Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the effects of molasses as
supplement on mycelial colony growth and basidiocarp production of
Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.). Five treatments with composted substrate
combination of rice straw, sawdust, urea, and lime and supplemented with
different concentrations of brown sugar and molasses were evaluated.
Based on the results of the study, brown sugar and molasses used as
supplements in the growth substrates of Pleurotus sajor-caju
significantly enhanced the growth of mycelial colony when applied at the
right concentration. Likewise, composted substrate supplemented with
fifty percent of both brown sugar and molasses supported the heaviest
basidiocarp production among all treatments. Two species of
Mycodrosophila and unidentified small, shiny beetles were observed
alighting on the bagged substrates and basidiocarps of Pleurotus
sajorcaju. White insect larvae infested the base and cap of the
basidiocarps. A cottony white fungus was observed contaminating the
plated substrates except for the untreated bags. Contamination was not
observed on the bagged substrates. Based on the cost and return
analysis, the composted substrate with brown sugar and molasses
supplements produced a average total yield of 873 grams and net income
of Php 93.75 in five fruiting bags only.