Evaluation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) performance on organic nutrient source enriched substrates.

Abstract

The oyster mushroom, renowned for its nutritional and medicinal value, faces challenges in cultivation due to the widespread use of chemicals causing pollution and health risks. To counter this, the utilization of organic waste in mushroom cultivation has gained popularity. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of various organic waste materials on the performance of Pleurotus ostreatus. The effect of materials was investigated using nine treatments such T1- Banana leaves, T2- Banana leaves+vermiwash, T3- Banana leaves+Biogas slurry, T4- Paddy Straw, T5- Paddy straw+vermiwash, T6- Paddy straw+Biogas slurry, T7- Sawdust, T8- Sawdust+vermiwash, T9-Sawdust+Biogas slurry. Each treatment was replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. The data on spawn running time (days), fruiting bodies formation time (days), harvesting time (days), number of caps, cap diameter(cm), strip length(cm), strip girth (cm), yield, and biological efficiency were collected. The standout performer was the combination of banana leaves with vermiwash (T2). T2 showcased the shortest durations for spawn running (31 days), fruiting body formation (40 days), and harvesting (7 days), resulting in a substantial yield of 109.3 grams. It also recorded with the highest average number of caps (24) within the growth area. Moreover, T2 exhibited superior physical attributes with larger cap diameters (14 cm), strip length (8.7cm), and stipe girths (7.1cm), yielding 116.92 grams and an impressive biological efficiency of 15.27%. In conclusion, the use of banana leaves with vermiwash significantly improved the performance of oyster mushrooms, especially growth and yield. This method not only supports waste management but also presents a cost-effective cultivation strategy. By harnessing organic waste, this approach mitigates environmental concerns associated with chemical-based practices, fostering sustainable mushroom cultivation with heightened productivity.