Suitability of Oyster Mushroom Species for Cultivation in the Southern Zone of Andhra Pradesh

The 3 oyster mushroom species namely Pleurotus florida, P. eous, and Hypsizygus ulmarius were evaluated for their biological efficiency (BE) and net returns from the rupee invested (NRRI) in late kharif and rabi seasons. The BE and NRRI of P. florida and H. ulmarius were on par and significantly superior to P. eous in both the seasons. The present study provided corroboration for the suitability of P. florida and H. ulmarius cultivation in the late kharif and rabi seasons whereas, P. eous cultivation in the summer and early kharif seasons. Thus, the season-specific selection of oyster mushroom species promotes the concept of year-round mushroom cultivation.