Deciphering the role of moringa leaf powder as a supplement in the cotton waste substrate for the growth and nutrition of king oyster mushroom

Abstract The addition of supplementing material in the substrate is an efficient way to increase mushroom yield and nutrition. The addition of moringa leaf powder (MLP) could boost the yield and nutrition of mushrooms. To improve the nutritional properties and yield of king oyster mushroom, moringa leaf powder as supplementing material in the cotton waste substrate was added with different ratios to standardize the supplementing material in the substrate. In the present research, the impact of moringa leaf powder at various concentrations (2%,4%,6%,8% and 10%) in cotton waste were used to check the suitability of king oyster mushroom production and quality. Results showed that addition of MLP substantially increased production and nutritional value of mushroom. The MLP at 6% on dry weight basis in cotton waste showed markedly higher total yield, biological efficiency as compared to control or cotton waste alone. The addition of 6% MLP in cotton waste also enhanced the Vitamin C, Folic acid, protein, carbohydrate, fats, fibers, ash and minerals (N, Na, K, Ca, Zn, Mg, Mn, Fe and P) of king oyster mushroom, Moreover, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity were improved in King oyster mushroom fruit bodies. Vitamin D was quantified by HPLC-UV chromatograph in P. eryngii. Vitamin-D content was also varied with MLP addition in the substrate.. In conclusion, MLP addition in substrate could be an effective approach for the increase in production and nutritional quality of mushrooms.