S15 - Session O4 - Pleurotus eryngii production in axenic blocks containing agro-industrial wastes

Authors: Francine Lorena Cuquel, Gabriel Lucas Jesus, Gabriel Dias de Oliveira *, Ricardo Silva

The world production of edible mushrooms, mainly Pleurotus eryngii , has been increasing all over the world, driven by a market that seeks for healthy foods, and also by vegetarians. Pleurotus eryngii is usually cultivated from agro-industrial residues, an option that combines the correct disposal of materials that negatively impact the environment, with the production of healthy foods with high added value. The knowledge of how to mix the raw material to achieve high productivity and biological efficiency is still a problem. The objective of this work was to produce Pleurotus eryngii in axenic blocks made with substrate containing Eucalyptus urograndis sawdust mixed 1:1 with one of these residues: barley malt bagasse, hay, rice husk, or soybean husk. All substrates were supplemented with 22% wheat bran and 2% CaCO3. The blocks were prepared and sterilized in an autoclave for 90 minutes at a constant temperature of 121 ° C. Then, they were inoculated with 5% of the block weight with the spawn. The best substrate for Pleurotus eryngii production was the one containing Eucalyptus urograndis and soybean husk (1: 1) with 31% yield, and 97% biological efficiency. Finding new effective materials, proportions and formulations is the way to help this industry improve for the future.