Olumide Olufokunbi

Mushroom and Sclerotium of Pleurotus Tuberregium in Nigeria Olumide Olufokunbi

Pleurotus tuberregium is of great economic importance in all parts of sub-Saharan African, especially in Nigeria. Both the sclerotium and the mushrooms grown from it are eaten. In view of its popularity (use as food condiment and in medicine), it became necessary to study the simplest and cheapest substrate that would give the highest weight yield and protein content for its production. The mushroom is important for three main reasons: as a source of food (plus health benefits), as a source of income and to maintain the health of forests.