Suitability of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch and Sago Waste for Auricularia polytricha Cultivation

H.L. Lau, S.K. Wong, C.F.J. Bong and A. Rabu

Environmental issues caused by oil palm empty fruit bunch and sago waste in addition to their availability have encouraged studies and researches in utilizing these lignocellulosic wastes. Four indigenous Auricularia polytricha were isolated and identified based on molecular and morphological characteristics. Cultivation potentials were evaluated on different substrate formulations consist of empty fruit bunch, sago waste, rubber wood sawdust and rice bran. Substrates for mushroom cultivation were formulated according to the C/N ratios. Growth and yield performances were determined using bag cultivation method in completely randomized design. Results showed that identification based on Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences were consistent with morphological characteristics while 18S rDNA sequences showed rather inconclusive identification. Auricularia polytricha failed to colonize substrate consisted of empty fruit bunch alone whereas the use of empty fruit bunch as supplementary substrate significantly enhances colonization rate and fruiting bodies production. Sago waste was less suitable as main substrate due to reduced colonization rate, delayed primordia formation and poorer yield as compared to rubber wood sawdust. Among isolates, BF07 recorded fastest primordia formation and highest biological efficiency (34.3-37.4%) on substrate A (Rubber wood sawdust with rice bran, 80:20) and C (Rubber wood sawdust with empty fruit bunch, 75:25). The selection of substrates and isolates to be used can be crucial in Auricularia polytricha cultivation. Isolate BF07 and empty fruit bunch as supplementary substrate can be recommended to mushroom growers for improving growth and yield of this mushroom.

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