Spawn Run Research Articles

Effect of Casing Mixtures along with Turmeric Powder on the Growth Parameters and Yield of White Button Mushroom [Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach

Protein is one of the nutrients that is included in balance diet for proper growth and development of humankind. The amount of food that is needed for human consumption is insufficient. Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach commonly known as white button mushroom, is the most widely accepted food globally with nutritional and medicinal properties. The present experiment was conducted during the Rabi season 2023 at Mushroom crop room, Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh to evaluate the effect of Turmeric powder at different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5%) incorporated into three different casing mixture viz., FYM + Cocopeat + Sawdust (1:1:1) with an objective to monitor the growth and yield aspects of white button mushroom. Turmeric at concentration 2% shows significant increase of weight of fruiting bodies, enhances stalk length, stalk diameter and pileus diameter. These results were also observed at 2.5% concentration but it also inhibited the growth of mold fungus as well as A. bisporus. Among all treatments used in the study, the results revealed that minimum average time taken for completion of spawn run (15.28 days) and pinhead initiation (17.29 days) as well as maximum pileus diameter (4.87 cm), stalk length (3.32 cm), stalk diameter (2.36 cm), yield (583.33 g) and biological efficiency (13.56) highest recorded in T4 [FYM + Cocopeat + Sawdust (1:1:1) + Turmeric powder @ 2%.

Unleashing the Potential of Different Method of Paddy Straw Substrate Bag for Enhanced Yield and Biological Efficiency of Milky Mushroom

Mushrooms, particularly Calocybe indica, are highly regarded for their distinctive flavour and numerous health benefits. This study investigates various method of paddy straw substrate bags: rolled paddy straw, intact paddy straw, and chopped paddy straw to optimize the cultivation of C. indica. Employing a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), we analysed growth parameters, yield, and biological efficiency of mushrooms cultivated on these substrates. The results indicated that chopped paddy straw was the most effective substrate, significantly reducing the time for spawn run to 14.20 days, pinhead formation to 11.80 days, and sporophore maturation to 10.20 days. This method yielded the highest overall production at 664.50 g, along with a biological efficiency of 66.45%. In contrast, intact paddy straw exhibited moderate growth performance, while rolled paddy straw resulted in the lowest yield at 451.30 g and took the longest time for all growth stages, which may be attributed to less compactness in the substrate beds. The number of sporophores produced also varied, with chopped paddy straw yielding an average of 10.6 sporophores, compared to 8.6 from intact paddy straw and 7.2 from rolled paddy straw. Although stipe length and pileus diameter showed non-significant differences among treatments, they did not contribute meaningfully to yield or biological efficiency. Overall, the findings highlight that chopped paddy straw is the most suitable substrate preparation method for cultivating C. indica, enhancing both yield and efficiency in production. This research contributes valuable insights for mushroom cultivation practices, particularly in tropical regions where high temperatures prevail.

Enhancing yields of Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes mushrooms using water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes [Mart.] Solms) supplemented with locally available feedstock as substrate

This study assessed the performance of Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes mushrooms on a variety of substrate combinations. Water hyacinth, rice husk, and cow dung were employed as substrates. Mushroom growth performance, yield, proximate composition, and mineral content were among the variables evaluated. The results indicate significant differences (p < 0.05) in spawn run duration, first harvest duration, total yield, and biological efficiency among the substrate combinations for the mushroom species. The substrate combination of 80% water hyacinth and 20% cow dung consistently exceeded the performances of others, demonstrating higher total yield (863.00 and 799.81 g/bag) and biological efficiency (88.51% and 82.03%) for P. ostreatus and L. edodes mushrooms, respectively. Proximate analysis results also demonstrated that this substrate combination produced mushrooms with higher protein (14.72 and 12.04%) and carbohydrate (55.11 and 58.05%) contents for P. ostreatus and L. edodes, respectively. P, K, Mg, Na, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cd levels in P. ostreatus samples ranged from 1700 to 2700, 28100 to 39500, 1600 to 7800, 291.55 to 400.23, 310.37 to 372.70, 26.42 to 45.47, 61.87 to 70.40, and 1.13–1.25 mg/kg on average, respectively. The levels for P, K, Mg, Na, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cd ranged from 19700 to 22700, 22500 to 25000, 2100 to 2500, 250.96 to 300.90, 284.66 to 296.19, 24.04 to 29.49, 74.03 to 83.98, and 1.31–1.45 mg/kg for L. edodes samples. The evaluated mushrooms grown on the various substrate combinations contain higher major and minor minerals needed in the human diet than toxic elements. This indicated that the evaluated edible mushrooms had high important mineral levels and could be considered a good source of vital elements. They are also very good at balancing nutrient supply scarcity, which is common in developing countries like Ethiopia. However, according to the World Health Organization's permissible limits for human intake, adequate attention and control of daily dietary intake is necessary for specific elements.

Effect of Neem Leaf Powder Supplementation in Casing Mixture on the Growth and Yield Parameters of white Button Mushroom [Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach

Green mould caused by Trichoderma harzianum is a severe threat of white button mushroom [Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach] cultivation causing heavy crop losses. The present experiment was conducted to manage the green mould fungus Trichoderma harzianum using neem leaf extracts. In vitro, results showed maximum mycelial growth inhibition of 64.59 % in T. harzianum using neem leaf extract at 4.5% concentration. Neem leaf extracts at 4.5% concentration showed maximum efficacy against pathogens. Further, an In vivo experiment was conducted to evaluate neem leaf powder at different concentrations @0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5% and 4.5% supplemented in the casing mixture combination viz., Farm yard manure (FYM) + Cocopeat + Sawdust (1:1:1) to monitor the growth and yield aspects of white button mushroom. Among all treatments used in the study, the results revealed that minimum average time taken for completion of spawn run (15.14 days) and pinhead initiation (18.28 days) as well as maximum number of fruiting bodies (14.71), fruiting bodies weight (22.54g), stalk length (2.81 cm) stalk diameter (1.85 cm) and pileus diameter (5.64 cm), and were recorded in T2 [FYM + Cocopeat + Sawdust (1:1:1) + neem leaf powder @ 1.5%]. Results have shown that T2 [FYM + Cocopeat + Sawdust (1:1:1) + neem leaf powder @ 1.5%] had the highest yield (470.09 g) and biological efficiency (27.11%).

Enhancing oyster mushroom cultivation by chickpea and wheat straw substrate for sustainable agriculture

This study aimed to explore the potential utilization of agro-lignocellulosic waste materials for oyster mushroom cultivation, addressing the challenge of managing waste associated with these materials. Various combinations of Chickpea Straw (CS) and Wheat Straw (WS) at different ratios-100% CS, 75% CS + 25% WS, 50% CS + 50% WS, 25% CS + 75% WS, and 100% WS-were investigated as substrates for mushroom cultivation. The experiment followed a ccompletely rrandomised design with four replications, monitoring developmental phases, yield, and biological efficiency (BE). Results indicated that using 100% WS as a substrate resulted in the fastest mycelium growth (spawn run), completing in an average of 14.50 days, 17.20 days from spawning to pinhead formation, and 20.60 days to first harvest, with the highest number of fruiting bodies produced. Chickpea straw contributed to the highest stipe width (1.52 cm), while WS 100% had the highest average yield (997.28 g) and BE (99.73%). A mixture of 75% CS and 25% WS showed promising results in terms of fruiting bodies, yield, and BE after 100% WS. Consequently, the study recommends the use of these substrates to optimize Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation yield.

Effect of Different Substrates and Supplements in Production of Pleurotus ostreatus in Dang, Nepal

An investigation was laid out to evaluate the production of Pleurotus ostreatus on different substrates and supplements in inner Terai of Nepal, Dang, Deukhuri. Ten different treatments with different substrates and supplements were tested in completely randomized design, replicated four times during the spring season with an average daily temperature of 20-27° C and relative humidity ranging from 80-95 %. The parameters taken for the observation during the experiment were spawn run period, length of stalk, diameter of stalk, diameter of pileus, thickness of pileus, fresh weight of mushroom, ash content, moisture content and biological efficiency of treatments. The research revealed that there were statistically significant yield differences associated with rice straw + banana leaves + rice bran (2.46 kg/ball), followed by rice straw + chickpea flour (2.35 kg/ball). The spawn run duration (23 days) was shortest in banana leaves with highest stipe length (5.01cm). The biological efficiency of various mixtures was found between 40 to 159%, the highest being in treatment rice straw + banana leaves + rice bran and followed by rice straw + chickpea flour. Highest moisture percentage (89.4%) was recorded in rice straw + maize flour. It was accomplished that rice straw + banana leaves whenever abundantly present, can be reasonably used in mixtures with rice bran supplement for better mushroom cultivation. Thus, its use is suggested to farmers in this country where large volumes of rice bran and dry banana leaves are discarded as agricultural residue.

Mushrooms grown in high-altitude soil exhibiting distinct alterations in growth, biochemical composition and antioxidant potential

Functional foods like mushrooms are high in secondary metabolites and bioactive chemicals with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, immune-stimulating and other health-promoting qualities. This study investigates four mushroom varieties including Cordyceps militaris, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus djamor and Agaricus bisporus, grown on Indian soil and natural environment for measurement of phenol and flavonoid content, along with their antioxidant properties and biochemical makeup. They had a large amount of phenolic and flavonoid content and high DPPH, H2O2 and NO scavenging inhibition percentages, demonstrating strong antioxidant potential. These mushroom extracts also contained a sizable amount of proline and nutritional content like carbohydrate, protein, lipids and fiber. Among all the mushrooms, the biochemical profile was significantly highest. Significant variations were also seen in the amounts of moisture and ash in each sample. This research aimed to determine how mixing soil with compost substrate affected the yield and growth of mushrooms. The soil had a massive impact on forming more mycelial colonies which were necessary for the entire spawn run and spawning to pin head production and for the maturation of pins. It was discovered through this research that combining soil and compost substrate can aid in the growth of good-quality mushrooms and improve their productivity.

Assessment of Various Substrates for Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) Cultivation in the Agro-Climatic Conditions of West Bengal

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different substrates on various stages of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) cultivation to optimize growth and yield. Study Design: A Completely Randomized Design with three replications for each treatment was employed to ensure statistical reliability. Duncan's multiple range tests were utilized at a significance level of 5% to evaluate differences between treatments. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted at the Mushroom Research Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), located in Sriniketan, Birbhum district, West Bengal, throughout the year 2023. Methodology: Different substrates including lentil husks, rice straw, wheat straw, sawdust, and mustard pods were evaluated for their impact on spawn run completion, mycelial bump formation, and sporocarp formation durations. Each substrate's performance was assessed in terms of sporocarp production and biological efficiency. Results: Across the three strains (LE-01, LE-02, and LE-03), lentil husks consistently exhibited the shortest spawn run duration, averaging 34.59 to 37.00 days. Following closely, wheat straw displayed favorable performance with durations ranging from 39.20 to 41.23 days. Sawdust also proved efficient, albeit slightly longer than lentil husks and wheat straw. Conversely, maize cobs and sugarcane bagasse exhibited longer spawn run durations, averaging from 57.80 to 64.90 days. For mycelial bump formation, lentil husks again showed the shortest duration, averaging 42.67 to 45.77 days across the strains. Wheat straw followed suit with durations ranging from 48.93 to 50.20 days, while sawdust demonstrated favorable times albeit slightly longer. Conversely, maize cobs and sugarcane bagasse exhibited longer mycelial bump formation times, ranging from 68.11 to 74.40 days. For sporocarp formation, lentil husks and sawdust emerged as top performers with the shortest durations, averaging 76.66 to 81.52 days. Conversely, maize cobs exhibited the longest sporocarp formation time, averaging 97.43 days. In terms of sporocarp yield, rice straw yielded the highest, averaging 27.67 sporocarps per bag, followed by wheat straw with 24.33 sporocarps per bag. Lentil husks, while efficient in other aspects, produced an average of 21.78 sporocarps per bag, trailing slightly behind rice straw and wheat straw. Regarding yield and biological efficiency, sawdust displayed superior performance, yielding an average of 384.57 grams per 750 grams of substrate with a biological efficiency of 51.18%. Lentil husks and rice straw exhibited comparable performance in yield and biological efficiency, with lentil husks yielding 367.81 grams and rice straw yielding 333.09 grams per 750 grams of substrate, both with biological efficiencies around 47-48%. Conversely, mustard pods exhibited the lowest yield and biological efficiency, averaging 269.02 grams per 750 grams of substrate with a biological efficiency of 35.91%. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of substrate selection in optimizing various stages of L. edodes cultivation. Lentil husks emerged as a promising substrate choice for rapid mycelial growth, but its sporocarp production lagged behind other substrates. Sawdust proved to be the top-performing substrate in terms of yield and biological efficiency, indicating its efficacy in supporting robust mushroom growth.

Comparative studies on the cultivation, yield, and nutritive value of an edible mushroom, Pleurotus tuber-regium (Rumph. ex Fr.) Singer, grown under different agro waste substrates.

In the present study, Pleurotus tuber-regium (Rumph. ex Fr.) Singer collected from Keeriparai forest of Kanyakumari district, South India was cultivated using environmentally benign, low-cost agricultural waste residues (paddy straw, sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and sawdust) as growth substrates. The main goal of this study was to assess the cultivation, yield, and nutritional value of P. tuber-regium fruiting bodies grown under different growth substrates. Spawn running time and time for primordia formation were found to be shorter in mushroom growing with paddy straw substrate compared to sawdust and sugarcane bagasse. A quick spawn run time was observed in paddy straw substrate (12 ± 1 day) followed by sugarcane bagasse (15 ± 1 day) and sawdust (23 ± 1 day). The primordia was well developed in the macrofungus grown with paddy straw substrate on 18 ± 1 day followed by sugarcane bagasse (22 ± 1 day) and sawdust (32 ± 1 day). Significantly higher yield of fruiting bodies with increased contents of protein and carbohydrate and low level of fat was obtained when P. tuber-regium was cultivated with paddy straw substrate. While, cultivation of P. tuber-regium in sawdust and sugarcane bagasse resulted in increased contents of K, Na, Ca, and Mg along with highest energy value. On the other hand, rice husk did not support the cultivation of this macrofungus. Therefore, it is of significant interest to initiate the commercial production of this macrofungus so as to fight against the problems of malnutrition found in few African and south Asian countries.

Taxonomic Identification and Nutritional Profiling of Wild Isolates of the Pink Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus djamor (Agaricomycetes) from Northwestern Himalayas (India).

For generations, individuals have been incorporating wild edible fungi into their diets. Precisely identifying mushrooms is essential for harnessing their potential benefits for human use. Specifically, the taxonomical identification of Pleurotus species is known for its complexity. In modern times, it is always necessary to use molecular analysis as a valuable approach for gaining a deeper understanding of the systematics and the delineation of species. Thus, this study confirmed the identity of two wild isolates of Pleurotus djamor (pink oyster mushroom) using the internal transcribed spacer sequences. The amplicons underwent sequencing, and the resulting data was assembled and analyzed. The nucleotide sequences of the two wild isolates blasted against sequences from GenBank database revealed that two wild isolates matched 96.80 and 95.27% P. djamor with accession number KF280324.1 and KT273366.1. Commercially cultivated species took less time for spawn run (17.75 days), primordial initiation (22.25 days) and recoded highest biological efficiency (73.92%) among wild isolates. Nutritional analysis revealed that wild isolates showcase an abundance of nutrients, surpassing commercially cultivated species in terms of moisture, protein, and crude fiber content. This distinctive nutritional profile positions wild isolates as an exceptional superfood, fostering overall health enhancement.

Utilizing locally accessible substrate, to maximize oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) growth and bioconversion efficiency in Ambo, Central Ethiopia

The effect of different locally available wastes as the substrates on oyster mushroom growth and bioconversion efficiency was investigated. P. ostreatus was grown on different substrates prepared from corn cob, sorghum stem, faba bean straw, pea straw, coffee husk, and sawdust alone (100%), and all with cottonseed waste in (1:1) ratio. Cottonseed waste alone was used as a control. Spawn run days, harvest days, average mushroom weight, fruiting body, cap diameter, stipe length, total yield, and biological efficiency were evaluated. All the quantitative data gathered were analyzed by SPSS statistical software for Windows version 25. Pea straw alone (T7) and pea straw:cotton seed waste (1:1) ratio (T8) with 15±2 and 15±3.1 days, had the shortest mycelia run, whereas sawdust alone (T11) took longer with 33±6.7 days for mycelia run. T7 had the shortest incubation to the first harvest 24±5.2 days, while T11 had the longest incubation to the first harvest 46±8.1 days. T11, 90±12 days, took the longest total production cycle, while T7, 63±6.6 days had the shortest total production cycle. T7 produced the greatest, number of fruiting bodies (254±48.5), whereas T11 produced the fewest fruiting bodies (20±5). The highest and lowest yield was obtained from the T7 substrate with 1614±17.1g and T11 substrate with 384±37.9g, respectively. The best substrate was found to be the T7; with mycelia run 15±2 days; incubation to 1st harvest 24±5.2 days, shortest production cycle 63±6.6 days, fruiting bodies 254±48.5, the highest total yield of 1614±17.1g and biological efficiency of 323±48.9%.

Evaluation of local substrates as rice straw alternatives for oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation in resource-constrained Darchula, Nepal

Oyster mushroom cultivation, though cost-effective, faces constraints due to seasonality and substrate availability. An experimental study was conducted in the resource-constrained Darchula district of Nepal from February to May 2022. The aim was to identify and recommend economically sustainable alternatives to rice straw for oyster mushroom production using local substrates in regions with limited resources. Six treatments; rice straw (T1), banana leaves and pseudostem (T2), maize cob (T3), sawdust (T4), grass (Eulaliopsis sp.) (T5), and spent mushroom substrates (T6); were employed in a completely randomized design with four replications. Statistical analysis of growth and yield parameters revealed significant results (P values ranging from P&gt;0.001 to P&gt;0.05) across all parameters. The maize cob treatment exhibited a shorter spawn run period (20.50 days) and the earliest pinhead formation (25 days). The highest total yield (3.14 kg) across three flushes was obtained from paddy straw, followed by T2 and T5, yielding 2.05 kg and 1.43 kg, respectively. Sawdust, despite its larger stalk (1.23 cm) and pileus diameter (7.72 cm), had the lowest production (0.63 kg). Maximum biological efficiency was recorded for T1 (139.63%), followed by T2, T5, and T3, respectively. Economically, T1 resulted in the highest gross margin per 10 kg of substrate (NRs.1845.22) and the highest B:C ratio (2.51), followed by T5 and T2. These findings highlight the promise of locally abundant substrates such as banana leaves, pseudo stems, Eulaliopsis, and maize cobs as economically viable alternatives to rice straw in regions with limited straw availability or unsuitable climates for rice cultivation.

Utilization of Wastes Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) Substrates in the Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom: Modern View and Trends

Lemon grass wastes are abundant in both rural and urban areas and when carelessly disposed off to the environment by dumping or burning, they lead to environmental pollution, and consequently to health hazards. Growing of edible mushroom on these wastes can contribute to decrease in environment pollution. The aim of this study was conducted to compare the wastes lemon grass (cymbopogon citratus) substrates in the cultivation of Pleurotus sajor-caju and Pleurotus florida. Six substrate, namely, Trt1 (oil extracted lemongrass), Trt 2 (oil extracted lemon grass 40% + wheat straw 30%+ paddy straw 30%), Trt3 (oil extracted lemongrass 70% + wheat straw 30%), Trt4 (oil extracted lemon grass 50% + wheat straw 50%), Trt5 (oil extracted lemongrass 70% + paddy straw 30%) and Trt6 (oil extracted lemongrass 50% +paddy straw 50%) in the cultivation of PSC and PF. The results indicated that different substrate formulas gave a significant difference in complete full spawn run and days to pinhead formation were faster in Trt2 (15.5 and 13.70 days) and ( 18.40 and 17.40 days respectively) while Trt1 recorded the longest days (23.64 and 22.37) and (27.00 and 25.64 respectively) in PF and PSC. Number of fruiting bodies, fresh and dry weights of the mushroom was significantly higher in Trt2 than in the other substrates. The least number of fruiting bodies, fresh and dry weights were recorded in Trt1 of PF and PSC. The treatment Trt2 showed all over best result produce 884.37g.and 856.33g in PSC and PF. but as far as lemon grass (Trt1) alone and its combined effect all other treatments. Combination of lemon grass with wheat straw + paddy straw also showed significant produce while, using oil extracted lemongrass 100% does not show better results.

Environmental damages, cumulative exergy demand, and economic assessment of Panus giganteus farming with the application of solar technology

The use of photovoltaic (PV) technology in agricultural production can mitigate the environmental impacts of mushroom farming. However, changes in the environmental impacts and economic benefits of the application of PV technology are still unclear. Thus, we evaluated the environmental impacts, energy flow, and economic aspects of mushroom (Panus giganteus) farming systems without solar PV (WS) technology and with PV technology from the generation of substrate materials through harvesting. In addition to a 27 % increase in terrestrial ecotoxicity, P. giganteus farming with PV technology reduced all impact categories by 4–60 %, with a 60 % reduction in CO2 emissions and a 25 % reduction in land resources. These findings highlight the importance of combining PV technology with mushroom farming in agricultural carbon reduction and the efficient use of land resources. In terms of the climate change impact, the PV system reduced CO2 emissions by 2.94 kg CO2 eq./kg of mushrooms compared with the WS system, wherein the aspects of substrate transformation, spawn running, and cultivation were reduced by 78.27–89.91 %. The cumulative exergy demand (CExD) analysis showed that P. giganteus farming combined with PV technology reduced the total CExD by 48 %. With the application of PV technology, the top contributor to the total CExD of mushroom farming shifted from electricity to transportation throughout the supply chain. The PV system reduced costs by 22.09 % and increased the total revenue by 22 % and the cost-benefit ratio by 50 %. Halving the transportation distances of substrate materials and performing localized substitution of wood chips resulted in a 3–34 % reduction in the environmental impacts category and a 23–30 % reduction in nonrenewable fossil energy consumption. These results showed that improvements helped optimize the environmental performance in terms of carbon reduction and energy mixing. Thus, combining PV technology with greenhouse mushroom farming can improve trends in energy and environmental damage.

The Effect of Mutagenesis on the Production of Mycelia Growth of Auricularia Species in Nigeria

Auricularia species is a jelly-like edible mushroom belonging to the class Basidiomycete, Family Auriculariacea. It has many medicinal properties and is widely consumed in Nigeria. Not much research effort appears to have been conducted on its domestication and commercial production in Nigeria. This study evaluated the use of sawdust and rice bran as potential substrates for its cultivation. Two strains of Auricularia species were collected from the wild and identified as Auricularia polytricha and Auricularia subglabra by genetic DNA extraction. Pure cultures of the species were screened for strain improvement by mutagenesis using UV light and ethyl methyl sulfonate mutagens. Spawn of the wild species and the mutants were produced using sorghum grain. The produced spawn was used for the production of the mushroom fruit bodies using sawdust supplemented with rice bran. The biological efficiencies of both wild and mutant were 197% and 90% respectively. A combination of sawdust and rice bran supported the growth of both species of Auricularia. The Rate of spawn running during spawn production was also negatively affected by mutagenesis in mutants.

Production of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) from some waste lignocellulosic materials and FTIR characterization of structural changes

In this study, oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom was cultivated from hazelnut branches (HB) (Corylus avellana L.), hazelnut husk (HH), wheat straw (WS), rice husk (RH) and spent coffee grounds (CG). Hazelnut branch waste was used for the first time in oyster mushroom cultivation. In the study, mushrooms were grown by preparing composts from 100 to 50% mixtures of each waste type. Yield, biological activity, spawn run time, total harvesting time and mushroom quality characteristics were determined from harvested mushroom caps. In addition, chemical analysis of lignocellulosic materials (extractive contents, holocellulose, α-cellulose, lignin and ash contents) were carried out as a result of mushroom production and their changes according to their initial amounts were examined. In addition, the changes in the structure of waste lignocellulosic materials were characterized by FTIR analysis. As a result of the study, 172 g/kg yield was found in wheat straw used as a control sample, while it was found as 255 g/kg in hazelnut branch pruning waste. The highest spawn run time (45 days) was determined in the compost prepared from the mixture of hazelnut husk and spent coffee ground wastes. This study showed that HB wastes can be used for the cultivation of oyster mushroom (P. ostreatus). After mushroom cultivation processes, holocelulose and α-cellulose content rates decreased while ash contents increased. FTIR spectroscopy indicated that significant changes occurred in the wavelengths regarding cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin components. Most significant changes occurred in 1735, 1625, 1510, 1322 and 1230 wavelengths.

Development of Interspecific Hybrids of Pleurotus sajor-caju and P. flabellatus for Better Yield

Existence of variability in morphological traits and growth rate of mycelium of homokaryotic single basidiospores can be exploited for the development of interspecific hybrids of mushroom. To explore this, interspecific hybrids of P. flabellatus, P. sajor-caju having earliness in production, better nutritional qualities and higher yield as compared to their parent strains tried at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya. Eighteen and six monosporus culture of P. flabellatus, P. sajor-caju, respectively were isolated by spore print or serial dilution or hyphal tip fragmentation techniques. Twenty interspecific hybrids were developed from different cross combinations of parents P. flabellatus and P. sajor-caju. The hybrids were grown on malt extract agar media. Highest growth rate shown by the hybrids in media were selected to study qualitative and quantitative response during cultivation. In cultivation spawn running and pin head formation was faster in PF × PSC5 and PF × PSC7. Comparing all the parameters, growth of PF × PSC6 and PF × PSC8 were found to be more efficient. Nitrogen and protein content was good enough in PF × PSC4, PF × PSC7, PF × PSC5 and PF × PSC10. Regarding all the quantitative parameters of the hybrids, biological efficiency and yield of 1st and 2nd harvest of PF × PSC6 and PF × PSC8, PF × PSC5, PF × PSC10 and PF × PSC3 were better than the rest hybrid combinations. In interspecific hybrids of P. flabellatus and P. sajor-caju, the highest yield and biological efficiency was found in PF × PSC6 combination and may be selected for better mushroom production.

The Nutritious Food Mushroom: Cultivation, Benefits and its Diversity and Utilization in Prospective of Ethiopia

Nowadays, mushroom is popular valuable food worldwide because it contain many essential amino acids and are thus good sources of protein, some unsaturated fatty acids; provide several vitamins (B vitamins, and vitamin D) as well as the minerals potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Mushrooms can be used as medicine for compromised health and its crude extract products mainly can be used as dietary supplements (nutriceuticals). As they use agricultural waste as substrate for their growth and biosynthesize, they reduce crop residue that cause environmental pollution and heath problem. The fungal/mushroom mycelia involved in bioremediation process and this is referred as mycoremediation. Thus, in general this review defines mushroom, give its historic background, and shows the different types of mushrooms, application in different disciplines like medical, environmental and bioremediation. And also this review describes different medium of mushroom, spawn running and types of fermentation used. Specifically, it also discusses the mushroom diversity in Ethiopia, utilization of wild edible mushroom as well as it discusses the attempts made to cultivate mushroom and the challenges have been faced the business In Ethiopia.

Domestication of a magic therapeutical wine glass fungus (Podoscypha petalodes) from Pakistan

The Podoscypha is a recognized therapeutically significant genus of mushrooms. A Podoscypha species under a Morus sp. Was found from the largest man-made forest Changa-Manga, Kasur during the exploration of fungal flora of Pakistan. Detailed morpho-anatomical and phylogenetic analysis identified it as P. petalodes, a part of common native flora of many regions of the world like Pakistan. The culturabilty and cultivation potential of this fungus was assessed for the first time using different media and substrates. Maximum cultural growth was observed on the Compost Extract Agar (CEA) medium at 28 °C. Mycelium of cultured strains on CEA medium was used for the spawn production on wheat, sorghum and barley grains. Cultivation potential in the form of spawn running period, harvesting time duration and yield was investigated on variety of substrates. A mixed substrate of sawdust and tea waste at 28 °C showed the optimum yield. Tea-waste was used as the casing material in all substrates and proved very effective. These results depicted that Podoscypha petalodes possesses the cultivation potential. Its cultivation on large scale can solve the major health concerns of the growing population. It would provide the people easy accessibility of economical, effective and natural medicine throughout the year that restrict in case of only natural production at specific time of the year.

Comparative assessment on lignocellulose degrading enzymes and bioethanol production from spent mushroom substrate of Calocybe indica and Volvariella volvacea.

In the current study, we compared the production of extracellular lignocellulose degrading enzymes and bioethanol from the spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of Calocybe indica and Volvariella volvacea. From SMS at different stages of the mushroom development cycle, ligninolytic and hydrolytic enzymes were analysed. The activities of lignin-degrading enzymes, including lignin peroxidase (LiP), laccase, and manganese peroxidase (MnP) were maximal in the spawn run and primordial stages, while hydrolytic enzymes including xylanase, cellobiohydrolase (CBH), and carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) showed higher activity during fruiting bodies development and at the end of the mushroom growth cycle. SMS of V. volvacea showed relatively lower ligninase activity than the SMS of C. indica, but had the maximum activity of hydrolytic enzymes. The enzyme was precipitated with acetone and further purified with the DEAE cellulose column. The maximum yield of reducing sugars was obtained after hydrolysis of NaOH (0.5M) pretreated SMS with a cocktail of partially purified enzymes (50% v/v). After enzymatic hydrolysis, the total reducing sugars were 18.68 ± 0.34g/l (SMS of C. indica) and 20.02 ± 0.87g/l (SMS of V. volvacea). We observed the highest fermentation efficiency and ethanol productivity (54.25%, 0.12g/l h) obtained from SMS hydrolysate of V. volvacea after 48h at 30 ± 2°C, using co-culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae MTCC 11,815 and Pachysolen tannophilus MTCC 1077.