Effects of substrate formulation on yield and yield components in enoki (Flammulina velutipes) cultivation

Mushroom cultivation is considered a technology that transforms waste into valuable food and it is an important technology for sustainable agriculture and waste management. This study was conducted to evaluate the cultivation potential of Flammulina velutipes (enoki) mushroom on different agricultural waste-based substrates. Nine different substrate formulations were prepared using locally available wastes such as cotton gin waste, poplar sawdust, wheat bran, and compost. Barley spawn of enoki (EN141-Chinese-Korean hybrid) was cultivated. The physicochemical properties of the substrates (moisture, pH, organic matter, C/N ratio) and fungal growth parameters (mycelial growth duration, primordium formation, yield, biological efficiency-BE, protein and mineral content) were investigated. According to the results, the substrates containing 100% cotton gin waste and 80% cotton gin waste + 20% wheat bran provided the highest yield (197.05 g/kg and 185.74 g/kg, respectively) and BE (69.27% and 58.20%, respectively). However, protein content was relatively low in these substrates (20.95-27.58%, respectively). In contrast, the substrate containing 80% sawdust+15% wheat bran+ 5% carboxymethyl cellulose offered the highest protein content (52.85%), but was disadvantageous in terms of yield and fruiting body weight. Compost-based substrates did not support mycelial growth. Mushrooms grown on sawdust-based substrates had high levels of phosphorus, potassium and microelements. The study revealed that substrate selection significantly influenced yield, quality and production time in enoki cultivation. Local sources such as cotton gin waste were found to be suitable for high yields, but substrate optimization was needed to increase protein and mineral content. These findings have important implications for sustainable mushroom cultivation and utilization of agricultural wastes.