Effects of Mineral Composition of Different Wood Wastes in Ibadan on Proximate Composition of Lentinus Squarrosulus (Mont.)

Abstract

Lentinus squarrosulu (Mont.) is one of the cultivated indigenous edible mushrooms that are available in Nigeria.   Recently, there has been growing crave to crop wild edible mushroom species that have   potential economic values. Mushrooms can be an alternative source of protein especially for commoners in the society. Hence, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the effect of mineral composition of five wood wastes- Triplochiton scleroxylon, Cordia milleni, Vitellaria paradoxa, Pouteria altissima and Anogeissus leiocarpa different wood wastes on L. squarrosulus (Edible Mushroom) cultivation for their consequences on the growth, yield and proximate analysis. Data obtained reveal Carbon/Nitrogen ratio of 11.59, composition of Magnesium (0.035 mg), Potassium (0.053 mEq/l), Manganese (0.0013 mg), Copper (0.00050 g/m3), Iron (0.00275 mol/L), Phosphorus (0.027 mmol/L), Organic carbon (32.10 mg/L C), Organic matter (55.3 t/ha) and total nitrogen (2.77 mg/L) contributed greatly to the high crude protein, fats and ash contents of mushroom   cultivated  on T. Scleroxylon. However, insignificant contents of sodium (0.2 mg), Calcium (0.2 mmol/L) and Magnesium (0.013 mg) in Pouteria altissima led to the general inadequate performance of L. squarrosulus in yields. The percentage fresh mean weight of L. squarrosulus ranged from 9.13 g – 19.00 g. The highest value was produced by T. scleroxylon followed by P. altissima, V. paradoxa, C. milleni while A. leiocarpa gave the least.