Effect of Sawdust Extracts on the Vegetative Growth of Pleurotus tuberregium Singer

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the effect of some selected sawdust extracts on the mycelia growth of the edible and medicinal mushrooms, Pleurotus tuberregium. Sawdust extracts obtained from ten economic trees were used to prepare potato dextrose agar. The highest level of mycelial growth was exhibited by the extract from ‘Cameleon’ with mean mycelia diameter of 5.51 ±0.65 cm. This was followed by Triplochiton scleroxylon (4.95 ±0.15 cm) and ‘Ukom’ (4.14 ±0.24 cm). Compared to the control, the mycelia growth of the aforementioned extracts were significantly higher or lower (p=0.05). Sawdust extracts from Baphia nitida, Lophira alata and Ormocarpum spp gave the lowest mean mycelia diameter (0.50 ±0.00 cm) ten days after inoculation. The results obtained from this study suggest that ‘Cameleon’ favoured to a large extent the mycelia growth of P. tuberregium.