Efficacy of Wheat Straw and Cotton Waste as Substrates in the Production of the Edible Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus Florida)

Abstract

Wheat straw and cotton waste were used as substrates. Some natural additives, nitrogen and carbon sources were used as nutrient supplements to enhance mycelial growth of Pleurotus ostreatus (Florida).Minced wheat straw and cotton waste substrates were soaked in boiled water and excess water was squeezed out using a clean muslin cloth. Supplements were added to the substrates and were autoclaved. Pleurotus ostreatus was inoculated. Wheat straw was found to be a better substrate for mycelia growth than cotton wastes. The natural additives and carbon sources grew better than the nitrogen additives on both substrates. Malted yellow maize, D-fructose and methyl cellulose can best be used as additives to promote mycelia growth of Pleurotus ostreatus.