ASSESSMENT OF GROWTH AND YIELD OF OYSTER MUSHROOM GROWN INDOORS UNDER MEDIUM LIGHTING CONDITIONS

Assessment of growth and yield of oyster mushroom grown indoors under medium lighting condition (1.0 lux) was observed. The substrate and composition used for the experiment were sawdust (79%), rice husk (20%) and calcium carbonate (1%). The substrate were set up in an office space under medium lighting condition. Weight of substrate, biological efficiency, economic yield, biological yield, average weight of individual fruiting bodies, stipe length, stipe girth, number of fruiting bodies, average number of primordia, deformities, colour and cap diameter were taken. The result of this experiment showed that, there was significant difference in yield production under medium lighting. Deformities was minimal while the best growth rate was recorded in week 5 (cap diameter 7.10cm, stipe length 10.4cm, stipe girth 2.83cm, number of fruiting bodies 23.00, average number of primordia 10.00cm in the third substrate. The colour observed was whitish in all fruiting bodies. The harvested oyster mushroom showed satisfactory yield in terms biological yield and economic yield, however, the yield of oyster mushrooms in the medium lighting environment was satisfactory and economically viable, suggesting that indoor cultivation under such conditions is feasible for oyster mushroom. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the feasibility of cultivating oyster in indoor environments with limited access to natural light. It demonstrates that oyster mushroom cultivation can be successfully carried out under medium lighting conditions, offering a practical and sustainable option for year round production.