Production of white oyster mushroom spawn using different grain-based substrates

Spawn production is an important step in mushroom cultivation. This study investigates the use of five different sterilized grain-based substrates (rice, barley, wheat, maize and bird seed) for producing Pleurotus ostreatus spawn. The aim is to determine which grain-based substrate is most favorable for spawn production. Favourability decision was made after comparing experimental results for mean diameter size of the mycelium spread, time taken for the substrate to be completely colonized and the difference between fresh and dry weights of the spawn. Although all of the tested substrates supported mycelium growth and spawn production, the substrate made with corn grains performed significantly better in terms of the three identified parameters. The larger grain size of corn and probably its higher nutritional content, was most likely responsible for stimulating greater mycelium growth, which was reflected in the greater diameter of the colony, less time taken to colonise the substrate and greater dry weight of the spawn.