Mycelia Colonization Potential of Pleurotus tuber-regium (fr) Singer and Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. Ex. Fr) Khum on Different Culture Media and Grain Types

Aim: To determine the effect of different culture media and grain types on the mycelia growth performance of two Pleurotus spp (P. ostreatus and P. tuber-regium).

Study Design: The design this of experiment was a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: This research was carried out in the Department of Plant and Ecological Studies, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, between the period of March –May, 2018.

Methodology: The mycelia colonization potential of these mushrooms were assessed on three culture media viz; potato dextrose agar (PDA), palm inflorescence waste agar (PWA), and spent palm fibre agar (SPFA) and different cereal grain types (viz; Sorghum bisicolor Zea mays, Eleusine coracana, and Triticum aestivum) and a combination of the grains were used as spawn substrates. Parameters assessed include linear mycelium extension, mycelia growth, and mycelia density.

Results: Maximum and minimum mycelia colonization rate of both mushroom species was observed in PDA and PWA, respectively. Results showed that Zea mays and Sorghum bisicolor grains gave the best result in mycelia colonization rate, while Zea mays was poor in supporting mycelia density. The combination of grains at ratio of 1:1 did not contribute positively to the mycelia colonization of P. ostreatus. However, wheat-millet and sorghum-wheat combination at equal proportions greatly enhanced P. tuber-regium mycelia colonization.

Conclusion: This study reveals that PDA was the best medium for culturing both species, while red sorghum was the best grain substrate for P. ostreatus and P. tuber-regium spawn production.