Cultivation of Edible Mushrooms on Alien Wood Types in Hawaii.
(6107)
Authors:
S.C. Miyasaka - Univ. of Hawaii
T. Tisdale* - Univ. of Hawaii
Abstract:
Five introduced and aggressively growing trees, Albizia falcataria (L.) Fosberg, Casuarina equisetifolia
L. ex J. R. & G. Forst, Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maid., Psidium cattleianum Sabine, and Trema
orientalis (L.) Blume, were evaluated for suitability as substrate for growing the edible mushroom
Pleurotus sp. Mean biological efficiency of mushrooms cultivated on P.cattleianum (44.2%) was
significantly lower than those grown on others, which ranged from 69.4%-78.5% but showed no
statistical differences. Yields of fruit bodies using small-scale, shade house cultivation methods were
similar for all substrates. Comparisons of cropping cycles revealed that all woods supported similar
durations of incubation and fructification. Cultivation methods resulted in 2-4 flushes and substrate did
not affect distribution of yield throughout flushes. Similarly, substrate did not have a significant impact
on concentration of nutrients or moisture in fruit bodies. Biologically, all five woods appear to be very
suitable substrates for cultivation of Pleurotus sp. Taste preferences were noted in mushrooms of
different substrates; those grown on C.equisetifolia were most flavorful and preferred. An economic
analysis outlined potential costs and profits for small-scale, shade house cultivation of oyster
mushrooms in Hawaii.
Speaker Information: Tracy Tisdale, Univ. of Hawaii, Dept. of Tropical Plant & Soil Sciences 461 West
Lanikaula Street, Hilo, HI 96720; Phone: (808) 974-4105; E-mail: tisdale@hawaii.edu
Session Information: Monday, November 1, 2004, 8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Presentation Start: 8:00 AM (Poster Board Number: 1262)
Keywords: mushroom cultivation; mushroom industry; Hawaii agriculture; substrate