Effect of organic substrates on the propagation of <i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i> (Oyster Mushroom) in Obubra, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The production of indigenous mushroom in a commercial scale is constrained by lack of information on its growth requirement, threatened natural habitat resulting from deforestation and rising temperature. Rice offal, decaying mango wood, sawdust and decaying palm bunch were used as substrates. Dry substrates were heated, soaked and pasteurized by boiling in water, and inoculated into bags containing pasteurized substrates. Highest (0.721 days) mycelium running rate was found in mango wood (P<0.05) but the lowest (0.507 days) in control (P<0.05). Completion of mycelium running time was lowest in rice offal (T1). Number of total primordia and effective primordia, was highest (51.34cm) in sawdust (T2) but the maximum (7.70 cm) pileus diameter was measured from sawdust (T2). Highest (205.22 %) biological efficiency was obtained from rice straw (T1) which was much higher than the control (T4). Utilizing local waste for mushroom cultivation reduces cost and encourages indigenous participation. Sawdust and mango wood should be used by rural farmers for Oyster mushroom propagation.

Keywords: Rice straw, rice offal, oyster mushroom, substrate, mycelium