S09 - Session P4 - Effects of agro waste substrates on growth and yield performance of mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus (jacq.) p. kumm for livelihood in Benue state, Nigeria

Authors: Ngozi Ifeoma Odiaka *, Bayo David

The effects of different substrates on growth and yield performance of mushroom ( Pleurotus ostreatus ) was studied in the crop production facility of the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria. The study evaluated the impact of readily available agro-wastes on growth and yield parameters of the fungus. The experiment was set out using a completely randomized design which comprised 11 treatments and 3 replicates. The organic wastes used include T1= Sawdust n 100% control, T2= Rice bran n 100%, T3= Cassava peel - 100%, T4= Maize cob - 100%, T5= Guinea corn shaft -100%, T6= Cowpea waste - 100%, T7 = Sawdust/Rice bran - 50% / 50%, T8 = Sawdust/Cassava peels - 50% / 50%, T9 = Sawdust/Maize cobs - 50% / 50%, T10 = Sawdust/Guinea corn waste - 50% / 50% and T11 = Sawdust/Cowpea waste - 50% / 50%. From the study conducted, all the substrates except T2 supported excellent formation of healthy fruit bodies. In all the parameters considered P.ostreatus had a better performance from T4 (81.3gm fresh weight), T4 (14.72gm dry weight) and T10 (44.12% Biological efficiency) The control, T1, had 33.31gm, 4.88gm and 12.26% respectively. The best results with reference to number of fruiting bodies were produced from sawdust/cassava peels (33.22), sawdust/maize cobs (28.89) and maize-cobs (21.11) in that order. Control had 8.33. This result is significant because the number of fruiting bodies forms an important factor in available material determining consumable part of the mushroom. The substrate analysis showed presence of Organic carbon (C), Nitrogen (N) and other nutrients which positively affected output. The variations experienced could be attributed to the chemical composition and Carbon to Nitrogen ratio (C:N) of the substrates. These agro-wastes found in abundance in Benue state Nigeria can be said by this study to support fruit body formation of Pleurotus ostreatus