Improvement of Strains of Two Oyster Mushroom Cultivars Using Duel Culture Technique

In Sri Lanka, only a few mushroom species are popular among growers and among these, Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus sp.) are cultivated widely at present. There is a growing demand for new and improved mushroom strains with better characters including yield. The present study was conducted with the objective of improving mushroom strains using duel culture hybridization technique. Hybridization was achieved by duel culture technique of monospore cultures of two strains (Lanka Oyster and American Oyster) of Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostriatus). Among twenty five combinations of mono spore cultures, twenty three hybridized successfully. Maximum growth of hybridized mycelia was obtained at 28°C. A L , A L , A L , A L 3 3 4 1 4 4 3 4 and A L monospore combinations were selected as the best hybrids showing higher growth rate. Although 2 4 these hybrids did not vary significantly in colonizing spawn medium and inoculated bags, the noticeable differences were observed for the formation of pinhead and number of fruiting bodies. Morphology of fruiting bodies of these hybrids was also did not differ considerably. Low biological efficiency was noticed in all five hybrids indicating their unsuitability to grow on saw dust medium.