Effect of supplementation of rice straw with biogas residual slurry manure on the yield, protein and mineral contents of Volvariella volvacea mushroom

Volvariella volvacea commonly known as paddy straw mushroom grows well in humid and tropical environment. This is regarded as a delicious mushroom for its flavour and taste. However, the biological efficiency of this is very low in comparison to oyster mushroom. Low productivity is a big hurdle for its commercial exploitation. Although the mushroom is called paddy straw mushroom, it has great affinity towards biomanure. Supplementation of rice straw - the traditional substrate for this mushroom cultivation, with biogas residual slurry manure not only increases its production to a great extent by producing fruit bodies bigger in size and higher in number but also increases the protein content significantly. in addition essential mineral nutrients viz., P, Ca, K, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn are also increased. So, supplementation of this biomanure for cultivation of tropical mushroom Volvariella volvacea may be a step towards its successful commercial exploitation.