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Effect of Azotobacter Bioinoculant on the Growth and Substrate Utilization Potential of Pleurotus eous Seed Spawn

Summary

This research investigated how adding beneficial bacteria (Azotobacter) affects the growth of oyster mushrooms and their ability to break down their food source. The study found that small amounts of these bacteria help mushrooms grow better while preventing harmful molds from growing. This has important implications for mushroom farming. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to more efficient and productive mushroom farming methods • May help reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in mushroom cultivation • Could result in more affordable and available mushrooms for consumers • Demonstrates an environmentally friendly approach to crop improvement • Could help reduce agricultural waste by improving substrate utilization

Background

Lignocellulosic wastes used for mushroom cultivation contain cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Only about 20% of the 60 billion tons of cellulose generated annually worldwide is used for energy and feed conversion. Mushroom growth and fruiting depend on their ability to utilize these components as nutrients. Microbial biomass in compost acts as a concentrated source of nitrogen and minerals for mushroom mycelium.

Objective

To investigate the effect of nitrogen-fixing Azotobacter bioinoculant on mycelial growth and substrate utilization rate of Pleurotus eous mushroom, and to study its synergistic or antagonistic interactions with competitor molds Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma reesi during dual culturing.

Results

Azotobacter showed synergistic effects with P. eous but antagonism towards T. viride and T. reesi. Lower concentrations (2-5ml per bottle) of Azotobacter increased linear growth and enzyme activities of P. eous, while higher concentrations (10ml) were inhibitory. The bioinoculant enhanced cellulolytic enzyme activities and total nitrogen content of the substrate at optimal concentrations. However, higher concentrations led to increased contamination by other molds.

Conclusion

Azotobacter bioinoculant at lower concentrations (up to 5ml per bottle) effectively enhanced growth and substrate utilization of P. eous seed spawn while controlling weed fungal infestation. The study demonstrates the potential of using Azotobacter as a beneficial supplement in mushroom cultivation.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.4489/MYCO.2005.33.1.019
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