Cap Diameter Research Articles

Correlations of cap diameter (pileus width), stipe length and biological efficiency of Pleurotus ostreatus (Ex.Fr.) Kummer cultivated on gamma-irradiated and steam-sterilized composted sawdust as an index of quality for pricing

BackgroundConsumption patterns of mushrooms have increased in Ghana recently owing to its acknowledgement as a functional food. Different mushroom cultivation methods and substrate types have been linked to the quality of mushrooms produced, thereby affecting its pricing.MethodsA comparative regression analysis was carried out to assess the correlation of stipe lengths, cap diameters and biological efficiencies of mushroom fruit bodies of Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated on steam-sterilized and gamma-irradiated sawdust after exposure to ionizing radiations of doses 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 24 and 32 kGy from a 60CO source (SL 515, Hungary) at a dose rate of 1.7 kGy/h. Steam sterilization of composted substrates was also done at a temperature of 100–105 °C for 2 h.ResultsCap diameters of the mushrooms ranged 41–71.5 and 0–73 mm for gamma-irradiated samples depending on dose and steam-sterilized composted sawdust, respectively. Stipe lengths ranged between 4.4–61 and 0–58.1 for gamma-irradiated samples depending on dose and steam-treated substrates, respectively. Total yields of P. ostreatus grown on the gamma irradiation-treated composted sawdust ranged between 8.8 and 1517 g/kg, while mushrooms from steam sterilized recorded 0–1642 g/kg. Biological efficiencies of mushrooms grown on irradiated sawdust ranged 3–93.3%, while steamed sawdust ranged 0–97%. Good linear correlations were established between the cap diameter and biological efficiency (r2 = 0.70), stipe length and biological efficiency (r2 = 0.91) for mushrooms cultivated on gamma-irradiated sawdust. Similarly, good correlations were established between cap diameter and biological efficiency (r2 = 0.89) stipe length and biological efficiency (r2 = 0.95) for mushrooms cultivated on steam-sterilized sawdust.ConclusionThese correlations provide the possibility to use only the cap diameter and stipe lengths to predict their biological efficiency and also use this parameter for grading and pricing of mushrooms earmarked for the consumer market.

Effects of Adding Chicken Blood Meal and Fishmeal to Sludge Biogas as White Oyster Mushroom Media.

The biogas sludge is generally not used optimally and people even pour it directly into the river that it cause environmental pollution. One of the ways to get the benefit from sludge and chicken blood meal or fishmeal is to use it as a substitute for bran in mushroom media. This study aimed to improve the nutrient content of biogas sludge with the addition of chicken blood meal (CBM) and fishmeal (FM) as substitute material for bran in white oyster mushroom media. The biogas sludge was dried in the sun for 3 days until its form resembled the soil. The treatment consisted of dried biogas sludge without CBM (BP0), dried biogas sludge with 1% CBM (BP1) and dried biogas sludge with 3% CBM (BP2). Each was added to the media of white oyster mushroom as much as 15% as substitute material for bran. The other treatment consisted of dried biogas sludge without FM (FP0), dried biogas sludge with 2% FM (FP1) and dried biogas sludge with 4% FM (FP2). Each was added to the media of white oyster mushroom as much as 5% as substitute material for bran. BP0 and FP0 created from white oyster mushroom media were commonly used by farmers. Each treatment was analyzed of nutritional and biological contents. All the data were tested using completely randomized design one-way ANOVA. The results of the research on the use of chicken blood meal and fishmeal showed that the best treatments were BP2 and FP2. Their nutrient content increased, including the organic-C, organic matter, nitrogen, P2O5 and K2O. The productivity of the oyster mushroom increased, shown by the increase of fresh weight and diameter of caps in treatment BP2. The replacement of bran by biogas sludge with 4% FM addition (FP2) in oyster mushroom media increased the fresh weight, the number of caps and the length of oyster mushroom stalks. The best treatments for mushroom media were BP2 and FP2 to be used as substitute material for bran in white oyster mushroom media.

Indoor Cultivation Model of Humidifying and Ventilation Systems for Grey Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius)

Objectives: The current study investigated the effects of different environmental conditions on mushrooms morphology, moisture contents and yields to find out the most efficient way for indoor cultivation with maximum yield and morphology. Methods/Statistical Analysis: In this study, Pleurotus pulmonarius was cultivated in ambient indoor environment without humidifying and ventilation (System 1), indoor humidifying environment without ventilation (System 2) and indoor humidifying environment with ventilation (System 3). Findings: The highest humidity 90% was recorded both in System 2 and System 3 but the lowest temperature 26.50 C was only recorded in System 3 whereas the lowest humidity 41% and highest temperature 320 C was recorded in System 1. The highest individual weight (202g), numbers of fruitbodies (17), cap diameter (15cm), stalk height (15cm), outstanding (39%) moisture containing fruitbodies and bio-efficiency (73.6%) was recorded in System3 which was significantly higher than System 1 and System 2. In System 2, the individual weight (120g), numbers of fruitbodies (13), cap diameter (9cm), stalk height (11cm), outstanding (19.1%) moisture containing fruitbodies and bio-efficiency (44.1%) was recorded which is significantly higher than System 1 but lower than System 3. The strongest correlation of individual weight was found with temperature, humidity, numbers of fruitbodies and moisture contents where the numbers of fruitbodies and moisture contents also had correlation with temperature and humidity. Application/Improvement: This study provides an evidence of significant differences among the cultivation systems where the morphology, quality and yields were started to increase as System 1˂ System 2˂ System 3. Therefore, the design of System 3 is an effective model and method to optimize and control the indoor environmental factors which is an alternative way for indoor mushroom cultivation with higher yield. Keywords: Environment, Indoor, Mushroom, Optimization, Ventilation

EFFECT OF PHYSIOCHEMICAL FACTORS ON FRUITING BODY FORMATION IN MUSHROOM

Objective: Fungi are heterotrophs and are involved in decomposition, nutrient cycling and nutrient transport, and are indispensable for achieving sustainable development. Mushrooms are the fungi with a distinctive fruiting body. Mushrooms are produced all over the world. In India, Punjab is the leading mushroom growing state. Mushrooms are rich sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Different types of immunoceuticals like lentinan, schizophyllan, active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) etc. have also been prepared from various mushrooms. The present review work highlights important observations in the area of mushroom. Methods: This review also shows that how several factors affect the fruiting body formation of mushrooms, which includes physiological (composition of culture media) and environmental factors (light, temperature, salinity, etc.). There are different factors like light, temperature etc. which affects the fruiting body development.Results: It has been found that, light has positive effects on hyphal aggregation and fruiting body maturation. It has been found that in oyster mushroom, light is essential for both normal expansion of pileus and in spore formation. It has been found that length of Stipe and the diameter of cap decreases with an increase in the concentration of CO2. Also, there is a range of temperature within which sporophore development occurs. The composition of media affects the growth of mushrooms too. It’s important to maintain a balance between carbon and nitrogen sources for induction of the fruiting body.Conclusion: There are different environmental factors affecting the fruiting body development of mushrooms. Hence, by adjusting various factors like temperature, light, media composition production of mushrooms can be increased.

Manufacturing of mushroom-shaped structures and its hydrophobic robustness analysis based on energy minimization approach

The construction of stable hydrophobic surfaces has increasingly gained attention owing to its wide range of potential applications. However, these surfaces may become wet and lose their slip effect owing to insufficient hydrophobic stability. Pillars with a mushroom-shaped tip are believed to enhance hydrophobicity stability. This work presents a facile method of manufacturing mushroom-shaped structures, where, compared with the previously used method, the modulation of the cap thickness, cap diameter, and stem height of the structures is more convenient. The effects of the development time on the cap diameter and overhanging angle are investigated and well-defined mushroom-shaped structures are demonstrated. The effect of the microstructure geometry on the contact state of a droplet is predicted by taking an energy minimization approach and is experimentally validated with nonvolatile ultraviolet-curable polymer with a low surface tension by inspecting the profiles of liquid–vapor interface deformation and tracking the trace of the receding contact line after exposure to ultraviolet light. Theoretical and experimental results show that, compared with regular pillar arrays having a vertical sidewall, the mushroom-like structures can effectively enhance hydrophobic stability. The proposed manufacturing method will be useful for fabricating robust hydrophobic surfaces in a cost-effective and convenient manner.

Influence of nanoscale topology on bactericidal efficiency of black silicon surfaces

The nanostructuring of materials to create bactericidal and antibiofouling surfaces presents an exciting alternative to common methods of preventing bacterial adhesion. The fabrication of synthetic bactericidal surfaces has been inspired by the anti-wetting and anti-biofouling properties of insect wings, and other topologies found in nature. Black silicon is one such synthetic surfaces which has established bactericidal properties. In this study we show that time-dependent plasma etching of silicon wafers using 15, 30, and 45 min etching intervals, is able to produce different surface geometries with linearly increasing heights of approximately 280, 430, and 610 nm, respectively. After incubation on these surfaces with Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial cells it was established that smaller, more densely packed pillars exhibited the greatest bactericidal activity with 85% and 89% inactivation of bacterial cells, respectively. The decrease in the pillar heights, pillar cap diameter and inter-pillar spacing corresponded to a subsequent decrease in the number of attached cells for both bacterial species.

Plasmon resonance enhanced optical transmission and magneto-optical Faraday effects in nanohole arrays blocked by metal antenna

The properties of the optical and magneto-optical effects of an improved plasmonic nanohole arrays blocked by gold mushroom caps are investigated by using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. It is most noteworthy that the strongly enhanced Faraday rotation along with high transmittance has been achieved simultaneously by optimizing the parameters of nanostructure in a broad spectrum spanning visible to near-infrared frequencies, which is very important in practical application for designing novel optical and magneto-optical devices. In our designed structure, we obtained two extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) resonant peaks along with enhanced Faraday rotation and two peaks of the figure of merit (FOM). By optimizing the geometrical parameters of the structure, we can obtain an almost 10-fold enhancement of Faraday rotation with a corresponding transmittance 50%, and the FOM of 0.752 at the same wavelength. As expected, the optical and magneto-optical effects sensitively depends on the geometrical parameters of our structure, which can be simply tailored by the height of pillar, the diameter of mushroom cap, and the period of the structure, and so on. The physical mechanism of these physical phenomena in the paper has been explained in detail. These research findings are of great theoretical significance in developing the novel magneto-optical devices in the future.

폐 한방슬러지 첨가배지를 이용한 팽이버섯의 생산 및 자실체 특성 검토

외화유출 감소와 버섯의 생산 단가를 절약하여 농가소득을 증대시킬 목적으로 폐 한방슬러지를 첨가한 배지에서 팽이버섯을 배양할 때 버섯재배를 위한 최적 생육환경 조건을 검토하였다. 그리고 최적 생육한경 조건에서 생산된 팽이버섯 자실체의 특성을 조사하였다. 폐 한방슬러지의 첨가농도는 10%가 적당하였고, 배지의 함수율은 폐 한방슬러지를 첨가하지 않은 대조구와 비슷한 약 65%가 적당하였다. 배양실 내의 온도는 <TEX>$16^{\circ}C$</TEX>, 습도는 75%~85%로 설정한 시험구에서 가장 왕성한 균사성장이 이루어졌다. 1,100 ml의 버섯재배용 병을 사용하여 현장실험을 행한 결과 병당 팽이버섯의 수확량은 대조구 및 시험구에서 약 275~282 g으로 거의 비슷하게 얻었다. 흰곰팡이 및 세균성 갈색무늬병 등 버섯질병의 발생은 전혀 관찰할 수 없었다. 그리고 기형버섯 및 2등품버섯 등이 약간 발생하기는 하였으나 전보에 비하여 그 편차가 줄어들어 상당히 균일한 버섯의 생육을 관찰하였다. 팽이버섯 자실체는 백색의 반구형으로 갓의 직경은 약 9.2~9.3 mm, 대의 길이는 약 12.7~12.8 cm, 뚜께는 3.3~3.4 mm로 대조구의 버섯품질과 거의 유사하였다. 버섯부위별 경도는 대조구와 시험구 모두 갓 부분(<TEX>$46.8{\sim}47.6g/cm^2$</TEX>)보다는 대 부분의 경도(<TEX>$54.6{\sim}57.3g/cm^2$</TEX>)가 약간 높은 것으로 나타났다. 트랜스지방 및 콜레스테롤은 검출되지 않았으며 100 g당의 열량 및 영양성분은 대조구와 거의 비슷하게 나타났다. This study aims to reduce the production cost of mushrooms and therefore boost the income of mushroom producers. The addition of a 10% concentration of herb medicine refuse was adequate for promoting mycelium growth in Flammulina velutipes. A moisture content of 60% in the culture medium was adequate for promoting hyphal growth. The optimum temperature and humidity were <TEX>$16^{\circ}C$</TEX> and 70%-85%, respectively. The average yield of Flammulina velutipes fruting body per 1,100 ml bottle was 275-282 g, which is similar to that of the control. The outbreak of diseases such as mildew and bacterial blotch in mushroom was never observed in the bottle treated with herb medicine refuse. Fewer deformed and second-class quality mushrooms were observed than in the control group. Deviation reduced, and mushroom growth was observed to be significantly uniform. The winter mushroom had a white fruiting body with a hemispherical shape. The diameter of the mushroom cap was 9.2-9.3 mm, stipe length was 12.7-12.8 cm, and thickness was 3.3-3.4 mm; these were almost the same as those in the control group. The partial hardness of winter mushrooms in both the experimental and the control groups showed that the stipe (<TEX>$54.6-57.3g/cm^2$</TEX>) is a little harder than the mushroom cap (<TEX>$46.8-47.6g/cm^2$</TEX>). The calories and nutrients per 100 g of mushrooms in the control and samples were similar to each other.

Effect of Residues Agricultural Wastes on the Productivity and Quality of Pleurotus colombinus L. by Using Polyethylene Bags Wall Technique

The investigation studied effect of residues of agriculture wastes by using polyethylene bag wall technique on Pleurotus colomninus L. srain 99 yield and their quality during both successive seasons of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. The results indicated that different substrate formulas such as clover straw, wheat straw, sawdust, corn cob, soybean straw and rice straw gave significant differences characteristics of fruiting bodies, yield, biological efficiency, nutritional composition and mineral contents. The highest number counted fruit/bag was obtained from rice (14 and14.33 fruit/bag) and wheat straw (14 and 13.33 fruit/bag) in both seasons respectively. However, the elevated yield weight (288.10 and317.33 g/bag and biological efficiency (82.26 and 90.63 %) was found from soybean straw in both seasons respectively. The six substrates exhibited the suitable cultivation media and their effectiveness on physical characteristics such as stalk length, stalk diameter and cap diameter. Highest content of nitrogen (2.50 and 2.57 g/100g) phosphorus (2.50 and 2.57 g/100g) potassium (2.54 and 2.63 g/100g) was achieved from clover straw in both seasons respectively. While the elevated contents of protein (7.41 and 7.24 g/100g), carbohydrates (31.40 and 33.34 g/100g) and energy (158.17 and165.91) obtained from soybean straw in both season respectively. Wheat straw substrate gave an increment fat (0.42 and 0.42 g/100g) and fiber content (5.42 and 5.60 g/100g in both season respectively, on the other side corn cob substrate gave the highest ash content (9.11 and 9.30 g/100g in both seasons respectively. The raw and spent substrates were analyzed for their nutritional value composition.

Fruiting bodies yield of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus columbinus) as affected by different portions of compost in the substrate

A study was conducted to assess production of Pleurotus columbinus mushroom fruiting bodies for different formulations of rice or corn straw substrates mixed at different percent portions with the corresponding composted straw. These formulations were: (1) raw straw (RS) mixed with 5 % composted straw (CS), (2) RS mixed with 10 % CS, (3) RS mixed with 15 % CS, (4) RS mixed with 25 % CS, (5) RS mixed with 50 % CS, and (6) 100 % RS. Composted straw (CS) was made of moistened chopped RS mixed with chicken manure and soil (4:1:1, v/v). Data showed a magnificent impact of the substrate on oyster mushroom fruiting bodies yield and characteristics. There was a significant progressive upgrading in all parameters studied of mushroom growth and crop outcome with increasing the percentage of CS mixed with the RS substrate up to 15 %. Utilizing CS at 25 % significantly downgraded these parameters. No mushroom growth was observed at all when cultivated in medium contained 50 % CS. Instead, molds of different colors grew on that latter substrate mixture. The formulation containing 15 % CS distinctly gave the uppermost fruiting bodies yield, biological efficiency, earliness for pinheads formation, fruiting body cap diameter, thickness and weight and stem diameter, length and weight. Up to 80 % increase in fruiting bodies crop outcome relative to sole RS was detected. This study suggests that composted straw substrates hold a great promise for the development of Pleurotus mushroom production industry.

Characteristics of interspecific hybrids between Pleurotus ostreatus and P. eryngii

In this study, three species of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus osturatus, P. eryngii and P. cornucopia) were crossed together in order to aggregate benefit special attributes to the genotype (s). The monokaryon of each of these species was prepared. Then, the monokaryons of two species were placed at 5 mm distance from each other to produce dikaryon. The results showed that, from among 700 crosses, only the crosses of eryngii and osturatus monokaryons were grown toward each other and produced clamps (dikaryons). Four produced hybrids were noted H1, H32, H11 and H40. The spans of produced hybrids were prepared; then, they were grown into sterile media and attributions of hybrids were studied. The results indicated that H11 hybrid was an appropriate hybrid in terms of the number of days until growing, number of days until the observation of the first pin and the days from planting to harvest. However, H40 was the best hybrid based on cap diameter, dry and fresh weight of fruit body, yield and biomass. It is expected that these interspecific hybrids employ for future oyster mushroom breeding programs.

Kültür Mantarlarının Muhafazası ve Kalite Özellikleri Üzerine Yapılan Araştırmalar

In this study, researchers on storage and quality properties of mushrooms cultivated in the world and Turkey have been investigated. Mushrooms contain some important minerals and vitamins such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and folate, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B, C, D and also they are a good source of carbohydrate and protein. After harvest, to extend the shelf life of mushrooms, some applications such as pre-cooling, storage in appropriate temperature, use of different types of polyethylene packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, nitric oxide and UV light applications were done on mushrooms. The effects of these applications on physical and chemical features such as like weight loss, firmness, cap opening rate, cap diameter, stem diameter, browning, colour, respiration rate, enzymatic reactions, total phenols, total sugars, aminoacid content were investigated.

Suction loss during femtosecond laser–assisted small-incision lenticule extraction: Incidence and analysis of risk factors

To determine the incidence of and analyze risk factors for suction loss during femtosecond laser-assisted small incision lenticule extraction in the management of myopia or myopic astigmatism. Roayah Vision Correction Center, Alexandria, Egypt. Retrospective comparative case-control study. All eyes that had femtosecond laser-assisted small-incision lenticule extraction for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism performed between August 2010 and April 2014 were included. Eyes that developed suction loss were identified. Their characteristics, including demographic data (age and sex), eye laterality, manifest refraction, flat keratometry (K) reading, steep K reading, K astigmatism, optical zone, central corneal thickness, and corneal cap diameter and thickness, were compared with those in randomly selected control eyes to determine the risk factors for developing suction loss. Of the 3376 eyes that had femtosecond laser-assisted small-incision lenticule extraction during the study, 70 (2.1%) developed loss of suction. The incidence decreased with surgical experience (5.06% in 2010, 3.59% in 2011, 3.41% in 2012, 2.32% in 2013, and 1.84% in 2014), suggesting a learning curve. A multivariate logistic regression model showed that eyes with a larger cap diameter were significantly more likely to develop suction loss (P = .023; odds ratio, 9.60). Surgical experience significantly decreased the risk for suction loss during femtosecond laser-assisted small incision lenticule extraction for the correction of myopia or myopic astigmatism but did not eliminate it. A larger cap diameter significantly increased the risk for developing the suction loss. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

GROWTH, FRUCTIFICATION OF REISHI (Ganoderma lucidum) AND OYSTER (Pleurotus florida) MUSHROOMS, AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHANGES OF MEDIUM TREATED WITH DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS OF DIESEL

Mushrooms are known to be the most effective degraders of agricultural waste and have been valued as medicinal and food resources. They have unique enzymes that could degrade complex materials, yet little is known for their potential to transform hydrocarbon pollutants into non-toxic compounds. The capability of hydrocarbon utilization was assessed by growing two popular mushroom species of Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus florida in a medium mixed with diesel. Their growth and fructification were assessed in terms of their mycelial growth and fructification parameters such as number of clusters, fruiting bodies, stipe length, cap diameter, and biological efficiency conversion (BEC). The media used in this study were composed of sawdust, rice bran, lime and sugar with a mixture of water and varying concentrations of diesel from 0% to 40%. Mycelial growth of both mushrooms proved to tolerate effectively the diesel concentrations up to 20% but not tolerated in Ganoderma lucidum at higher concentration. Fructification occurred in all diesel concentrations for Pleurotus florida, and at 0% and 10% for Ganoderma lucidum. The fructification parameters were all affected by added diesel except for stipe length. In terms of media changes, the pH levels showed a decreasing pattern and favored growth and fructification of both mushrooms except for diesel concentrations from 20% to 40% of Ganoderma lucidum due to ammonification. Total carbon and potassium of media revealed a decreasing pattern, while nitrogen and phosphorus contents showed an increasing pattern. These patterns of chemical indicators favored mushrooms‟ capability to grow and tolerate the effect of diesel, considered an environmental pollutant. The effectiveness of both mushrooms in facilitating biodegradation and transformation in varying concentrations of diesel as source of pollutant suggests that they could be employed as bioremediation agents on sites contaminated by hydrocarbon carrying pollutants.

An Optimized Resonant-cap Ka-band IMPATT Oscillator for Broadband Communication

Demand on capacity and band width increasing day-by-day in the area of wireless communication. One of the solutions is utilization of frequency bands for broadband communication that is related to satellite communication. Mostly Ka-band is used in satellite communication. In this paper, an attempt is taken to design an optimized resonant-cap Ka-band oscillator. To obtain oscillation from Ka-band IMPATT device. It has been embedded in a resonant cavity for which resonant cap structure is used. From this study, it is found that the supply D.C voltage from the top of the diode provides a matching network between the diode and the load to achieve maximum power. Keeping the breakdown voltage of the IMPATT diode fixed, the variation of bias current helps for detailed study and mechanically tuning has been done with variation of cap height, Cap diameter as well as by varying the position of the short using sliding short tuner and verified experimentally. Optimization result is made to get maximum output with maximum efficiency for an optimized cap height, diameter, and position of sliding short tuner. With these facts the work is presented difference tuning methods for resonant cap IMPATT oscillator.

An Optimized Resonant-cap Ka-band IMPATT Oscillator for Broadband Communication

Demand on capacity and band width increasing day-by-day in the area of wireless communication. One of the solutions is utilization of frequency bands for broadband communication that is related to satellite communication. Mostly Ka-band is used in satellite communication. In this paper, an attempt is taken to design an optimized resonant-cap Ka-band oscillator. To obtain oscillation from Ka-band IMPATT device. It has been embedded in a resonant cavity for which resonant cap structure is used. From this study, it is found that the supply D.C voltage from the top of the diode provides a matching network between the diode and the load to achieve maximum power. Keeping the breakdown voltage of the IMPATT diode fixed, the variation of bias current helps for detailed study and mechanically tuning has been done with variation of cap height, Cap diameter as well as by varying the position of the short using sliding short tuner and verified experimentally. Optimization result is made to get maximum output with maximum efficiency for an optimized cap height, diameter, and position of sliding short tuner. With these facts the work is presented difference tuning methods for resonant cap IMPATT oscillator . Full Text: PDF DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/telkomnika.v16i3.8985

The Effects of Different Substrates on the Growth, Yield, and Nutritional Composition of Two Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus cystidiosus)

The study was conducted to compare the effects of different agro-wastes on the growth, yield, and nutritional composition of oyster mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus (PO) and Pleurotus cystidiosus (PC). Seven substrate formulas including sawdust (SD), corncob (CC), sugarcane bagasse (SB) alone and in combination of 80 : 20, 50 : 50 ratio between SD and CC, SD and SB were investigated. The results indicated that different substrate formulas gave a significant difference in total colonization period, characteristics of fruiting bodies, yield, biological efficiency (BE), nutritional composition and mineral contents of two oyster mushrooms PO and PC. The results showed that increasing CC and SB reduced C/N ratio, and enhanced some mineral contents (Ca, P, and Mg) of substrate formulas. The increased amount of CC and SB of substrate formulas enhanced protein, ash, mineral contents (Ca, K, Mg, Mn, and Zn) of fruiting bodies of both mushrooms. Substrates with 100% CC and 100% SB were the most suitable substrate formulas for cultivation of oyster mushrooms PO and PC in which they gave the highest values of cap diameter, stipe thickness, mushroom weight, yield, BE, protein, fiber, ash, mineral content (Ca, K, and Mg) and short stipe length. However, substrate formula 100% CC gave the slowest time for the first harvest of both mushrooms PO and PC (46.02 days and 64.24 days, respectively). It is also found that the C/N ratio of substrate formulas has close correlation with total colonization period, mushroom weight, yield, BE and protein content of mushroom PO and PC.

Recycling cardboard wastes to produce blue oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus in Iraq

This study revealed successful use of industrial wastes to blue oyster mushroom cultivation as an easy method in Iraq. Some characteristics of yield were calculated using four substrates; S1 (100% wheat straw), S2 (100% cardboard), S3 (50% wheat straw and 50% cardboard) and S4 (30% wheat straw and 70% cardboard), using two capacities of bags 30×50 cm and 25×20 cm. The best total yield performance was 136.3 g/bag by S2 in big bags; also, the best signifi cant (P<0.05) biological effi ciency (BE) reached to 68.1% by same substrate in small bags, followed 49.5% and 35.6% for S3 and S4 by same type of bags. Anyway, the yield rate increased, the biological effi ciency also increased, that due to a positive correlation (r=0.41) between yield and biological effi ciency. While, a negative correlation (r= –0.36) between rates of fruiting bodies weight and their numbers appear in this study that agree many studies. In conclusion, the use of cardboard not only increased the yield but also provided more biological effi ciency because of the positive correlations between biological effi ciency on the one hand and the diameter of cap and productivity from another hand. The total yield by S2 was exceeding 466% comparison as S1 in big bags. The big bags were raised the productivity to average 170% compared with small bags too in general, which considered useful economically to raise the national income in large containers into cardboard as a cellulosic wastes instead of the common substrate (wheat straw), which used as a fodder for livestock in this homeland at least appreciation.

Assessing the Effect of Composting Cassava Peel Based Substrates on the Yield, Nutritional Quality, and Physical Characteristics of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) Kummer.

Cassava peel based substrate formulations as an alternative substrate were used to grow mushrooms. The effect of two compost heights, three composting periods on the mycelia growth, physical characteristics, yield, and nutritional qualities of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) Kummer was studied. Mean mycelia growth of 16.2 cm after a period of seven (7) weeks was the best for 1.5 m compost height. Cap diameter and stipe length differed significantly (P < 0.05) with the compost heights (0.8 m and 1.5 m). The yield on compost height of 1.5 m, composted for 5 days, differed significantly (P < 0.05) from that of 0.8 m and gave increasing yields as follows: cassava peels and manure, cassava peels only, cassava peels and corn cobs (1 : 1 ratio), and cassava peels and corn cobs (1 : 1 ratio) with chicken manure. Composting periods (3 and 7 days) gave varying yields depending on the compost height. Based on the findings an interaction of 1.5 m compost height and 5 days composting period on cassava peels and corncobs (1 : 1 ratio) with chicken manure produced the best results. The nutritional quality of the mushrooms also differed significantly (P < 0.05), indicating that cassava peels could be used as a possible substrate in cultivation of mushroom.

Effect of micronutrients and varieties on yield and yield component of sunflower

In order to study the effect of micronutrients on quality and quantity characteristics of 2 Varieties of Sunflower, a split plot design was performed on five treatments in the form of a randomized complete blocks base and in four replications. Main-plot consisted of 2 Sunflower varieties: Golshid99 hybrid and Record variety. Sub-plot consisted of five fertilizer treatments: (T1= NPKMG), (T2= NPKMg+ Fe), (T3=NPKMgFe+B), (T4= NPKMgFeB+ Mn), (T5= NPKgFeBMn+ Zn). Results show that Variety factor had a significant effect on harvest index and cap diameter, linoleic acid, oleic acid, oil yield per ha and the weight of 1000 seeds at the 5% level of significance, but had no significant effect on storic acid., In addition, due to results Fertilizer treatment factor on harvest index, linoleic acid, oleic acid, oil yield per ha and the weight of 1000 seeds at the 5% level of significance. This research showed that, Golsid hybrid was the best record. According to this experiment, interaction of between treatments had a significant effect on oil yield at the 1% level of significance., also had significant effect on cap diameter, the weight of 1000 seeds and Oleic fatty acid at the 5% level.