S21 - Session O2 - The potential of Pleurotus ostreatus for managing key production constraints in organic banana systems: a review

Authors: Walter Ocimati *, Evans Were, Anthony Tazuba, Dita Miguel, Guy Blomme

Manipulation of the rhizosphere through improvement of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties is an environmentally sound strategy for the sustainable management of key crop pests and diseases. The cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus, and other edible mushroom species, is often carried out on different lignocellulose substrates (saw dust, cottonseed hulls, cereal straws/husks, and bagasse). The latter, which becomes a waste product after mushroom harvest, has been reported to have a diverse range of effects on the soil rhizosphere, with potential to sustainably improve the performance of crops. This manuscript conducts a meta-analysis on spent P. ostreatus substrate (SPoS) application in various fields including agriculture. The review further provides a detailed synthesis on the use of SPoS as a biocontrol agent and biofertilizer, and in more detail, explores the mechanisms of SPoS as a biocontrol agent or biofertilizer and its positive and negative effects on soil rhizosphere and agroecosystems. The review concludes by providing an outlook on how P. ostreatus could potentially support the management of key production constraints in organic banana ( Musa spp.) production systems.