Comparison of growth behaviour and yield potential of Pleurotus spp.

Abstract

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) cultivation has increased tremendously, throughout the world during the last few decades. This mushroom accounted for 14% of the total world production of edible mushroom. The choice of the farmer for growing of any crop variety depends upon its yielding ability. It means the cost benefit (C: B) ratio should always be in favor of the farmers. Scientists are suggesting to farmers for growing the high yielding mushroom species. Therefore present investigation was based on the comparison of five species of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) for growth behaviour and yield potential. In this experiment spawn run period ranged between 18-21 days, initiation of pinheads also recorded in the range of 21-26 days after spawn run period. Then the crop was harvested at the stage of complete mature fruit bodies. The 1^st flush was harvested in the range of 26-29 days, 2^nd harvesting of flush ranged 35-41 days and 3^rd   flush was harvested in range of 4853 days. Yield of all flushes were recorded simultaneously, yield of 1^st and 2^nd flush were maximum but subsequently showed reduced yield in 3^rd flush and total yield was recorded which was shown maximum from P. florida followed by P. flabellatus.