Evaluation of lignocellulosic biomass from coconut palm as substrate for cultivation of Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer

The lignocellulosic biomass from coconut palm (Cocos nucifera Linn.) such as bunch waste (spathe + spadices), leafstalk (petiole), leaflets and coir pith (by-product from coir processing industry) were evaluated as substrates for cultivation of oyster mushroom, Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer. A low-cost mushroom shed built exclusively of coconut materials such as coconut wood and plaited coconut leaves inside a coconut plantation was used for spawn run and cropping. Leafstalk and bunch waste were superior to leaflets and coir pith in producing significantly more edible biomass of mushrooms. Biological efficiency of 58.9% was obtained in leafstalk, followed by bunch waste (56.9%), coir pith (39.7%) and leaflets (38.2%). The yield of sporophore was positively related to cellulose content and the cellulose: lignin ratio of the substrates.