Effect of different botanical extracts and growth hormones on mycelial growth of milky mushroom

The present study was undertaken to study the effect of different botanical extracts and growth hormones on mycelia growth of milky mushroom (Calocybe indica) with the aim to help the mushroom growers to obtain better growth and yield. In this study milky mushroom (strain, CI-09) was tested for compatibility against 3 aqueous leaf extracts viz., Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Parijat (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) and Betel (Piper betle) and its effect on mycelial growth was studied. These medicinal plants not only can act as a substrate to increase mushroom yields but are also a great option to decrease contamination as many contaminants which are a menace in mushroom cultivation can be affected by its antimicrobial activities. With regards to the dangers pertaining to the usage of chemicals for disease control, this can be a more preferable option. Experimental findings showed that all three plant extracts increased the growth rate of milky mushroom mycelia. Parijat (8cm) had the fastest growth rate followed by Tulsi (7.7cm) and betel (7.67cm). The effect of growth hormones IAA, IBA, and GA was also studied at 3 different concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 ppm on radial growth in-vitro. The results showed that the concentration of more than 20ppm does not have any effect on the mycelial growth of mushrooms or inhibit their growth in all the 3 growth hormones used. The fastest growth was observed in gibberellic acid at 5 ppm (8.4cm) followed by IBA (8.3cm). The slowest growth was observed in IAA at 20 ppm (6.9cm) and IAA even at 5 ppm did not differ much from the control. This investigation will help mushroom growers in the selection of suitable botanical extracts and growth hormones for the production of mycelia inoculums.