"FUNGI FUTURES: SUSTAINABLE MUSHROOM CULTIVATION FOR A GREENER TOMORROW"
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21276/IERJ256505099913Keywords:
Hypsizygus Ulmarius, Mushroom Cultivation, Rubber Pellets, Sustainable Agriculture, Bioactive Compounds, Substrate Optimization, Waste Recycling, Food SecurityAbstract
This study investigates the use of rubber pellets as an alternative substrate for cultivating Hypsizygus ulmarius (elm oyster mushroom), emphasizing their potential to enhance sustainable agriculture. Compared to traditional substrates like paddy straw and sawdust, rubber pellets improve moisture retention, aeration, and durability while reducing contamination risks, resulting in a total yield of 36,000 g and enabling continuous production. The findings support the mushroom’s recognized bioactive properties, such as antioxidant activity and elevated vitamin D₂ content, while also promoting waste recycling and reducing the environmental footprint of mushroom farming. Rubber pellets emerge as a cost-effective, eco-friendly option for large-scale cultivation, contributing to food security and sustainable substrate management. Future research should focus on optimizing enzymatic activity, enhancing bioactive compound extraction, and evaluating the economic feasibility of rubber-based substrates in commercial production.
References
I. Aditya, R., Nair, P. R., & George, A. (2025). UV-induced enhancement of vitamin D₂ content in Hypsizygus ulmarius and its nutritional implications. Journal of Functional Foods, 42(1), 88–94.
II. Alam, S., & Raza, S. (2001). Recycling of agricultural waste through mushroom cultivation. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 4(9), 1170–1172.
III. Beetz, A., & Kustudia, M. (2004). Mushroom cultivation and marketing. ATTRA Publication Series, National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
IV. Bhatia, A., Thomas, P., & Kumar, V. (2024). Antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of Hypsizygus ulmarius extracts. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 26(2), 143–151.
V. Chang, S. T., & Miles, P. G. (1992). Mushrooms: Cultivation, Nutritional Value, Medicinal Effect, and Environmental Impact. CRC Press.
VI. Jayaraman, R., Menon, S. K., & Varghese, D. (2024). Evaluating alternative substrates for oyster mushroom cultivation: A focus on rubber pellet applications. Agricultural Mycology Research Journal, 11(3), 201–210.
VII. Kumla, J., Suwannarach, N., & Hyde, K. D. (2020). Bioconversion of rubber wood waste into edible mushrooms and value-added products. Sustainability, 12(7), 2859.
VIII. Masaphy, S., Elisha, N., & Hadar, Y. (2023). Eco-friendly substrates in mushroom farming: Waste utilization and pollution control. Waste Management & Research, 41(5), 379–387.
IX. Mattila, P., Suonpää, K., & Piironen, V. (2001). Functional properties of edible mushrooms. Nutrition, 17(7–8), 694–696.
X. Royse, D. J., Baars, J., & Tan, Q. (2017). Current overview of mushroom production worldwide. In Zied, D. C. & Pardo-Giménez, A. (Eds.), Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms: Technology and Applications (pp. 5–13). Wiley-Blackwell.
XI. Suman, B. C., & Sharma, V. P. (2007). Mushroom cultivation in India: Challenges and opportunities. Mushroom Research, 16(1), 1–8.
XII. Wood, D. A., & Smith, J. F. (1987). The cultivation of mushrooms using synthetic substrates. Mycological Research, 91(2), 151–158.
Additional Files
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 International Education and Research Journal (IERJ)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
