Assessing the Impact of Casing Material Thickness on Yield and Biological Efficiency of Milky Mushroom (Calocybe indica P&C)
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Calocybe indica, known as the milky mushroom, has significant potential for agricultural expansion and economic development, particularly in West Bengal, India. This study investigates the impact of different casing material thicknesses (0.5”, 0.75”, 1.0”, and 1.5”) on the yield and biological efficiency of C. indica. Using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), the effects on primordia initiation, sporophore maturation, yield, and biological efficiency were assessed. Results indicated that a casing thickness of 1.0” was optimal, leading to the quickest primordia initiation (10.4 days) and sporophore maturation (9 days), and yielding the highest total yield (717.5 g) and biological efficiency (71.75%). In contrast, thinner and thicker casings resulted in lower yields and efficiencies. The findings suggest that a 1.0” casing thickness significantly enhances C. indica cultivation, providing practical recommendations for commercial mushroom farming. This optimization can support the development of milky mushroom farming in West Bengal, offering new opportunities for local farmers and contributing to regional agricultural diversification and economic growth.
Authors: Marimuthu Elangovan, Vaithiyalingam Gopinath, Ganesan Rathinakumar, Madhaiyan Sakthivel, Mohan Kumar Biswas
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4402991439