PRODUCTION OF Panus strigellus SPAWN USING THE INTERNAL SHEATH OF PEACH PALM (Bactris gasipaes) AS A SUBSTRATE/USO DE LA VAINA INTERNA DEL PIJUAYO (Bactris gasipaes) PARA LA PRODUCCIÓN DE SEMILLA-INÓCULO DE Panus strigellus

Mycelial growth takes place at elevated temperatures in Panus strigellus, which makes it a promising species for cultivation in tropical regions. The use of locally available substrates is the first step in cost-effective mushroom production. Peach palm, Bactris gasipaes is grown in palm agribusinesses in Amazonas State, Brazil; one of the waste products of this crop is its protective internal sheath (PPIS). The potential use of PPIS for Panus strigellus spawn production was evaluated, through the analysis in Petri dishes of the effects of substrate moisture and sawdust supplementation levels. Mycelial growth was evaluated, by measuring the growth (cm/day) and vigor of the colony. A humidity of 60% and supplementation of Simarouba amara sawdust with PPIS in a 10:1 ratio was considered the most suitable combination. This formulation was applied for spawn preparation in polypropylene bags. Spawn production of Panus strigellus was successfully achieved, after 25 days of incubation at 35 degree Celsius.