Optimum Formulation Substrate for Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Using Linear Programming Model

Abstract

The oyster mushroom (P. ostreatus), also known as the grey oyster mushroom, is currently one of the popular edible wood mushrooms consumed by people in Malaysia. Under Malaysia’s National Agro-Food Policy (2011-2020), mushrooms have been identified as high-value commodities. Mushroom cultivation has become an immense potential agriculture activity in Malaysia, where oyster mushrooms are looked at as highly valued crops with low-cost technology that can bring high returns within a short time. Commonly, mushroom cultivation uses sawdust as oyster mushroom media. However, due to the increasing price of the commercial substrate of sawdust, growers are looking for a low-cost alternative substrate. Currently, researchers are looking at the potential of agriculture waste as an alternative medium for mushroom cultivation. For example, agriculture waste of empty oil palm fruit bunch and rice straw as a substrate for oyster mushrooms. Using Microsoft Excel Solver, the linear programming method was used to represent the substrate formulation. The results from this model produced an optimum 1 kg substrate formulation at a minimum cost of RM0.56 per kg. This proposed formulation satisfied the minimum and maximum nutrient requirements for oyster mushroom growth.