Study on suitability of locally available substrates for cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in Jimma zone, Oromia regional state, southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

A mushroom is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above the ground on soil. The nutritional value of mushrooms is greater than one may think. Generally, it is a nature's hidden treasures of nutrition. The aim of this study was to access the suitability of available agro wastes of some lignocelluloses materials containing five different types of main substrates namely, sawdust (Sd), cow dung (Cd), teff straw (Tfs), corn cobs (CbZ) and chat left over (ChC). During this study, rate of mycelia invasion, cap diameters, stipe length, fresh weight per flush and total yield of Pleurotus ostreatus were recorded, accordingly. Results indicate that, CbZ alone, CbZ*Tfs, CbZ*Sd and Cd*CbZ showed highest biological efficiency of 83.62, 72.8 to 87.5, 62.6 to 7 and 63.4 to 63.8%, respectively, while the lowest yield was obtained from Cd*ChC and Tfs*ChC (46 to 50.16%). Moreover, CbZ alone as well as in combination with other agro wastes (Tfs*CbZ and CbZ*SdC, Cd*Tfs and Chat (Catha edulis)) enhanced the yield of P. ostreatus. Thus, the currently used agro wastes, such as corn cobs, teff straw, sawdust and cow dung are promising substrate for domestic as well as industrial production of mushroom.