Assessment of palm kernel cake as an additional organic additive to rice bran in the cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in Ghana

Abstract

The current growing consumption rate of mushroom in Ghana has made it necessary for more efficient agricultural waste to be tried for their efficient use as supplement to substrate for mushroom production. The objective of this work was to compare the yield and growth characteristics of Pleurotus ostreatus on composted sawdust supplemented with varying concentrations of palm kernel cake with 10%rice bran. Rice bran to palm kernel cake at ratios 5%(2:1), 10%(1:1),20%(1:2),30%(1:3), 40%(1:4) and10%rice bran only as a control. Six replicates were used for each treatment .Parameters taken includes mycelia growth rate per week, period of full mycelia colonization, total number of fruit bodies per bag, total weight of fruit bodies per bag, stipe length, stipe weight ,pileus weight and biological efficiency. The results of the data collected were subjected to statistical (ANOVA). Stipe length, biological effieciency, rate of mycelial growth and total weight at fruit bodies per bag showed non-significant difference among the treatment mean at 5% level of probability. However, period of full myecalia colonization, total number of fruitbodies, stipe weight,pileus weight and total weight of fruit bodies showed a significant difference at 5% level of probability among sample means. The supplemented substrate expresses the best results indicating that it is more efficient supplement for oyster mushroom cultivation. It is recommended that the use of palm kernel cake as a form of supplement should be encouraged when cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus strain EM1 for a better yield