Influence of different agro-residues and chemicals on the yield and physical traits of <i>Pleurotus pulmonarius</i>

Growth of Pleurotus pulmonarius from agro-waste residues is an eco-friendly method for utilizing agricultural residues to produce food products. This research aimed at assessing the impact of different lignocellulosic residues and supplements on growth, yield, and morphological features of Pleurotus pulmonarius grown under laboratory conditions. Four different lignocellulose residues (wheat straw, sugarcane leaves, sawdust, and banana leaves) with three supplements (yeast extract, glucose, and urea) were studied. This experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design with three replicates. Substrate type and supplement had significant (p < 0.05) impacts on all considered traits. Highest yield (461.96 g/bag) was recorded using wheat straw with yeast extract, then glucose (433.11 g/bag) and urea (405.82 g/bag), but lowest yield was recorded for sawdust with no supplement (285.44 g/bag). Shortest colonization period (15.98 days) was observed when wheat straw was supplemented with glucose, but wheat straw with yeast extract gave the fastest growth (0.243 cm/day), early initiation of primordia (3.0 days), highest biological efficiency (84.66%) and highest production rate (1.16). Inversely, banana leaves with urea caused late initiation of primordia (8.33 days) and sawdust had lowest biological efficiency (65.72%). Overall, wheat straw combined with yeast extract or glucose significantly enhanced mushroom productivity, with glucose representing a cost-effective option for large-scale cultivation using agricultural residues.