Paddy Straw Cultivation of Volvariella volvacea: Spawn Preparation and Growth Techniques | InformativeBD

A. Anees Fathima, and J. Jayasree, from the institute of India. wrote a Research article about, Paddy Straw Cultivation of Volvariella volvacea: Spawn Preparation and Growth Techniques. Entitled, Spawn preparation and cultivation of Volvariella volvacea (Bull. ex Fr.) Singer on paddy straw substrate. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. an open access scholarly research journal Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract 

Volvariella volvacea (paddy straw mushroom) is an important edible mushroom cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions due to its rapid growth, nutritional value, and medicinal properties. The present study investigated spawn preparation and cultivation of V. volvacea using paddy straw as the primary substrate. Pure cultures were established under controlled laboratory conditions, followed by spawn production and indoor cultivation. Growth characteristics, fruiting behavior, yield, and biological efficiency were evaluated. The results showed that pinhead formation occurred within 15 days, and a yield of 2.05 kg per 10 kg of substrate with a biological efficiency of 20.5% was obtained. The findings indicate that appropriate substrate preparation, environmental conditions, and spawn quality are important factors associated with successful cultivation. Despite its commercial importance, production of V. volvacea remains limited by suboptimal practices. This study provides practical insights into spawn preparation and cultivation techniques that may support improved and sustainable mushroom production.

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Introduction

Mushrooms are classified as macro fungi, characterized by their fleshy and distinct sporebearing fruiting bodies. They belong to the Pluteaceae family (Kotl. and Pouz) within the class Basidiomycetes (Singer, 1961) and are typically found growing above ground, in soil, or on other food substrates. Among the 12,000 known species of mushrooms, over 2,000 have been identified as edible. However, only about 35 species are widely accepted for consumption, with a limited number being commercially cultivated. Additionally, nearly 200 wild species are utilized for medicinal purposes (Chen et al., 2019). Mushrooms are regarded as a delicacy, offering high nutritional and functional value, and are acknowledged as nutraceutical products. Their appeal has increased due to various advantages, including organoleptic qualities, medicinal properties, and economic importance. Furthermore, mushrooms are being explored as a potential alternative to muscle protein, owing to their high digestibility (Vinay et al., 2021)

Mushroom sporocarps are rich in minerals such as potassium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese. Additionally, mushrooms serve as a significant source of vitamin D, which is absent in other dietary supplements, alongside these proteins and minerals. (Pehrsson et al., 2003). The unique bioactive compounds found in mushrooms possess immunemodulating effects and enhance human immune function, thereby lowering the risk of cancer and tumor development. Nonetheless, mushroom cultivation in Asian nations commenced over 1000 years ago, with scientific cultivation beginning only in the early 20th century when pure cultures of mushrooms were developed from spores and tissues. Volvariella volvacea is the most widely cultivated edible mushroom species (Walde et al., 2006) and due to its delightful flavor, it ranks third among essential mushrooms (Ramkumar et al., 2012; Thiribhuvanamala et al., 2012) also noted for its rapid growth rate compared to other species (Rajapakse, 2011). This mushroom is also commonly referred to as paddy straw mushroom, straw mushroom, and Chinese mushroom. The first recorded cultivation occurred in China in 1822 (Chang, 1969).

The sporocarp of V. volvacea is characterized by a grayish to black, egg-shaped vulva in its juvenile stage, which ruptures to allow the pileus to expand to a nearly flat form. The straw mushroom is considered a nutritious food source (Feeney et al., 2014). It is rich in protein, phosphorus, and potassium (Ahlawat and Tewari, 2007), while being low in alkalinity, cholesterol, and fat, and is free of salt. This mushroom contains bioactive metabolites that contribute to its rich taste, flavor, and pleasant aroma, as well as notable biological properties such as antioxidant (Hung and Nhi, 2012), antimicrobial (Chandra and Chaubey, 2017), anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, anti-hypersensitive, and anti-cancer effects.

Paddy straw mushroom, also known as grass mushroom, derives its name from its cultivation on rice straw. This mushroom is a significant dietary component due to its rich flavor, aroma, and nutritional benefits. Scientifically classified as Volvariella volvacea, it is a Holobasidiomycete that belongs to the Plutaceae family (Mond et al., 2021). This species accounts for 6% of the global mushroom production, predominantly utilized in the South Asian region. Over 100 species of Volvariella volvacea (Bull.ex.Fr) Singh have been documented worldwide (Kurtzman and Yang, 1982). The paddy straw mushroom thrives in high temperatures, making it primarily cultivated in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of Asia, including countries such as China, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Madagascar. The life cycle of Volvariella volvacea consists of six maturity stages: pinhead, tiny, button, egg, elongation, and mature stages (Najmu et al., 2022).

Depending on the geographical area and climatic conditions, V. volvacea is grown either in outdoor settings or within controlled indoor environments. The choice of substrates for cultivating V. volvacea in a specific nation is primarily determined by the quantity of accessible free resources (Amir et al., 2023).

Mushroom cultivation is a significant and lucrative agribusiness that offers employment opportunities for rural women. The paddy straw mushroom grows rapidly allowing for harvest within two weeks of bed preparation. The demand for mushrooms is rising daily in Odisha. The agro-climatic conditions in Odisha are ideally suited for the cultivation of paddy straw mushrooms (Mijan, 2024). Nevertheless, most of the edible fungi that are presently cultivated belong to medium- and low-temperature varieties, while hightemperature varieties are quite scarce; this results in a limited availability of edible fungal varieties in the market during the high-temperature season (Ali et al., 2024). These circumstances also contribute to the consistently high price of V. volvacea throughout the year, potentially enhancing the profits for mushroom farmers in comparison to those of other edible fungal varieties (Wang et al., 2025). The present investigation was carried out to find out the spawn preparation, cultivation of Volvariella volvacea on paddy straw substrate and supplements for yield enhancement.

Reference

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Ali S, Yousaf N, Usman M, Javed MA, Nawaz M, Ali B, Azam M, Ercisli S, Tirasci S, Ahmed AE. 2024. Volvariella volvacea (paddy straw mushroom): A mushroom with exceptional medicinal and nutritional properties. Heliyon 10, e39747.

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Luu TTH, Bui DK, Huynh N, Le TL, Green ID. 2022. Effect of the cultivation technology on the yield of paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea). Korean Journal of Mycology 50, 161–171.

Mijan HMD. 2024. Evaluation of different substrates and supplements for growth and yield of paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea). The Pharma Innovation Journal 13(5), 96–99.

Mohd Joha NS, Misran A, Mahmud TMM, Abdullah S, Mohamad A. 2021. Physical quality, amino acid contents and health risk assessment of straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) at different maturity stages. International Food Research Journal 28, 181–188.

Najmu S, Farahanaz R, Shaheen KJ, Amreena S. 2022. Cultivation of paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) under Kashmir conditions. The Pharma Innovation Journal 11(4), 397–399.

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Article source : Spawn preparation and cultivation of Volvariella volvacea (Bull. ex Fr.) Singer on paddy straw substrate  

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Mushroom Diversity Uncovered at Maseno University, Siriba Campus, Kenya | InformativeBD

George T. Opande, from the institute of Kenya. David M. Musyimi, from the institute of Kenya. and Tirop C. Sarah, from the institute of Kenya.  wrote a research article about, Mushroom Diversity Uncovered at Maseno University, Siriba Campus, Kenya. Entitled, A rich mushroom diversity at Maseno University, Siriba campus, Maseno (Kenya). This research paper published by the International journal of Microbiology and Mycology (IJMM). an open access scholarly research journal on Microbiology. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher. 

Abstract

Mushrooms diversity study is not a new phenomenon, different workers in different parts of the world have always undertaken such studies to better understand the macro fungi flora that occur in those areas. The local non-edible and edible wild mushrooms occurrence, distribution and diversity in Western Kenya and East Africa in general have not been fully understood even though they are useful to urban and rural communities living in this region. Mushrooms are useful to humans as; Source of medicine, Environmental balance, food and ornamentals. Before this study, no study had been conducted in Maseno University Siriba campus, and forest ecosystem to show the existing mushroom flora. This study was therefore initiated to identify and record the available mushroom flora. Maseno university area is located within the geographical coordinates 0°0′ 17.36″ S, 34°36′ 1.62″ E at an altitude of 1503 meters above sea level. The terrain where the collection was made was mainly of built up campus and sloppy forest vegetation, the mean temperature during the collection period was between 19°C and 27°C. Standard sampling was used and the area of study divided into 2 portions/sites. Mushrooms were collected on their vegetative stages and sorted accordingly. The location and substrate on which mushrooms grew were also recorded and photos using a digital camera kept as permanent records. All the species collected were identified based on their morphological characteristics. When identification was complete, Daedalia quercina, Formitopsis gibba, Poliporous cinnabarinus, Xerula radicata, Amanita rannesces, Lycoperdon echinatum, Laccaria bicolor, Clitocybe gibba, Suillus luteu and Daedalia unicolor were the species found to be resident at the Maseno University Siriba campus and the surrounding ecosystem.

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 Introduction

Mushrooms diversity study is not a new phenomenon, different workers in different parts of the world have always undertaken such studies to better understand the macro fungi flora that occur in those areas (Praveen et al, 2014, Phongeun et al 2010, Brown et al, 2006). Yet the local non-edible and edible wild mushrooms occurrence, distribution and diversity in Western Kenya and East Africa in general have not yet been fully documented and understood even though they are consumed as food and used for medicinal aspects by urban and rural communities living in this region.

Maseno University, Siriba campus is located in an area surrounded by an ecosystem with adequate rain fall and a rich plant diversity leading to the occurrence of organic rich soils. Maseno is found at the geographical coordinates of 0°0′ 17.36″ S, 34°36′ 1.62″ E and an altitude of 1503 meters above sea level. The surrounding terrain is mainly made up of a forest vegetation that is sloppy, a market center in a small town with residential zones and a built up University campus. The general area has a warm tropical temperature with an average ranging between 19°C and 27°C. 

Maseno a small town with a population of 14,000, located in Western Kenya has a poor or no organized liquid and solid waste disposal services provided by either the university or the Kisumu county government was a suitable area for this study because the poorly disposed organic substrates that litter the surrounding environment creating a suitable habitat onto which mushrooms and other saprophytic members of the fungi kingdom are able to grow profusely. 

Mushrooms or gill fungi have been defined as a macro-fungus with a distinctive fruiting body, which can be hypogenous or epigeous, large enough to be seen with the naked eye and to be picked by hand (Chang, 1989).

They are classified in the division Basidiomycota of the fungi kingdom because their fruiting body form an umbrella shaped basidiocarp with gills onto which are found basidia (Alexopoulos et al., 1996). They mostly grow in terrestrial environments. A large majority is saprophytic but there are a few parasitic types known whose hosts range from algae to a wide variety of angiosperms (Alexopoulos et al., 1996). Their plant body consists of multicellular septate hyphae that may be branched and filamentous. Most mushroom species grow in a span of 14-21 days and to maturity (Alexopoulos et al., 1996).

They have a high food value to human beings because they are documented as being rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins while they are low in lipids (Mattila et al., 2001) They also have phytochemicals and other compounds which are strong antioxidants. (Mattila et al., 2001). Phenolic compounds like; alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, triterpenes, coumarins and cyanogenic glycosides have been detected in wild mushrooms analyzed in Sudan and Nigeria (Adekunle et al. 2005). These compounds seem to mop the free radicals generated in the normal natural metabolism of aerobic cells, mostly in the form of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mushrooms therefore are reported to have medicinal value attributed to a new class of compounds extractable from either the mycelium or fruit body of mushrooms (Adekunle et al. 2005). Consumption of mushrooms embodies both their nutritional and medicinal features as a dietary supplement as enriched food materials which are used for maintenance of healthy diet with potential therapeutic applications (Chang, 1989). Some mushrooms or extracts are used or studied as possible treatments for diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders. Some mushroom materials, including polysaccharides, glycoprotein’s and proteoglycans are under basic research for their potential to modulate immune system responses and inhibit tumor growth, whereas other isolates show potential antiviral, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties in preliminary studies. Currently, several extracts have widespread use in Japan, Korea and China, as adjuncts to radiation treatments and chemotherapy, even though clinical evidence of efficacy in humans has not been confirmed (Chihara, 1993)

There are only a small number of deadly species known; consumption of such species can cause particularly severe complications and unpleasant symptoms to humans (Da Silva, 2005). Amanita genus, most recognizably A. muscaria, and A. pantherina, among others are some of the toxic members of this genus known. The Amanita in toxication is similar to Z-drugs in that it includes Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant and sedative-hypnotic effects, but also dissociation and delirium in high doses ( Apetorgbor et al., 2005). 

Mushrooms are important to humans not only for their food value but also for medicinal, environmental balance and ornamental purposes among others. Knowledge of their occurrence and distribution in Maseno was important, because there was little information on their diversity in Maseno area before this study.

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Source : A rich mushroomdiversity at Maseno University, Siriba campus, Maseno (Kenya) 

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