Optimizing tea waste as a sustainable substrate for oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation: a comprehensive study on biological efficiency and nutritional aspect

Introduction In Bangladesh, rice straw (RS) and sawdust (SD) substrates have traditionally been used in the production of oyster mushrooms ( Pleurotus ostreatus ). However, the rising costs of these substrates have led many to look for alternatives. Objectives The present study thus focuses on the potential of waste tea leaves (WTL) for mushroom farming. Methods We prepared various substrate mixtures by combining WTL with SD and RS, subsequently evaluating mushroom yield and various quality parameters such as amino acid concentration, mineral content, and biological efficiency. Results and discussion Our investigation revealed that WTL alone is not a suitable substrate for mushroom ( Pleurotus ostreatus ) growth. However, when combined with SD at a 50% ratio, it significantly boosts mushroom…