Young-Ju Song

The physicochemical properties of kenaf(Hibiscus cannabinus L.) as mushroom culture media source

To investigate the usefulness of Kenaf(Hibiscus cannabinus L.) as mushroom culture media source, we analyzephysical condition and contents of nutritional components. The water absorption rate of Kenaf bast was 578% and it was 95%higher than that of poplar sawdust’s. This was caused by Kenaf’s porous cellular structure. so it could give more moisture andoxygen to cultured mushroom. Total carbon contents of Kenaf was 91.4%, it was quite higher than that of poplar sawdust, wheatbran and rice bran. Total nitrogen content was 1.76% and C/N ratio was 51.9. The content of NFE(Nitrogen free extract) was46.6% and it was similar with rice bran. Cellulose content was higher than poplar but lignin content was lower. speciallyhemicellulose and pectin complex which more digestible carbon source to mushroom was 3.7% higher than poplar. Mineralcomponent and amino acid contents were also maintained high compared with poplar. Fe was 4.2 times, P 3.2 times, K 2.2times more and Ca was higher 16 mg/kg than poplar. The content of amino acid was quite more higher than poplar sawdust butlower than chaff. Consequently Kenaf had a good trait for basic support material in mushroom culture media and also had agood character as nutritional source.