A New Innovative Approach to the Efficient Use of Plant Waste

From the paper

Abstract

Abstract This study focuses on the plant-derived wastes formula generated within agricultural sector and its transformation into high-value products through bioconversion. To date, cotton stalks, corn husks, barley and wheat straw, sugar beet waste and sunflower husk waste Exhibit a high abundance of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose with cellulose crystallinity coefficients ranging from 37% to 57%. The direct bioprocessing of these lignocellulosic wastes mediated by the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus MBI-2022 has yielded both edible fruiting bodies and nutrient-enriched feed biomass following a 10-day fungal cultivation, exhibiting enhanced nutritional and fodder quality parameters. Furthermore, the feasibility of implementing bioconversion within the "low-waste or waste-free technology at a specific stage" framework has been demonstrated. Experimental investigations also validated the potential application of Trichoderma citrinoviride AEF-2024 and Trichoderma harzianum AEF-2024 in this process. Additionally, field trials indicated that the resulting biopreparation application to vegetable crops has led to a reduction in disease prevalence by up to 20%, an increase in crop yield up to 12%, and up to 17% increase in morphometric parameters