Performance analysis of Pleurotus spp. based on morphological and seasonal growth parameters

Introduction

The global rise in food demand has stimulated interest in alternative, sustainable food sources. Edible fungi, particularly oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.), stand out for their ability to grow on a variety of lignocellulosic substrates and for their rich nutritional profile. These mushrooms not only offer an accessible dietary protein source but also play a vital role in waste bioconversion, making them a key component in circular agricultural practices. Pleurotus mushrooms are characterized by their rapid mycelial growth, adaptability to different substrates, and high biological efficiency. Their cultivation is particularly feasible in tropical and subtropical regions like Eastern Uttar Pradesh, where agro-wastes such as paddy straw, wheat straw, and corn cobs are readily available. However, optimal production hinges on the understanding of specific species traits and the influence of climatic variables across seasons. The present study is structured around two primary objectives: (1) determining the morphological parameters of four Pleurotus species, and (2) evaluating their seasonal growth performance on various supplemented substrates. By addressing these objectives, the study provides critical insights into effective mushroom cultivation practices suited to local conditions.

Materials and Methods

Experimental Site

The present investigation was conducted at the Mushroom House

Mushroom Species and Spawn Preparation

The four Pleurotus species examined were P. sajor-caju, P. florida, P. djamor, and P. cornucopiae. Master cultures were procured from M.R.T.C., Pantnagar, and maintained on PDA. Spawn was prepared using sterilized wheat grains mixed with 3% calcium carbonate and incubated at 24±2 °C for 15 days.

Substrate Collection and Preparation

Three agro-waste substrates wheat straw, paddy straw, and corn cob were collected, dried, and chopped into 2-3 inch pieces. Substrates were pasteurized using a 0.5% formalin and carbendazim solution and incubated for 17 hours.

Excess moisture was drained before spawning.

Cultivation Design

The experiment used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 12 treatment combinations (4 species × 3 substrates), each replicated three times. Substrates were spawned at 6% spawn rate (dry weight basis) and incubated at controlled conditions for spawn run and cropping.

Observations Recorded

Morphological parameters included pileus diameter, stipe length, stipe diameter, and total fruiting body weight. Seasonal performance was assessed through spawn run duration, pinhead formation time, number of sporophores, total yield (g/kg), and biological efficiency (BE).

Data Analysis

Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, and treatment means were compared using standard error and critical difference at a 5% significance level.

Results and Discussion

Morphological Characteristics of Pleurotus spp. Significant variation was observed among the four Pleurotus species regarding their morphological parameters. P. florida recorded the highest average pileus diameter of 10.4 cm on wheat straw, while P. djamor exhibited the smallest pileus at 6.8 cm, reflecting its rapid maturation and delicate structure. P. cornucopiae showed the highest stipe length (4.7 cm), indicative of its robust architecture suitable for culinary uses.

The coloration and surface texture varied markedly. P. djamor displayed vibrant pink caps, which faded with age, while P. florida and P. sajor-caju retained creamy-white and dull brown hues, respectively. These differences are important for consumer appeal and market preference.

Seasonal Growth Performance

The growth performance varied significantly between winter and summer seasons. During the winter season (October to February), P. sajor-caju and P. florida showed superior yields, particularly on wheat and paddy straw substrates. For example, P. sajor-caju yielded up to 850 g/kg on wheat straw with a biological efficiency (BE) of 85%, while P. florida reached 810 g/kg with 81% BE. In contrast, P. djamor thrived under summer conditions (March to June), achieving its best yield on corn cob substrates, recording up to 790 g/kg with 79% BE. This confirms the temperature-resilient nature of the species, making it suitable for warmer climates.

The number of pinheads, primordia, and fruiting bodies was consistently higher in supplemented substrates. Combinations of wheat straw with cottonseed cake or soybean straw improved not only yield but also the uniformity and size of the fruiting bodies. Pinhead initiation was observed earlier in summer for P. djamor, within 7-8 days, compared to 10-12 days for P. florida in winter.

Substrate-Species Interaction

Analysis revealed that wheat straw was the most favorable substrate across species, followed by paddy straw and corn cob. The highest yield overall was recorded by P. sajor-caju on wheat straw (850 g/kg). However, P. cornucopiae produced heavier, more meaty fruiting bodies on paddy straw, which could compensate for slightly lower total yield through higher market value. Morphological features such as stipe and pileus dimensions were also enhanced with specific substrate-species combinations. For instance, P. florida on wheat straw exhibited both a large cap diameter and thick stipe, ideal for consumer preference and commercial packaging.

Conclusion and Recommendations

This study demonstrates the significant influence of morphological traits and seasonal factors on the cultivation performance of Pleurotus species. Among the species evaluated, P. sajor-caju and P. florida emerged as the most productive during the winter season, especially on wheat and paddy straw substrates. In contrast, P. djamor showed superior adaptation to summer conditions and performed best on corn cob, indicating its suitability for year-round production in warmer climates. Morphological assessments revealed considerable variability across species, with P. florida demonstrating the largest pileus size and P. cornucopiae producing the most structurally robust sporophores. Substrate choice significantly impacted yield and quality, with wheat straw proving to be the most effective overall, particularly when supplemented with organic materials like soybean straw and cottonseed cake.

The results support the integration of seasonal planning and substrate optimization in mushroom farming practices. For small-and medium-scale cultivators in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, this implies strategic timing of species selection based on climatic conditions and local substrate availability. Moreover, the use of low-cost agricultural by-products not only enhances yield but also contributes to sustainable waste management.

Recommendations

 P. sajor-caju and P. florida should be cultivated during winter months using wheat or paddy straw as substrates.  P. djamor is ideal for summer cultivation, with corn cob or its mixtures as effective substrates.  Supplementation with soybean straw or cottonseed cake is recommended to boost biological efficiency.  Farmers should adopt a seasonal rotation approach using species-specific strategies for year-round production.

Future studies could explore protein content, antioxidant profiles, and the economic viability of integrating mushroom cultivation into traditional farming systems. Emphasis on local training and dissemination of low-cost technologies will be crucial in scaling up mushroom production across the region.

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