Comparative Study on Growth Parameters and Yield Potential of Two Species of Pleurotus Mushroom (Pleurotus florida and Pleurotus sajor-caju)

Oyster mushrooms are well known worldwide for their health promoting as well as their easily cultivable nature with minimum requirements. The study was undertaken to observe the comparative growth behavior and yield potential of two different species of oyster mushroom viz., Pleurotus florida and Pleurotus sajor-caju. Pleurotus florida and Pleurotus sajor-caju mushrooms were grown separately in wheat substrate in dark growing chamber with temperature and relative humidity ranges maintained in between 20-25ËšC and 80-85% respectively. Data obtained suggested Pleurotus florida showed faster spawn run period along with early pin head initiation than in Pleurotus sajor-caju. The total crop periods were recorded as 43 days and 49 days in Pleurotus florida and Pleurotus sajor-caju respectively. The yield potential of Pleurotus florida (1363 g per kg of dry substrate) was also found to be better than Pleurotus sajor-caju (940 g per kg of dry substrate). The results further obtained in Pleurotus florida showed average stalk length (3.5 cm), average stalk diameter (1.2 cm), average cap diameter (7.7 cm), maximum weight of fruiting body (40 g), minimum weight of fruiting body (34.3 g) with total number of fruit bodies recorded to be 48. Whereas, the results of Pleurotus sajor-caju showed average stalk length (2.8 cm), average stalk diameter (1.1 cm), average cap diameter (6 cm), maximum weight of fruiting body (34 g), minimum weight of fruiting body (28.6 g) with total number of fruit bodies recorded to be 37. Data obtained suggested that Pleurotus florida was better performing than Pleurotus sajor-caju in context to both growth behaviour and yield potential. Significance and impact of study: Thus the results obtained from the present study can help the mushroom growers in selection of Pleurotus mushroom species for obtaining better growth and yield.