LIKHA-PROJECT PROPOSAL

PROJECT PROFILE
Project Title: Mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) Production Using Waste paper and Banana
Leaves
Name of Project Proponent: Princess Mhey A. Reli
Region: 2 Division: Isabela
School: Imelda R. Marcos High School-Main Grade Level: Grade 12
Project Duration: 1 month
Email: reliprincessmhey@gmail.com Contact number:

CATEGORY OF RESEARCH THEME

______ Physical Science ______Food Safety
__ √ __ Life Science ______Water Conservation
______ Robotics and Intelligent Machines ______Renewable Energy
______ Mathematics and Computational ______Cyber Security
Sciences ______Traffic/ Road Congestion
______Health
__ √ __ Individual ______Disaster Mitigation
______Team __ √ __ Agriculture and Environment
______Others

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) production using waste paper and banana leaves is

conceptualized to manage solid waste materials present in the forest region of Echague in June

2022. The researcher will determine the amount of waste paper that is most efficient in

enhancing the production of Volvariella volvacea, compare the production of mushrooms, and

find out which substrate will give the highest return on investment. The variable to be measured

and analyzed are, the number of developed mushrooms per bed, the average length of

mushrooms (cm), the average diameter of the cap of mushrooms (cm), and the average mass of

mushrooms (kg/bed). Treatments will be the following, T1- 75% Banana leaves and 25% waste

paper, T2- 50% Banana leaves and 50% waste paper, T3- 25% Banana leaves and 75% waste

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paper, and T4- 100% Banana leaves (Control). Experimental design will be used in the study

with an area of 119 sq. m including space between blocks and beds with three replications. One-

kilogram spawn worth 80 pesos will be planted in every bed. Furthermore, Randomized

Complete Block Design will be adopted and data will be analyzed using the One-way Anova.

Whereas, use the ROI formula in computing the return on investment.

INTRODUCTION

RATIONALE/SIGNIFICANCE

Nourishment sustenance, malnutrition, food scarcity, and unemployed individual due to

expanding population are some of the worldwide problems. Here, in the Philippines, due to

pandemics brought by covid-19, there are many people died because of the weak immune

systems. (Begley 2020). Alluding to it, mushroom production can help individuals to maximize

the metric huge amounts of natural waste and buildups which can be reused as a substrate for

mushrooms. According to Ware, M. 2019, the mushroom is a good source of proteins, vitamins,

minerals, and antioxidants that help improve the immune system. It can be consumed in various

forms like fresh, pickled, dried, powdered, and canned. Thakur, M.P. 2020 reports that

advancement in mushroom cultivation may become a key to food nutrition, health, employment,

and income security for the ever-growing population. Moreover, the government should establish

more extension programs to increase the production of mushrooms. (Ferdousi 2019)

Dubey et al 2019, concluded that both yield and the economic return were more in rice

straw, farmers involved in commercial cultivation of Pleurotus sajor caju are suggested to use

rice straw as substrate. Here in the forest region, banana and corn are the main products

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produced, that is why rice straw is not readily available unlike waste papers and banana leaves.

To manage these wastes, they can be used as a substrate for Volvariella volvacea for local

farmers to produce mushrooms.

Volvariella volvacea is locally known as kabuteng saging and is one of the species of

mushrooms that are edible (Bureau of Plant Industry). According to mushroom growers,

mushroom farming is a good investment due to its nutritional and medicinal benefits, requires

less work, gives abundant chances to the jobless, has low-cost input with high output, and eco-

friendly approach in terms of solid waste management.

SCIENTIFIC BASIS/ THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK/ MATHEMATICAL THEORY

INVOLVED

This study will be based on the research of to be economically, nutritionally

pharmaceutically, and environmentally very important and useful species. Tesfay et al 2020, on

the evaluation of waste paper for the cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) with

some added supplementary materials in which they found out that the utilization of waste paper

appears to be a promising alternative for the cultivation of oyster mushrooms when

supplemented with a corn stalk and wheat bran. On the other hand, Afify et al found that mixed

substrates with rice straw increased in biological efficiency of P. florida over control substrates.

Moreover, Mapayi et al 2021, reported that the cultivation of P. florida on agrowastes can be an

economical and harmless method of waste disposal. Despite the differences in the yield and

biochemical composition of the mushrooms; the overall nutritional potentials of the mushrooms

were good on all the lignocellulosic wastes.

OBJECTIVES

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 The study aims to find out the productivity of mushrooms (Volvariella volvacea) using

waste paper and banana leaves. Specifically, it seeks to find out the following:

1. Determine the amount of waste paper that is most efficient in enhancing the production of

Volvariella volvacea in terms of the following parameters:

a. number of developed mushrooms per bed

b. average length of mushroom (cm)

c. average diameter of the cap of mushrooms (cm)

d. average mass of mushrooms (kg/bed)

2. Compare the production of mushrooms in terms of:

a. number of developed mushrooms per bed

b. average length of mushroom (cm)

c. average diameter of the cap of mushrooms (cm)

d. average mass of mushrooms (kg/bed)

3. Find out which substrate will give the highest return on investment.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Volvariella volvacea

Volvariella volvacea (also known as straw mushroom or paddy straw mushroom.

(Bionity.com). Paddy straw mushroom is a native species to East Asia, and it is very popular in

Asian cuisine. It is truly a tropical mushroom, and perfect for the intense summer heat. You can

grow it seasonally if you have a few weeks or months when nothing else will grow! These

mushrooms fruit only above 80F and prefers 90+F, this protein-rich species can be grown on

many other slightly composted, dried vegetable wastes. Paddy Straw has wispy mycelium that is

very weak compared to other species. However, this mushroom is very fast to fruit. It can take as

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little as 1 week after planting. This mushroom fruits quickly, typically in 5-7 days from

spawning! The mushrooms form in eggs so they should be grown on a plastic barrier or in

containers to avoid confusion with poisonous or deadly amanitas that associate with tree roots.

(Mushroom Mountain)

Straw mushrooms are considered an excellent natural food with the potential to maintain

good health and improve the human immune system and are recognized as rich sources of

several bioactive components exhibiting antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, antitumor,

cytotoxic, anti-HIV, and hypocholesterolemic activities. The -glucans have maximum

bioactivity in these mushroom polysaccharides. At par nutritional attributes and production of

enzymes, it is a better choice for the cultivation of straw mushrooms (Volvariella species) at an

Industrial-scale for food security in developing countries and to control the air pollution

associated with burning agricultural wastes into the environment. Several Volvariella spp.

identified so far have been found to effectively remove heavy metal contamination. The

‘mycoremediation’ process is a novel technology that is advanced, eco-friendly, and economic as

well. Thus, it seems to be economically, nutritionally pharmaceutically, and environmentally

very important and useful species. (Ghosh 2020)

According to Khan et al 2018, with little effort and proper management, we can produce

more food by recycling the waste materials to feed the people and also get rid of these wastes

without polluting the environment. Mushroom cultivation is a fantastic approach to utilize crop

residues and to make it a more attractive and profitable business.

Banana leaves as substrate in mushrooms

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 Banana farming is one of the livelihoods of the people of the forest region in Echague.

There are plenty of dried banana leaves that can be used as fertilizer but it can be used also as a

substrate for mushrooms. From the results obtained through the research by Neupane et al 2018,

banana leaves are more efficient for the production of Pleurotus florida mushroom in the summer

season as compared to rice straw, wheat straw, a mixture of rice and wheat straw, and sawdust as

the total yield and B: C ratio both are higher in case of banana leaves than others. So, banana

leaves could be one of the best substrates for the production of Pleurotus florida mushroom in

summer which will reduce the short supply of mushrooms during summer conditions and may

also provide a reasonable price to the farmers.

In addition, the study by Onyeka and Okehie 2018 demonstrated that some agricultural

waste namely sawdust, cassava peel, banana leaves, and rice bran can be used effectively for the

cultivation of oyster mushrooms and that the nutritional value of the domestically grown oyster

mushrwaswere greatly affected by the substrate media. These findings imply that substrates

could be tailored to achieve desired mushroom yield and nutrient profile. Despite the differences

in the chemical composition of the mushrooms, the overall result indicated that fruit bodies of

domestically cultivated mushrooms had nutrient qualities similar to other exotic mushrooms. It is

worthy of note also that the domestically cultivated mushrooms had higher protein content than

some cereals and vegetables. This study has proven that commercial cultivation of mushrooms is

feasible given the abundance of agricultural waste in Nigeria. Mushroom cultivation will create

job opportunities in Nigeria and equally create avenues for utilizing agricultural waste materials.

The government and other food supply stakeholders can redirect the majority of our agricultural

waste into mushroom growth substrate. This will not only provide economical gain and

protection to the environment but will also be a source of providing nutritious food.

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 Banana leaves wastes may be fungal treated using Pleurotus ostreatus to produce edible

mushrooms and biogas. About 181±19 g of edible mushrooms per wet 2 kg of BL wastes and

biogas yield of 282 mL g−1 VS−1 from fungal treated BL were obtained in this study. It was also

observed that as mushrooms grow the digestibility of the banana leaves is enhanced but

mushroom growth caused the reduction of the important trace elements in the treated banana

leaves (Fe, Mn, Mo, Co, and Ni) necessary for the improvement of the anaerobic digestion

process. Thus to improve biogas production from fungal treated banana leaves using P.ostreatus,

it is very important to supplement trace elements in the anaerobic digestion process. Generally,

this study shows that one of the sustainable means to manage unutilized banana leaf wastes is

through the production of edible mushrooms for food and biogas production for energy. (Richard

2020)

Waste paper as substrate in mushrooms

Used papers are common wastes in school. To manage these wastes, the researcher will

utilize them as a substrate for the species of mushrooms. The study by Tesfay et al, 2020

revealed that waste paper supplemented with a corn stalk and wheat bran results in high

biological efficiency and total yield. Thus, appears to be a promising alternative for the

cultivation of oyster mushrooms. In addition, in the study by Pokhrel, 2016, corn cob showed the

highest yield with a range from 99.08 to 109.50 % biological efficiency, whereas 69.81 to 88.36

% and 52.26 to 65.22 % biological efficiency was observed in paper waste and vegetable residue

respectively. Rice bran was the best supplement for the promotion of growth and development of

Oyster mushrooms.

METHODOLOGY

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A. Variables to be measured and analyzed

The following variables will be observed upon harvesting.

1. Number of developed mushrooms per bed. This will be taken by counting the number

of mushrooms in every treatment.

2. Length of mushrooms. Ten sample mushrooms will be collected randomly from the

sample beds and then will be measured with the use of a ruler. The average length will be

computed in cm.

3. Diameter of the cap of mushrooms. Ten sample mushrooms will be collected randomly

from the sample beds then data on these will be determined by measuring the diameter of the

middle and end parts of the mushrooms. The average diameter will be computed in cm.

4. Mass of mushrooms. The mushrooms were weighed every harvest then the average of

mushroom samples per plot will be computed in kg.

B. Treatment to be used and layout

Factor 1 – Waste paper

Factor 2 – Banana Leaves

T1- 75% Banana leaves and 25% waste paper

T2- 50% Banana leaves and 50% waste paper

T3- 25% Banana leaves and 75% waste paper

T4- 100% Banana leaves (Control)

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 EXPERIMENTAL LAYOUT

Replication 1

T1 T2 T3
CONTROL

T3 T1 T2
CONTROL

T2 T3 T1
CONTROL

Replication II

T3 T1 T2
CONTROL

T1 T2 T3
CONTROL

T2 T3 T1
CONTROL

Replication III

9 17 m

Figure 1. Experimental layout showing the 9 treatment parameters (3 different amount

of substrate and 1 control set-up) with 3 replications. 1m
 T2 T3 T1
CONTROL

T3 T1 T2
CONTROL

1m
1m
T1 T2 T3
CONTROL
7m
C. Experimental procedures and Design
1m
1. Prepare the bamboo as a bed.

2. Tie the clean banana leaves in bundles with a diameter of 15 cm and a length of 50 cm. Trim

both ends properly to obtain a clean side when the bed is made. On the other hand, tear into

pieces the waste paper.

3. Separate the banana leaves and waste paper. Both, soak in the water overnight.

4. Measure the banana leaves and waste paper according to the different treatments. The total

mass of substrate to be used in every plot is 20 kilograms.

5. Prepare the bed for every treatment and seed the layer by placing pieces of spawn about the

size of the thumb along a line 4 inches apart along the row and its opposite sides.

6. Spray rice wash on every corner.

7. Cover everything loosely with another plastic sheet to protect it from the drying effect of the

wind and to keep it humid.

8. Approximately 9-12 days from seeding, the mushroom pinheads start to form. Three to four

days from pinhead formation, mature button mushrooms are now ready to harvest. Harvesting

will take place for 4-5 consecutive days.

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 Experimental design will be used in the study. The experimental field with an area of 119

sq. m including space between blocks and beds will be used in the study. The area will be

divided into three blocks to represent three replications. Each block will be further divided into

four equal beds to represent the four treatments including control. Each bed has a length of 1 m,

a width of 1 m, and a space of 1 m between beds. One-kilogram spawn will be planted in every

bed. The Randomized Complete Block Design will be adopted in the study.

D. Statistical Analysis
The data that will be gathered, collated, tabulated, and analyzed will be computed

using the One-way Anova at the 5 % level of significance. Whereas, use the ROI formula in

computing the return on investment.

E. Conceptual Framework

Independent variable Dependent Variable

a. number of developed
T1- 75% Banana leaves and
25% waste paper mushrooms per plot
T2- 50% Banana leaves and b. average length of mushroom
50% waste paper (cm)
T3- 25% Banana leaves and c. average diameter of the cap of
75% waste paper mushrooms (cm)
T4- 100% Banana leaves d. average mass of mushrooms
(Control)
(kg/bed)
Figure 2. Conceptual Model showing the independent and dependent variable.

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 EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS

The researcher will expect that the study will be successful and the results will be shared

with the community of the Forest Region of Echague. This research will be an eye-opener to the

community to maximize the banana leaves present in the area. And not only banana leaves but

also waste paper can be used as a substrate in producing mushrooms that are excellent natural

food with the potential to maintain good health and improve the immune system of every

Filipino. Moreover, mushroom farming also is a good investment due to its low-cost input with

high output.

WORK PLAN AND TARGET DELIVERABLES

A. Work Plan
Target Actions Steps for each Responsibl Time Expected
Milestone Milestone e Person Date Outputs
s
STIMULATION PHASE
Milestone Action Step
1 1. Prepare a research Researcher May 19- Copy of research
proposal. 24, 2022 proposal

Researcher May 25, Copy of research

and adviser 2022 proposal
2. Submit a project
proposal to the adviser.
Researcher May 26, Copy of research
and adviser 2022 proposal
3. Integrate the
suggestions of the
adviser for the Researcher May 27, PPT presentation
improvement of the 2022
research.

4. Prepare slide
presentation.

ACCELERATION PHASE

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Milestone Action Step
1 1. Present the research. Researcher June 1-3, Presented
and panelist 2022 research
proposal

Milestone Action Step

2 1. Preparation of bedding Researcher June 8-9, Minutes, and
and planting mushrooms. 2022 Documentation
-Pure waste paper
-Pure banana leaves
-Waste paper and
banana leaves
Researcher June 30- Results and
2. Determine the amount July 8, Discussion and
of waste paper that is most 2022 Documentation
efficient in enhancing the
production of Volvariella
volvacea
Results and
3. Compare the production Researcher June 30- Discussion and
of mushrooms July 8, Documentation
2022
Researcher Results and
4. Determine which Discussion and
substrate will give the June 30- Documentation
highest return on July 8,
investment. 2022

INCUBATION PHASE

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Milestone Action Step
1 1. Prepare the results and Researcher July 8-11, Copy of chapters
discussion, summary, 2022 4 and 5 of the
conclusion, and research
recommendations of the
research conducted.

2. Present the final output Researcher, July 12, A complete copy

of the research to the and 2022 of the research
teachers or panelists. panelists

3. Integrate the comments, Researcher July 13- The final copy of

suggestions, and 14, 2022 the research
recommendations by the
panelist.
Researcher July 15, The final copy of
4. Submit the final copy of
2022 the research
the research to the school.

B. Project Deliverables

Deliverables Description
Project TEAM-SPT The panelists (SHS teachers) collaborate
in assessing the research, portfolio, and
integrative performance tasks of
students.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Afify, Aida; El-Sawah, A. M.; Ali, M.S. and El-Rahman, N. K. Abd. “Effect of Different Agro-
Industrial Wastes on the Growth and Yield of Edible Mushrooms (Pleurotus Florida). J. of
Agricultural Chemistry and Biotechnology, Mansoura Univ., 2022. Vol. 13 (2):25 - 28,
https://journals.ekb.eg/article_226628_e097481f2aa1355de37479dec1aa2901.pdf

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Begley, Sharon. “What explains Covid-19’s lethality for the elderly? Scientists look to ‘twilight’
of the immune system”. 2020. https://www.statnews.com/2020/03/30/what-explains-
coronavirus-lethality-for-elderly/

Bionity.com. “Volvariella volvacea” Accessed May 24, 2022.

https://www.bionity.com/en/encyclopedia/Volvariella_volvacea.html

Bureau of Plant Industry. “Straw Mushroom Production Guide”. Department of Agriculture

Dubey D, Dhakal B, Dhami K, Sapkota P, Rana M, Poudel NS, Aryal L.. Comparative study on
the effect of different substrates on yield performance of oyster mushroom, GJBAHS 7:
7. 2019.https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mausami-
Rana/publication/335970983_Comparative_study_on_effect_of_different_substrates_on_
yield_performance_of_oyster_mushroom/links/5d875412458515cbd1b1b6d8/Comparati
ve-study-on-effect-of-different-substrates-on-yield-performance-of-oyster-mushroom.pdf

Ferdousi, Jannatul, et al.“Mushroom Production Benefits, Status, Challenges, and Opportunities

in Bangladesh: A Review. 34(6): 1-13, 2019; Article no.ARRB.55161 ISSN: 2347-565X,
NLM ID: 101632869. 2019. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Md-Hossain-
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pportunities_in_Bangladesh_A_Review/links/5e6cfc4e458515e5557c6f04/Mushroom-
Production-Benefits-Status-Challenges-and-Opportunities-in-Bangladesh-A-Review.pdf

Ghosh, Kaushik. “A Review on Edible Straw Mushrooms: A Source of High Nutritional

Supplement, Biologically Active Diverse Structural Polysaccharides”. Journal of
Scientific Research Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Volume 64, Issue 2. 2020.
https://www.bhu.ac.in/research_pub/jsr/Volumes/JSR_64_02_2020/41.pdf

Khan, Nasir, et al. “Economic and potential impact of various substrates with agrowastes on
physiology and yield of Pleurotus ostreatus-P2 production”. International Journal of
Biosciences | IJB | ISSN: 2220-6655 (Print) 2222-5234 (Online) http://www.innspub.net
Vol. 13, No. 1, p. 463-470, 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.12692/ijb/13.1.463-470

Mapayi, Tolulope et al. “Medicinal plant assisted cultivation of Pleurotus florida using different
lignocellulosic waste substrates. Society for Plant Research. 2021. https://sci-
hub.mksa.top/10.1007/s42535-021-00225-x#

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Mushroom Mountain. “How to Grow Paddy Straw Mushrooms – Volvariella volvacea”. 2020.
https://mushroommountain.com/how-to-grow-paddy-straw-mushrooms-volvariella-
volvacea/

Neupane, Subhas. “PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES ON THE

PRODUCTION OF OYSTER MUSHROOM (Pleurotus florida) AT GOKULESHWOR,
DARCHULA”. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 8,
Issue 6, June 2018 231 ISSN 2250-3153 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Subhas-
Neupane/publication/326062916_Performance_of_Different_Substrates_on_the_Producti
on_of_Oyster_Mushroom_Pleurotus_Florida_at_Gokuleshwor_Darchula/links/5b618017
458515c4b25726e2/Performance-of-Different-Substrates-on-the-Production-of-Oyster-
Mushroom-Pleurotus-Florida-at-Gokuleshwor-Darchula.pdf.

Richard, Edwin. “Two-stage banana leaves wastes utilization towards mushroom growth
and biogas production”. Biotech. 2020. https://sci-hub.mksa.top/10.1007/s13205-020-
02525-6

Onyeka, E. U.* and Okehie, M. A. “Effect of substrate media on growth, yield and nutritional
composition of domestically grown oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)”. African
Journal of Plant Science. Vol. 12(7), pp. 141-147, July 2018. DOI:
10.5897/AJPS2016.1445.https://sci-hub.mksa.top/10.5897/AJPS2016.1445

Tesfay, Teklemichael; Godifey, Tesfay; Mesfin, Roman; Kalayu, Girmay. “Evaluation of waste
paper for the cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) with some added
supplementary materials”. 2020 DOI:10.1186/s13568-020-0945-8. https://amb-
express.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13568-020-0945-8

Thakur, M.P. “Advances in mushroom production: the key to food, nutritional and employment
security: A review”. Indian Phytopathology. 2020. https://sci-
hub.mksa.top/10.1007/s42360-020-00244-9

Tolentino, Emma. “PADDY STRAW MUSHROOM (VOLVARIELLA VOLVACEA)

PRODUCTION SEMINAR. Accessed on May 24, 2022. https://ati.da.gov.ph/ati
3/sites/default/files/Mushroom%20Presentation%20volva-compressed.pdf

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