Casing Layer as Related to Mushroom Yield and Quality of Agaricus bisporus in India

摘要

Further to our earlier published work on casing layer as related to mushroom yield and quality of Agaricus bisporus cultivation in India, present findings were undertaken for evaluation and standardization of application of casing layer over spawn run compost in commercial cultivation of button mushroom Agaricus bisporus. The casing layer is reported to trigger the fructification process besides helping in supporting the developing mushrooms and acting as a water reservoir for the mushrooms. Casing materials used in China and India include common soil, forest soil, decomposed Farm Yard Manure, decomposed Spent Mushroom Substrate, and many other such materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate casing materials for button mushroom cultivation as an alternative to peat, considered as the most suitable for casing. Alternative materials evaluated included: Industrial Coir Pith, Coconut Fibre (coarse/fine particles), Sugarcane Press Mud, Farm Yard Manure, Spent Mushroom Substrate, City Refuse Compost, and Burnt Rice Husk. These materials were evaluated both alone and in various combinations. Results indicated that Industrial Coir Pith resulted in highest mushroom yield (15.7 kg/100 kg compost) followed by Spent Mushroom Substrate (15.66 kg) and Coconut Fibre Waste (15.60 kg), which were statistically at par. Days required to pin post casing application were between 16 to 18 days in the above three superior performing casing materials. The maximum numbers of fruit bodies (1409-1454 per 100 kg compost) were also recorded in these superior performing treatments. Casing materials did not have a bearing on total dry weight of mushrooms harvested.