Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper


Vol.31, August Suppl Issue, 2025

Page Number: S53-S56

TURNING AN INVASIVE MENACE INTO A RESOURCE: MUSHROOM CULTIVATION ON WATER HYACINTH

Aswin L., Nevin Santhosh, C.A. Athira, Rajasree S. and Nitha B.

Abstract

Aquatic habitats and anthropogenic activities are seriously threatened by the highly invasive water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). In order to manage this invasive species sustainably, the study investigates the possibility of using water hyacinth as a substrate for mushroom cultivation. The results demonstrated that the water hyacinth substrate promoted the growth of mushrooms with the highest possible yields. There are a number of advantages to using water hyacinth as a mushroom cultivation substrate, such as less of an adverse effect on the environment, economic prospects for nearby people and a useful substitute for conventional mushroom cultivation substrates. This creative strategy can support sustainable agriculture and ecosystem preservation while aiding in the efficient control of water hyacinth invasions.