Cultivation of Pleurotus sajor-caju using different agricultural residues

Mycelial growth, colonization period, primordial initiation, harvesting time, yield, mushroom size and biological efficiency (BE) of Pleurotus sajor-caju were assessed on three different substrates namely maize stalk, pea residue (tendrils) and banana leaves with and without supplementation of rice bran and chicken manure. The faster mycelial growth and highest yield (348.13 g per 25 cm × 15 cm bag) with 87.03% BE was obtained from maize stalk with rice bran and second best yield (299.53 g) with 74.88% BE was recorded from pea residue with rice bran. Among the substrates used, maize stalk appeared best followed by pea residue and banana leaves. Rice bran showed best supplementation for mycelial growth and yield with all substrates. The study revealed that faster mycelial growth is consistent with better yield and highest biological efficiency.