Cultivation of Wild Indigenous Agaricus Bisporus and Agaricus Subrufescens from Pakistan

Abstract

Cultivation potential of two wild indigenous species i.e. Agaricus bisporus (W-01) and A. subrufescens (KH 407) was estimated. Species were collected from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan. Mycelial growth was obtained at Compost Extract Agar medium, proceeded for spawn production using wheat and sorghum grains. Wheat straw based mushroom compost supplemented with chicken manure, urea and gypsum was prepared for spawning. Temperature optimization was done at two temperatures of 20℃ and 28℃. Spawn run rate was maximum for both species at low temperature. Agaricus subrufescens (KH 407) is characterized by crystal like exudates in its cultures. Cultivation trails were successful yielding large fruit bodies of A. bisporus (W-01) and primordial formation in A. subrufescens (KH 407). Production rate of fruiting bodies was higher in A. bisporus (W-01) as compared to A. subrufescens (KH 407).