CULTIVATION OF MUSHROOM USING CORN COB, SAWDUST AND THE MIXTURE OF BOTH SUBSTRATES

CULTIVATION OF MUSHROOM USING CORN COB, SAWDUST AND THE MIXTURE OF BOTH SUBSTRATES

ABSTRACT

Mushrooms are edible fungi belonging to class Basidiomycetes. The majority of mushroom species are popular and widely cultivated over the world due to their simple and low-cost production method and increased biological efficiency. This study on mushroom cultivation utilising various substrates used a culture method in which the mushrooms were grown on sawdust, maize cob and a combination of the two substrates. A one-way analysis of variance revealed significant results with a P-value of less than 0.05%. The results revealed that all of the substrates employed promote the growth of Ganodermalucidum (mushroom), although sawdust was shown to be more effective in supporting the fungi. As a result, the study indicated that mushroom grows better in sawdust and that it is an excellent substrate for mushroom culture, particularly Ganodermalucidum. It is advised in this study that sawdust substrate be used for mushroom culture in order to achieve optimal growth, particularly for Ganoderma lucidum.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

Mushrooms are edible fungi that belong to the Basidiomycetes class. Mushrooms are edible and have a good flavour and taste. Most mushroom species are popular and widely cultivated over the world due to their simple and low-cost production method and increased biological efficiency (Mane, 2007).

Mushroom cultivation has risen dramatically over the world due to their ability to thrive at a wide range of temperatures and be harvested all year [Amin, 2007].

Mushroom cultivation techniques such as submerged culture to obtain mycelium have been described in the last 15 to 20 years, whereas solid culture is used to obtain fruiting bodies or basidiocarp on a variety of substrates while monitoring important growth parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, and pH (Gurung et al., 2012; Erkel, 2009). Organic elements that mushroom mycelia can consume to enhance mushroom growth, development, and fruiting are