Effect of different substrates on the growth and protein content of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida)

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to select the best substrate that supports the growth of mushroom and the best substrate that produces mushroom with highest protein and biological efficiency. Pure culture of Pleurotus florida were collected and cultured using white sorghum grains to produce the grain spawns which were then inoculated on pasteurized substrates in axenic condition where mushroom emerged. Four substrates were composted in the investigation of the effect of substrates variability on the growth and protein content of oyster mushroom. Data relating to the time taken for spawn ramification, pinhead formation, days to maturity of the fruiting bodies as well as the protein content of the mushroom were collected. All the substrates were colonised at the same rate but pin head formation was first noticed on sugarcane bagasse substrate followed by maize straw substrate but with the fastest maturity of the fruiting bodies. Mushroom from sugarcane bagasse substrate had the highest yield while the lowest yield was observed on banana leaves followed oil palm spadix substrates. Mushroom from maize straw had the highest protein content (48.79%) while the lowest was from oil palm spadix substrate (23.41%).

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Keywords: Substrate variability, growth, protein content, oyster mushroom