Utilization of Wastes Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) Substrates in the Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom: Modern View and Trends

Lemon grass wastes are abundant in both rural and urban areas and when carelessly disposed off to the environment by dumping or burning, they lead to environmental pollution, and consequently to health hazards. Growing of edible mushroom on these wastes can contribute to decrease in environment pollution. The aim of this study was conducted to compare the wastes lemon grass (cymbopogon citratus) substrates in the cultivation of Pleurotus sajor-caju and Pleurotus florida. Six substrate, namely, Trt1 (oil extracted lemongrass), Trt 2 (oil extracted lemon grass 40% + wheat straw 30%+ paddy straw 30%), Trt3 (oil extracted lemongrass 70% + wheat straw 30%), Trt4 (oil extracted lemon grass 50% + wheat straw 50%), Trt5 (oil extracted lemongrass 70% + paddy straw 30%) and Trt6 (oil extracted lemongrass 50% +paddy straw 50%) in the cultivation of PSC and PF. The results indicated that different substrate formulas gave a significant difference in complete full spawn run and days to pinhead formation were faster in Trt2 (15.5 and 13.70 days) and ( 18.40 and 17.40 days respectively) while Trt1 recorded the longest days (23.64 and 22.37) and (27.00 and 25.64 respectively) in PF and PSC. Number of fruiting bodies, fresh and dry weights of the mushroom was significantly higher in Trt2 than in the other substrates. The least number of fruiting bodies, fresh and dry weights were recorded in Trt1 of PF and PSC. The treatment Trt2 showed all over best result produce 884.37g.and 856.33g in PSC and PF. but as far as lemon grass (Trt1) alone and its combined effect all other treatments. Combination of lemon grass with wheat straw + paddy straw also showed significant produce while, using oil extracted lemongrass 100% does not show better results.