Effect of different grain substrates on spawn growth and productivity of Pleurotus djamor

Studies were undertaken to determine the best grain substrate for spawn production of Pleurotus djamor and its effect on yield. The cereal grains of jowar (Sorghum bicolor), kodo (Paspalum scrobiculatum), maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum), bajra (Pennisetum typhoides), oat (Avena fatua) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) were evaluated as spawn substrates. Observations were recorded for number of days taken for spawn development. Spawn raised on different grains was also used for cultivation on wheat straw substrate to assess the period of spawn run, number of days taken for primordial formation and weight of sporophores. The shortest period for spawn development was obtained with kodo (8 days), bajra (8.3 days) and wheat (8.6 days) grains the three being statistically at par indicating their suitability for effective spawn production. The different grains also influenced the duration of spawn run and pin head formation including the biological efficiency of P djamor on wheat straw. The yield of P djamor varied significantly with the kind of grain used for spawn development and it was maximum in case of wheat (224 g/300 g dry substrate). The overall biological efficiency was also highest on wheat grain spawn (74.76%).