Optimisation of volvariella volvacea cultivation method in utilising solid wastes and its performance after acute gamma radiation / Ain Syazween Sharifuddin

Volvariella volvacea, commonly known as paddy straw mushroom, is an edible mushroom that has lower biological efficiency (BE) than other popular edible mushrooms, making it less appealing for local farmers to cultivate. To encourage wider cultivation, there is a need to optimise the preparation and cultivation methods to suit the local farmers budget, local climate, and geography. In this study, the fastest mycelial extension (2.355 ± 2.227 cm) and mycelial colonization duration (4.76 ± 0.98 days) of V. volvariella was observed when preparing the grain seedling by soaking corn grain in boiling water for 5 minutes and mixing them with 5% limestone. Next, the usage of solid wastes for cultivation was also examined by using paddy straw (PS), palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) and waste paper (WP). 100PS shows the shortest duration for harvesting (25.67 ± 0.58 days). Whereas 100WP and 50EFB:50WP shows the heaviest (24.00 ± 10.58 g) and longest (4.93 ± 0.78 cm) fruiting body respectively. The best yield (124.00 ± 32.05 g) and BE (12.40 ± 3.20%) was measured cultivated on 50PS:50WP. Further examination on the performance of V. volvacea mutant strain for cultivation was also done by cultivating on 50PS:50WP. It shows shorter harvesting duration (24.00 ± 1.00 days), heavier fruiting body (17.91 ± 6.42 g), improved yield (13.73 ± 2.74 g), and BE (13.73 ± 2.74%). The results shown suggests that optimising the cultivation method, combined with mutagenesis, can improve the overall performance of V. volvacea during cultivation.