Abstract
In the present study, the sawdust of Leucaena leucocephala was examined to understand its suitability as substratum for the production of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). The sawdust contained 86.1, 25.8, 46.9, 27.56, 0.18, 45.36, 20.58, 27.3 and 1.9% of organic carbon, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, total lipids, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and ash, respectively. Higher growth rate of the fungus was recorded after incubation for eight days on the sawdust of L. leucocephala in Petri dishes. However, the weekly production of fruiting bodies (FB) decreased with increase in incubation period, but the accumulated production increased significantly. On the other hand, total production decreased with increase in incubation periods. The contents of ash, fiber, lipid, and nitrogen (crude protein) decreased significantly with increase in growth periods. The alterations in both fatty acid and amino acid contents of FB showed a negative correlation and visible catabolic metabolism with extension of the incubation period.