Substrate Effects on the Yield, Proximate, Phytochemical and Vitamin Attributes of Pleurotus pulmonarius Mushroom

Abstract

Pleurotus pulmonarius is a nutrient-dense oyster mushroom of global recognition with a lot of therapeutic benefits. It has umbrella-like fruiting bodies and belongs to the class of Basidiomycetes and order of Agaricales. 1 P. pulmonarius contains proteins, dietary fibre, macro-and micro-minerals, and other medicinal phytochemicals of pharmaceutical importance. Mushrooms contain antioxidants, which protect against cancer formation and free radical generation in human and animal cells. 2, 3 When consumed regularly, mushrooms may have therapeutic effects by preventing some dietary aliments associated with other food nutrient deficiencies. P. pulmonarius is an edible fungus that grows in both tropical and subtropical rainforests. 4 Beyond their wild existence, cultivated mushrooms are extensively distributed. Mushrooms can be grown from a variety of agricultural wastes. 5 The use of agro-waste substrate as a raw material in P. pulmonarius production not only solves waste management concerns, but it also generates revenue and creates jobs. 6