Cultivation of oyster mushroom to combat pandemics: medicinal and social aspects

Abstract

Mushrooms are the spore bearings fruiting bodies that have been used by human being since ancient times for good health. The aim of the study was to utilize bulk agricultural waste that is wheat and paddy straw to cultivate oyster mushroom as its choicest food of nutrition because it provides important nutrients like proteins, selenium, potassium, riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin D and more. Wheat straw as a substrate was inoculated with pure culture of Pleurotus ostreatus under aspectic and favourable conditions. High yield of mushroom was obtained with a small amount of substrate. Oyster mushroom protect the heart against cardiovascular diseases, helps in lowering the blood pressure, regulate the cholesterol level, improve immune health and have anti cancer, anti inflammatory and other medicinal properties. Thus utilization of agricultural waste appears to be an alternative for oyster mushroom cultivation. Cultivation of oyster mushroom on waste straw not only solve the pollution problem but also improves the economic conditions of farmers.