MUSHROOM

General information

Mushrooms are well known for their delicacy and flavour. They are praised and priced for their characteristic meaty biting texture and flavour. Mushrooms have found a definite place in the food consumption habits of common masses and there is a constant demand for it throughout the year. Mushroom cultivation is now a big industry with considerable export potential. Selecting the right variety and following scientific production practice is therefore most warranted. The production technology of mushroom is detailed here.

Types of mushrooms

Different types of mushrooms are available for commercial cultivation:

Oyster mushroom: Pleurotus sajor-caju
Paddy straw mushroom: Volvariella volvacea
White button mushroom: Agaricus bisporus, A. bitorquis
Milky mushroom: Calocybe indica

Of these, oyster, milky and paddy straw mushrooms are suitable for cultivation in Kerala. Cultivation of milky mushroom is getting popular in Kerala.White button mushrooms require relatively cooler climates and can only be cultivated in high ranges of Kerala.