Comparative study on growth parameters and yield potential of five species of oyster mushroom

Abstract

Oyster mushroom is the second most largely growing mushrooms and has the good demand in the market and world trade too. An experiment was carried out with five Pleurotus species viz. P. sajor-caju, P. florida, P. flabellatus, P. eryngii and P. ostreatus for growth behavior, sporophores parameter and yield potential. Minimum spawn run periods was observed from P. florida i.e. 16 days. Pin head initiation was also early in P. florida and took 20.33 days. The harvesting of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th flushes was completed early on P. florida (27.33, 35.67, 4.67 and 55.33 days respectively). In growth parameters maximum number of fruiting body was observed highest in P. florida (101.33). Maximum weight of fruiting body was found in P. florida i.e. 25g. Minimum weight was observed in P. ostreatus (4.53g). In P. eryngii average length and average width of stalk was found highest (6.43 cm) and (2.40 cm). Average diameter of cap and total length were found maximum in P. florida (7.67 cm) and (12.02 cm) respectively. The studies of yield potential of five Pleurotus species were evaluated and P. florida was in better performance. Highest average yield of 1st, 2nd and 3rd flush was obtained from P. florida (408.67g, 301.33g and 211.67g) but the yield of 4th flush was higher in P. ostreatus (64.67g) while the total yield was also maximum for P. florida (982.33g). Biological efficiency was highest in P. florida (98.23%) followed by P. sajor-caju. This experiment will help to mushroom growers for selection of best oyster species for obtaining better growth behaviour and yield potential.