New Frontiers in the Cultivation of Edible Fungi: The Application of Biostimulants Enhances the Nutritional Characteristics of Pleurotus eryngii (DC.) Quél

Fungi, particularly Pleurotus eryngii, emerges as a promising solution for sustainable non-animal protein production, requiring less land and growing on waste materials. In connection with population growth, sustainable solutions must be found to increase yield and product quality without resorting to the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. Several biobased products are currently on the market; one of the most interesting is wood distillate (WD), derived from the pyrolysis process of the woody material. WD is rich in biologically active substances such as polyphenols, alcohols, acids, and esters, and its use is authorized in organic agriculture. The study investigates the use of WD in cultivating P. eryngii. We tested different concentrations of WD: 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1% WD on the growth of P. eryngii. Although WD did not significantly affect the yield (fresh weight), it led to a substantial increase in total soluble protein content and antioxidant compounds, such as phenols and vitamin C, and a reduction in glycogen content, especially at 0.2% WD. The results highlight the potential of biostimulants in mushroom cultivation, providing the ground for further research to improve the nutritional properties of cultivated mushrooms through wood distillate.