African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (12), pp. 1390-1395, December 2005          
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2005 Academic Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of agrowastes, pH and temperature

variation on the growth of Volvariella volvacea

Akinyele, B.J.* and Adetuyi, F.C.

Microbiolgy Department, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704 Akure, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: bjakinyele@yahoo.com.

Accepted 11 November, 2005

The effect of pH and temperature variations on the growth of Volvariella volvacea cultivated on various agricultural wastes singly and in various combinations was studied.  A pH range of 5.5 to 8.5 recorded the maximum mycelia yield and the highest mycelia weight was recorded at pH 6.5. The mycelia yield decreased at pH above 6.5 while poor mycelia growth of the mushroom and the least mycelia weight was recorded at pH 2.0.  High mycelia growth of the mushroom was also observed between 25°C and 30°C with the highest mycelia dry weight of 80.0 mg obtained at 30°C, and the least mycelia dry  weight of 0.5 mg obtained at 10°C. The use of these wastes in mushroom cultivation enhances the biological recycling of nutrients.

Key words: Agricultural wastes, temperature, pH, Volvariella volvacea.