Studies On The Cultivation Of Three Pleurotus Species On Locally Available Agricultural Wastes.

ABSTRACT

 The prospects of growing edible mushrooms using locally available agricultural wastes have been examined. Pleurotus species namely P. tuberregium, P. sajor-caju, P. salm onco-strarn incus were grown on rice straw, groundnut and acacia pods. P.sajor-caju was successfully grown on rice straw as the substrate. P. fuher-regium .and P.salrnoneo-straniineus could not produce fruiting bodies on any of these substrates tested. For the laboratory medium, Malt Extract Agar MEA medium has proved efficient for their cultivation and at incubation temperature between 29-31°C. Introduction of the antibiotic, streptornycin has proved useful in inhibiting the growth of 4 bacteria inside the medium. Pleurotus species are best cultivated at a relative humidity of 85 and pasteurization temperature of 70°C. Proper aeration and humidification of the growing house are required for their fruitification.