Effect of substrate media on growth, yield and nutritional composition of domestically grown oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Abstract

The effect of substrate (medium) on growth, yield and nutritional composition of domestically-grown oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) was investigated. Six different substrates namely sawdust only (SDO), sawdust + corn waste + CaCO3 (SDW), sawdust + rice bran + CaCO3 (SDR), sawdust + banana leaves (SBL), sawdust + cassava peel (SDC) and cassava peel only (CPO) were used.  The substrates were pasteurized with hot water (90°C for 4 h) before spawns of oyster mushroom were inoculated to them. After inoculation, the substrates were kept in a controlled environment until fruiting took place. The SDC substrate gave the highest number (22) of fruiting body, highest yield (463 g/kg) and best biological efficiency (46.30%). This was followed closely by the harvest from SDR substrate. The differences in the nutrient composition of mushroom from the different substrates were significant at 0.05 % confidence level.  Harvest from SDR contained higher vitamins and minerals compared to others. Harvest from CPO substrate had the lowest (20.10%) protein content as well as other nutrients. SDC and SDR substrates are considered good for domestic cultivation of oyster mushroom.   Key words:  Mushroom, substrate, efficiency, home-grown, nutrients.