Abstract

Studies were conducted to assess different organic supplements to paddy straw for increasing the yield of Pleurotus citrinopileatus and P. sajor caju. Among the various supplements, neem cake (2% to wet weight) accentuated the yield upto 48.7 per cent and 75.0 per cent over control in P. citrinopileatus and P, sajor caju respectively. The yield was directly related to protein content in both the species tested. Cost benefit analyses of neem cake amendment showed an additional income of Rs. 9.66 and Rs. 14.26 per kg of paddy straw (dry weight) in case of P. citrinopileatus and P. sajor caju respectively. Redgram husk, green 'gram husk and black gram husk were the next best supplements in all respects. Soybean flour was a poor supplement. Sensory evaluation of mushrooms harvested from amended paddy straw showed no variation in flavour and taste as compared to control.

Keywords: Oyster mushroom, paddystraw substrate, supplementation, yield increase