Abstract
ABSTRACTThe viability of cornstalks as a substrate for Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) Kummer cultivation was studied. The effect of sorghum spent grain (pito mash), a nitrogen supplement, on growth performance and yield was also investigated. Three substrate formulae were used, viz., CSS-0 (100% cornstalks + 0% spent grains), CSS-5 (95% cornstalks + 5% spent grains), and CSS-10 (90% cornstalks + 10% spent grains). Most bags achieved complete ramification within 3 weeks after inoculation with spawns. In the second and third weeks, the mycelia growth rate of CSS-5 was significantly higher (Ρ < 0.05) than CSS-0 and CSS-10. CSS-5 also produced the earliest appearance of primordia, and the lowest interval between flushes. Relative substrate nutrient distribution elicited significant differences (Ρ < 0.05) in mushroom yields. The mushroom yields obtained after 6 weeks of harvesting were 118.4, 203.0 and 181.0 g for CSS-0, CSS-5, and CSS-10 respectively. The results of this study indicate that cornstalks are suitable substrates for P. ostreatus cultivation, and 5% sorghum spent grain supplementation is necessary for producing mushrooms with improved yields.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
