Application of organic nitrogen supplementations increases the yield of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida)

Abstract

Oyster mushrooms Pleurotus spp. provides their nutritional requirement from a hostsubstrate or from the agricultural wastes that are rich in lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses.In order to investigate the effect of nutritional supplements in substrate on yield of oystermushroom (Pleurotus florida) an experiment was carried out in Completely RandomizedDesign whit three replications. In present study three nutritional supplements, includingalfalfa meal, soybean meal and vermicompost (2.5, 5 and 7.5%) and control were evaluated.Results indicated that all of traits significantly were affected by nutritional supplements (P<0.01). Vermicompost at all levels led to early mycelium running (18.67 days) and applicationsoybean meal (2.5%) increased fruiting body formation in comparison with other treatments.The length and diameter of stipe ranged from 3.86 to 5.86 cm and 0.95 to 1.71 cm respectively.Higher length (6.80 cm) and width of pileus (7.61 cm) were observed in substrate containingvermicompost (2.5%) and alfalfa meal (2.5 and 7.5%). The highest total mushroom yield(1231.40 g/kg wet substrate) and biological efficiency (117.10%) maximum were observed inthe substrate with soybean meal 2.5% treatment.