Growth and Yield Performance of Calocybe indica (Purkayastha and A. Chandra) Milky Mushroom in Various Agricultural Wastes in the Philippines

Abstract

The Calocybe indica, commonly called the milky mushroom, originated in India and was known for its distinctive taste and health benefits. It was investigated for its potential to be cultivated in several substrate combinations from different agricultural wastes in the Philippines. The sampled substrates include rice straws, banana leaves, corn husks, and corn cobs. The rice hull served as the control substrate. The growth and yield performance of C. indica were assessed based on the rate of mycelial growth and colonization, duration of harvest time, number of fruiting bodies produced, the diameter of the cap, stalk length and width, size of fruiting bodies, and biological efficiency. Results revealed that the T10 (substrate containing 100% corn husks) demonstrated a rapid rate of mycelial growth and colonization, completing the substrate's full colonization in 20 days by week 4. The highest yield, largest cap, thickest stalks, and high biological efficiency were observed in the T14 substrate (containing 100% corn cobs). The poorest growth and performance were observed in the T17 substrate (containing 25% corn cobs + 75% rice hull). This research demonstrated the potential of the agricultural byproducts in the sustainable cultivation of C. indica as a nutritious and healthy food source.