Physical characteristics and biological efficiency of Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated using various crpping techniques

Abstract

The yield performance and physical characteristics of Pleurotus ostreatus strain EM-l grown on composted sawdust of Triplochiton scleroxylon under Ghanaian conditions were studied. These were studied using four cropping techniques on the plastic bag: one surface exposed, two surfaces exposed, ten slits and ten punches on the sides of the bag. The bags with ten punches had the highest mean cap weight (14.86g) with the side slit bags having the least weight (3.82g). The increasing order of the cap to stipe weight ratio recorded was: one surface exposed, two surfaces exposed, ten side slits and ten punches. Based on the biological efficiency obtained within six weeks of cropping, the alternate technique to be used in the cultivation of oyster mushrooms is making ten side slits on the compost bag