Mira Madan

Utilisation of agro-residues as animal feed through bioconversion

Abstract Bioconversion of agro-residues, rice straw and wheat straw, was carried out with the edible mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju, with a view to increasing nutritive values and digestibilities for animal feed. Amongst the inorganic and organic nitrogen sources tested, soyabean meal and ficus fruits, in which nitrogen is present in complex form, were the best supplements in enhancing the in vitro dry matter digestibilities of the residues.

Production of biogas from residues from mushroom cultivation

Etude experimentale de la digestion anaerobie de paille de riz non traitee et pretraitee biologiquement et de Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (residus de la culture de Pleurotus sajor-caju)

Mushrooms: Potential protein source from cellulosic residues

Abstract Lignocelluloses are the most abundant organic renewable raw materials, with about 10–15 tons per capita produced annually by plants, available for microbial or other conversions. Although mushroom culture is one of the oldest microbial foods of man and the first solid-state fermentation, the basic research of microbial technology has not been applied to any significant extent to mushroom cultivation. In fact, the only means for converting unmodified lignocellulosics biologically is through the production of various edible mushrooms, which are regarded as a great delicacy. The cultivation techniques of various edible mushrooms and their nutritive values are reviewed in this paper.

Solid state fermentation of Saccharum munja residues into food through Pleurotus cultivation

Abstract The technical feasibility of using Saccharum munja as a substrate for the cultivation of the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus sajor-caju , is evaluated. The biological efficiency of mushroom production is compared on different substances- S . munja, S. munja plus paddy straw, and paddy straw. Although the efficiency is low on S. munja , the ready availability of this weed large areas holds a favourable option for its use in mushroom cultivation. The crude proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and energy values are also lower though the differences are not great. The degradation of three major components-cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin has been observed, which proves P. sajor-caju to be a lignocellulolytic fungus. The nitrogen and mineral analysis of post-mushroom production S. munja (spent substrate) compares favorably with the dry cow-feed ration showing an enhanced protein content in the spent substrate.

Insecticidal value of castor (Ricinus cummunis) against termites

Abstract The insecticidal value of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) in controlling the termites which damage the wood of Mangifera indica and Pinus longifolia was examined. In comparative trials, the order of insecticidal activity was DDT=BHC > castor oil + castor cake (1:1) > castor oil > castor leaves > castor cake > neem oil > neem leaves. All treatments significantly reduced weight loss in wood pieces exposed to termites.

Biomethane production from fermented substrates

Abstract The great potential of Ricinus communis and Morus alba (untreated as well as spent residues after Pleurotus sajor caju cultivation) for methane production by anaerobic digestion was evaluated. The study provides evidence that the biological pretreatment of lignocellulosic substrates enhances biogas production besides producing a high percentage of methane. The N, P and K of the digested slurry were apparently enhanced as compared to raw substrates.

Saccharum munja Roxb., An underexploited weed

Utilisation of the biomass potential of hardy weeds is important, especially for the Third World countries. The present review analyses the possible use of Saccharum munja Roxb., a perennial tropical grass. The plant is capable of stabilising land, can be added to animal feed, or form the raw material for manufacture of a variety of handicrafts and furniture. Additional uses like paper making, chemical extraction and carbon production are also considered.

Optimal utilization of ericulture waste

Abstract The organic wastes obtained from the rural areas such as from the ericulture/sericulture industry could optimally be utilized for mushroom ( Pleurotus sajor-caju ) cultivation and anaerobic digestion. In the present study, ericulture waste was screened for P. sajor-caju cultivation and biogas production. The study indicates that integrating ericulture and mushroom cultivation with anaerobic digestion it is not only possible to obtain microbial protein, biogas and fertilizer, but also the pollution of environment is minimised.

Silkworm litter: Use as nitrogen replacement for vegetable crop cultivation and substrate for mushroom cultivation

Abstract In adopting any technology it is important to consider the waste utilisation aspect so that better returns are obtained and the pollution of the environment by waste is minimised. In sericulture industry the waste from rearing trays, i.e. the silkworm litter, is available in large quantities. The present study has shown that silkworm litter could be used as a nitrogen source in replacing chemical fertilisers for vegetable crop production and as a substrate for mushroom cultivation.

Estimation of the aerial biomass of weedy shrubs by regression methods: Studies on Adhatoda vasica

Abstract Estimation of above-ground biomass of Adhatoda vasica on a fresh-weight basis has been done, using observed weight (W0) as dependent variable and basal radius (p) of stem just above ground and height (H) of plant as independent variables, through linear regression techniques. Basal radius indicated an almost linear relationship with weight, while height appeared to be a redundant factor. The best estimates were obtained using the equation W0=bp2 × H+C, though reasonably accurate estimation can be done also through equation W0=bp+C, where C is the regression constant. Adhatoda exhibited fairly uniform distribution of moisture content along the height.