Using different grain substrates for spawn production and maximization of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus Florida) production [electronic resource]

Includes bibliographic reference

Optimizing spawn quality is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation, and it relies on grain formation.
This study was carried out at Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt during the consecutive seasons
of 2021-2022. In this study, a hatchery was developed using various grains. The grain substrates, including maize,
sorghum, wheat, and a mixture of maize: sorghum: wheat spawn (1:1:1), were inoculated with Pleurotus florida parent eggs.
After incubation, the eggs were grown in rice straw substrate, exhibiting variable effects on the days from sowing to the
first flushing (15-33 days). Notably, sorghum grain substrate demonstrated the highest productivity in yield quantity
and fruit size, followed by the wheat-sorghum mixture in both seasons. The nutritional richness of sorghum and the 1:1:1
mixture played a pivotal role in stimulating robust fungal growth, influencing both yield quantity and morphological
characteristics of the fruits. Considering these results and previous studies, the utilization of sorghum grain substrate
is strongly recommended. Moreover, introducing Slim as a hatchery carrier can enhance hatching quality, fostering faster and
healthier growth. This approach aims to maximize returns, ultimately leading to increased profits in mushroom cultivation.
Key words: Grain substrates, spawn, oyster mushroom

Summary in Arabic