Evaluation of suitable grain substrates for spawn development, growth and yield of Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer

The maximum time taken for mycelium run (16.12 days) and from stimulation to primordial initiation (4 days) was recorded in wheat spawn (control). The maximum time from primordial stage to harvesting stage was recorded in sorghum spawn (2 days). The maximum average number of fruiting body/block was recorded in the treatment maize spawn (6.87). The maximum average weight of individual fruiting body was recorded in pearl millet spawn (11.18 g), the cap height was recorded in maize spawn (7.05cm), and cap breadth was recorded in wheat spawn (control) (7.18 cm). The maximum yield (62.12 g/block) and biological efficiency (75.3%) calculated under treatment pearl millet spawn. The highest benefit ratio was calculated in treatment maize spawn (8.20). Therefore, pearl millet and maize spawn can be further used as a better spawn for grey oyster mushroom production for increasing yield and biological efficiency (%).