Effect of spawn to spawn multiplication on productivity of Agaricus bisporus

Abstract

Spawn to spawn multiplication of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) was done for six generations on wheat grains following standard spawn production technology. The mycelia/culture of each generation was examined for growth rate on pasteurized compost and enzyme profile was determined. The spawn was evaluated for yield. there was reduction in growth rate of mycelium on compost in successive generations. Laccase, PPO and cellulases [endoglucanase (CMC case), filter paper activity (FPA)] and xylanase activities reduced in successive genrations. There was gradual reduction in yield with successive generation and nenarly 20 per cent reduction in yield was recorded when 6th generation spawn was used.