Factorial analysis of mycelium growth in Pleurotus sp. cultivation by using agricultural wastes

Abstract

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) have three stages of mushroom growth, which are mycelium growth (spawn running), pinhead initiation and fruiting body development. Rubber sawdust is commonly used as a media for oyster mushroom cultivation. However, the low availability of rubber trees has become serious problem to the mushroom's grower. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the factors affecting of mycelium growth in Pleurotus sp. cultivation by using agricultural wastes. Two different substrates were used namely, empty fruit bunch (EFB) and sugarcane bagasse (SB). The other selected factors were size of substrates (0.5 cm and 2.5 cm), mass ratio of spawn to substrate (SP/SS) (1:10 and 1:14), temperature (25°C and ambient) and pre treatment of substrates (steam and non-steam). The responses were mycelium extension rate (M) and nitrogen concentration in mycelium (N). Design Expert software was used to construct experimental design where all the factor was randomized. As a result, pre-treatment and type of substrate were the most contributing factors on both M and N, respectively. It can be concluded that the agricultural waste such as empty palm fruit bunch (EFB) can replace the sawdust as a media for oyster mushroom cultivation.