Preparation of a lignocellulosic growth substrate for Stropharia rugoso-annulata

Because of the enzymatic make-up of Stropharia, a cultivated and edible mus hroom, it is capable of using agricultural wastes as substrates for growth. Different substrates and methods of preparation are compared in order to i mprove the resistance of the mushroom to fungal contamination by reducing s oluble carbon and nitrogen content. The substrates (wheat straw, corn stalk , or wastes from pea plants) were soaked at various temperatures and durati ons in order to eliminate soluble nutrients. High temperatures are more eff icient for a rapid depletion of free nitrogen compounds. The best substrate used for the first time in mushroom cultivation was the agricultural waste from Pisum. Because of its naturally high content of soluble nutrients, th is substrate needs to be soaked in hot water to reduce contaminations. Yiel ds of Stropharia (220 g/kg) are higher and more regular than those obtained on conventional substrate (straw). On corn stalk, a high contamination rat e was found, as well as relatively poor yields.