Cultural Studies and Yield Attributes of Pink Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus djamor) in West Bengal

Abstract

The pink oyster mushroom, scientifically known as Pleurotus djamor, is characterized by its appealing color, positive sensory qualities, substantial nutritional content, and its possession of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and medicinal properties. Mushrooms degrade lignocellulosic substrates through lignocellulosic enzyme production and utilize the degraded products to produce their fruiting bodies, contributing to sustainable agriculture and forestry and a short-term generation of income. The present study was carried out to assess the effect of various cultural parameters viz. temperatures, pH, solid culture media, carbon, and nitrogen sources on mycelial growth of the fungus and to identify the suitable grain for spawn production, optimum dose of spawn and suitable substrate for obtaining the highest yield of the mushroom. All of the experiments were conducted following standard protocols after procuring the pure culture of P. djamor from DMR-Solan. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth of the fungus was 28 °C at pH 7.5, and the best solid culture media was oat meal agar. Starch was the best carbon source and 0.3% L-asparagine served as the best source of nitrogen. Sorghum grains promoted the fastest spawn production. Out of five different doses of spawn and two assessed substrates, 4% spawn on paddy straw promoted the highest yield.