Effect of different sizes of planting material on the growth and yield components of edible mushroom Pleurotus tuberregium

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in 2004 and 2005 at the University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm to assess the effect of different weights of planting materials on the performance and yield components of edible
mushroom Pleurotus tuberregium. The experiment was laid out in Randomized complete block design with three weights (20g, 40g and 60g) as treatments and replicated five times. Each plot size measured 1m x 1m with a total of 16 polybags per plot. Parameters studied were percent emergence, cap diameter, stipe height and girth as well as number of shoots. Results obtained showed no significance (P<0.05) in percent emergence amongst the weights of planting materials. However, a significant (P<0.05) effect was recorded in cap diameter (3.68cm) from the 20g weight planting material. Stipe height and girth did not show any significant difference amongst the treatments. The 60g planting material weight recorded more shoots than the 20g and 40g planting material sizes. The 60g planting material weight is recommended to farmers for the purpose of multiplication of Pleurotus tuberregium for better economic
returns.