Evaluation of Green Pea Pod Residue as a Carrier Substrate for the Development of Cellulolytic Fungal Starter Cultures for Composting

Asba Ansari, Moses Kolet

Abstract: Agro-industrial wastes are valuable renewable resources for microbial bioprocesses. Novel organic residues have always been on the forefront of research as substrates for starter cultures for various purposes on account of their abundant availability, cost-effectivity and environmental sustainability. The present study investigates green pea (Pisum sativum L.) pod residue as potential carrier substrate for development of cellulolytic fungal starter cultures of efficient isolates belonging to four cellulolytic genera viz., Aspergillus, Penicillium, Chaetomium and Trichoderma for rapid composting. The substrate was pre-treated, characterized for its physico-chemical properties, and evaluated for fungal growth and colonization. The pre-treated green pea pod powder exhibited properties indicating its adequacy and nutritional suitability as a carrier material. The growth of the fungal isolates on the substrate and viability of the inoculum thereafter for a shelf-life period of 120 days was monitored, results of which are discussed.

Keywords: Green pea pod residue, cellulolytic fungi, carrier material, agro-waste, starter culture

How to Cite?: Asba Ansari, Moses Kolet, "Evaluation of Green Pea Pod Residue as a Carrier Substrate for the Development of Cellulolytic Fungal Starter Cultures for Composting", Volume 14 Issue 11, November 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 359-362, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251105111825, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251105111825