Valuation of the growth response of oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom on partially composted sesame stalk with different blends of wheat straw

Abstract Aside from being a significant source of highly nutritious and medicinally valuable mushrooms, mushroom cultivation is an important means of environmental remediation. Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom is very easy-to grow type of mushroom which can be simply grown in different environmental conditions and various types of non-composted lignocellulosic wastes. This study was conducted to assess the growth response of oyster mushroom on sesame stalk. Spawn was prepared from a mycelium culture grown on Potato Dextrose Agar. The spawn was inoculated to the substrates formulated from sesame stalk and wheat straw and incubated at room temperature in the dark for 21 days. Data was analyzed using Minitab software version 19. Significant (P<0.05) differences in days taken for mycelial colonization, primordial appearance and maturity as well as yield was observed between the substrate formulations. Treatment 1 was fastest (19.00 days) in mycelial colonization period but statistically parity with Treatment 2. Treatment 2 was faster (3.33 days) for primordial appearance while Treatment 1 was faster (6.67 days) in maturity. The highest yield (1850 g) and biological efficiency (185%) was recorded by Treatment 1. Pearson’s correlation showed that cap diameter and stipe length directly correlate with its yield and biological efficiency and faster substrate colonization leads to quicker maturation. This study suggests that sesame stalks can be a highly viable alternative to expensive substrates for successful cultivation of oyster mushrooms.