Evaluation of the efficiency of agro-forestry waste on the growth and yield of traditional edible mushrooms in Southeastern Nigeria

The present study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of producing different traditional edible mushrooms (Lentinus squarrosulus, Pleurotus tuberregium, and Tricholoma robustum) from Southeastern Nigeria using different agro-forestry wastes. Standard procedures were used to culture the mushrooms on sawdust (SD), groundnut pod shells (GPS), coconut fibre (CF), empty fruit palm bunch (EFPB), rice husk (RH), and topsoil. Total yield, biological efficiency (BE), and moisture content (MC) were evaluated using standard methods. Chemical properties of the substrates before and after cultivation were evaluated. L. squarrosulus produced the highest total yield and BE of 318.65 g/kg and 63.73% on sawdust with a moisture content ranging between 71.25 to 80.11%. P. tuberregium gave 176.25 g/kg and 32.25% on topsoil with MC between 50.33 to 63.20%. T. robustum colonized the substrates but did not produce fruiting bodies. L. squarrosulus grown on sawdust had the fastest mycelial colonization within 29 days of inoculation and formed pin heads within 3 to 7 days of bag opening. P. tuberregium grown on topsoil took 35 days from inoculation to maturity and 3 to 4 days from pin heads to mature fruit bodies. These mushrooms demonstrate a high prospect of growing on the substrates investigated and offer a viable option for the bioconversion of zero-value agro-waste to valuable resources. Key words: Mushroom cultivation, agro-forestry wastes, Lentinus squarrosulus, Pleurotus tuberregium, substrates, biological efficiency.