Mushroom Yield Research Articles

Impacts of composting duration on physicochemical properties and microbial communities during short-term composting for the substrate for oyster mushrooms

A short-term composting process to prepare substrate is an effective way to cultivate oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.), which can increase the yield of mushrooms and lower the rate of contamination in non-industrialized cultivation. Moreover, it is different from the traditional composting processes for fertilizers and lacks systematic study, such as microbial succession and compost quality. In this study, a series of different tests of composting duration (0, 2, 4 and 5 d) were performed. A composting duration of 4–5 d over 58 °C was suitable for mushroom cultivation based on the biological efficiency (BE) range of 69.76–73.41 % and the contamination rate of 0 %. The content of total carbon (TC) continuously decreased during composting, while the content of total nitrogen (TN) reacted in an opposite matter. The final TN and C/N ratios were 1.89 % and 28/1, respectively, which fell well within the optimal range of nutritional requirements for oyster mushroom cultivation. The composting bacteria were more diverse than the fungal species. Caldibacillus, Thermobispora, Thermopolyspora, Thermobacillus and Ureibacillus were the predominant bacterial genera during the thermophilic stage. Co-occurrence patterns of microbial communities and physicochemical properties were performed using a network analysis, which indicated that bacteria can play more efficient roles than fungi in the degradation of organic matter. The structural equation model showed that composting duration significantly affected bacterial diversity, lignocellulose degradation rates, and BE. The correlations between bioinformatics parameters with composting characters and agronomic traits were determined by the Mantel test and showed that the induction of bacterial diversity over time rapidly activated carbon metabolism during short-term composting. This study provides a new idea of agro-waste composting for mushroom cultivation.

Promotion of Ganoderma Lucidum Activity on Different Spices Extract of Herbal Plant for the Quantitative & Qualitative Growth

Mushroom cultivation, Not only help nutritional , medicinal requirement but also fill recycle agro waste.Reishi form the complex lignocellulosic & ligninolytic compounds are broke down due to presence of decomposing enzymes by secreting enzyme in wood degradation and plants derive derivatives . The plant waste used as substrate for the production of medicinal edible fungi its effect positively increases in mushroom yield. By using Reishi enzymes increase the rate of mycelium growth herbal spices extract taken to shows there activity as promoting agent. Growth rate of Ganoderma with the addition of spices extracts were examined. All the extract shows significant activity for the mycelium growth of Reishi . It shows remarkable effect of lignocellulosic on extract spices examine on cup Plate method showing The zone of Exhibition in triplicates . The spice saunth show higher growth than cinnamon than star anise extract. Show maximum size of zone of exhibition at minimum concentration as compare to normal growth parameter. It is observed that Extract of spices shows could be possible source to obtained new raw substrate to act as good growth promoting nutritive substances or nutritive sprays to increase the qualitative & quantitative growth in Ganoderma Lucidum mushroom. Keyword : Ganoderma Lucidium,reishi,cup plate method, zone of exhibition ,Extraction

Yenilebilir mantar (Pleurotus ostreatus) için tahılsız misel geliştirilmesi: D-optimal karışım tasarımı yaklaşımı

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a non-grain spawn formulation for Pleurotus ostreatus with the D-optimal mixture design approach. The developed spawn was compared with the traditionally used grain spawn in terms of spawn running time and biological efficiency. Material and Methods: Non-grain spawn was produced in 25 different formulations using wheat bran, poplar sawdust, perlite, CaCO3, CaSO4 components. In addition, oat spawn containing 1% CaSO4 and 0.5% CaCO3 from cereals was used as the control group. Spawn running times and the biological efficiencies of the samples were determined. Results: The optimum mixing ratios for wheat bran, poplar sawdust, perlite, CaCO3, and CaSO4 used in the formulation of non-grain spawn production were determined as 11.44%, 28.87%, 50.74%, 5.89%, and 3.07%, respectively. The spawn running time of the improved non-grain spawn produced according to the above formulation was shortened by 20.16% as compared to the grain-derived spawn. This shows that the non-grain as one of the two different spawn production methods is technologically superior. Conclusion: In the leading countries in mushroom production, new technologies and formulations are being developed day by day to shorten the spawn running time and increase biological efficiency and mushroom yield. It is thought that this study will contribute to the development of spawn technology, which is an essential input in mushroom cultivation.

The Effect of Supplementing Mushroom Growing Substrates on the Bioactive Compounds, Antimicrobial Activity, and Antioxidant Activity of Pleurotus ostreatus.

Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom contains important bioactive compounds and has several biological activities; however, mushroom growing substrates have major influence on chemical and functional characteristics of the mushroom. Hence, the study aimed to evaluate the influence of supplementing mushroom growing substrates with wheat bran (WB) towards yield/productivity, bioactive compounds, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of P. ostreatus. The mushroom was cultivated on sugarcane substrates supplemented with increasing levels of WB (0%–20%). The mushroom extracts were screened for bioactive compounds using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antimicrobial activity was carried out using microplate assay, while antioxidant potential was investigated using reducing power assay. The addition of supplements on mushroom growing substrates had an influence on mushroom yield; hence, higher supplementation (18% and 20%) produced higher yield. The GC-MS revealed several bioactive compounds with known activity, such as vitamin E, phenol, fatty acids, and terpenoids. Concentration-dependent antioxidant activity was observed; hence, extracts at higher concentrations gave significantly higher reducing power. The P. ostreatus extract had antimicrobial activity against all the tested organisms, with S. aureus showing high susceptibility to most of the extracts. However, mushrooms grown on bagasse substrates supplemented with 14% (0.02 mg/ml) and 20% WB (0.08 mg/ml) proved to have better antimicrobial activity on Escherichia coli. The difference in susceptibility demonstrates that substrates type and composition could have an influence on bioactive compounds found within mushrooms, also influencing medicinal properties of edible mushroom. Thus, supplementing mushroom growing substrates not only improve yield, but also can contribute to bioactive compounds with medicinal potential.

Effects of Different Substrates on the Growth and Nutritional Composition of Pleurotus ostreatus: A Review

Mushrooms are a popular food source as they are highly nutritious and flavorful with a high content of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Mushrooms could be an alternative solution to the world’s food crisis as they are inexpensive to grow on different types of substrates including waste materials. Pleurotus ostreatus, frequently known as oyster mushrooms, are the second most cultivated mushroom in the world. This species is known for its high protein content and easy cultivation. Oyster mushrooms have the potential to produce protein-rich biomass when grown on various substrates. There is a need to identify substrates that are cost-effective for the commercial production of nutritious oyster mushrooms as the substrates used currently are either costly or inadequate to produce oyster mushrooms in the required quantity or quality. Thus, the effects of 6 different lignocellulosic substrates on the growth and nutritional composition of P. ostreatus were reviewed and analyzed in this article. The substrates included in this review were wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, corncob, softwood sawdust, hardwood sawdust, and general sawdust. Based on the analyzed data, sugarcane bagasse was concluded as the most suitable substrate to grow P. ostreatus. These substrates contain a high amount of nutrients and are also likely to produce a significantly high yield of oyster mushrooms in addition to enhancing the nutritional quality of the mushroom. However, these findings must be evaluated and confirmed through further research in this field.

The physical characteristics and yield of grey oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju) cultivated on sawdust and sago hampas as substrate

In Malaysia, sawdust is widely used as a substrate for the cultivation of grey oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus sajor-caju). Due to the scarcity and increasing cost of sawdust, this research investigated the feasibility of employing sago hampas as an alternative substrate for the cultivation of P. sajor-caju. In Sarawak, sago hampas were discarded into the river together with wastewater or incinerated, causing water and air pollution. In this study, P. sajor-caju was grown in five different formulations which are 100% sawdust (100SD) as control, 100% sago hampas (100SH), 75% sawdust + 25% sago hampas (75SD:25SH), 50% sawdust + 50% sago hampas (50SD:50SH), and 25% sawdust + 75% sago hampas (25SD:75SH). The substrate was mixed with rice bran and calcium carbonate at a dry matter basis in the ratio of 100:10:1. For the biological efficiency, 50SD:50SH recorded the highest yield (115.07%) compared to singular substrate 100SD (19.52%) and 100SH (37.04%). The higher lignin content and moisture-holding capacity in 100SD might not give better physical characteristics of P. sajor-caju. At the end of the study, supplementation sawdust with sago hampas especially formulation 50SD:50SH is recommended as the best formulation to reduce sawdust and utilise sago hampas as an alternative substrate for P. sajor-caju.

Comparative study on oyster mushroom grown on composited substrate: The effect on yield, growing period and fruiting body size

Cultivation of the oyster mushroom on horse manure and wheat straw compost without nutrient supplementation was investigated. The growing, yield and fruiting body size effects on open trays and substrate bags were determined. Incubation and fruiting period on trays and inoculated bags were compared. The bagged compost yielded higher mushroom growth rate and yield than the tray compost. The fruiting bodies of the mushroom on trays were smaller, pile and thinner as compared to the mushrooms on the bags, which were bigger, fresh and strong. However, it was found that when oyster mushroom are grown on trays, the yield decrease, there is less moisture in the tray and substrate is exposed to heat, the pin head dries as they develop and those that succeed to grown further will grow as thin with a little head due to lack of oxygen. Comparing compost in bags with compost substrate in trays, bags yielded about 20% more mushrooms than trays under the same cultivation conditions. Conversely, the incubation period of compost in bags took longer, as compared to the incubation of compost in trays. Trays gave their first flash 10% earlier than the bags.

Palm Press Fibre and Rice Straw for Cultivation Grey Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju)

Sawdust (SD) usually sourced from rubber plant is commonly used as substrate to cultivate the grey oyster mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju in Malaysia. However, the market price of SD is increasing because of its declining availability. Thus, this study aimed to discover an alternative substrate to cultivate grey oyster mushroom. The raw materials used in the substrate were oil palm pressed fiber (PPF), rice straw (RS) and SD, either alone or in combination with different ratios including T1: 90% SD + 10% rice bran (commercial substrate as control); T2: 30% RS + 20% SD + 50% PPF; T3: 50% RS + 50% PPF; T4: 100% RS; and T5: 100% PPF. The suitability of the substrates was determined based on growth, yield, nutrition and mineral content in the mushrooms. The growth and yield of the mushroom fruiting body on the different substrates showed significant differences. The shortest harvesting day was obtained in T4 (100% RS) after 29 days, whereas the longest harvesting day was obtained in T1 (90% SD + 10% rice bran) after 51 days. The highest yield was obtained in T4. Nutrition analysis showed significant difference among the treatments. The highest amounts of protein (26%) and ash (1.29%) were found in T5. Overall, the results showed that mushroom yield performance was good in RS but nutritional content was the highest in PPF. Therefore, RS and PPF have good impact for mushroom growers either in commercial production or in functional food industry to reduce SD dependency.

Management of Green Mold Disease in White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and Its Yield Improvement.

Mycoparasites cause serious losses in profitable mushroom farms worldwide. The negative impact of green mold (Trichoderma harzianum) reduces cropping surface and damages basidiomes, limiting production and harvest quality. The goal of the current study was to evaluate new generation fungicides, to devise suitable management strategies against the green mold disease under prevailing agro-climatic conditions. Six non-systemic and five systemic fungitoxicants were evaluated for their efficacy against pathogen, T. harzianum, and host, Agaricus bisporus, under in vitro conditions. Among non-systemic fungicides, chlorothalonil and prochloraz manganese with mean mycelium inhibition of 76.87 and 93.40 percent, respectively, were highly inhibitory against the pathogen. The least inhibition percentage of 7.16 of A. bisporus was exhibited by chlorothalonil. Under in vivo conditions, use of captan 50 WP resulted in a maximum yield of button mushroom of 14.96 kg/qt. So far, systemic fungicides were concerned, carbendazim proved extremely inhibitory to the pathogen (89.22%), with least inhibitory effect on host mycelium (1.56%). However, application of non-systemic fungitoxicants further revealed that fungicide prochloraz manganese 50 WP at 0.1–0.2 percent or chlorothalonil 50 WP at 0.2 percent, exhibited maximum disease control of 89.06–96.30 percent. Moreover, the results of systemic fungitoxicants showed that carbendazim 50 WP or thiophanate methyl 70 WP at 0.1 percent reduced disease to 2.29–3.69 percent, hence exhibiting the disease control of 80.11–87.66 percent. Under in vivo conditions, fungicide myclobutanil at 0.1 percent concentration produced the maximum button mushroom production of 12.87 kg/q.

The Effect of Vitamin C and B Treatments on Button Mushroom Yield and Postharvest Life

The Effect of Vitamin C and B Treatments on Button Mushroom Yield and Postharvest Life

Thiourea enriched cotton waste enhances biomass and nutrition contents in (White oyster) and (Phoenix oyster) mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms (white oyster and Phoenix oyster) are edible, delicious and having medicinal properties. This study aimed to estimate the role of thiourea (TU) enriched with cotton waste for production of Pleurotus ostreatus (P1) and Pleurotus sajor-caju (P3). Undiluted cotton waste was used as control (T1 = 100% cotton waste) and accretion along different combination of TU (T2 = 2 mmol L−1, T3 = 4 mmol L−1, T4 = 6 mmol L−1, T5 = 8 mmol L−1 and T6 = 10 mmol L−1). This research was conducted in 2015–2016. The response of Oyster mushroom strains to TU was estimated initiation of spawn running, completion of mycelium growth (100%), biological efficiency (BE), days to completion of flushes (1st, 2nd and 3rd flush), yield, mineral contents (nitrogen (N), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), phosphorus (P), Reducing sugars, total sugars and non-reducing, Vitamin C contents and total soluble solids (TSS)of mushrooms fruiting body and spectral characteristics of mushroom examined through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) compared with control. Yield of mushroom and BE, were greater by increasing with an accretion in the various combinations of TU within the cotton waste as compared to control. Both strains of mushrooms indicated total soluble solids (TSS) (6.4–6.7 0Brix), total sugar (12.3–14%), non-reducing sugar (8.9–9.5%), reducing sugar (2.5–3.2%), Ascorbic acid (36–45.1 mg/100 g), carbohydrates (58–62.66%), crude protein (26–28%), crude fiber (26–41%), fat contents (35.3–37%) and ash content (4.35–16.01%) on different levels of TU supplemented with cotton waste. TU properly enriched the cotton waste suggested as a novel substrate for high-quality and nutrition rich mushrooms production.

Kinetic Studies on Delignification and Heavy Metals Uptake by Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) Mushroom Cultivated on Agro-Industrial Wastes

This study investigates the sustainable production of Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushroom using agro-industrial wastes. The substrate of Shiitake (80% rice straw + 20% sugar cane bagasse) was moistened with 0 (freshwater as control), 50, and 100% concentrations of secondarily treated dairy plant and sugar mill wastewaters (DPW and SMW). After proper sterilization, the cultivation was carried out under controlled environmental conditions using the bag log method for 100 days. The results revealed that DPW and SMW moistening significantly (p < 0.05) increased the nutrient levels of the formulated substrate which later gave better mushroom yield. The highest Shiitake mycelial coverage (90.70 ± 1.47 and 88.65 ± 1.82%), yield (186.00 ± 3.10 and 176.09 ± 4.12 g/kg fresh substrate), biological efficiency (80.00 ± 0.58 and 75.73 ± 0.93%), total phenol (2.84 ± 0.03 and 2.69 ± 0.03 mg/g), ascorbic acid (0.34 ± 0.03 and 0.32 ± 0.02 mg/g), and β-carotene (2.48 ± 0.06 and 2.29 ± 0.02 μg/g) contents with the minimum time taken for spawn running (60 ± 1 days) was observed using a 50% concentration treatment of both DPW and SMW, respectively. Besides this, the kinetic studies using a first-order-based model showed acceptable accuracy in predicting the rate constant for substrate delignification and heavy metal uptake by Shiitake mushroom. These findings suggest a novel approach for sustainable mushroom cultivation using agro-industrial wastes. The concept can be used for the production of high-quality mushrooms for edible and medicinal purposes while contributing toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 12) on responsible consumption and production of superfoods.

Productivity enhancement using low-cost smart wireless programmable logic controllers: A case study of an oyster mushroom farm

• Smart system to enhance productivity for low-cost outdoor oyster mushroom farms. • Wireless Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) network is first reported in oyster mushroom farms. • Fuzzy logic is provided to the system for a better decision. • IoT weighting machine is proposed for decreasing mistakes made by farmers. This research work proposes the installation of a smart oyster mushroom farm combining sensory devices, a programmable logic controller (PLC), and wireless module. The smart wireless PLC encourages high-quality mushroom yield. The system is capable of wirelessly monitoring, controlling, and propagating information to a database. The smart wireless PLC adjusts the mushroom watering according to the temperature and humidity measurements and controls the ventilation by employing a cooling fan with fuzzy logic. The system uses mesh networks on the message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) protocol to display real-time values and control mushroom cultures. Monitoring is executed via a web application on the PC, smartphone, and the HMI of the PLC. Measurement values are recorded on the database instantaneously for productivity prediction and cultivation planning. The mushroom cultivation controlled by the proposed system offers a higher yield than that of farm crops produced in the traditional way. Furthermore, the mushroom quality obtained is also better. In summary, the effectiveness of the smart wireless PLC enhances the quality and productivity of oyster mushroom cultivation.

Edible Mushrooms Could Take Advantage of the Growth-Promoting and Biocontrol Potential of Azospirillum

Abstract Investigations of biologically active substances sourced from xylotrophic macromycetes have shown their fundamental and practical significance. These studies have promoted the development of biotechnologies by obtaining the valuable products from the mycelial biomass and cultivation liquid and using these fungal species in “white chemistry”. Research into environmentally safe biological methods of stimulating the growth of medicinal and edible mushrooms can assist the development of scientific foundations of culture technologies. From the viewpoint of their bio-technological potential, selected factors of biological origin that promote the growth of wide-scale cultivated basidiomycetes are of interest. Improving mushroom resistance against negative environmental impacts seems to be feasible when the mushroom grows in combination with growth-promoting bacteria. The soil bacteria from the Azospirillum genus have attracted attention, as microorganisms are capable of actively influencing the growth and development of agricultural crops. Thus, revealing and exploring the growth-promoting properties of different species of Azospirillum with respect to edible and/or medicinal mushrooms, as well as the properties promoting the suppression of contaminants in double culture, are believed to be feasible and to reveal undoubted novelty. Cultivation jointly with the beneficial bacteria is a more effective biotechnological method for obtaining this valuable functional food faster, with a greater and much better and maintained mushroom yield. Future work involves addressing the problems of mushroom growth promoting bacterial interactions with mushrooms and implementing these synthetic microbial associations into agriculture.

Growth behaviour and yield of blue oyster mushroom on the basis of various spawn as well as bed substrates

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sp) belonging to class Basidiomycetes and Family Agaricaceae is popularly known as ‘dhingri’ in India. It constitutes thirty percent of total production and ranks third among the cultivated mushrooms grown widely in temperate, tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Hypsizygus ulmarius is an edible mushroom, also known as elm oyster mushroom or blue oyster mushroom. It was introduced for commercial production for the first time in India by IIHR. The present investigation was undertaken during 2018-19 to evaluate the growth behavior and yield of blue oyster mushroom on the basis of various spawn as well as bed substrates. Among all the five grains tested, sorghum grain required the least days (14.50 days) for spawn run and mycelium is tightly attached with grains. Sorghum grain was considered as best treatment also in the context of yield and biological efficiency of 1539.50g/bed and 76.98% respectively. Among five different substrates, sugarcane bagasse took minimum time for spawn run (16.50 days)which significantly differs from other substrates and maximum time required for spawn run was observed in groundnut hulls (23.75 days). Minimum time required for pinhead emergence was in maize stalk (8.25 days). Paddy straw substrate gave the highest yield (1552.00g) as well as highest biological efficiency of 77.60%.

Evaluation of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Production Using Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Biomass Supplemented with Agricultural Wastes.

The cost of substrates has been one of the challenges for mushroom cultivation. The commonly used substrates for mushroom production are usually expensive. Substrates with a high biomass return that can pose environmental problems can be good alternatives for mushroom cultivation due to multiple advantages. In this regard, the potential use of water hyacinth biomass (a troublesome aquatic weed) as an alternative substrate is worthy of being studied. This study was aimed at evaluating the potential use of water hyacinth biomass for the production of oyster mushroom. The experiment was done in a completely randomized design with nine treatments and four replications. Water hyacinth biomass was supplemented with straw (wheat, Triticum aestivum, and teff or Eragrostis Teff) at a ratio of 1 : 1, 1 : 3, or 3 : 1. The developmental parameters including days elapsed for mycelium invasion (MI), pinhead formation (PF), and the first flush (FH) were monitored. Growth parameters (cap diameter (CD) and stalk length (SL)), a yield parameter (total weight of mushroom yield), and biological efficiency (BF %) were also recorded. Finally, the economic return (ER) of all the treatments was calculated. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the significance of variation between the different parameters on the production parameters. Means were separated using the Tukey test, when F-test from ANOVA was significant at p ≤ 0.05. It was observed that water hyacinth biomass alone or supplemented with wheat or teff straw provided promising performance on oyster mushroom development, growth, yield, and biological efficiency compared to the costly substrates (wheat and teff straw). Thus, water hyacinth can be considered as a low-cost substrate for mushroom cultivation and a means to control this aquatic weed from rapid spreading.

The Edible Gray Oyster Fungi Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm a Potent Waste Consumer, a Biofriendly Species with Antioxidant Activity Depending on the Growth Substrate

Nowadays, climate change is not the only threat facing our planet. There are also other types of pollution such as waste that poisons soils and water and kills plants, harming humans and animals. Sustainability represents a key issue for the actual Global Citizen. For this reason, our article is dedicated to offering biofriendly solutions to decrease wastes, give them a positive meaning, such as a substrate for an edible oyster fungus with nutritive and biological properties usefully for humans. Three types of wastes such as coconut coir, pine sawdust, and paper waste—representative symbols of pollution in Ecuador—have been tested as suitable growing substrate for the edible fungi Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm by analyzing parameters such as Biological Efficiency, Mushroom Yield, and Productive Rate. The influence of these “waste” substrates on the nutritive (protein content), biological characteristic (antioxidant activity), and the content of human-health-sustaining compounds (phenols, flavonoids) were also evaluated using the Kjeldahal, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and Folin–Ciocalteu methods. The results indicate that all the waste products represent desirable substrates for growing the edible fungi, with more focus on coconut coir waste (one of the principal pollution problems in Ecuador), but that also achieved the increase in the fungi’s desirable characteristics. Coconut coir waste could be an environmentally friendly solution that also offers for humans additional nutritive and healthy benefits.

Growth Parameters of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. Fr.) Kumm Cultivation Using Paddy Straw as a Substrate

Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. Fr.) Kumm are large, oyster-shell shaped edible mushroom which can be easily identified by their grey white, oyster shell shaped cap which is attached to a thick, firm stalk. They are nutritionally rich contain good amount of vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and cobalamin. They have high oleic acid and linoleic acid content. They also contain lovastatin and pleuran. Hence, oyster mushroom exhibit anti-atherosclerotic, hypo-glycemic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and immuno-modulatory properties. P. ostreatus (Jacq. Fr.) Kumm is one of the commonly sought wild mushrooms and paddy straw is mainly used as a substrate for its cultivation. Mycelial growth is a preliminary step that creates suitable internal conditions for fruiting. Thus, out-standing growth of mycelium is a vital factor in mushroom cultivation. In the present study, P. ostreatus (Jacq. Fr.) Kumm cultivation was carried out using paddy straw as a substrate. Spawning was done in layers in polythene bags (24 ×16 inch). All the 10 spawned bags were arranged in a dark cropping room on raised platform for mycelium colonization of substrate. Suitable temperature (~28°C) and relative humidity (~80%) were maintained during incubation. Harvesting of mushrooms was carried out before the margin starts folding inwards. Observations such as days for spawn run, days for pinhead formation and first harvest, number of primordia, total weight and total yield of mushroom were measured in the study. It took 23.50 ± 1.27 days for spawn run and 27-31 days for pinhead. First harvest of fruiting bodies was done after the ~4th day of the pinhead formation. Total 224 primordia were noted up to the day of the first harvest from ten bags. The fruiting bodies were harvested into three flushes and total yield after 38 days of incubation was ~4.48 kg.

Impact of Livestock Grazing Pressure and Above-Ground Vegetational Changes on Yield of Caterpillar Mushroom (Ophiocordyceps sinensis)

The perceptible decline in the yield of caterpillar mushroom or Yartsa Gunbu [ (Berk.) Sung, Sung, Hywel-Ophiocordyceps sinensis Jones & Spatafora], has taken place, primarily because of over-exploitation, and resultant habitat degradation. Does livestock grazing worsen the problem? This aspect vis-a-vis salient changes in the above-ground vegetation profile with increasing magnitude of grazing pressure remains the prime objective of the present study. Three sites- Janthri, Balmiya top, and Rukhiyan, were selected based on increasing order of magnitude of livestock grazing pressure, with the site- Janthri being treated as 'Control site', since it exhibited no grazing pressure. Care was taken, that all other parameters- slope aspects, altitudinal range, anthropogenic pressure, duration of grazing, etc, were relatively similar across the selected sites, with the only variable being the livestock grazing pressure. With 13 out of 21 palatable species and 3 out of 15 unpalatable species recorded as host plant species of the obligate host of Yartsa Gunbu, i.e., The perceptible changes in Thitarodes balmiya palatable plant species being replaced by non-palatable species with grazing intensity, is a cause of concern for the future viability of the host Thitarodes balmiya Thitarodes larva; as is so succinctly observed by the declining number of larval population size with grazing intensity, in the present study.

Yield, quality and enzyme activity of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) grown on different agricultural wastes

In this study, it was aimed to investigate cultivation of Lentinula edodes by using different agricultural wastes (oak sawdust, poplar sawdust, wheat stalk, peanut shell, corncob and vine pruning waste) and to determine the most suitable growing mixture/mixtures. For this purpose, 12 growing mixtures were tested. Within the scope of the experiment, besides measurement of yield and quality parameters of mushrooms, properties of agricultural wastes and enzyme activities (laccase and cellulase) of mixtures at different periods were measured. Based on results of the study, the highest and lowest amounts of nitrogen were obtained from after harvest (1.71%) and after sterilization (1.34%) periods, respectively. While the highest amount of carbon was at the after-sterilization period (46.6%), the lowest amount was recorded at the after harvest (45.64%) period. The fastest and slowest mycelia development time was observed in A7 (21.67 days) and A4 (50 days) mixtures, respectively. While the highest yield was determined in A5 (299.59 g kg-1) mixture, A9 (55.99 g kg-1), A6 (65.59 g kg-1) and A11 (75.47 g kg-1) gave the lowest results. While the highest biological activity rate was recorded in A3 (93.65 %) and A5 (92.90%), the lowest was observed in A11 (21.45%), A6 (19.85%) and A9 (19.22%) mixtures. The highest and lowest protein amounts were determined in the A5, A7 and A10, A9 and C mixtures, respectively. The highest cellulase and laccase activities were found in A3 (3.16 IU g-1) and A7 (2164.48 U g-1), respectively.