Abstract Detail

Mycology & Phycology

Iwuagwu, Mary [1], Nwaru, Chidi Ezeibe [2], Alaribe, Iheanyichukwu Chinkata [2].

Utilization of Different Agro-Wastes in the Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom: A Sustainable Waste Management Approach.

Enormous quantity of agro-industrial wastes are generated all over the world due to population increase. These wastes are carelessly disposed into the environment. Since these wastes are majorly lignocellulosic, they are not easily decomposed. Hence, they accumulate in the environment causing environmental pollution and associated health risk. There is therefore the need to develop a sustainable approach to solve this problem. This work was conducted at the mushroom unit of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Abia State University, Uturu. Nigeria. The main objective was to evaluate the utilization of different agro-wastes in the production of two species of Pleurotus, P. ostreatus (PO) and P. pulmonarius (PP) with a view to curbing environmental pollution associated with improper/careless disposal of the wastes. Seven different agro-wastes were used for this study. These include sawdust from five different tree species (Swientia, mahogany, Milicia excelsa, Gmelina arborea, Afzelia africana and pinus sp) and two non-wood agro-wastes, Corn cobs and Plantain mid-rib). Data were collected on the duration of mycelia growth, duration for pinhead formation and the yield and yield components of the two mushroom species. Data were subjected to Statistical analysis at probability level of 5% using SPSS 20. The duration of mycelia growth was approximately 12 and 13 days for PO and PP, respectively. Pin heads appeared faster (9 days) in corn cobs and Melicia excelsa inoculated with PO and PP spawns, respectively. Number of fruit bodies and the fresh weight of the mushroom species were significantly (P<0.05) highest in plantain midrib while the least was obtained in Gmelina arborea. PP produced fruit bodies with significantly greater fresh weight than PO. Interaction between the agro-waste and mushroom species on number of fruiting bodies was significant. Significantly highest number of fruiting bodies of PO was produced from plantain mid-rib, followed by Milicia excelsa and the least was from Gmelina arborea. Similarly, significantly highest number of fruiting bodies of PP was produced from plantain mid-rib, followed by corn cobs and the least was from Milicia excelsa. Results of this study showed that these wastes can be reused in the production of P. ostreatus and P. pulmonarius. This will help reduce the amount of waste generated and also protect the environment from pollution. This is an example of agro-waste recycling and bioconversion of wastes.

1 - Abia State University, Plant Science And Biotechnology, Uturu, Uturu, AB, +234, Nigeria
2 - Abia State University, Uturu, Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Uturu, Abia, +234, Nigeria

Keywords:
Agro-waste
Pleurotus species
pollution
waste management.

Presentation Type: Poster
Number: PMP003
Abstract ID:973
Candidate for Awards:None