Effects of different plant sawdust substrates on the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus, M.E Barr

Abstract

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is an edible mushroom having excellent flavor, tastes and proteins. However, its domestication is rare. On this note, a research was conducted to determine the effects of different sawdust (substrates from the following trees: Swietenia mahogani (Mahogany), Triplochiton sceroxvlon (Obeche), Adansonia digitata (Baobab), and Gmelima arborea(Gmelina) supplemented with 7% rice bran and 1% calcium carbonate on its domestication. The diameter and length of stipe and pileus, and proximate composition of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) were determined. The results revealed the highest stipe diameter (0.53 cm) and length (1.56cm); and the highest pileus diameter and length (2.43cm and 2.73cm respectively) in G. arborea which were significantly different (P>0.05) from other substrates used. P. ostreatusgrown on the S. mahogani sawdust gave the highest percentage of carbohydrates (0.30%) but was not significantly different (P<0.05) from G. arborea sawdust (0.27%) and least in A. digitata sawdust (0.18%). Protein content was the highest in mushroom produced on S. mahogani sawdust (3.30%), foliowed by G. arborea substrates (3.20%).No significance difference (P<O.05) between them, and least in T. Scleroxylon substrates (2.50%). Pleurotus ostreatusfibre content was found to be highest in S. mahogani (1.50%) and least in 4. digitata substrates (1.42%). Fat content was highest in G. arborea (0.30%) and the least in A. digitata (0.23%). Among all the substrates used, G. arborea was found to give the best yield followed by . mahogani, A. digitata, and T. scleroxylon. Therefore, G. arborea sawdust and mahogani sawdust supplemented with 7% rice bran and 1% calcium carbonate ale recommended for cultivation of P. ostreatus.