Contract research project on development of mushroom varieties suitable for rural level in Bangladesh

Abstract

The study aimed at collecting local and exotic strains of mushroom, identifying suitable ones, culture media and substrates for their growing. The other part of the project initiated studies on developing cultivation practices of the selected strains and improving the existing production management. To take care of the different objectives of the study the following seven individual experiments, namely: (i) Effect of different substrates on the growth and yield of oyster mushroom, (ii) Taxo-ecological investigation of higher fungi (mushroom) of Savar, Dhaka, (iii) Development of cultivation method of Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushroom under Bangladesh condition, (iv) Effect of GA3 on the growth and yield of oyster mushroom, (v) Performance of Jew ear mushroom (Auricularia polytricha) under different composition of sugarcane bagasse and sawdust (Jackfruit), (vi) Cultivation practice of Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus bitorquis, (vii) Establishment of Gene Bank, were conducted with individual objectives and methodologies. The study identified 10 strains of mushroom suitable for growing at local condition of Savar. Out of the different growth substrates mango sawdust and sugarcane bagasse were found to be better performing and cost effective than the others. Under natural condition Shiitake mushroom produced better yield during November-December time of the year. For good yield of mushrooms PDA prepared with 15mg GA3/litre was observed to have performed better. Compost prepared with bagasse (39%), Sawdust (40%), Rice bran (19%), CaCO3 (1%), and Gram powder (1%) was found to be better for mushroom growth. The study may be continued to verify the information generated through the project. Instead of piece meal work an integrated R&D project may be initiated to explore the possibilities of mushroom to its totality.