Abstract

The current study describes the possibility of small-scale production facility forPleurotus ostreatus under two different agro-ecological regions (Peshawar and Swat of Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa of Pakistan). Different growth parameters such as spawn running time, number of crops, stalk height, stalk diameter, cap size, fresh weight, number of production days and the interval in days between the time of bag opening and the time of starting fruiting bodies formation have shown promising results in both areas. Mean comparison of the two locations indicated that, 4 of the 7 parameters including stalk height, stalk diameter, cap size and fresh weight had greater values at Peshawar when compared with Swat. In contrast, the spawn running time, that is, mycelium growth took much longer time (84 days) at Swat compared with Peshawar (44 days). Formation of fruiting bodies at Swat was found later (7 days) than that of Peshawar (4 days). Similarly, the production period (70 days) at Swat exhibited much longer in contrast to Peshawar (49 days). The study concluded that mild winter temperatures of Peshawar region and low summer temperatures in Swat were found most conducive times of the year for growth and yield of Pleurotus ostreatus.

Key words: Pleurotus ostreatus, agro-ecological zones, growth parameters, productions.