LAGOS, Nigeria — Researchers have successfully domesticated a wild, nutrient rich mushroom species using common sawdust breakthrough that could pave the way for a year-round mushroom farming industry across West Africa. The study, led by researcher Chiemeziem Agbonma Onyeka at the Federal University of Technology in Owerri, Nigeria, focused on Lentinus squarrosulus, a prized edible and medicinal mushroom that typically grows on decaying logs in tropical forests. Because of widespread habitat destruction this wild mushroom is increasingly at risk of becoming scarce in its natural habitat.
Mushroom farming remains an underutilized sector in Africa, where most communities still rely on foraging during specific seasons rather than cultivating crops. To find a reliable, low cost method for commercial growth, Onyeka and her team tested how well the wild fungus grew on various types of agricultural waste. They introduced the mushroom to sawdust from three regional trees, discovering that the African breadfruit tree produced the fastest growth and the highest number of fruiting bodies, followed closely by mango wood sawdust, while the African pear tree sawdust proved to be the least effective.
Onyeka noted that if properly domesticated species could provide an inexpensive and reliable source of protein for the region. However, she emphasized that the immediate focus must remain on refining and standardizing cultivation protocols to ensure the process can be accurately reproduced at a larger scale.
Despite the initial success of the study experts say the path to widespread commercial markets will take time. In Nigeria, mushrooms have historically received far less research investment and government support than staple crops like cassava or yams.
Furthermore, external experts point out that certain economic challenges still need to be addressed. Omoanghe Isikhuemhen, a mushroom expert at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University who was not involved in the study, cautioned that the research omitted the critical metric of biological efficiency, which measures the ratio of fresh mushroom yield to the weight of the dry substrate used. Without this specific data, Isikhuemhen warned that the true profitability and commercial viability for local farmers remain difficult to guarantee.
Onyeka acknowledged that transitioning to commercial farming will be a gradual process requiring deep engagement with local farmers, agricultural extension systems and private sector partners. For individuals looking to get into the field early, she advised securing proper technical training with a heavy emphasis on understanding the rigorous hygiene protocols required to prevent crop contamination.