Influence of inoculation method and spawn level on biological efficiency of <i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i>

Abstract

Pleurotus ostreatus, an edible mushroom cultivated worldwide and appreciated due to its exotic taste and nutritional value. Spawning rate and method of spawn application are crucial factors influencing mushroom growth and yield. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of spawn quantity and spawning techniques on the growth and yield of P. ostreatus. It investigated the use of different spawning methods (on-spot, top and bottom, mixin and layering) and spawn levels (3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13%) on the mushroom. The results obtained showed that as the spawn level increased, growth and yield parameters also increased. The highest number of fruits (11.33), fruit weight (65.69g), widest pileus (657cm.) and longest stipe (5.53cm) were observed at 13% spawn level and least in others. The densest mycelia were obtained as from 9% spawn levels; the mean fruit weight was highest (7.56g) at 9%. Significantly shortest days to substrate colonization and primodia initiation were observed at 13% spawn level and the longest at 3%. The results for spawning methods indicated highest biological efficiency (62.57%) when spawn was applied at both ends of the bag while the least was on the on-spot application. Days to substrate colonization and initiation of the mushroom primodia were shorter significantly at p< 0.05. This findings implied that when sufficient amount of spawn is added to a fruiting substrate and applied bi-directionally, the mycelium grows faster and has more energy available for fruiting body formation, hence the increased yield and better biological efficiency.

Keywords: Spawning method, spawn level, Pleurotus ostreatus, biological efficiency