fly house, and relative humidity between 44 and 68%. Was used 32.91, 30.29 and 32.19 L of water per square meter for treatments A, B and C, respectively. The highest larval yield was obtained in the first harvest after six days for treatment B with 2290.59 g m2-1 y 112.07 g kg2-1. The transformation of the crude protein of the substrates by the fly larvae was between 28.0 and 37.0%. No presence of pathogenic agents (Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Coccidia) was observed in the treatments, nor in the harvested larvae.

Rearing of Rhynchophorus phoenicis Fabricius (Coleoptera: Dryophtoridae) last instar larvae on three artificial substrates in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Insects have been a particularly popular resource for human and animal nutrition since the turn of the century, owing mostly to population increase and the ever-increasing need for animal protein. A five (5) months experimental study was carried out at the Yangambi Laboratory of Applied and Functional Entomology in Kisangani to explore a variety of artificial substrates for the mass production of African palm weevil (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) larvae. The larvae were reared in plastic boxes with three types of substrate: T1, based on ripe plantains; T2, based on brewery flour; and T3, based on Makololo flour, which was used as the energy component and made up 60% of the substrate. Palm oilcake and soybean, which accounted for 40% of the substrate, supplied protein. Each treatment was divided into two (2) groups (A and B), this subdivision being based on the presence or absence of soybean meal. 0.8 kg of substrate for each box was given ad libitum every two weeks (14 days). The adults used were captured after trapping in the forest. Broodstocks were randomly assigned to 42 groups (boxes), randomly assigned to six (6) feeding treatments, using a completely randomised design (CRD) with seven (7) replicates. After feeding trial, the results showed that the number and weight of last instar larvae differed between treatments. From the various treatments, an average of 398 last instar larvae LIV, rearing for 32 to 37 days and weighing between 1.56 and 2.22 g were collected. The substrate based on ripe plantain (T1A) produced the highest average number of larvae compared to others (p<0.05), while the substrate based on brew (T2B) produced LIV with higher average weights (p<0.05).

Evaluation of local substrates as rice straw alternatives for oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation in resource-constrained Darchula, Nepal

Oyster mushroom cultivation, though cost-effective, faces constraints due to seasonality and substrate availability. An experimental study was conducted in the resource-constrained Darchula district of Nepal from February to May 2022. The aim was to identify and recommend economically sustainable alternatives to rice straw for oyster mushroom production using local substrates in regions with limited resources. Six treatments; rice straw (T1), banana leaves and pseudostem (T2), maize cob (T3), sawdust (T4), grass (Eulaliopsis sp.) (T5), and spent mushroom substrates (T6); were employed in a completely randomized design with four replications. Statistical analysis of growth and yield parameters revealed significant results (P values ranging from P>0.001 to P>0.05) across all parameters. The maize cob treatment exhibited a shorter spawn run period (20.50 days) and the earliest pinhead formation (25 days). The highest total yield (3.14 kg) across three flushes was obtained from paddy straw, followed by T2 and T5, yielding 2.05 kg and 1.43 kg, respectively. Sawdust, despite its larger stalk (1.23 cm) and pileus diameter (7.72 cm), had the lowest production (0.63 kg). Maximum biological efficiency was recorded for T1 (139.63%), followed by T2, T5, and T3, respectively. Economically, T1 resulted in the highest gross margin per 10 kg of substrate (NRs.1845.22) and the highest B:C ratio (2.51), followed by T5 and T2. These findings highlight the promise of locally abundant substrates such as banana leaves, pseudo stems, Eulaliopsis, and maize cobs as economically viable alternatives to rice straw in regions with limited straw availability or unsuitable climates for rice cultivation.

First Report of Karelinia caspia (Pall.) Less as a new host of Orobanche cumana Wallr. in Xinjiang, China.

Sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) is a holoparasitic plant species which mainly parasitizes a few species of the Asteraceae in the wild and is exclusively found growing on sunflower in agricultural fields (Fernández-Martínez et al. 2015). O. cumana is a serious threat to sunflower production in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia (Shi et al. 2015). Karelinia caspia (Pall.) Less. (Asteraceae) is an ecologically important plant species occurring across the desert ecosystems of Russia, Central Asia, and northwest China. It plays an important role in reducing wind erosion and desertification (Xu et al. 2018). During the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons, sunflower broomrape was observed parasitizing K. caspia in non-cultivated areas adjacent to sunflower fields near Beitun city (87°51'E, 47°15'N) in Xinjiang, China. Sunflower broomrape plants were identified morphologically as O. cumana according to Pujadas-Salvà and Velasco (2000). The host plants were identified morphologically as K. caspia according to Lin et al (1979). The ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the trnL-F region of the parasite were amplified by PCR using primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 and trnL-FF/trnL-FR, respectively (Taberlet et al. 1991; Anderson et al. 2004). The ITS sequence of the parasite (Accession No. MT795725.1) showed 100% identity (675bp out of 689bp) to that of O. cernua var. cumana (KC811228.1). The trnl-F sequence of the parasite (Accession No. ON843707) showed 98% identity (675 of 689 bp) to O.cernua var. cumana (KT387722.1). Multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of the two sequences showed clustering with sunflower broomrape. The ITS region of the parasite and host was were amplified by PCR using the primer pair ITS1F/ITS4R (Taberlet et al.1991), and the ITS sequences of the host (Accession No. MT791995.1) showed 99.86% identity (728bp of 802bp) to that of K. caspia (LN607483.1). Rhizotron and pot experiments were carried out to assess the parasitic relationship between O. cumana and K. caspia. In the rhizotron experiment, 2-week-old seedlings of K. caspia were inoculated with sterilized 400 O. cumana seeds in a 15-cm petri dish filled with a sponge overlaid with glass fiber filter paper. The parasitic state of O. cumana was observed 9 days after inoculation. In another trial, seeds of K. caspia were sowed in 2-L and 4-L pots containing sand-vermiculite-compost (1:1:1 v:v:v). These pots were artificially inoculated with 50 mg of O. cumana seeds per 1 kg of substrate. After 20 and 70 days, corresponding to the early parasitic and flowering stages, respectively, of O. cumana, K. caspia plants were uprooted from the media and washed carefully. The parasitic relationship was confirmed by the attachment position of the broomrape to the K. caspia root. To our knowledge, this is the first report of O. cumana parasitizing K. caspia in Xinjiang, China. This phenomenon means that sunflower broomrape can raise up seed on a newly recognized host. Weed eradication in and near sunflower fields is a key measure to control sunflower broomrape.

Does brassinosteroid mitigate salt stress in sorghum?

The objective of the present study was to assess the mitigating effect of brassinosteroid regulator plant on damages caused by salt stress in sorghum. The experiment was carried out in pots containing 5 kg of substrate, on benches in a greenhouse covered with transparent plastic film and with a 50% shade screen on the sides. A completely randomized design with four replications was used, in a 2×5 factorial arrangement consisted of application and non-application of brassinosteroids at concentration of 0.1 mg L-1 applied at the 30, 37, and 45 days after emergence (DAE) and five salinity levels of the irrigation water (electrical conductivities of 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 dS m-1). The plants were irrigated with water from the public supplying system up to 45 DAE and, then, with brackish water up to 60 (DAE), when they were evaluated. Our results indicate that Brassinosteroids mitigated damages caused by salt stress by increasing the Ca to Na ratio. Sorghum is moderately resistant to salt stress by presenting a sodium extrusion mechanism activated by calcium. Further studies with longer exposure time to salt stress are recommended for a more thorough understanding and recommendation of the use of brackish water in sorghum crops

Development of complex technology for the disposal of organic waste of an animal farm by vermicultivation

The article is about the complex technology of vermiculture on a livestock farm. Recommendations for the introduction of complex vermiculture technology for the processing of livestock farm waste have been developed. For intensive breeding of earthworms, it is necessary to provide conditions for their optimal development: - substrate temperature - 19-25 °C; - humidity of the substrate - 75-80 %; - carbon to nitrogen ratio - about 20; - medium reaction, pH - 6.5-7.5. The substrate from livestock farm waste must be fermented: in the warm period of the year for 2-3 months, and at low ambient temperatures - for 3-5 months using traditional composting methods. The increase of coprolites in vermicompost in the process of vermiculture under optimal conditions for the development of earthworms was found depending on the vermiculture period of 20 days, 40 days, 60 days and the specific content of worms in the compost at the beginning of the process - 20 g per 1 kg of substrate, 40 g/kg, 60 g/kg. Based on the results of the research, graphs were constructed that characterize the degree of coprolites content in vermicompost depending on the vermiculture period of 20 days, 40 days, 60 days and the specific content of worms at the beginning of the process - 20 g per 1 kg of substrate, 40 g/kg, 60 g / kg It was determined that it takes 60 days to achieve 60% processing of livestock farm waste by earthworms for the specific content of worms at the beginning of the process - 20 g per 1 kg of substrate; 40 g/kg - 58 days, 60 g/kg - 53 days. The practical experience of vermiculture and scientific research indicate that the duration of the processing of the substrate into biohumus in an open area depends on the climatic conditions and the quality of the implementation of the technological regulations of vermiculture, which is mainly 3 months. The substrate from livestock farm waste must be fermented: in the warm period of the year for 2-3 months, and at low ambient temperatures - for 3-5 months using traditional composting methods. The presented methodical foundations of mechanized complex farms make it possible to carry out the calculations necessary for the processing of livestock farm waste to obtain biohumus and earthworm biomass. The implementation of such a technology ecologically safely disposes of manure, straw and other waste of organic origin with the production of highly effective fertilizer - biohumus. Key words: vermiculture, earthworms, biohumus, equipment, organic waste.

Functional and Quality Assessment of a Spore Harvester for Entomopathogenic Fungi for Biopesticide Production

The Green Revolution led to an increased use of synthetic pesticides, causing environmental pollution. As an alternative, biopesticides made from entomopathogenic agents such as fungi have been sought. This study aimed to design and evaluate the performance of a harvester machine for efficiently collecting entomopathogenic spores of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana grown on rice and corn substrates. The spore yield was estimated, and a spore count and a colony-forming unit (CFU) count were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the mean values of spores obtained from different combinations of solid substrate and fungi. The Corn-Metarhizium combination produced 34.15 g of spores per kg of substrate and 1.51 × 109 CFUs mL−1. Similarly, the Rice-Metarhizium combination produced 57.35 g per kg and 1.59 × 109 CFUs mL−1. Meanwhile, the Corn-Beauveria combination yielded 35.47 g per kg and 1.00 × 109 CFUs mL−1, while the Rice-Beauveria combination had a yield of 38.26 g per kg and 4.50 × 108 CFUs mL−1. Based on the reported results, the Rice-Metarhizium combination appears to be the most effective, yielding the highest number of harvested spores per kg of substrate. The study estimated a total cost of approximately $409.31 for manufacturing the harvester, considering only the cost of the materials. These results could potentially increase the availability and affordability of entomopathogenic fungi in integrated pest management.

HOUSE FLY LARVAE HARVEST YIELD USING THREE DIFFERENT RATIONS OF WHEAT BRAND AND PIG MANURE AS LARVAL DEVELOPMENT MEDIA

The aim of the research was to compare the yields of house fly larvae using different proportions of wheat bran and swine feces as larval development medium, in a randomized block experimental design with five replications: A-100 % wheat bran; B- 50% wheat bran and 50% swine feces; C- 100% swine feces. Measurements of the temperature of the substrates, as well as the temperature and relative humidity of the place where the flies were developing were made every 24 hours. The larval yield per m2 and kg of substrate, (including the water used to moisten the larval media) were also registered. The wheat bran substrate presented the highest temperature values (36.78 oC), with values above the ambient temperature. The relative humidity varied between 44 and 68%. The amount of water used per square meter was 28.75; 27.72 and 28.87 L for A, B and C treatments, respectively. The highest yield for all substrates was obtained during the first harvest after six days with the highest values for treatment B with 2869.11 g m²-1 and 181.16 g kg-1, respectively. The transformation of the crude protein of the substrates by the fly larvae was between 28.0 and 41.0%, with the highest value for treatment B with 2869,11 g m² -1 and 181,16 g kg2-1 . No presence of pathogenic agents was observed in the harvested larvae.

Evaluation of different lignocellulosic-wastes and their combinations on growth and yield of Oyster mushroom (<i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i>)

Lignocellulose wastes are generated in huge amounts by various sectors like agriculture, forestry, and industries but only a small portion of these wastes are utilized and a major portion is left unused. In this study, seven different lignocellulosic wastes and their combinations in different percentages were determined for the growth and yield of <italic>Pleurotus ostreatus</italic>. The maximum growth and yield of <italic>P</italic>.<italic> ostreatus</italic> were observed on a substrate made of rice straw, with a total yield of 399.70 gm per kg of substrate. The least growth and yield were recorded on a substrate made of wood flakes and sugarcane bagasse (80% + 20%), with a total yield of 13.54 gm per kg of substrate. Rice straw showed the highest biological efficiency (B.E) of 39.40, whereas wood flakes and sugarcane bagasse (80% + 20%) had the lowest B.E. of 1.35. Other substrates had a moderate effect, and citronella bagasse (<italic>Cymbopogon nardus</italic>), which was used as a substrate for the first time, gave a biological efficiency of 39.39 gm per kg substrate. The results showed a significant effect of substrates on mean yield and biological efficiency. Our study revealed that lignocellulosic waste can be profitably utilized for mushroom cultivation and could be one of the most economical and eco-friendly techniques.

DESIGN OF HOUSEHOLD ANAEROBIC BIO-DIGESTER FOR BIOGAS PRODUCTION FROM ABATTOIR WASTE

Despite the awareness on the importance of using biogas produced from various biomasses that were previously considered as wastes, the fact remains that its applicability or usage in domestic purposes such as cooking stoves has not really gained attention especially in developing countries. Based on this reason, this research designed a batch system biogas generating facility that will serve the energy needed for cooking meals by a family size of six members, using rumen contents of cattle (Bos indicus) as biomass. The results made known that an anaerobic digester having a capacity of 2.7m 3 will perfectly serve for such facility to meet its intended use when fed with 72kg of substrate per batch, while the gas holder volume should be 0.527m 3. Necessary appurtenances including water jacket were designed and detailed dimensions, drawings as well as costing of the entire facility were provided to ease fabrication and possibly adjustment in the future if the need arise.

Effect of addition of certain substances during slurry preparation to optimize biogas production

Biogas from anaerobic digestion of organic substance has become the available replacement for the fossil fuel. This research was carried out to investigate the effect of certain substances added during slurry preparation to enhance biogas formation. The biodigester was locally fabricated using plastic container of 25liter capacity. The slurry was prepared by adding Calcium Sulphate, Chopped plantain leaf, and pretreated substrate. After 15 days of anaerobic fermentation, the slurry with CaSO4 gave more biogas of 0.403kg followed by the pretreated which gave 0.270kg. The one with plantain leaf gave the least biogas. This is as a result of inhibition of enzyme activity by certain chemical substance from the leaf. Also, the amount of Calcium sulphate to be added should not exceed 200g to 1kg of substrate to be used for slurry preparation.

Evolution of agricultural wastes for the cultivation of edible mushroom Pleurotus eryngii

This research studies the possible use of some of Iraq's local agricultural wastes as growth substrates for producing the edible oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii). The biological process of growing and producing edible mushrooms is a bioconversion of organic wastes to bioprotein (mycoprotein). Therefore, this study aims to investigate nine different substrates from plant residues. The three primary substrates are typical viz date palm waste (Phoenix dactylifera), maize cob (Zea mays) and cane (Phragmites communis), with two types of additional enrichment, i.e., rice husks (Oryza sativa) and corn seeds husks (Zea mays), and without further enrichment (control). The experiment was randomly distributed according to Randomized Complete Design (RCD), with three replicates. The less crop cycle period (day) which in Treatments T7 and T8 (30.33, 31.67 days) when T2 (100%Corncobs), T1 (100%Waste of Date palm), T7 (80%Waste of the date palm with 20%Corn husks) and T8 (80% Corncobs with 20%Corn husks) provide the crest mushrooms yield arrived 293.0 280.7, 268.7 and 264.0 g kg-1 substrate respectively. Keywords. Bio protein; lignocelluloses; Mushroom substrates; Oyster mushrooms

Pintomyia evansi (Diptera: Psychodidae) larvae susceptibility to hydrated lime under laboratory conditions

This study evaluated the effect of Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2 Mg(OH)2) on third stages Pi. evansi larvae mortality under experimental laboratory conditions. Three treatments containing a mixture of phlebotomine natural breeding soil (substrate) and Calcium hydroxide at different concentrations were used: Treatment 1 (T1), 1 kg of substrate mixed with 56.2 g of lime; Treatment 2 (T2), 1 kg of substrate mixed with 62.5 g of lime; and Treatment 3 (T3), 1 kg of substrate mixed with 70 g of lime. in addition, a sample of substrate without lime was used as a control for each treatment. The mortality in T1 was 1% at 24 h and 12% at 48 h, reaching a maximum of 56% at 72 h of exposure. For T2, mortality was progressive, starting with 12% at 12 h, 36% at 24 h, 52% at 48 h, and 100% at 72 h; while T3 showed mortality percentages of 94% and 100% between 12 and 24 h of exposure. Therefore, T3 was the most effective to according to the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. This study showed that treatments over 62 g of Calcium hydroxide per 1 kg of substrate offer a starting point for immature stage control under laboratory conditions. With these results, we propose to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of the application, of the latter concentration, under field conditions in urban environments for its application in vector control programs.

Analysis of energy efficiency of production of compost from manure of cattle

Organic fertilizer is a source of necessary for agricultural plants macro-, microelements and carbon dioxide. Due to their gradual mineralization nutrients enter the plants during the whole period of vegetation. In the production, in particular organic fertilizers, the main factor determining profitability is the effective use of energy. The aim of the work was carry out analysis of energy efficiency of production of compost and vermicompost from manure of cattle. Research materials was data of technical information, scientific literature for technologies of composting and vermicomposting manure of cattle, Internet information and the results of own research. Energy efficiency of producing organic fertilizer from animal waste was determined by the method of direct cost of energy. It was determined that at the production of compost and vermicompost from manure of cattle, to a great degree, using energy of diesel fuel (98.3%). A small percentage is occupied by energy of workers (1.7%). It is established, that at the production of compost from manure of cattle consumption of energy, in particular diesel fuel and human accounts for 0.39±0.08 MJ/kg. The most energy-intensive production processes are mixing of compost and watering his water, which is spent 0.17±0.05 MJ/kg. Less energy-intensive: transporting of manure and formation of stacks (0.06±0.01 MJ/kg); filling a container with water and its transporting (0.07±0.01 MJ/kg); covering of stacks, drying and packing of compost (0.11±0.02 MJ/kg). When preparing of 1 kg of substrate from manure of cattle for later vermicultivation consumption of energy (diesel fuel and human) amounted to 0.16±0.04 MJ. During the process of vermicultivation, consumption of energy amounted to 0.41±0.08 MJ/kg. During vermicomposting, more energy is spent on mixing of stacks and watering their water 0.23±0.07 MJ/kg. Less energy-intensive such production processes as: formation of vermi bed and colonization of their vermiculture (0.07±0.01 MJ/kg); separating of worms from vermicompost and drying of biohumus (0.07±0.01MJ/kg); covering of stacks and packing of biohumus (0.05±0.1 MJ/kg). At the production of 1 kg of vermicompost, consumption of energy amounted to 0.57±0.12 MJ, worth 0.87±0.12 UAH. At the production of organic fertilizers through composting, consumption of energy is reduced of an average of 31.6% and its cost by 26.4%.

Influence of the substrate composition on the yield and nutritional value of the fruiting bodies of the edible mushrooms Pleurotus citrinopileatus and Cyclocybe aegerita

Purpose. To reveal the influence of the substrate compositions on technical indicators and the chemical composition of the fruiting bodies of the golden oyster mushroom and poplar mushroom. Methods. The experimental design included cultivation of two species of wood-decay fungi Pleurotus citrinopileatus Singer (strain 2161 IVK) and Cyclocybe aegerita (V.Brig.) Vizzini (strain 2230 IVK) on three variants of substrate composition. Laboratory, laboratory-production methods for evaluating the effectiveness of growing technology, chemical composition of the obtained raw materials, statistical methods of analysis were applied. Results. The structure and composition of substrates affect the technological characteristics of the culture, physical and chemical properties of fruiting bodies. The shortest fruiting cycle of 35.2 ± 1.7 days was determined for C. aegerita under growing conditions on SC1 substrate which formula included «straw, husks, pellet, rapeseed, corn, and CaCO3» in the ratio of 30: 40: 70: 20: 20: 1. The highest yield (170.5 ± 15.2 g per 1 kg of substrate) in the experiment was determined for P. citrinopileatus on the SC1 substrate composed of «straw / pellets / rapeseed / corn / CaCO3» in the ratio 40: 90: 20: 25: 1. Fruiting bodies of P. citrinopileatus obtained from the SC3 substrate composed of «pellets / rapeseed / corn / CaCO3» in the ratio 60: 110: 20: 30: 1 had the highest protein content – 22.47 ± 0.19%, and fruiting bodies from the SC1 substrate had the least amount of proteins – 17.38 ± 2.60%. Fruiting bodies of C. aegerita contained more lipids than those of P. citrinopileatus, but the factor of the influence of the substrate composition on the total amount of lipids for some cultivars was insignificant. The largest amount of endopolysaccharides was isolated from the fruiting bodies of C. aegerita (6.81 ± 0.41%) cultivated on SC3 substrate, and the smallest in the SC1 variant (1.38 ± 0.25%). The content of endopolysaccharides in the fruiting bodies of P. citrinopileatus had less variability from 2.54 ± 0.54 (SC3) to 4.72 ± 0.61% (SC1). Conclusion. Substrate compositions significantly affect the biological efficiency of cultivars and the content of nutrients in fruiting bodies of the studied species. The obtained results enable producers of mushrooms to predict the production efficiency and quality of grown mushrooms in accordance with the use of available raw materials.

Microbiological integration for qualitative improvement of vermicompost

Purpose This study was carried out to assess the effect of integrating microbiological fortification with vermicomposting process on biofertilizing quality of vermicompost as well as improvement of the availability of nitrogen and phosphorus in the product. Method A mixture of cow dung and vegetable market waste (1:1) was used for vermicomposting with Eisenia foetida as the decomposer earthworm @ 10 no.of worm kg-1 substrate. Nitrogen fixing and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (NFB and PSB)Azotobacter chroococcum and Pseudomonas fluorescens were integrated with this composting process at varying doses viz. 0,5 and 10 g kg-1 substrate under different combinations. Changes in the population of these two bio-fertilizing microorganisms and the availability of relevant nutrients in the substrates were monitored periodically to assess the behaviors of these microorganisms and their effects on the produced vermicompost. Results All the inoculations resulted in substantial increments in population of both NFB and PSB over the control. However, the increments were more prominent for NFB than the PSB. Significant increments in the amount of mineralized nitrogen and solubilized phosphate over the control were observed in almost all the treatment combinations. Conclusion Integration of nitrogen fixing and phosphate solubilizing bacteria with vermicomposting process resulted in substantial enrichment of the product. This benefit was observed not only in terms of increased availability of the two major plant nutrients of concern viz. N and P, but also in significant improvement in the population of the inoculated microorganisms turning the product into a potential source of bio-fertilizers.

Supplementation with Magnesium Salts-A Strategy to Increase Nutraceutical Value of Pleurotus djamor Fruiting Bodies.

The use of substrates supplemented with minerals is a promising strategy for increasing the nutraceutical value of Pleurotus spp. The current research was performed to analyze the effect of substrate supplementation with magnesium (Mg) salts on the Mg content, biomass, and chemical composition of pink oyster mushroom (Pleurotus djamor) fruiting bodies. Before inoculation, substrate was supplemented with MgCl2 × 6 H2O and MgSO4, both salts were applied at three concentrations: 210, 420, and 4200 mg of Mg per 2 kg of substrate. The harvest period included three flushes. Substrate supplementation with 4200 mg of Mg caused the most significant decrease in mushroom productivity, of about 28% for both Mg salts. The dry matter content in fruiting bodies was significantly lower in the treatment in which 210 mg of Mg was applied as MgSO4 in comparison to the control. Supplementation effectively increased the Mg content in fruiting bodies of P. djamor by 19–85% depending on the treatment, and significantly affected the level of remaining bioelements and anions. One hundred grams of pink oyster fruiting bodies, supplemented with Mg salts, provides more than 20% of the Mg dietary value recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); thus, supplementation can be an effective technique for producing mushrooms that are rich in dietary Mg. Although P. djamor grown in supplemented substrate showed lower productivity, this was evident only in the fresh weight because the differences in dry weight were negligible. Mg supplementation increased the antioxidant activity of the fruiting bodies, phenolic compounds, and some amino acids, including L-tryptophan, and vitamins (thiamine and l-ascorbic acid).

Comparative Study of the Influence of Straws of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Imperata cylindrica&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Andropogon gayanus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; on the Fruiting of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pleurotus abalonus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; in Benin

<i>Pleurotus abalonus</i> is an edible mushroom of interest for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Its commercial production has developed in tropical countries using local materials. The objective of the work is to contribute to the establishment of mycicultural practices likely to increase the productivity of oyster mushrooms using locally available materials. In the present study, the cultivation of <i>P. abalonus</i> is tested on two types of fruiting substrates: straws of <i>Imperata cylindrica</i> and <i>Andropogon gayanus</i>. The harvested straws were cut and pasteurised at boiling point for 60 minutes, then drained for 4 hours before being inoculated with the mother culture. The bags, filled with 1 kg of substrate, were incubated in a mushroom farm for 4 weeks. The best results in terms of weight, pileus diameter and average number of carpophores were obtained on <i>A. gayanus</i> straws compared to <i>I. cylindrica</i> straws. The highest average carpophore yield (6.56%) by fresh weight was obtained with <i>P. abalonus</i> on <i>A. gayanus</i> straw. For <i>I. cylindrica</i> straws, the average yield is close to 1%. Indeed, <i>A. gayanus </i>straws produced an average amount of 32.8 g of fresh carpophores from 500 g of substrate in dry mass against 4.6 g for <i>I. cylindrica </i>dry. The results show that production is better on <i>A. gayanus </i>straws compared to<i> I. cylindrica</i> straws.