EVALUATION OF THE GROWTH OF VOLVARIELLA VOLVACEA AND MARASMIELLUS INODERMA ON OIL PALM FRUIT FIBRE

ABSTRACT

Mushrooms are widespread in nature and they were the earliest form of fungi known to mankind. In Nigeria, many people in both urban and rural areas are familiar with mushroom forming fungi growing around them, some of which they exploit for food and medicine. This study seek to evaluate the growth of Volvariella volvacea and Marasmiellus inoderma on Oil palm fruit fiber. Volvariella volvacea and Marasmiellus inoderma was cultivated on Oil palm fruit fiber(OPFF) as substrates using wheatbran as supplement. The findings of the study showed no growth of Volvariella volvacea and Marasmiellus inoderma on Oil palm fruit fiber supplemented with wheatbran while on the Oil palm fruit fiber without wheatbran, Marasmiellus inoderma colonized the substrate and started to fruit on the 6th day after inoculation. The mycelial growth of   Volvariella volvacea wasn’t visible in the substrate but started to fruit on the 7th day after inoculation. In conclusion, the evaluation of the growth of Volvariella volvacea and Marasmiellus inoderma on oil palm fruit fiber as substrates presents a compelling case for the utilization of this agricultural waste as a cost-effective alternative.