ENHANCING OYSTER MUSHROOM (PLEUROTUS SPP.) YIELD PERFORMANCE ACROSS VARIOUS SUBSTRATES THROUGH CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SUPPLEMENTS

Abstract

Oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus is economically important, edible mushroom and known for its medicinal properties. Hence, integration of non-conventional crops in prevailing agricultural system can improve the economic status of the farmer. The aim of the study was to evaluated the suitability of various substrates with addition of chemicals and biological supplements to improve yield production. The spawn was prepared in Laboratory of Plant Pathology Agriculture Peshawar from the pure culture of P. ostreatus. In this study, diverse substrate materials were collected, chopped, and treated with a combination of chemical and biological supplements (10g/L) dissolved in water, employing the lamp spawning method. Each plastic bag was incubated with 200g of prepared spawn until entire bag become white, indicating full colonization. Subsequently, the treated substrates underwent incubation at 25°C. The appreciable yields were obtained on chemical fortified substrates as compared to non-supplemented treatments which have a significant effect on the mushroom production. Overall, the highest mean yield (388 g) was recorded on wheat straw substrate supplemented with diammonium. In addition, biological supplemented substrate was significantly enhanced the yield performance of P. ostreatus expect of chicken manure substrate. The high yield (372 g) was observed on cotton waste substrate augmented with biological supplement rice husk. It is concluded that the addition of external nutrients including chemical and biological supplements can increase the yield of oyster mushroom and will be useful tool for the farmers to add supplements in substrates.