Carbon And Nitrogen Requirements For The Cultivation Of Oyster Mushroom <i>Pleurotus sajor-caju</i>

Abstract

Carbon and Nitrogen requirements for the cultivation of (Pleurotus sajor-caju) oyster mushroom were studied. It was found that under these experimental conditions, the carbon compounds supported growth except ribose, starch and dextrin. Cellulose was the most utilized carbon followed by glucose and mannose. Yeast extract, casein and glycine sustained the greatest growth among the nitrogen compounds tested. Tryptophan was the least utilized. Fat and oil were readily metabolized. Cottonseed oil supported the growth most followed by olive oil and shea fat. The least utilized oils were palm kernel oil and palm oil. The best C:N ratio was 5:2, but the least utilized ratios were 1:3 and 1:4. This shows that mycelial growth of Pleurotus sajor-caju can be improved by the application of utilizable carbon and nitrogen sources so identified for good spawn production.

Key words: Carbon, Nitrogen, Oyster mushroom, spawn cultivation.

Nigerian Food Journal Vol.22 2004: 127-132