Mushroom Cultivation Research Articles

A Comprehensive Review of Pests, Pesticides and Residue Detection Techniques in Mushroom

Mushrooms are valued for their dietary benefits and medicinal properties, being rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins, fiber, and essential amino acids. They offer significant health benefits, including the prevention of hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases, and possess antitumor, antiviral, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties. Global mushroom production has seen substantial growth, particularly in Asia. However, mushroom cultivation is challenged by various insect pests, leading to significant crop losses. Pesticides are frequently applied to control pests in mushroom cultivation, but their use can lead to the presence of pesticide residues in the mushrooms, raising concerns about food safety. To detect these low levels of residues, multiresidue analytical methods are crucial. Among these, the QuEChERS method stands out as the most commonly used due to its sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy in determining multiple pesticide residues simultaneously. These methods are capable of identifying various pesticide compounds in a single analysis, effectively addressing the specific biological characteristics of mushrooms. The maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticide residues in mushrooms differ, with strict guidelines enforced by regulatory authorities. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the pests that affect mushroom cultivation, the pesticides utilized, and the analytical techniques developed for the detection of pesticide residues in mushrooms.

Growth Simulation of Lyophyllum decastes and Coprinus comatus and Their Influencing Factors in a Forested Catchment

Wild edible mushrooms are an important food source globally and have a crucial role in forest ecosystems. However, there is limited research on the growth characteristics and the contribution of agronomic traits to biomass, and the environmental factors affecting mushroom growth are limited. This study was conducted in the Qilian Mountains, China, and focused on investigating the growth patterns and agronomic traits of Lyophyllum decastes and Coprinus comatus. The results revealed that the growth of these mushrooms followed a logical growth curve. By calculating the model parameters, we obtained the maximum daily growth of height (PH), pileus diameter (PD), and cluster perimeter (CP) of L. decastes on the 5th, 7th, and 7th days, respectively, with values of 0.55 cm d−1, 0.54 cm d−1, and 4.54 cm d−1, respectively. However, the maximum daily growth of PH, pileus length (PL), and PD of the C. comatus appeared on the 3rd day, 2nd day, and 2nd day of the observation, respectively. This study identified near-surface relative humidity, air relative humidity, and rainfall as the primary factors influencing mushroom growth, as indicated by Pearson’s correlation analysis, redundancy analysis (RDA), and multiple linear and stepwise regression. Additionally, land surface temperature and air temperature were also identified as important factors affecting mushroom growth. By utilizing random forest and stepwise regression analysis, this study identified PH and stipe diameter (SD) as the most crucial agronomic traits affecting mushroom biomass. Overall, this study offers insights for industrial mushroom cultivation and basic fungal research.

Ethnobotanical diversity, phytochemical screening and biological evaluation of selected medicinal mushrooms species

The current study was aimed to investigate the ethno-pharmacology, diversity, biological potentials of different mushrooms species from District Swabi, Pakistan. Ethno-pharmacological data was collected from 73 respondents based on interview, group discussion and field visits. Quantitative analysis such as informant consent factor (ICF), Use value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were done. Morphological identification of mushrooms, extract preparation, phytochemical screening and statistical analysis of data was conducted. Phytochemical analysis of six mushroom species revealed that saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and phenols were present in six selected mushrooms, while tannin and steroids (−) present in Agaricus arvensis. In Morchella conica only steroids (−) was absent, Qunion (−) in Polyporus tuberaster, Pleurotus ostreatus and Omphalotus olearius were found absent. Moisture contents (10.17 ± 1.27) and crude fats (5.26 ± 1.50) present in Omphalotus olearius. Highest content of crude fibers (26.57 ± 0.86) and carbohydrates (62.18 ± 0.73) were found in Pleurotus ostreatus. Highest ash contents (12.62 ± 0.46) were reported in Polyporus tuberaster. The respondents’ consensus factor values ranged from 1.66 to 61.74 in which highest ICF value was 61.74 while the lowest was 1.66. The high RFC was recorded forAgaricus (0.67) while lowest RFC was observed in Clitocybe frondasa (0.05). The results of analgesic activity were compared to the diclofenac (Standard drug). The extracts of aqueous and methanolic extract were most active at the level of (400 mg/kg). As antipyretic agents, methanolic and aqueous extracts of Agaricus species were analyzed for anti-inflammatory activity compare to diclofenac (Standard drug) where the aqueous (200 mg/kg) and methanolic (400 mg/kg) were found to be very active. Finally, mushrooms with high (ICF and UV) were further investigated for phytochemicals and pharmacological analysis which revealed significant biological potentials. This provides basic ground information which can be used to explore novel mushroom-based medicines for the treatment of various diseases. The commercial cultivation of mushrooms represents a promising opportunity to leverage their diverse health benefits and nutritional properties. By prioritizing research and cultivation methods while educating the public, the potential of mushrooms as vital components of both nutrition and medicine can be significantly realized, impacting health outcomes and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Impact of Spent Mushroom Substrate Combined with Hydroponic Leafy Vegetable Roots on Pleurotus citrinopileatus Productivity and Fruit Bodies Biological Properties.

Agricultural activities produce large quantities of organic byproducts and waste rich in lignocellulosic materials, which are not sufficiently utilized. In this study, alternative agricultural waste products, namely, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) from the cultivation of edible Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms and the roots of leafy vegetables from hydroponic cultivation (HRL), were evaluated for their potential to be used as substrates for the cultivation of Pleurotus citrinopileatus and their effects on the quality, the nutritional value, the chemical properties (lipid, protein, carbohydrate, ash, fatty acid and carbohydrate composition) and the bioactive content (total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity) of produced mushrooms. SMS and HRL (in different ratios with and without additives) and wheat straw with additives (WS-control) were used. During incubation, the linear growth rate of the mycelium (Kr, mm/day) was measured and used for screening. Mushroom cultivation took place in bags, where several characteristics were examined: earliness (duration between the day of substrate inoculation and the day of first harvest) and biological efficiency (B.E. %, the ratio of the weight of fresh mushrooms produced per dry weight of the substrate × 100). Furthermore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the protein extract (PE) and carbohydrate extract (CE) of P. citrinopileatus after in vitro digestion (fraction less than 3kDa: PE-DP-3; digestate fraction: CE-D, respectively) on the expression of antioxidant-related genes in the THP-1 cell line. The results showed that mushrooms grown on SMS 50%-HRL 40% had the fastest growth (6.1 mm/d) and the highest protein and lipid contents (34.7% d.w.; 5.1% d.w.). The highest B.E. (73.5%), total carbohydrate (65.7%) and total phenolic compound (60.2 mg GAE/g d.w.) values were recorded on the control substrate. Antioxidant activity was observed in all extracts; the total flavonoid content was low in the samples, and the maximum total triterpene value was detected in SMS 80%-HRL 20% (9.8 mg UA/g d.w.). In all mushrooms, linoleic acid (C18:2) was the main fatty acid (above 60%), and fructose was the dominant individual saccharide. In the investigation of the regulation pathway, NFE2L2 gene expression was upregulated only in the SMS 60%-HRL 40% intervention during incubation with CE-D samples. Additionally, the transcription levels of antioxidant-related genes, SOD1, CAT, HMOX1 and GSR, were increased in the SMS 60-30% intervention. Compared to WS, the alternative substrates are observed to trigger a pathway concerning CE that may resist oxidative stress. This study supports the utilization of agricultural byproducts through sustainable and environmentally friendly practices while simultaneously producing high-value-added products such as mushrooms. Therefore, alternative substrates, particularly those containing HRL, could serve as natural sources of antioxidant potential.

Assessing and enhancing sustainable rice straw management for environmental conservation in Yen Thanh District, Nghe An Province, Vietnam

This study assessed the current management of rice straw in Yen Thanh District, Nghe An Province, and propose solutions for sustainable agricultural development. A survey was conducted with 120 households in four communes to determine straw use and management practices. The findings revealed six common methods of using and managing rice straw in Yen Thanh District: open burning, burying, mushroom plantation, using it for husbandry feeding, selling, and giving it to others. These practices vary based on the crop season. Open burning is the most prevalent practice, accounting for 98.15% and 89.52% during the winter-spring and summer-autumn harvests, respectively. A crucial step in establishing a pollution control and management database is a comprehensive inventory of emissions. Consequently, authorities and environmental scientists are currently focusing on the emission inventory, particularly emissions resulting from open-burning rice straws. The estimated total amount of rice straw produced annually is 159,732 tons, with 151,384 tons being directly burned in the fields. This burning releases significant emissions, including 1,005.18 tons of PM2.5, 1,102.08 tons of PM10, 21.80 tons of SO2, 142,543.18 tons of CO2, and more, negatively impacting the environment, human health, and agriculture. Additionally, it was observed that most farmers are inclined to continue burning rice straw out of habit in the upcoming years. The study suggests promoting alternative straw management practices such as mushroom cultivation, biochar production, and organic fertilizer production to reduce burning and its associated negative consequences. This information would be invaluable for managers to effectively plan for the future management of rice straw

Influence of Mushroom Grown on Yam Peel, Palm chaff, Sawdust, and Oil Palm Empty Bunch as Poultry Feed Admixture for Broiler Chicks Growth Enhancer

This study explores the viability of utilizing mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) grown on diverse organic wastes as an economical and nutrient-rich feed for poultry production. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of mushroom grown on yam peel, palm chaff, sawdust, and oil palm empty bunch as poultry feed admixture for broiler chicks’growth enhancer using appropriate standard methods with thirty (30) broiler chicks on three diets for six weeks: Mushroom Poultry Feed (MPF); Commercial Poultry Feed (CPF), and Mixed Feed (MPF + CPF) respectively. Data obtained show that MPF-fed chickens exhibited a lower growth rate than chickens fed with CPF and MPF + CPF, signifying relatively less efficient weight gain. However, no significant differences were observed among feeding treatments (p > 0.05). The digestibility of MPF, CPF, and MPF + CPF was 81.06%, 82.93%, and 85.86% respectively, suggesting the potential of mixed feed to provide superior nutrients for growth and energy. Regarding chicken meat composition, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in proximate composition, vitamins, and minerals among various feed treatments, emphasizing their interplay. However, the feed type did not significantly impact vitamin content (p > 0.05), highlighting variations more attributable to vitamin types than feed treatments. These findings highlight the potential of valorizing organic waste through mushroom cultivation for sustainable and economically viable poultry feed production.

Application of Temperature and Humidity Control Technology in The Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Business

Application of Temperature and Humidity Control Technology in The Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Business

Valuation of the growth response of oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom on partially composted sesame stalk with different blends of wheat straw

Aside from being a significant source of highly nutritious and medicinally valuable mushrooms, mushroom cultivation is an important means of environmental remediation. Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a versatile mushroom that can be grown in various environmental conditions and non-composted lignocellulosic wastes. The present study was conducted to assess the growth response of oyster mushroom on sesame stalk. Spawn was prepared from a mycelium culture grown on potato dextrose agar. The spawn was inoculated onto sesame stalk and wheat straw substrates and incubated at room temperature in the dark for 21 days. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used with five treatments, including the control (100% wheat straw), which were triplicated. Data was analyzed using Minitab version 19. Significant (P < 0.05) differences in days taken for mycelial colonization, primordial appearance, maturity and yield was observed between the substrate formulations. 100% SS (100% sesame stalk) was fastest (19.00 days) in mycelial colonization period but statistically parity with 75% SS + 25% WS (75% sesame stalk + 25% wheat straw). 75% SS + 25% WS (75% sesame stalk + 25% wheat straw) was faster (3.33 days) for primordial appearance while 100% SS(100% sesame stalk) was faster (6.67 days) in maturity. The highest yield (1850 g) and biological efficiency (185%) was recorded by 100% SS (100% sesame stalk). Pearson’s correlation showed that cap diameter and stipe length directly correlate yield and biological efficiency and faster substrate colonization leads to quicker maturation. The current study suggests that sesame stalk can be an alternative substrate for cultivation of oyster mushrooms.

Information technology utilization by agricultural entrepreneurs in Ganjam district, Odisha

Information technology is considered one of the most important modern tools for the success of agricultural business, especially for entrepreneurs. Based on this premise, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing its utilization among agricultural entrepreneurs in the Ganjam District of Odisha, India. Data was collected from a purposive sample of 48 agricultural entrepreneurs, including mushroom cultivation, cashew processing, and egg layer business. A questionnaire was used, consisting of questions formulated by the researcher and a group of experts in agricultural. A four-point scale was used to obtain a value indicating the level of success in using information technology. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, and standard deviation were applied to determine the classification of study variables, while multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify the key factors influencing the utilization of information technology among agricultural entrepreneurs. The results revealed the presence of three independent variables that significantly affect the dependent variable at a significance level of 5%. These variables include (X3) knowledge, (X10) availability of technical support and training for implementing information technology, and (X13) environmental factors, all of which have a positive impact on the dependent variable (Y). The study may provide key principles for the development of information technology utilization among agricultural entrepreneurs, offering a set of suggestions for researchers and policymakers regarding needs analysis to support entrepreneurs in Ganjam, which can be generalized to include other states in Odisha.

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui Budidaya Jamur Tiram Berbasis Digital Marketing di Desa Imbanagara

Optimization of community empowerment through mushroom cultivation has a major problem, namely the lack of implementation of digital marketing strategies in oyster mushroom cultivation to increase market access, sales efficiency, and production capacity. With the implementation of digital marketing strategies, the Sukahurip II Farmer Group can promote their products more widely, effectively, reach a larger market and increase sales. The methods used include training and assistance in the use of digital platforms such as social media, e-commerce, and online marketing applications. The results of this implementation show that with the support of digital marketing, the community is able to increase income, expand customer networks, and strengthen their position in the market. This study provides practical guidance for the implementation of digital marketing strategies in oyster mushroom cultivation businesses, as well as providing recommendations for the development of similar empowerment models in other sectors.

Parameter study of waste shiitake substrate/waste polyethylene Co-gasification using Aspen Plus kinetic modeling

Waste Shiitake Substrate, a major agricultural waste in Taiwan, is typically packaged in plastic bags (Waste Polyethylene, PE) during mushroom cultivation process. Consequently, these plastic bags become additional waste that requires proper disposal. In recent years, Taiwan has produced over 150,000 tons of waste shiitake substrate annually, with approximately 1580 tons of plastic bags used for mushroom cultivation. Up to now, there has not been an effective method for handling this waste. This study aims to develop a co-gasification process using the complementary characteristics of WSS and PE. Unlike traditional direct combustion, the co-gasification approach can convert these wastes into cleaner bioenergy. This study aims to develop an Aspen Plus model for a laboratory-scale 1 kWth bubbling fluidized bed gasifier. This model incorporates kinetic reactions and tar formation during co-gasification. The model accurately predicted the experimental results. Different variables were investigated, including gasifier temperature, blending ratio (BR) of the two fuels, mixing ratio (MR) of the gasifying agent, and equivalence ratio (ER). The results showed that hydrogen production correlated positively with the steam-to-carbon ratio in the gasification medium, whereas carbon monoxide (CO) was more affected by the feedstock type and equivalence ratio, with CO reaching its peak at an equivalence ratio of 0.2. When gasifying using only waste shiitake substrate (BR = 0%), at an ER of 0.2, a gasification furnace temperature of 950 °C, and an MR of 100% (pure CO2), the maximum CO mass flow rate in the syngas is obtained. Waste plastics contain significant amounts of volatile matter and no oxygen, leading to increased production of CH4, CO, and H2 during co-gasification with the addition of waste plastic. For plastics, high temperature and low ER conditions promote the production of CO, H2, and CH4 because of the significant tar content, thereby enhancing the Cold gas efficiency (CGE). When the gasification temperature is 950 °C, with 80% polyethylene (BR = 80%) and an ER of 0.1, the highest HHV is achieved. These results can serve as a reference for determining the operational conditions for the scale-up of gasification systems.

Cultivation of White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) for Economic Empowerment of hill people in Uttarakhand

Cultivation of White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) for Economic Empowerment of hill people in Uttarakhand

Cellulase Activity in the Growing Media and Physicochemical Content of the Auricularia auricula -Judae Fruiting Body

This study examined the cellulase activity from Auricularia auricula-judae planting media before harvest and the physicochemical content of the A. auricula-judae fruiting body. Cellulase enzyme activity was determined by calculating the reducing sugars of the medium using the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method. The optimum activities of cellulase enzymes and reducing sugar content in the second harvest were 1.63 (U/mL) and 22.39 (mg/mL) at pH 8.0 respectively. The physicochemical results of the fruiting body at the 2nd harvest proximate (%) levels of water, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrates, crude fiber respectively as 12.96; 0.54; 0.85; 5,46; 50.14; 21.27. Ear mushroom cultivation media have reduced sugar as raw material which is fermentable into bio-ethanol or other chemicals.

Empowerment of Women Farmer Groups on Oyster Mushroom Cultivation in Fatusene Village, North Central Timor Regency

Empowerment of Women Farmer Groups on Oyster Mushroom Cultivation in Fatusene Village, North Central Timor Regency

Lipidomic Profiling of Flammulina velutipes (Curtis) Singer (Agaricomycetes) through Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry: Examining Lipid Dynamics Changes during Fruiting Body Formation and Development.

Flammulina velutipes (enokitake) is widely recognized for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Understanding the biochemical processes, such as lipid metabolism during fruiting body formation, is essential for enhancing mushroom cultivation and utilization. This study aimed at elucidating the dynamic lipidomic changes during seven growth stages of F. velutipes using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Our results revealed significant increases in ceramides along with the growth and a sharp decline in phosphatidylinositols from mycelial to primordial stages. Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids, recently discovered for their bioactivities, showed high intensities in the mycelial and primordial stages but decreased rapidly thereafter. These findings provide profound insights into the lipid profiles associated with mushroom morphology and development. This lipidomics study establishes a foundational understanding for future research in agricultural and food chemistry applications, potentially improving industrial production and quality control of F. velutipes.

The Economic Impact of The Implementation of The Lucky Waste Program in the Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Farmer Group of Payakabung Village, North Indralaya Sub-District, Ogan Ilir District

The Economic Impact of The Implementation of The Lucky Waste Program in the Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Farmer Group of Payakabung Village, North Indralaya Sub-District, Ogan Ilir District

Isolation of aflatoxin biosynthetic inhibitor from Chondrostereum purpureum mushroom culture filtrate

Aflatoxins (AFs) are highly toxic mycotoxins produced by the fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. AFs pose severe health risks owing to their acute toxicity and carcinogenic properties. The control of AF contamination remains significantly challenging despite the extensive efforts toward controlling it. Here, we investigated the potential of mushroom extracts as a source of AF biosynthetic inhibitors. The A.parasiticus mutant strain, NFRI-95, that accumulates an AF biosynthesis intermediate, norsolorinic acid, was used in the bioassay to detect the inhibitory activity against AF biosynthesis. The screening of 195 mushroom extracts revealed that the culture filtrate extract of Chondrostereum purpureum exhibited strong inhibitory activity against AF biosynthesis. Next, large-scale culturing of C.purpureum was performed to isolate the compounds accounting for the inhibitory activity. The culture filtrate was extracted with ethyl acetate, after which the active compound was isolated by silica gel column chromatography and preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The active compound was identified as cyclo(Val-Pro) by spectroscopic analyses. Further, four stereoisomers of cyclo(Val-Pro) were synthesized by the condensation of the N-Boc derivatives of d- and l-valine with the methyl esters of d- and l-proline. The naturally isolated compound was identified as cyclo(l-Val-l-Pro) by comparing its retention time with those of synthetic compounds by chiral HPLC analysis and CD spectra. The IC50 value of cyclo(L-Val-L-Pro) was 2.4mM, whereas the LD, DL, and DD isomers exhibited weaker activities, with IC50 values of >5mM.

Utilization of local agro-industrial by-products based substrates to enhance production and dietary value of mushroom (P. ostreatus) in Ethiopia

Food insecurity and malnutrition are serious problems in many developing countries, including Ethiopia. This situation warrants an urgent need for the diversification of food sources with enhanced productivity. This study was aimed at contributing to the food security in Ethiopia through cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms using sustainable and locally available agro-industrial byproduct-based substrates in parallel with pollution control. Ten substrates were prepared using sugarcane bagasse, filter cake, trash, cotton seed hull and animal waste, namely cow dung and horse and chicken manure. The effect of each substrate (treatment) on the yields, biological efficiency, nutritional composition, and mineral contents of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom species was evaluated at the Ethiopian Forest Products Innovation Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The results obtained indicate that a significantly higher (p < 0.05) yield and biological efficiency were recorded from the mushroom cultivated on S2 substrate containing a mixture of 80% sugarcane bagasse, 12% cow dung, and 8% cotton seed hull. Moreover, substrate containing sugarcane bagasse mixed with cotton seed hull, cow dung, and chicken manure significantly (p < 0.05) increased the yields and biological efficiency of the mushroom. The content of protein, crude fat, fiber, and carbohydrates of the mushroom cultivated from all the utilized substrates were in the range of 17.30–21.5, 1.77–2.52, 31.03–34.38, and 28.02–39.74%, respectively. The critical macro-elements are abundant in the mushroom in the order of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. The mushrooms cultivated on all the substrates were rich in essential micro-elements in the order of iron and zinc. It was found that substrate preparation and formulation significantly (p < 0.05) improved the yields, biological efficiency, nutritive values, and mineral contents of the mushroom. The use of these by-products as substrates is sustainable and environmentally friendly and allows the production of mushroom with high nutritional value on a sustainable basis in order to enhance food security in the country.

INOVASI SOSIAL DALAM PENGELOLAAN JAMUR: Membangun Ekonomi Berkelanjutan

Tanjungsari Village, Boyolangu Sub-district, Tulungagung Regency launched an innovative initiative in addressing the economic challenges faced by the community. One of the main activities of this initiative is mushroom processing training. The purpose of this activity is to help the Tanjungsari Village community develop oyster mushroom processing talents by adding mushroom processing innovations by BUMDes Tanjungsari. The target of the mushroom processing activity is people who live in Tanjungsari Village. Mushroom processing training in Tanjungsari Village is a strategic step to overcome economic challenges and build community economic independence. From participating in mushroom product processing training activities, the community gained knowledge, experience, and skills about mushroom processing which were later expected to be applied to independent businesses that helped the participants' economy. With increased knowledge, technical skills, and entrepreneurial spirit, the trainees are able to start a sustainable independent business. The partnership with BUMDes also ensures that the mushroom cultivation products can be marketed well, creating a mutually supportive economic ecosystem. Keywords: Economic, Innovation; Social

Effect of Different Substrates and Supplements in Production of Pleurotus ostreatus in Dang, Nepal

An investigation was laid out to evaluate the production of Pleurotus ostreatus on different substrates and supplements in inner Terai of Nepal, Dang, Deukhuri. Ten different treatments with different substrates and supplements were tested in completely randomized design, replicated four times during the spring season with an average daily temperature of 20-27° C and relative humidity ranging from 80-95 %. The parameters taken for the observation during the experiment were spawn run period, length of stalk, diameter of stalk, diameter of pileus, thickness of pileus, fresh weight of mushroom, ash content, moisture content and biological efficiency of treatments. The research revealed that there were statistically significant yield differences associated with rice straw + banana leaves + rice bran (2.46 kg/ball), followed by rice straw + chickpea flour (2.35 kg/ball). The spawn run duration (23 days) was shortest in banana leaves with highest stipe length (5.01cm). The biological efficiency of various mixtures was found between 40 to 159%, the highest being in treatment rice straw + banana leaves + rice bran and followed by rice straw + chickpea flour. Highest moisture percentage (89.4%) was recorded in rice straw + maize flour. It was accomplished that rice straw + banana leaves whenever abundantly present, can be reasonably used in mixtures with rice bran supplement for better mushroom cultivation. Thus, its use is suggested to farmers in this country where large volumes of rice bran and dry banana leaves are discarded as agricultural residue.