Sustainable Utilization of Farm Residues for Oyster Mushroom, Pleurotus florida Production

Abstract

Background: Agricultural residues rich in lignocellulose are generated in large quantities and often remain underutilized. Their conversion into edible mushrooms offers an environmentally sustainable approach for waste management and value addition. Aims: To evaluate selected lignocellulosic farm residues for their suitability in oyster mushroom, Pleurotus florida production. Study Design:  Completely Randomized Design. Place and Duration of Study: Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Research Station (AMPRS), Odakkali, Ernakulam, Kerala, between November 2023 and February 2024. Methodology: A total of eight treatments with three replications composed of major farm residues including spent lemongrass, cowpea pod shell and vetiver grass and their combinations have been used as substrates along with paddy straw 100 % as check, and growth and yield parameters of P. florida were documented. Results: The mean number of days for primordial development (24.67) and first harvest (26) was found to be lowest in paddy straw 100 %. The total number of days for harvests in cowpea pod shell 50% + paddy straw 50% was 115.67 followed by paddy straw 100 % (96.33) and their mean number of harvests ranged from 7-8. The mean total yield of fresh mushroom per 2 kg substrate were also found highest for paddy straw 100 % (572.67 g) followed by cowpea pod shell 50% + paddy straw 50% (496.33 g). Conclusion: The study on evaluation of selected agro- residues in AMPRS farm revealed that paddy straw 100 per cent was the most suitable substrate for P. florida production. Cowpea pod shell in combination with paddy straw (1:1) was identified as the next superior substrate when compared with other combination treatments. Thus, it can be utilized as an alternative substrate for oyster mushroom production.