Studies on Volvariella esculenta (Mass) Singer: cultivation on agricultural wastes and proximate composition of stored mushrooms

Volvariella esculenta (Mass) Singer, a Nigerian edible mushroom, is able to grow at a temperature range of 20–40 °C (optimum = 35 °C) and pH range of 3–10 (optimum = 6.0). It is able to utilize a wide range of agricultural wastes for vegetative growth and fructification. Of these the rice straw induced the widest mycelial extension while rice bran produced the highest mycelial density. Similarly, the unfermented cotton waste compost produced the highest fruitbody yield. Post-harvest storage at 12 °C for 1 day preserved the texture and nutrient composition of fresh mushrooms whereas extension of storage time did not prevent deterioration. These results are discussed in relation to cultivating V. esculenta as a commercial mushroom in Nigeria.