Comparative Analysis of Different Substrate Pasteurization Methods on the Growth Performance of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Oyster Mushroom)

Deborah Etooluwa KUMOYE & Love Emmanuel ADEBOYE, Volume 6 Issue 1, July 2025 Pages 132-138, Published: 2025-06-25

Abstract

Pasteurization of substrate is the process of reducing the number of microorganisms in a growing substrate. This process gives mycelium a competitive advantage over destructive microorganisms, allowing it to colonize the substrate and ultimately produce mushrooms. This study evaluated the effects of three different substrate pasteurization methods: boiling, hydrated lime, and sodium hypochlorite, on the growth performance of Pleurotus pulmonarius. Sawdust mixed with rice bran and calcium carbonate was treated with each method, then inoculated with prepared sorghum grain spawn. Several factors were monitored, including spawn run time, harvest time, primordial initiation, diameter of pileus, length of stipe, total yield, and biological efficiency. The results indicated that boiling significantly improved mushroom performance, resulting in the shortest colonization period of 14 days, the highest total yield of 550 grams, and the greatest biological efficiency of 11.22%. In comparison, the hydrated lime and sodium hypochlorite treatments produced lower yields of 425 grams and 420 grams, and biological efficiency of 8.5% and 8.4%, respectively. This study concludes that boiling is the most effective pasteurization method among the three, as it supports optimal mycelial development and fruiting. These findings are consistent with previous research that advocates for thermal pasteurization as a reliable strategy for enhancing mushroom cultivation outcomes in low-resource settings