Abstract

To study the effect of polythene colour container and spawn rates on mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), experiment was carried out to investigate the cultivation on barely straws substrate. This cultivation system can improve the economic status of the farmer. Field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, University of Zabol during 2011 growing season. Experiment was carried out as factorial and based on completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Factors were differentcolour of polythene container (blue, yellow, transparent and green) and various levels of spawn (2.5, 4 and 5% wet weight substrate bases). There was significant difference in the yields from different spawn and colour of container maximum yield (weight of fresh mushrooms harvested at maturity) was obtained in 5% spawn rate (1248 g/2 kg wet substrate). Between colour polythene containers; maximum yield was obtained in green colour polythene (1366 g/2 kg wet substrate). The least of yield mushrooms were obtained from 2.5 % spawn rate and cultivation of mushroom in blue polythene container. It was concluded that the mushroom should be cultivated in green polythene bags under 5% spawn rate to achieve higher productivity.

Key words: Mushroom, spawn rates, yield, colour bags.