Studies on the preparation of spawn of Pleurotus sp.

Pure culture of the fungus which grew well on potato dextrose agar was used for the preparation of spawns.
Different media were used for the preparation of spawns, out of which paddy straw medium gave good
results. Addition of oat meal to the spawn medium adversely affected the yield. The spawns stored at room
temperature (21-35°C) and 15.5-21ºC for 2-4 months gave the maximum yield when inoculated in the beds.
On further increasing the storage period beyond 4 months at room temperature, there was noticeable
decrease in the yield. Low temperature storage of spawn also adversely affected the yield.