COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY PARAMETERS IN OYSTER MUSHROOMS (PLEUROTUS SPP.) UNDER VARIOUS SUBSTRATES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Abstract

The quality characteristics of Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) under various environmental conditions and substrate compositions are thoroughly evaluated in this study. The objective of this successful research was to focus on investigating the role of synergistic relation of temperature ranges of 10-15°C, 15-25°C, and 25-35°C, along with humidity levels of 65% and 85% on various substrates named Substrate A, a combination of wheat straw and sawdust, cardboard, leaves, wheat straw, and sawdust along with the addition of 25 g of Plant fibers, lime and chicken dung in all substrates. The key parameters including First Primordial Initiation (DPI), Number of Effective Fruiting Bodies (NFB), Biological Efficiency (BE), and Yield (in grams) per 500g of substrate dry weight, Stem Diameter, Total Days of cultivation, were employed to check mushroom development. Overall, findings reveal that the optimal conditions for Oyster Mushroom growth are observed at 15-25°C with 85% relative humidity, resulting in the highest Biological Efficiency (BE) at 56% on Substrate A as compared to other environmental ranges, but 65 % RH gives more yield with higher temperatures at 25-35°C., All substrates except leaves give better yield at 85% RH rather than 65%. Leaves give the better yield on 65% RH as at 249g. Substrate A, a combination of wheat straw and sawdust, yielded the most favorable outcomes, exhibiting an average DPI of 7, NFB of 50, and a yield of 375g, with a remarkable BE of 75%. Moreover, the hypothesis is proved that a combination of substrates can provide more yield and results demonstrate that a combination can give more 17.9 % yield. The best substrates in terms of all quality indicators are cardboard and substrate A (wheat straw plus sawdust). This research recommends the Cardboard while focusing on the best Diameter of the Stem as the greatest diameter of the stem in cardboard is 53 but substrate A is the best overall for all factors. It is also recommended to use the combination of the substrates just like substrate A for fast growth because substrate A has less TDM in all conditions. So, this study provides valuable insights into optimizing mushroom cultivation practices by strategically selecting suitable substrates and environmental settings to enhance both yield and quality.