Effects of different botanicals for substrate sterilization in oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom production

Effective sterilization of substrate is a crucial step for successful oyster mushroom production, yet the use of eco-friendly options to energy-intensive and chemical sterilization methods remains limited in Nepal. Therefore, this experiment was carried out from November 2024 to February 2025 at Prithu Technical College, Deukhuri, Dang, Nepal to evaluate the effectiveness of a few selected plant extracts as sterilizing agents in Pleurotus ostreatus production. This research aimed to identify a suitable plant-based alternative that could improve yield parameters. Six treatments: Neem (Azadirachta indica), Lantana (Lantana camara), Papaya (Carica papaya), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) at 5% concentration were evaluated in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Data were recorded up to the third flush for phenological, growth, and yield parameters. The result showed significant variation among the assigned treatments. Neem-treated substrate performed best, exhibiting the shortest cropping duration (70 days), the shortest time for pinhead formation (29 days) and fruiting body formation (37 days), the highest total yield (593 g per bag), and the highest biological efficiency (118.6%). While fenugreek and turmeric treatments delayed developmental processes and resulted in decreased yield. There were no significant differences in the number of fruiting bodies and leaves per fruiting body among the treatments. Overall, Neem extract was the most effective botanical for substrate sterilization, offering a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods, improving yield and growth efficiency in oyster mushroom production.