Effect of using desert weeds (Chenopodiaceae) as supplements in substrates of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) production

Effect of using desert weeds (Chenopodiaceae) as supplements in substrates of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) production. Current Research in Environmental & Applied Mycology of Abstract This study has been done to define the possibility of using two desert plant straws Atriplex tatarica and Caroxylon cyclophyllum for the first time as supplements with wheat straw substrate in producing mushroom ( Pleurotus osteratus ) to invest and build proper capacities for desert environments. This study included assessing the possibility of introducing 10% of these desert weeds straw as supplements in the formula of substrate to know their effects on the mycelial growth, mycelium completion period, primordial completion period, fruiting bodies number, yield and biological efficiency and protein content of P. ostreatus using three prepared spawns from barley, white corn and wheat seeds. Results showed that the produced spawn from the white corn exhibited the best results in the growth and yield of P. ostreatus compared to the spawn produced from wheat straw and barley. Also the A. tatarica straw-supplemented substrate showed a higher producing rate in fruiting bodies number, protein content, yield and biological efficiency. A. tatarica straw-supplemented substrate exhibited the shorter mycelial growth completion period (28.26 days). This substrate exhibited highest yield, and biological efficiency were 1489.2 g.kg -1 , and 40.01%, respectively. Also, results showed the best protein percent 24.14% and 24.00% when suing this substrate with barley seeds spawn during the first and second flushes, respectively. It exhibited the highest loss in the substrate weight was 44.3%. In conclusion, these results encourage the supplementation of agricultural substrates using desert weeds especially A. tatarica and apply in desert environments at the commercial level.