Residuos agrícolas del altiplano poblano como sustratos para el cultivo del hongo melena de león (Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers.)

Abstract

Background. The use of agricultural waste is a key strategy to strengthen the sustainable production of edible and medicinal mushrooms, by allowing its valorization in the reduction of production costs. In agricultural regions such as the Altiplano Poblano, there is a wide availability of lignocellulosic waste with the potential to be used as alternative substrates. Objective. To evaluate the productive performance of the mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers., using agricultural waste from the Altiplano Poblano as substrates for its cultivation. Methodology. Corn cobs and stubble, wheatgrass, pine sawdust, ocoxal (pine needle litter, Pinus spp.), and a balanced lignocellulosic mixture were used as substrates. The productive parameters mycelial colonization rate, biological efficiency, and production rate were evaluated in order to compare the mushroom's performance on each of the substrates tested. Results. Corn cobs and the control group showed the highest biological efficiency (64.72 y 63.58 %) and an average production rate of 11.32 and 12.64 g day⁻¹ respectively, which is attributed to their adequate porosity and carbon/nitrogen ratio. In contrast, corn stover and ocoxal showed low yields, while pine sawdust and wheatgrass registered the lowest productive performance. Implications. The results demonstrate the viability of using regional agricultural residues as alternative substrates, contributing to waste reduction, efficient use of local resources, and strengthening the circular economy in agricultural production systems. Conclusions. Of the agricultural residues, corn stover shows high potential for the cultivation of H. erinaceus, allowing for improved productive performance of the fungus and promoting sustainable production practices based on the valorization of agricultural byproducts.