Valuation of the growth response of oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom on partially composted sesame stalk with different blends of wheat straw

Abstract

Abstract Aside from being a significant source of highly nutritious and medicinally valuable mushrooms, mushroom cultivation is an important means of environmental remediation. Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a versatile mushroom that can be grown in various environmental conditions and non-composted lignocellulosic wastes. The present study was conducted to assess the growth response of oyster mushroom on sesame stalk. Spawn was prepared from a mycelium culture grown on potato dextrose agar. The spawn was inoculated onto sesame stalk and wheat straw substrates and incubated at room temperature in the dark for 21 days. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used with five treatments, including the control (100% wheat straw), which were triplicated. Data was analyzed using Minitab version 19. Significant (P < 0.05) differences in days taken for mycelial colonization, primordial appearance, maturity and yield was observed between the substrate formulations. 100% SS (100% sesame stalk) was fastest (19.00 days) in mycelial colonization period but statistically parity with 75% SS + 25% WS (75% sesame stalk + 25% wheat straw). 75% SS + 25% WS (75% sesame stalk + 25% wheat straw) was faster (3.33 days) for primordial appearance while 100% SS(100% sesame stalk) was faster (6.67 days) in maturity. The highest yield (1850 g) and biological efficiency (185%) was recorded by 100% SS (100% sesame stalk). Pearson’s correlation showed that cap diameter and stipe length directly correlate yield and biological efficiency and faster substrate colonization leads to quicker maturation. The current study suggests that sesame stalk can be an alternative substrate for cultivation of oyster mushrooms.