Philippine E-Journals

Cultivation and Disinfestation of Volvariella Volvacea Using Fogponics System

Jayvee Q Alcantara | John Kenneth L De Borja | Raymon R Marcelino | Chanel Joyce F Ybañez

Discipline: others in engineering

 

Abstract:

As the world becomes more civilized, its farming land is decreasing. Due to climate change, development of land masses, and soil degradation the farming land around the world is starting to disappear. The current estimated global population is at 7.6 billion and there is enough food to supply the needs around the world. But this will not be the case, by the year 2050, the projected world population will be around 9.1 billion people and by that time, the overall food production needs to grow by 70% to feed this number of people. This research study entitled Cultivation and Disinfestation of Volvariella Volvacea Using Fogponics System aims to aid this phenomenon by cultivating mushroom in a soilless environment. The researchers proposed a prototype of fogponics system, this works similarly to aeroponics where foggers are used instead of the water misting, which most of the plants, such as mushrooms, needed to grow. This technology will create constant humid and nutrient-rich fog for the crop to absorb. This study is especially designed and modified for mushroom industries, to monitor and control the quality of crops and prevents the risk of pests and diseases to the plant. This study was conducted to present the prospect of the mushroom cultivation and how it can benefit the marginal farmers. The proponents decided to cultivate mushroom as an alternative to our stable food. Mushroom is known as an Eastern traditional medicine for thousands of years, providing benefits not only in supporting immune system but it is also good for the skin because of the vitamin B and antioxidants, mood-boosting, antiviral, blood sugar stabilizer, cancer prevention, and low-calorie solution.