Evaluation of different lignocellulosic-wastes and their combinations on growth and yield of Oyster mushroom (<i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i>)

Abstract

Lignocellulose wastes are generated in huge amounts by various sectors like agriculture, forestry, and industries but only a small portion of these wastes are utilized and a major portion is left unused. In this study, seven different lignocellulosic wastes and their combinations in different percentages were determined for the growth and yield of <italic>Pleurotus ostreatus</italic>. The maximum growth and yield of <italic>P</italic>.<italic> ostreatus</italic> were observed on a substrate made of rice straw, with a total yield of 399.70 gm per kg of substrate. The least growth and yield were recorded on a substrate made of wood flakes and sugarcane bagasse (80% + 20%), with a total yield of 13.54 gm per kg of substrate. Rice straw showed the highest biological efficiency (B.E) of 39.40, whereas wood flakes and sugarcane bagasse (80% + 20%) had the lowest B.E. of 1.35. Other substrates had a moderate effect, and citronella bagasse (<italic>Cymbopogon nardus</italic>), which was used as a substrate for the first time, gave a biological efficiency of 39.39 gm per kg substrate. The results showed a significant effect of substrates on mean yield and biological efficiency. Our study revealed that lignocellulosic waste can be profitably utilized for mushroom cultivation and could be one of the most economical and eco-friendly techniques.