Identification, domestication and yield of local Pleurotus species in comparison with commercial oyster mushroom

In present study two species of Pleurotus with different morphological characteristics were collected from Guilan forest and then cultured on MEA medium. Spawn was prepared on wheat grains and finally all strains were cultivated on rice straw. Identification of species was performed by PCR, microscopic and macroscopic characters. Results revealed that our local strains are known as Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus pulmonarius. Minimum days required for pinhead formation were observed in P. florida (14.8 days). The highest protein and nitrogen content was found in P. florida (26.24 and 9.77%). In other characteristics, there were no any significant differences between strains.