Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Agri-Waste into Edible Protein by Mushroom Cultivation and Evaluation of Yield on Different Agri-Residues with Biochemical Composition

Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom), a saprophytic macroscopic fungus, can grow on several lignocellulosic substances by degradation activity supported by several enzymes secreted by them. The mushroom is widely consumed for its delicious flavour in cuisines and medicinal purposes. The present study was focused on its cultivation on three different residues viz. paddy straw (Oryza sativa), wheat straw (Triticum aestivum) and garden grass (Cynodon dactylon). The research further focused on evaluating the biochemical composition including moisture, lipids, proteins and phenolic contents. All three substrates were compared based on total yield, cropping days and biological efficiencies. Maximum yield (458.97g/5kg substrate) and biological efficiency (91.79%) were observed in paddy straw, whereas the early growth was observed on garden grass. This study concludes the presence of high proteins and low lipids content in mushrooms, which is ideal for human consumption.