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 . |
