Browsing by Author "Reeny, M.Z."

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    Variation In Oyster Mushroom Production On Coconut By Products As Influenced By Mixing Of Substrates
    (1997) George V. Thomas; Reeny, M.Z.; Prabhu, S.R.
    Although paddy straw is considered to be the best substrate for oyster mushrooms, it has . become necessary to find out locally available and cheaper agro-wastes as alternate substrates due to the increasing cost and non-availability of paddy straw in several areas. Large quantities of by-products, which are high lignocellulosic in nature are available in coconut plantations and homestead gardens throughout the year at little or no cost. Oyster mushroom cultivation trials were conducted with coconut by-products individually and in different combinations in a low cost mushroom house constructed in a coconut garden. Variation in respect of total yield of mushrooms, biological efficiency of conversion and crop duration were observed in different .coconut by-products and their combinations. Leaf stalk, bunch waste, and spathe were better substrates than bunch stalk, leaflets and coir pith when tested individually. However, mixing of coir pith and leaflets with certain other substrates resulted in higher yield of mushrooms. Coir pith + leaf stalk and bunch waste + leaflets (1 : 1 ratio) yielded more mushrooms than other combinations tested. Crop duration of Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer ~Oyster mushroom) major was more in coconut by-products, particularly when leaf stalk was the substrate.