Mycelial growth and basidiocarp production of edible mushrooms on coconut waste-based substrates

Abstract

Edible mushrooms are primarily cultivated for culinary purposes using agricultural waste. However, in some areas, these materials may not be readily available. This study explores the potential of coconut wastes as a substrate for mycelial growth and basidiocarp production in edible mushrooms. Coconut water from young and mature coconuts was used to assess mycelial growth performance, while coconut pulp was tested for its efficiency as a spawning material. For fruiting body production, varying formulations of rice straw and coconut coir dust were evaluated to identify the most suitable substrate for optimal productivity. Results revealed that Cyclocybe cylindracea, Pleurotus djamor, Pleurotus florida, and Pleurotus sajor-caju preferred mature coconut water gelatin. The mycelial growth of P. florida was optimal in media with a pH of 5–6, whereas the other species exhibited a broader pH tolerance. Coconut pulp demonstrated a comparable mycelial diameter to rice seeds as a spawning material. All the mushrooms favored substrates with a higher proportion of rice straw, as evidenced by a shorter incubation period and primordia initiation, larger cap sizes, and higher yields and biological efficiency. These findings highlight the efficiency of coconut wastes as viable alternative substrates for mushroom cultivation, demonstrating that optimal fruiting body production can be achieved with the appropriate substrate ratio.