Impact of light on yielding of some Pleurotus sp. strains

Abstract

Light is an important factor deciding about yielding and morphological characters of Pleurotus carpophores. The objective of the research was to ascertain the impact of period and intensity of lighting on yielding and carpophore morphological features of four strains of oyster mushroom. The following strains were investigated: P. ostreatus: PX, K22 and P80 strains, P. pulmonarius: P20 strain. Fluorescent lamps with Day-Light were used to provide light in the cultivation room. The following lighting periods were used: 6, 10 and 14 hours/day and the applied lighting intensity included: 100, 300, 500 and 700 lx. Lighting exerted a significant impact on yielding. The highest carpophore crop was recorded when the applied lighting intensity was 500 and 700 lx for the period of 14 h/d. The highest mean mass of carpophores was recorded at 14-hour light exposure and 500 and 700 lx lighting intensity. Carpophore morphological features modified by the lighting period and its intensity included the cap diameter as well as the length and thickness of the stem.