HII
At present 3 mushrooms are being cultivated in India. These are : the white mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), the paddy-straw mushroom (Volvariella vovvacea) and the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju). Of these, A. bisporus is the most popular and economically sound to grow and is extensively cultivated throughout the world.
Oyster mushroom can grow at moderate temperature ranging from 220 to 280C. therefore, it is suitable for most of the places of India. It is a familiar item in the menu of most hotels in Bangalore where it is being grown commercially.
In north India, the climate conditions prevailing during different seasons can be exploited for growing mushroom throughout the year. To this a year-wise production schedule is suggested :
Mid-November to Mid-March : Agaricus bisporus
February to Mid-April : Pleurotus sajor-caju
Mid-June to Mid-September : Volvariella volvacea
September to November : Pleurotus sajor-caju
Cultivation--
1.selection of strains
2. Maintainence of strains
3. Spawn
4. Compost- Composting for mushroom cultivation has 3 basic purposes :
(i) it transforms the horse-manure and straw into the substrate more suitable for the growth of Agaricus bisporus mycelium than for the many microorganisms whose presence in such a substratum cannot be avoided;
(ii) to create a favourable medium for the unfavourable microbial flora which does not inhibit the growth of A. bisporus. Protein in the countless dead bacteria and other microorganisms is a vital item in mushroom nutrition; and
(iii) its fermentation temperature is high enough to eliminate most harmful pests and diseases.
The market for mushrooms continues to grow due to interest in their culinary, nutritional, and health benefits. They also show potential for use in waste management. However, as fungi, mushrooms have life cycles very different from those of green plants. The choice of species to raise depends both on the growth media available and on market considerations. Oyster mushrooms, which grow on many substrates, are easiest for a beginner. Shiitake mushrooms already have earned considerable consumer demand. Only two mycorrhizal mushrooms, morels and truffles, have been commercially cultivated. Mushroom cultivation offers benefits to market gardens when it is integrated into the existing production system.
Regards
Ashwini S
