Advances in Oyster Mushroom Spawn Production: Substrate Innovations and Emerging Applications of Nanotechnology

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) cultivation is a sustainable approach for converting agricultural wastes into nutritious food. This review highlights spawn production using various grain and non-grain substrates, emphasizing the role of nutrient composition and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in mycelial growth. Grain substrates, particularly pearl millet and maize, showed superior performance due to balanced nutrients. Factors affecting spawn quality, including moisture, sterilization, and inoculum quality, are discussed. The application of nanotechnology, especially nanoparticles such as ZnO and Ag, demonstrates significant potential in enhancing mycelial growth, yield, biofortification, and antimicrobial activity. Integrating these approaches can improve productivity and sustainability in oyster mushroom cultivation systems.