Effect of different cultural parameters on vegetative growth and yield potential of straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) in Odisha

The paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea), a member of the genus Volvariella, order Agaricales, family Pluteaceae, and division Basidiomycota, was studied to evaluate factors influencing mycelial growth, spawn viability, and sporophore yield. Six different media, five pH levels, eight light conditions, and various nutrient sources were tested. Among the media, Potato Dextrose Agar and Malt Extract Agar supported the highest mycelial growth, with radial growths of 90 mm and 88 mm, respectively, by the seventh day of inoculation. Optimal growth occurred at pH 8, yielding a maximum radial growth of 88.00 mm and a mycelial dry weight of 568.40 mg. After 12 days of spawn preparation, darkness allowed maximum downward linear growth of 140 mm in the spawn bottle. Peptone was identified as the most effective nitrogen source, resulting in dense mycelial mats (220.50 mg) and 89 mm radial growth. Glucose and starch proved to be the best carbon sources on solid media, with 68.00 mm and 65.00 mm radial growth, respectively, while glucose supported 285.00 mg mycelial weight in liquid media Booster Dose-1 was the macro and micronutrient supply that promoted the highest mycelia weight (210 mg), radial mycelia development (65 mm), and prospective yield (1014 g/bed). The percentage increase over standard procedures was 35.17% for glucose, 20.24% for peptone, 35.20% for Booster Dose-1.