Evaluation of different substrates for production of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.).

The experiments were carried out to evaluate locally available substrate with their best spawn rate combination on yield of oyster mushroom In natural condition of western Uttar Pradesh conditions during July to September, 2007–2008. Paddy straw with 3.0% spawn rate was the suitable substrate for the faster spawn run (17.00–18.33 days) by 3–4 days earlier than by using dried sugarcane leaves (22.23–26.33 days) during 2007–08. Paddy straw with 3% spawn rate (585.00 g/kg of dry substrate) was also showed maximum yield In 2007, while wheat straw with 3% spawn rate (600.00 g/kg of dry substrate was found in paddy straw with 3% spawn rate (34.60–38.00), while maximum weight per sporophore of Pleurotus sajor caju was found in dried sugarcane leaves with 2.0% and 2.5% spawn rate (17.91–21.86 glsporophore) treatment during 2007–08.