Comprehensive Study on Supplements Significance and Their Impact on Contamination, Growth and Yield of Oyster Mushrooms

Abstract

This study examines the effects of substrate supplements on contamination, growth, and yield in oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) cultivation, along with their economic feasibility. Mushroom cultivation is an eco-friendly agribusiness that requires minimal space and utilizes lignocellulosic agricultural residues. Traditionally, agricultural wastes such as wheat straw, rice straw, and sawdust have served as common substrates. However, the productivity and quality of mushroom crops can be significantly enhanced through supplementation with various organic and inorganic additives. The addition of substrate supplements can significantly influence the contamination dynamics in mushroom cultivation. While supplements enrich the substrate with essential nutrients that promote vigorous mycelial growth and higher yields, they also create a nutrient-dense environment that may favor the proliferation of undesirable microorganisms, such as molds, bacteria, and competitor fungi. High-nutrient supplements like soybean meal, though beneficial for yield improvement, require sterilization to mitigate contamination risks, thereby increasing production costs. The choice of supplementation strategy must balance productivity, economic viability, and contamination control to ensure sustainable and efficient mushroom cultivation. Future research should focus on optimizing supplement combinations, refining sterilization techniques, and identifying novel, cost-effective additives to further enhance the profitability and sustainability of oyster mushroom production.