UTILIZATION OF LIGNOCELLULOSIC WASTE FROM THE AGRO-FOOD INDUSTRY BY EDIBLE BASIDIOMYCETES PLEUROTUS SPP.

Abstract

This literature review analyzes and synthesizes scientific studies published over the past six years on the use of various agro-industrial wastes for cultivating mushrooms of the genus Pleurotus (P. ostreatus, P. eryngii, P. pulmonarius, P. australis, and P. citrinopileatus). The review identifies the most productive combinations of substrates for growing different mushroom species. Particular attention is given to the chemical composition of substrates such as wheat and rice straw, corn stalks, pulp, husks, and oilcake used as nutrient media for mushrooms. Pleurotus ostreatus demonstrates high biological efficiency and yield, particularly when cultivated on wheat and rice straw, corn stalks, and by-products of the flour milling industry. Pleurotus eryngii achieves optimal growth on rice straw and sweet sorghum pulp, benefiting from their balanced cellulose and hemicellulose content. Pleurotus pulmonarius efficiently utilizes lignocellulosic materials such as corn husks and oilcake, exhibiting notable adaptability to various substrates. Pleurotus australis and Pleurotus citrinopileatus also show promising growth on different agro-industrial residues, though further studies are needed to optimize their cultivation parameters. Analysis of the chemical composition of the substrates showed that cellulose and hemicellulose content significantly affect fungi growth, while a high lignin content can complicate the decomposition process but is not an obstacle for species that can process it efficiently. A combination of different substrates can increase yields. Cultivating Pleurotus on lignocellulosic waste from the agro-food industry significantly changes the chemical composition of the waste, positively impacting the environment. The spent substrate contains a significant amount of lignocellulosic enzymes, which can be useful for further waste processing. Thus, using agro-industrial waste for mushroom cultivation is a promising area that contributes to sustainable resource use and agricultural development.