Potential of organic residues in producing oyster mushroom, <i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i> Fr. (Polyporaceae).

Abstract

Low mushroom yields are observed when non-supplemented substrates are used for production. The experiments were carried out to evaluate potential benefits of organic supplements in cotton residues, maize stover and wheat straw substrates used for cultivation of oyster mushroom. Mixed formulations at various doses of 0, 4, 8 and 14 % sunflower seed cake supplement levels were autoclaved before inoculation with P. ostreatus spawn. Duration of developmental stages, mycelium vigour and yield of oyster mushroom on substrates formulations were evaluated. The mycelium vigour significantly increased (P<0.01) as supplement levels increase in both wheat straw and maize stover substrates. First flushes contributed more to total yield than subsequent flushes. There was significant increase in biological efficiency (P<0.001) with increase in supplement levels across all substrates. However, in contrast to supplemented cotton residues and wheat straw substrates, further increase of supplements (14 % level) in maize stover decreased the yields. Non supplemented substrates produced significantly low yields in both experiments. Cotton residues gave significantly higher yields (134.8 biological efficiency) at 14 % supplement level.

International Journal of Biological & Chemical Sciences Vol. 1 (2) 2007: pp. 108-120