IJAER

International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research™

ISSN 2455-6939

Title:
GROWTH AND LONGEVITY OF Pleurotus tuberregium (FR.) SING AS AFFECTED BY MIXTURES OF DECOMPOSED PALM BUNCH REFUSE AND TOPSOIL

Authors:
Orji, O.A. and Gbara, A.

Abstract:
Screen house study was conducted to evaluate the effect of decomposed palm bunch and top soil mixture on the growth and longevity of P. tuberregium. The treatments consisted of topsoil and decomposed palmbunch refuse in the following ratio T1 (0:5), T2 (5:0),T3 (4:1), T4 (3:2), T5 (2:3), T6 (1:4), T7 (1:1). The treatments were laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments were bagged in 75x60cm perforated black polythene bag and watered daily. Growth was observed from 14 days after planting. There were no growths on the T2 , T3 and T4. Results of this study revealed that T6 (1:4) gave the highest emergence 4.47%, highest numbers of shoots (47), weekly harvest and highest life span of 73 days. T6 (1:4) is recommended amongst the various ratios for higher % emergence, number of shoots, frequency of harvesting and longevity. Results showed that using proper ratios of decomposed palm bunch and top soil increases the production of mushroom. It should be used where emphasis is laid on increased production of fruiting bodies in mushroom cultivation. One part decomposed palm bunch refuse and 4 parts topsoil by weight is therefore recommended for increased production of Pleurotus tuberregium .

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