Comparative Mycelium Growth of Five Mushroom Species on Potato Dextrose Agar: Effects of Inoculum Dose and Temperature

Edible mushrooms are a significant nutrient source, flavor, and medicinally beneficial. This study evaluated a few selected determinants for the mycelium growth of five mushroom species grown on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) at 30°C for 8 days. Mycelium growth was measured for inoculum doses of 2, 4, and 6 mg. All species grew to about 9 cm by day 8. Pleurotus ostreatus (White Oyster), Ganoderma lucidum, and Agaricus bisporus mushrooms displayed consistent growth, especially at the 6 mg dose. Pleurotus eryngii was more variable with slower growth at lower doses, and Pleurotus ostreatus (Grey Oyster) had the greatest early growth rate. Overall, inoculum dose had an effect on growth speed, but all species stabilized at peak growth by day 8.