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Molecular characterization of most cultivated Pleurotus species in sub-western region Nigeria with development of cost effective cultivation protocol on palm oil waste

Summary

This study identified the types of oyster mushrooms being grown by farmers in Nigeria and found that most were being misidentified by their appearance alone. Researchers used DNA testing to correctly identify two main species: P. ostreatus and P. pulmonarius. They also discovered that using palm oil waste mixed with rice bran as growing substrate produced better yields and lower costs than traditional sawdust methods, making commercial mushroom farming more economically viable for farmers.

Background

Mushroom identification in Nigeria has been hindered by inaccuracy in morphological classification methods and low bio-efficiency of commonly used substrates. Traditional identification methods are insufficient due to high phenotypic variability across geographical ranges and close resemblance between Pleurotus species. Molecular characterization techniques offer more reliable species identification than morphological features alone.

Objective

To identify and characterize Pleurotus species commonly cultivated in the South-western region of Nigeria using molecular tools and to evaluate the effectiveness of agricultural wastes, particularly palm oil waste, in oyster mushroom cultivation protocols.

Results

Molecular analysis revealed that P. ostreatus (6 samples) and P. pulmonarius (2 samples) are predominantly cultivated in South-western Nigeria, with several species incorrectly identified by farmers. Palm bunch supplemented with rice bran showed the fastest ramification rate (8.24 ± 0.16) and highest yield (1774.75 g), while sawdust alone gave the lowest yield (326.94 g). Shaft supplemented with wheat bran achieved the highest biological efficiency (100.57%), and palm bunch with rice bran had the best productivity (17.46%).

Conclusion

The study clarifies ambiguity in Pleurotus species identification in Nigeria through molecular characterization. Cultivation protocols using palm oil bunch and shaft supplemented with wheat or rice bran at 1:1 ratio demonstrated superior performance over conventional sawdust substrates and can be recommended for commercial mushroom cultivation, offering cost-effective alternatives using agricultural waste.
  • Published in:Heliyon,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research Study,
  • Source: PMID: 33665415, DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06215
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