ABSTRACT

The work involved the investigation of the effect of different substrates on the phytochemical, heavy metals and minerals var florida. The highest gross of heavy metals fruit bodies was obtained from the substrate Andropogon gayanus (351.75±0.30), followed by Pennisetum straw (342.41±0.20), while the least was found in Pannicum maximum (338.05±0.01). Similarly, the fruit bodies of substrates Andropogon gayanus weighed more than those from other substrates for both fresh and dry weight. Based on the phytochemical composition, Tannins was found to be highest (0.73±0.02) in mushroom harvested from A.gayanus followed by Pennisetum straw (0.66±0.02) while fruit-bodies harvested from P. maximum gave the lowest (0.55±0.03) phytochemical composition. Based on the mineral composition, result showed that all the fruit bodies obtained from A. gayanus substrates contained appreciable amount of calcium (1.60±0.30), potassium (2.45±0.10), magnesium (31.25±0.04), and sodium (2.30±0.30). Similarly fruit body obtained from P. ostreatus had highest (74.37±0.30) concentration of Phosphorus while significant difference in the amount of Sulphur containing fruit bodies harvesting in all substrates at p<0.05.  However, the lowest (0.70±0.10) Calcium composition was recorded in mushroom harvested from P. purpureum. Likewise P.maximum  which gave the lowest of Sodium (1.60±0.20) and free Nitrogen (1.80±0.20). The result of the investigations was discussed in line of the best substrates for maximum production of Pleurotus ostreatus fruit-bodies with better qualities. The investigation concluded that growing Pluerotus ostreatus on A. gayanus  straw produced the highest fruit-bodies among other substrates which will help in the wide production of mushroom for market value. In general, Pleurotus ostreatus contains nutritional properties Also, the result from the investigation revealed that A.gayanus, Pannicum maximum, and Pennisetum straw could be vital in production of P.ostreatus from fruit bodies with A. gayanus supporting the highest P.ostreatus fruit-body production.People should incorporate the habit of eating mushrooms because of their high nutritional values. 

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page i

Declaration ii

Certification iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

Table of content vi

List of Tables ix

Abstract x

CHAPTER ONE 1

INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background of Study 1

1.1.1 What are Mushrooms 1

1.1.2 The Genus Pleurotus 3

1.1.3 Importance of Mushrooms 4

1.1.3.1 Mushroom as Food 4

1.1.3.2 Nutrients in Mushrooms 5

1.1.3.3 Vitamins 7

1.1.3.4 Minerals 7

1.1.3.5 Mushroom are Sources of selenium 7

1.1.3.6 Ergothioneine 7

1.1.4 Therapeutic benefits of Mushroom 7

1.1.5 Justification 8

1.1.6 Aims and Objectives 9

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW 10

2.1 Mycochemical Contents of Mushrooms 11

CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHODS 14

3.1 Source of Mother Culture (SPAWN) 14

3.2 Location of Study 14

3.3 Experimental Design 14

3.4 Spawn Multiplication 14

3.5 Substrate Preparation 15

3.6 Spawn Inoculation 15

3.7 Sample Preparation 16

3.8 Determination of Heavy Metals 16

3.9 Determination Of Mineral Content Of The Mushroom 17

3.10 Determination Bioactive Compounds In The Mushroom Fruit Bodies 17

3.10.1 Determination of alkaloids 17

3.10.2 Determination of flavonoids 17

3.10.3 Determination of phenols content 18

3.10.4 Determination of Saponins 19

3.10.5   Determination of tannins 19

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 20

4.1 Results 20

4.2. Discussion 23

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 25

5.1 Conclusion 25

5.2 Recommendation 25

      References 27

      Appendix  I 32

      Appendix II 36