Maximizing production of Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster) in Tanzania

Pleurotus ostreatum is a nutritive and medicinal mushroom. A study to maximize production of the previous results from the previous study was conducted. A four-treatment setup with four replicates was established to maximize previous results of Pleurotus ostreatum. In this setup, substrate ratios and greenhouse materials used as control (T0) were kept constant across all treatments, while growth conditions (T1-T4) varied from one treatment to another Sterilized substrates were packaged in 150 sterilized plastic bags of 2 kg each. Pleurotus ostreatum spores were inoculated and lightly watered for 30 days for mycelia sprouting. The number and percentage of mycelia sprouting were recorded over three months. Data were analyzed using SPSS, where ANOVA and post hoc tests were conducted. The results indicated the highest mycelial sprouting percentage and sprouting number in T4 (92% and 351, respectively), while T1 exhibited the highest Biological Efficiency Index (BEI) of 7.5. Significant differences between treatments were observed for both mycelia sprouting percentage and sprouting number (p<0.001, df=3, and p<0.001, df=3, respectively). Maximization was successful as sprouting increased from 17% in previous research to 92% and the sprouting number from 173 to 351. Despite T4 showing absolute sprouting metrics, it suggests that T1 is more efficient in the sprouting process, while T4 conditions are more effective for mushroom production. Optimized growth condition in T4 (80% humidity, 21oC and pH 7.5), substrate ratios (20:20:5:5:5) and greenhouse materials (palm fronds) contributed to this maximization and are recommended for use in Songea.