Optimization of Spawning Rate for Enhanced Yield of Pleurotus pulmonarius on Wheat and Paddy Straw

The present study aimed to optimize the spawning rate for maximizing the yield of Pleurotus pulmonarius cultivated on wheat and paddy straw substrates. This study was conducted at the mushroom production laboratory, College of Agriculture, IGKV Raipur (C.G.) during 2022-23 and 2023-24. Varying spawning rates (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) were evaluated to determine their effect on mycelial growth, spawn run duration, pinhead initiation, yield and biological efficiency. The results revealed significant differences among the spawning rates, with higher rates generally accelerating colonization and fruiting body formation. Among the tested treatments, at 8% spawning rate exhibited the best performance in terms of biological efficiency and total yield across both substrates, while 2% offered no significant yield advantage and incurred higher spawn cost. Paddy straw supported slightly higher productivity compared to wheat straw. These findings find out the importance of optimizing spawn dosage to improve mushroom yield and cost-effectiveness in commercial cultivation of P. pulmonarius.