GROWTH AND CULTIVATION OF MARASMIUS SPECIES ON SELECTED SAWDUST SUPPLEMENTED WITH WHEAT BRAN.

ABSTRACT

The effect of sawdust and wheat bran supplementation on the growth of Marasmius species was investigated. Sawdust of Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), Okwen (Brachystegia nigerica) and Bombax (Bombax buonopozense) were supplemented with wheat bran at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively. Results indicated that the sawdust and supplement affected the rate of mycelia growth differently. 50% colonization was achieved faster for Okwen sawdust at 0% supplementation (4±0.00) followed by Bombax sawdust at 5% supplementation (8.33±1.33). All the sawdust treated at various levels of supplementation attained 100% (full) colonization except Bombax sawdust at 0%. The earliest time for primordia emergence (52 days) and fruit body formation (54 days) was observed for Okwen sawdust at 0% supplementation after inoculation. Okwen sawdust at 0% supplementation gave the highest yield (29.95g) followed by Bombax sawdust at 0% supplementation (18.16g) and then Okwen sawdust at 5% supplementation (16.65g). The highest number of fruit bodies formed was recorded for Okwen sawdust at 0% supplementation (290) followed by Bombax sawdust at 0% supplementation (171) and then Okwen sawdust at 5% supplementation (149). The biological efficiency was however very low for the various treatment; Okwen sawdust at 0% supplementation (8.32), Bombax sawdust at 0% supplementation (5.03) and Okwen sawdust at 5% supplementation (4.63). Sawdust supplemented with wheat bran supported vegetative growth and sporophore formation of Marasmius species. The average time for mycelia colonization increased as the level of supplementation increases. Okwen sawdust supported the growth and cultivation of Marasmius species better when compared with sawdust of Rubber and Bombax significantly.