Selenium Uptake by Hericium erinaceus Basidiocarps on Various Substrates and Their Effect on Growth and Yield

Miroslav Jozífek, Lukáš Praus, Jaroslav Matějka, Ivan Jablonský and Martin Koudela ()
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Miroslav Jozífek: Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Suchdol, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
Lukáš Praus: Department of Agro-Environmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Suchdol, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
Jaroslav Matějka: Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Suchdol, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
Ivan Jablonský: Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Suchdol, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
Martin Koudela: Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Suchdol, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-21

Abstract: This study investigates selenium (Se) biofortification in four strains of the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus using Se-enriched substrates to assess Se uptake, distribution, and its impact on yield. Experimental substrates included lignocellulosic materials fortified with Se (0, 2, 6, and 18 µg/g) in the form of sodium selenite. Se accumulation varied by strain, with M9521 showing the highest bioaccumulation efficiency, particularly for an unknown Se compound, suggesting unique metabolic pathways. Other strains predominantly accumulated selenomethionine. The bioconcentration factor was highest at 6 µg/g Se, indicating optimal efficiency at this level. Moderate Se supplementation (2–6 µg/g) improved yield, though time to harvest was affected by Se levels in some strains. Substrate composition influenced Se uptake, with wheat bran yielding the highest Se content and soybean hulls maximizing biological efficiency. A strong correlation between C/N and Se content was observed. Se distribution was higher in outer basidiocarp layers, and light intensity during cultivation enhanced Se accumulation. Se uptake decreased with subsequent flushes at medium and high supplementation levels, while substrates maintained the same bioavailable Se. The results highlight the potential of Se-enriched Hericium erinaceus as a functional food source and the role of substrate and cultivation conditions in optimizing Se content.

Keywords: biofortification; medicinal crop; Se-enriched crops; crops yield and quality; agricultural waste; lion’s mane mushroom (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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