Abstract Oyster mushroom cultivation can be hindered by slow budding and low yield. This study explored the potential of atmospheric pressure gliding arc discharge plasma to address these challenges. Two types (direct and indirect) of plasma treatment methods were applied to the mushroom spawn and the growth environment in oyster mushrooms. Physicochemical characterization of plasma-activated water (PAW) revealed increased conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential, and nitrate/nitrite levels, and hydrogen peroxide with longer treatment times. Plasma-treated spawn exhibited faster budding and earlier colonization compared to others. The longest stem was observed in spawn exposed to plasma for 3 minutes, while the largest stem diameter was found in spawn treated with plasma-activated water for 4 minutes. Mushrooms produced with a 4-minute PAW treatment had the highest total fresh weight and biological efficiency. Therefore, compared to control spawn, the production of mushroom spawn treated with plasma increased by a factor of 1.5. Overall, plasma treatment enhanced mushroom development and yield, indicating its positive impact on oyster growth.
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