Effect of thatch grass (hyparrhenia hirta) and maize stalk substrates on the performance and economic viability of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus) grown indoors

Abstract

Growing of Pleurotus Ostreatus mushroom differ from other horticultural crops which totally depend on the sun as the direct source of energy. Various techniques and substrates are used by farmers to produce mushrooms (Mswaka.,1999). The techniques consist of grow bags layout, tray methods, tier systems and trench beds. Growing media consists of grasses, leguminous by products, cotton seed hulls, saw dust and banana leaves. Mushroom production has proven to be beneficial to many developed countries. It offers good investments, employment opportunities, as well as providing valuable source of protein. Oyster mushroom is second largest commercially produced and important edible mushroom in the world market after (Kang., 2004). It is a labour-intensive crop with excellent potential in the developed countries. A range of organic substances which are readily available within the fields can be utilized. However, there is need to have valuable information on substrate nutritive values and yields that can be obtained in specific measurements for mushroom production. The trial design of completely Randomised Design (CRD) with five replicate and five treatments was done. This experiment was conducted mainly to assess growth rate, yield and economic viability of Pleurotus ostreatus grown indoors using Hyparrhenia hirta and maize stalk substrates. The mycelium growth rate was measured and recorded on daily basis, whilst stem length, stem diameter, cap size (basidiocarps) were weighed and recorded on weekly basis. A combination of Hyparrhenia hirta and maize stalk at 1:1 proved to be the highest followed by maize stalk substrate which also gave high levels. Since few farmers are engaged into mushroom farming, there is need for researchers to find the best substrate in terms of productivity levels and time taken from spawning to harvesting. Time frame and productivity curve were used to record difference of peak production per treatment. Significantly high yields were obtained from Hyparrhenia hirta: maize stalk resulting in (P <0.001). Maize Stalk had similarly high yields (P<0.001) while other treatments gave the lowest. High yields indicated an economic viability in the utilisation of Hyparrhenia hirta and maize stalk substrates. Indoor mushroom cultivation was conducted under controlled environment in terms of light intensity (200-800 lux), temperatures(15-28oC) and humidity (85-95%) and determine optimum yields through use of viable substrate and reliable source of spawn.

Key words: (Mushroom, spawn, basidiocarps, substrates and productivity).