EFFECT OF PLEUROTUS DJAMOR MUSHROOM ON MYCELIAL GROWTH ACROSS DIFFERENT AGAR MEDIA

This study investigates the mycelial growth of Pleurotus djamor, commonly known as the pink oyster mushroom, on various agar media to determine the optimal conditions for its cultivation. The agar media tested include Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), PDA supplemented with Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3), Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), Yeast Extract Agar (YEA), and Wheat Bran Agar (WBA). Pleurotus djamor is a widely cultivated edible mushroom species, known for its distinctive pink coloration, rapid growth, and potential nutritional and medicinal benefits. Successful cultivation of this mushroom depends heavily on the mycelial growth stage, which in turn is influenced by the composition of the growth medium. The study was designed to assess how different nutrient compositions in these agar media affect the mycelial expansion of P. djamor. The fungal strain was inoculated on each medium and incubated at 25 °C in the dark. Mycelial growth was monitored daily, and the diameter of the colonies was measured to quantify the growth rate and overall mycelial vigor. Results revealed that Wheat Bran Agar (WBA) supported the most robust mycelial growth, with the mycelium covering the plate in a shorter time compared to other media. This medium, enriched with wheat bran, provided a nutrient-rich environment, particularly high in carbohydrates and proteins, which are crucial for the rapid and vigorous development of P. djamor. In contrast, Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Yeast Extract Agar (YEA) were found to be less suitable for P. djamor, exhibiting sparse and weak growth. PDA, a commonly used medium for fungal cultivation, supported good growth but was less effective than WBA. The addition of CaCO3 to PDA resulted in moderate growth, suggesting that pH buffering has a role, though not as significant as nutrient composition in influencing mycelial expansion. This study concludes that Wheat Bran Agar is the most effective medium for promoting the mycelial growth of Pleurotus djamor. These findings highlight the importance of selecting a suitable growth medium based on the specific nutritional requirements of the fungal species, which is essential for optimizing cultivation practices.