Abstract

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Wheat straw and cotton waste were used as substrates and some natural additives; nitrogen and carbon sources were used as nutrient supplements to enhance mycelia growth of Pleurotusostreatus (Florida). Sundried wheat straw substrate was cut into small pieces. The minced wheat straw and cotton waste substrates were soaked in boiled water and excess water squeezed out using a clean muslin cloth. Substrates were boiled and autoclaved and spawn of Pleurotusosreatus was inoculated in a sterilized chamber and supplements were added. Wheat straw was found to be a better substrate for mycelia growth than cotton wastes. The natural additives and carbon sources resulted in better growth than the nitrogen additives on both substrates. Malted yellow maize, D - fructose and methyl cellulose can best be used as additives to promote mycelia growth of Pleurotusostreatus

Keywords: additives, cotton waste, Pleurotusostreatus, substrates, wheat straw.