The effect of different substrates on oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) spawn growth
Abstract The study aimed to find alternative substrates for growing spawn of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three compositions of substrates. The substrate compositions were: (1) Substrate A (corn 100%), (2) Substrate B (corn and sawdust mix in a ratio of (1:1, v/v)), and (3) Substrate C (corn and sawdust mix in a ratio of (3:1, v/v)). All compositions were replicated 18 times. The complete colonization (days) and mycelium growth rate (cm day−1) were recorded. Means were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and duncan test was performed if there were significant between the substrate compositions. The results showed that substrate C was the best substrate indicated with the fastest complete colonization of 14.17±0.92 and the highest growth rate of 0.85±0.06 cm day−1.