A study on the growth characteristics of pleurotus sajor-caju with varying substrate sterilization methods and days of spawn maturity

Kathiravan S,Krishnakumari S

doi:10.26524/krj.2020.2

Abstract

The research work carried out investigated the influence of various substrate sterilization methods and days of spawn maturity on the growth characteristics of Pleurotus sajor-caju, grey oyster mushroom. The paddy straw substrate was sterilized by various sterilization methods such as chemical sterilization, boilingwater sterilization and steam sterilization. The spawn of the mushroom produced were used at three different days of maturity viz. 25 days, 35 days and 45 days. The substrate and spawn inoculated beds were maintained at defined environmental conditions in the mushroom cultivation chamber and the growthperformance were monitored and the characteristics were recorded. The study revealed that the steam sterilized substrate and the 35 days old spawn gave the maximum yield compared to the beds inoculated with substrates sterilized with other two methods of sterilization and spawn of 25 days and 45 days old. Theresults gave a reliable information regarding the preference of the substrate sterilization method and the days of spawn maturity for the cultivation of the Pleurotus sajor-caju, grey oyster mushroom.

Highlights

Mushrooms are defined as macrofungi with distinctive and visible fruiting bodies that may grow above or below ground [1]
The research work carried out investigated the influence of various substrate sterilization methods and days of spawn maturity on the growth characteristics of Pleurotus sajor-caju, grey oyster mushroom
The spawn used for cultivation were of 25 days, 35 days and 45 days old spawn

Summary

Introduction

Mushrooms are defined as macrofungi with distinctive and visible fruiting bodies that may grow above or below ground [1]. Mushroom is being widely used as food and food supplements from ancient times. They are increasingly being recognized as one of the important food items for their significant roles in human health, nutrition and diseases [6]. Mushrooms are recognized as the alternative source of good quality protein and are capable of producing the highest quantity of protein per unit area and time from the worthless agro-wastes [7]. Mushrooms can substantiate the sufferings from malnutrition to some extent, because they produce large quantities in a short time and provide more protein per unit area than other crops [8]

Methods

Results

Conclusion