Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 297-307 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 304 Another study used olive by-products as the substrate. The results showed that G. lucidumgrown on olive pruning residues had significantly higher α-glucan and β-glucan content than that grown on beech sawdust. Furthermore, these G. lucidumsamples exhibited greater antioxidant activity and prebiotic potential, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. gasseri (Koutrotsios et al., 2019). 7 Environmental and Economic Considerations 7.1 Sustainability of substrate materials The sustainability of substrate materials for cultivating G. lucidumis a critical factor in ensuring environmentally friendly and economically viable mushroom production. Various studies have demonstrated the potential of using agro-wastes and other lignocellulosic materials as substrates. For instance, the use of agro-wastes such as broad bean stalks, cotton stalks, maize straw, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, and wheat straw has been shown to support the growth of G. lucidumeffectively (Rashad et al., 2019). Additionally, the use of locally available residues like coconut wood log sawdust and other tree residues has been explored, showing promising results in terms of yield and biological efficiency (Thiribhuvanamala and Krishnamoorthy, 2021). These materials are not only abundant but also help in reducing agricultural waste, contributing to a more sustainable cultivation practice. 7.2 Economic viability of different substrates The economic viability of different substrates is influenced by their availability, cost, and the yield they produce. Studies have shown that substrates like cotton stalks, rice straw, and sugarcane bagasse, when supplemented with wheat bran, can significantly enhance the yield and biological efficiency of G. lucidum (Rashad et al., 2019). Similarly, the use of mixed sawdust and other agro-residues has been found to be cost-effective while providing high yields (Thiribhuvanamala and Krishnamoorthy, 2021). The combination of empty fruit bunch fiber with sawdust, for example, has been reported to achieve a biological efficiency of 27%, making it a viable option for commercial cultivation (Sudheer et al., 2018). The economic benefits are further enhanced by the reduced need for chemical fertilizers and the potential for using spent mushroom substrates in other applications, such as bioethanol production (Sudhakar et al., 2021). 7.3 Reducing waste through optimized substrate use Optimizing substrate use not only improves the yield and quality of G. lucidumbut also plays a significant role in waste reduction. The recycling of agro-wastes and other lignocellulosic materials into mushroom substrates helps in managing agricultural residues effectively. For instance, the use of spent mushroom substrates for bioethanol production has been explored, demonstrating the potential for converting waste into valuable biofuels (Sudhakar et al., 2021). Additionally, the incorporation of food waste and other biodegradable materials into mushroom substrates can further enhance waste reduction efforts. Studies have shown that using a combination of food waste and lignocellulosic materials can significantly boost mycelium growth and mushroom yield, promoting a circular economy (Soh et al., 2021). This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of waste but also provides an additional revenue stream for mushroom growers. 8 Concluding Remarks The study on the effects of various cultivation substrates on the yield and quality of G. lucidumyielded several significant insights. Studies have demonstrated that different wood residues and agro-wastes can serve as effective substrates for cultivating G. lucidum. For instance, wood residues from Betula spp. and Populus tremula have been shown to support high yields and β-glucan content, particularly when combined with specific strains like MUS192 and subjected to cold treatments. Similarly, lignocellulosic wastes such as wheat straw, sunflower meal, and soybean straw have been identified as promising substrates, with wheat straw showing particularly high biological efficiency. Additionally, mixed substrates, such as combinations of poplar wood chips with soybean meal or wheat bran, have been found to enhance the nutritional and medicinal properties of the fruiting bodies. The use of local agro-residues, such as coconut wood log sawdust and pecan wood chips, has also been effective, demonstrating significant bioefficiency and yield.
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