Vol. 10, Issue 7 (2021)

Author(s):
Rupesh Kumar Mandal, Rubee Lata, RS Verma and RB Ram

Abstract:
The present research work was carried out in the Research laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in winter season of the year 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively to assess the effect of various substrates such as wheat straw and paddy straw in different treatments combination of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida). The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design consisted of twelve treatments combination in each replication and replicated thrice. The pooled data of two years showed that the maximum length of stipe (3.94 cm), diameter of stipe (1.24 cm), diameter of pileus (4.47 cm) and diameter of fruiting bodies (12.32 cm) were obtained under the treatment T₆ (Wheat straw 80% + Paddy straw 20%). Whereas, the minimum length of stipe (3.48 cm), diameter of stipe (0.79 cm), diameter of pileus (3.52 cm) and diameter of fruiting bodies (8.68 cm) were obtained under the treatment T_2. The maximum primordia initiation days (24.50) and pinhead initiation days (27.33) were recorded in treatment T₂ whereas the minimum primordia initiation days (20.67 days) and pinhead initiation days (24.00 days) were recorded in treatment T₂ (Paddy straw 100%). Thus, the different substrates used in treatments combination showed that the combination of Wheat straw (80%) + Paddy straw (20%) is best for the mushroom cultivation under Lucknow condition in terms of yield and economic returns.