USE OF CORN STOVER FOR THE CULTIVATION OF Pleurotus ostreatus

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the use of corn stover as a substrate for cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and examined the effects of supplementing corn stover with palm press fiber and rice bran on mushroom growth parameters.The study involved preparing substrates of corn stover alone, corn stover with palm press fiber, corn stover with rice bran, and palm press fiber alone. These were inoculated with P. ostreatus spawn and monitored for mycelial colonization time, days to primordial emergence, mushroom yield, and biological efficiency.Findings revealed that corn stover alone facilitated rapid mycelial colonization (44.2 ± 1.5 days), early primordial emergence (65.2 ± 1.5 days), and yielded 145 ± 34 g of mushrooms with a biological efficiency of 72.7%. Adding palm press fiber slightly increased yield (150 ± 32.2 g, BE: 75.0%), whereas rice bran supplementation had no significant effect (145 ± 34.2 g, BE: 72.7%). Palm press fiber alone was the least effective substrate, producing the lowest yield (88 ± 17 g, BE: 44.3%).The study recommends broader use of corn stover in mushroom cultivation to lower production costs, utilize agricultural waste, and support sustainable food production. It also suggests further research to optimize substrate formulations and evaluate their long-term effects on mushroom yield and quality.