# Novel chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) residue-based substrate formulations for oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation

## TL;DR

This study explores using chia plant residue as a substrate for growing oyster mushrooms, finding that certain mixtures improve yield and nutritional quality.

## Contribution

The novel use of chia residue in combination with rice straw and corn stalks for mushroom cultivation is introduced.

## Key findings

- Substrates with 86% rice straw or 64% chia residue and 22% rice straw achieved full mycelial colonization in 23 days.
- Balanced ratios of rice straw and chia residue (64:22 or 22:64) resulted in the highest mushroom yields and improved nutritional quality.
- These formulations showed enhanced bioactive compound content and better nutritional profiles.

## Abstract

Chia (Salvia hispanica) and mushrooms represent valuable natural resources with numerous beneficial attributes as functional food ingredient with potential health benefits that support human health. The utilization of chia residues as a substrate for mushroom cultivation presents an innovative approach to supports health beneficial mushroom production. The aim of this study was, the residual biomass from chia (variety Misr 1), referred to as chia residue (CR), was evaluated as a substrate component for the cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). The CR was combined with rice straw (RS) and corn stalks (CS) through permutation and integration techniques. A total of ten deferent substrate formulations using deferent percentages of CR, RS and CS and supplemented with wheat bran, gypsum powder and calcium carbonate were prepared and evaluated using JUNCAO technology. Evaluation criteria included mushroom yield, quality, and chemical composition. Results indicated that substrates containing 86% RS or a mixture of 64% CR and 22% RS achieved complete mycelial colonization within 23 days. Primordial formation was observed by day 33 in most formulations. Formulations with balanced ratios of RS and CR (64:22 or 22:64) achieved the highest yields and improved nutritional quality, both demonstrating enhanced nutritional profiles and bioactive compound content.