ENHANCED CULTIVATION OF MUSHROOMS ON ORGANIC WASTES FROM WINE-MAKING INDUSTRY

The main aim of this research work was to establish the best cultivation biotechnology of medicinal mushrooms by using such organic wastes as appropriate growth substrata for 2 mushroom species, namely Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus. The experiments of inoculum preparation were set up under the following conditions: constant temperature, 23 degrees C; agitation speed, 90-120 rpm; pH level, 5.0-6.0. All mushroom cultures were incubated for 120-168 h. In the next stage of experiments, the culture composts for mushroom growing were prepared from wine wastes in the shape of marc of grapes that were used as substrates for mycelia development and mushroom fruit body formation. The tested culture variants were monitored continuously to keep constant the temperature during the incubation as well as air humidity, air pressure and a balanced ratio of the molecular oxygen and carbon dioxide. During the whole culture cycles all the physical and chemical parameters that can influence the mycelia growing and mushroom fruit body formation were investigated.