Six ligno-cellulolytic fungi were tested regarding to examine their capability to grow on agricultural wastes and produce inocula for composting. Two residues were used: pepper plant wastes and almond shell residues. Results showed the latter as the most adequate substrate for growth of fungi tested. On the contrary, Trichoderma koningii, as well as HLC1 and HLC3, both fungi isolated from almond shell wastes, were able to persist in pepper plant wastes. Modifications of aeration and pH significantly influenced growth of Coriolus versicolor, HLC1 and Phanerochaete. flavido alba and P. flavido alba and Phlebia radiata, respectively, while P. flavido alba was the only microorganism whose growth was not significantly altered by temperature. In competitive assays, where fungi were growth together with other species, growth of both microorganisms isolated from almond shell residues, HLC1 and HLC3, were stimulated while T koningii showed the better results in sterile conditions. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.