Comparative Study on Production Technologies of Giant Mushroom (Macrocybe Gigantea) and Milky Mushroom (Calocybe Indica)

Abstract

Macrocybe gigantea, formerly known as Tricholoma giganteum, was reported for the first time in West Bengal (Pegler et. al. 1998). Macrocybe gigantea is an edible mushroom, can be cultivated in most parts of India, where it is locally named as “Boro dhoodh chattu” because it smells like dehydrated milk. Milky mushroom (Calocybe indica) is one of the important mushrooms commonly known as "Kuduk" but popularly known as "Dudhichhata". It was first reported from India by Purkayastha and Chandra in 1974. The present investigation conducted on both mushrooms Giant mushroom (Macrocybe gigantea) and Milky mushroom (Calocybe indica). The results reveal that the Colony of Macrocybe gigantea was white with irregular edges, flattened and thick, fluffy growth in the colony which was observed as circular and white in colour. While Calocybe indica in terms of cultural characteristics, was observed with, fluffy growth appeared in the colony which was observed as circular and white in colour. Sporophore in Macrocybe gigantea was recorded with pileus, convex to flat, white to grayish white, pale towards margin, glabrous and silky smooth, margin entire and incurved, often cracking. While the sporophore in Calocybe indica was observed with milky white pileus with the easily peelable skin and long dusty white stipe was observed. Regarding the effect of different straw extracts on mycelial growth maximum radial growth was found on wheat straw extract+dextrose @2% media, while the minimum mycelial growth was recorded on PDA in both mushrooms Macrocybe gigantea and Calocybe indica. Maximum dry matter weight was also observed on wheat straw extracts+dextrose @2%, while minimum dry matter weight observed on control (PDB). Regarding the effect of different straw powder on mycelial growth maximum radial growth was found on sugarcane dry leaf powder @10% media, while the minimum radial growth was recorded on PDA in both mushrooms Macrocybe gigantea and Calocybe indica. Maximum dry matter weight was also observed on sugarcane dry leaf powder @10%, while minimum dry matter weight observed on control (PDB). Regarding the effect of different grain’s flour on mycelial growth maximum radial growth was found on wheat flour @10% media, while the minimum radial growth was recorded on pearl millet flour @10% in both mushrooms Macrocybe gigantea and Calocybe indica. Maximum dry matter weight was also observed on wheat flour @10%, while minimum dry matter weight observed on pearl millet flour @10%. Regarding the effect of different grain’s flour on spawn growth (mm), the maximum mycelila growth was observed in rice flour @10%, while the minimum mycelial growth was observed on control in both mushrooms Macrocybe gigantea and Calocybe indica. Regarding the effect of different straw and their combination on sporophore yield in both mushrooms Macrocybe gigantea and Calocybe indica, maximum yield was observed in wheat straw+paddy straw (3:1), while minimum yield was observed in rice straw.