Utilization of Different Variety of Banana Leaves for Paddy Straw Mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) Production

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the yield of Paddy Straw Mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) grown in different variety of banana leaves. The result of the study showed a highly significant difference among treatment means on the days to pinhead appearance, number and weight of harvested button per bed at first, second and third cycle as well as button diameter at second cycle. On the other hand, button diameters at first and third cycle were not significantly influenced by the different variety of banana leaves. Based on the result of the study, it was confirmed that V. volvacea can grow in Latundan leaves and showed high potential as a substitute to the standard substrate which is the Cardava leaves in the production of V. volvacea. Since, the Latundan leaves were thin and easily decomposed during the incubationprocess of the mushroom that enriched the rapid colonization of mycelia to boost the formation of the rhizomorph and develop the primordia of mushroom.