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Cultivation of Kabul Dhingri (Pleurotus eryngii) Mushroom by Standardizing Protocols in Subtropical Zones of World

Summary

This research demonstrates how to effectively grow King Oyster mushrooms in subtropical regions using agricultural waste materials. The study provides detailed guidelines for farmers to produce these nutritious mushrooms efficiently and economically. Impact on everyday life: – Provides a way to convert agricultural waste into valuable protein-rich food – Offers farmers a new income source through mushroom cultivation – Contributes to food security by producing nutritious, protein-rich mushrooms – Helps reduce air pollution by utilizing paddy straw that would otherwise be burned – Provides access to mushrooms with immune-enhancing properties

Background

Pleurotus eryngii (Kabul Dhingri/King Oyster mushroom) is considered the best of all Pleurotus species due to its thick stem, cap consistency and longer shelf life. While Agaricus bisporus and other Pleurotus species are commonly cultivated in subtropical zones, P. eryngii is still new to these areas, necessitating standardization of cultivation protocols for optimal production.

Objective

To standardize cultivation protocols for Pleurotus eryngii in subtropical zones by evaluating key aspects including spawn production methodology, optimal substrate selection, sterilization methods, and factors affecting yield attributes under ambient conditions.

Results

Paddy straw was found to be the best substrate, giving the highest biological efficiency (88.4%) and maximum number of fruiting bodies (32.8). Chemical steeping of substrate with chlorine water (0.4%) + carbendazim (2%) + dichlorovos (0.1%) showed best results for sterilization. A spawn rate of 5% was optimal, resulting in maximum biological efficiency (97.3%), fastest mycelial run, and highest average fruit body weight. Substrate quantity had no significant effect on yields.

Conclusion

For subtropical zones, paddy straw or wheat straw are recommended as optimal substrates, with maize straw as a viable alternative in regions where it is commonly grown. Chemical sterilization is preferred over water and aerated steam treatment, and a 5% spawn rate is recommended for optimal yields. The standardized protocols enable efficient cultivation of P. eryngii with higher income potential for farmers in subtropical regions.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-021-94038-2
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