UTILIZATION OF SPENT MUSHROOM SUBSTRATE FOR MASS MULTIPLICATION OF MYCORRHIZA

Abstract

This invention provides a method for utilizing Spent Mushroom Substrate (SPS) as a substrate for mycorrhizal fungi multiplication. By employing SPS, the invention enables eco-friendly, cost-effective mass production of mycorrhizal inoculum. The resulting bio-fortified SPS supports plant growth, enhances nutrient uptake, and offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers, promoting circular economy principles in agricultural practices.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to agricultural biotechnology and environmental sustainability, focusing on the use of Spent Mushroom Substrate (SPS) for the mass multiplication of mycorrhizal fungi. By employing SPS, the invention offers a sustainable and low-cost method for producing bio-fortified mycorrhizal inoculum, which promotes plant growth, nutrient uptake, and resilience against soil-borne pathogens.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Mycorrhiza, specifically arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, are essential in forming symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient and water uptake, and offering protection against soil-borne pathogens. Despite their benefits, the large-scale cultivation and multiplication of mycorrhiza remain challenging due to limited substrates and high production costs. Commonly used substrates for mycorrhizal multiplication are often not widely available or economically feasible for small-scale producers, making large-scale application in agriculture limited.
Spent Mushroom Substrate (SPS), a by-product of mushroom cultivation, presents an untapped resource with rich organic matter and phytohormones, potentially serving as an effective medium for mycorrhiza cultivation. SPS is often discarded post-harvest, contributing to disposal issues and environmental waste. Utilizing SPS for mycorrhizal multiplication offers dual benefits: it provides an alternative substrate for mycorrhizal growth and addresses waste management challenges associated with mushroom farming.
This invention leverages SPS for mycorrhizal mass multiplication, creating a bio-fortified substrate that supports crop growth while offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional substrates. By reusing SPS in this capacity, the invention promotes circular economy principles, minimizes waste, and provides a sustainable solution to agricultural bio-fertilization challenges.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention introduces a novel method for mass-multiplying mycorrhizal fungi using Spent Mushroom Substrate (SPS). The process involves the isolation and maintenance of mycorrhizal spores, their inoculation onto SPS, and controlled multiplication to produce bio-fortified inoculum. This bio-fortified SPS, enriched with mycorrhizal spores, enhances plant growth, nutrient uptake, and soil health. The method is economical, environmentally friendly, and easily adaptable for small-scale mushroom farmers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: ILLUSTRATES THE ISOLATION AND COLLECTION PROCESS OF MYCORRHIZAL SPORES USING THE SIEVING AND DECANTING METHOD.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Utilization of Spent Mushroom Substrate for Mass Multiplication of Mycorrhiza offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective method for producing mycorrhizal inoculum. The process begins with isolation and collection of mycorrhizal spores from soil samples using a sieving and decanting method. Soil is suspended in water and filtered through sieves of varying mesh sizes to separate mycorrhizal spores. The filtered spores are collected and stored in sterile distilled water at 4°C until further use, ensuring viability for inoculation.
The next step involves maintenance of a pure mycorrhizal culture using a starter culture setup. The collected spores are inoculated onto a sterilized mixture of perlite, vermiculite, and sand (1:1:1 ratio) near maize seeds, which serve as host plants. Ten to fifteen spores are inoculated per seed, and the mixture is kept under controlled watering conditions. After approximately six weeks, the root systems of the maize plants are assessed for mycorrhizal colonization, ensuring the establishment of an effective starter culture. This starter culture is transferred to larger containers with sterilized sand and soil, promoting further spore multiplication.
The mass multiplication of mycorrhiza on Spent Mushroom Substrate (SPS) forms the core of this invention. SPS, collected post-mushroom harvest, undergoes physical processing, including drying and size reduction, to increase surface area for inoculation. The inoculated starter culture is then mixed with the SPS, and the blend is monitored for spore viability, multiplication rate, and shelf life. Key observations include the influence of SPS on mycorrhizal spore viability and the duration required for spore multiplication, supporting large-scale mycorrhizal production.
The bio-fortified SPS serves as a sustainable bio-fertilizer, promoting plant growth and resilience against soil pathogens. The application involves adding the inoculated SPS to soil at the root zone, enhancing nutrient availability and uptake, particularly phosphorus, through the symbiotic relationship facilitated by the mycorrhizal fungi. The resulting bio-fortified SPS not only enriches soil but also offers an additional income stream for mushroom farmers, contributing to waste reduction and sustainable agricultural practices.
, Claims:1. A method for mass multiplication of mycorrhizal fungi utilizing Spent Mushroom Substrate (SPS), comprising the steps of spore isolation, starter culture preparation, and inoculation of SPS.
2. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the mycorrhizal spores are isolated using a sieving and decanting method to ensure purity and viability.
3. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a mixture of perlite, vermiculite, and sand (1:1:1) is used as a substrate for initial mycorrhizal culture establishment.
4. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein maize seeds serve as host plants for mycorrhizal inoculation and starter culture preparation.
5. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein Spent Mushroom Substrate (SPS) is prepared by drying and reducing particle size for optimal spore inoculation.
6. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the inoculated SPS serves as a bio-fortified substrate that supports nutrient uptake and crop growth in agriculture.
7. A bio-fortified Spent Mushroom Substrate (SPS) as claimed in Claim 1, where the inoculated mycorrhiza enhances soil health and crop resilience against pathogens.
8. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the shelf life of the bio-fortified SPS is monitored to ensure long-term viability and effectiveness as a bio-fertilizer.
9.The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the bio-fortified SPS is applied in agricultural fields to promote plant-mycorrhizal symbiosis and sustainable crop production.

10. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers and supports waste valorization by reusing Spent Mushroom Substrate.

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