Quantitative Screening of Vitamins, Minerals, and Proximate Compositions of the Elm Oyster Mushroom Hysizygus ulmarius (Agaricomycetes) Cultivated in Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the abundance of alternative wood species, their potential for mushroom cultivation still needs to be explored. Specifically, the cultivation of Hypsizygus ulmarius in Nigeria needs more documentation, with vast amounts of sawdust substrates remaining untapped as potential materials. This study investigates the effects of oak (OSD), mahogany (MSD), and pine (PSD) sawdust substrates on the growth and nutritional composition of H. ulmarius. Data was analyzed using a completely randomized design (CRD), with statistical significance tested using ANOVA and the Duncan multiple new range test (DMRT). The results show that PSD supported the fastest spawn run (10 d), followed by MSD (13 d) and OSD (15 d). OSD and MSD yielded higher fresh weights (120 g/kg) and biological efficiency (30%) compared with PSD (90 g/kg and 22.50%). Although growth patterns were similar across substrates, significant differences were observed in ash content (MSD: 14.90%, PSD: 13.05%), crude fiber (10.80-11.10%), crude fat, carbohydrate content (MSD: 51.88%, PSD: 49.93%), and the highest vitamins, B1, B2, B3, and C of 1.59-27.94 mg/g. Mineral compositions (calcium, magnesium, socium, potassium, and phosphorus) also varied significantly across substrates P ≤ 0.05 recorded on PSD. Overall, OSD and MSD excelled in yield and substrate conversion efficiency, while the mushroom showed promise in nutritional content. These findings highlight the potential of wood sawdust substrates for optimizing mushroom cultivation, while the nutritional and dietary compositions recorded show that H. ulmarius is an excellent alternative to nutritional food sources, and its inclusion in our daily diet could be explored further.