OYSTER MUSHROOM PRODUCTION

Introduction

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Agaricales
Family: Pleurotaceae
Genus: Pleurotus
Species: P. ostreatus
Binomial name

History
Pleurotus ostreatus, the oyster mushroom, is a common edible
mushroom. It was first cultivated in Germany as a subsistence measure during World
War I and is now grown commercially around the world for food. Both the Latin and
common names refer to the shape of the fruiting body. The Latin pleurotus (sideways)
refers to the sideways growth of the stem with respect to the cap, while the
Latin ostreatus (and the English common name, oyster) refers to the shape of the cap
which resembles the bivalve of the same name. Many also believe that the name is
fitting due to a flavor resemblance to oysters.

Cultural Practices in Oyster Mushroom

Site/Storage management
We have learned that mushrooms are fungus that thrive in cool and arid
condition. In our case, at Tiaong Quezon, wherein we always experience hot and dry
condition, we chose a site under a net covered nursery to lessen/block the rays of the
sun. Before we started constructing the storage area, clearing and removal of weeds
are done.
Our selected area measures 2 m height, 1.8 m length and 2.95 m width.
Bamboos are used as posts and skeleton of the framework, and the cheesecloth we
served being its covering wall and celling.
The storage contains 105 mushroom fruiting bags hanged together by plastic
ropes (straw) and held by clips. The room temperature must be maintained 23-25 c.

Water management
Since cheesecloths are easy to dry, and the optimum room temperature must be
maintained, we came up with this schedule of watering using knapsack sprayer.
Outside watering

Inside watering

8 am

8 am

10 am

12 nn

12 nn

5 pm

3 pm

5 pm
This schedule is used oftenly in typical hot days. But it may vary upon the
weather.
There are some restrictions:
1. Avoid too much water
2. Avoid too little water
3. Only 2 persons can enter inside the storages area
Common pest

Harvesting
Oyster mushrooms are handpicked when harvested. Mature mushrooms are commonly
8-10 cm wide. Harvesting immediately avoids decay/spoilage of the mushrooms. You
can enjoy
harvesting within 4-5 months.