Effect of different casing materials on performance of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) under controlled conditions in Banke district, Nepal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26832/24566632.2026.110105Keywords:
Biological efficiency, Casing material, Coco-peat, FYM, GypsumAbstract
Casing plays a crucial role in the cultivation of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), as it initiates fructification, supports developing sporophores, and acts as a moisture reservoir essential for optimal yield and quality. The present study was conducted to evaluate suitable casing materials for enhanced production of white button mushroom under controlled conditions in Baijanath Rural Municipality, Banke district, Nepal. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with six treatments and four replications under farmers’ field conditions. The treatments comprised six casing formulations: 100% farmyard manure (FYM), 100% coco-peat, 50% coco-peat + 50% FYM (2 years old), 40% coco-peat + 50% FYM (2 years old) + 10% gypsum, 40% coco-peat + 50% garden soil + 10% gypsum, and 100% garden soil. Growth and yield parameters of A. bisporus were recorded and analyzed using R-Studio. Results revealed that casing materials significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced days to pin-head formation, days to fruiting, pileus diameter, total yield (three flushes), and biological efficiency, whereas stipe length and stipe diameter were not significantly influenced. Early pin-head formation and fruiting of A. bisporus were observed in 100% FYM, which was statistically at par with 100% coco-peat. The highest pileus diameter, total yield, and biological efficiency were obtained with 100% FYM, followed by 100% garden soil. Based on the findings, 100% FYM is recommended as an effective casing material for maximizing yield and biological efficiency of A. bisporus. However, other casing formulations i.e. 100% garden soil and 100% Coco-peat could also be considered depending on local availability and soil variability.
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