The Effect of Auxin and Oat in Combination with Casing Soil on Growth and Biochemical Components of Agaricus blazei

Mushroom production using lignocellulosic waste is one of the most important recycling processes of agricultural and industrial residues, which, in addition to producing protein foods, will prevent environmental pollution. The present study was conducted in 2021 at the mushroom production center of Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch in a completely randomized design with 18 casing soil treatments (casing soil, SMC, vermi SMC, oat, vermi oat, and IAA with different compositions) in 3 replications. The qualitative and quantitative properties of Agaricus blazei mushroom were evaluated. The results indicated that the highest number of fruiting bodies was observed in casing soil treatment + SMC (50:50%) and the highest stipe was in casing soil treatments + oat (70:30%) and casing soil 100. The maximum diameter of the mushroom cap was obtained in casing soil treatments100 and SMC 100 + IAA, and the largest diameter of the mushroom stipe was obtained in casing soil treatment 100. In addition, casing soil treatment + vermi SMC (50:50%) showed the highest amount of nitrogen, protein and the minimum time to first pin-head formation. The highest amount of iron was observed in SMC treatment 100% and the highest amount of zinc was in casing soil treatment + oat (70:30%). Among the investigated treatments, an acceptable yield can be obtained from the substrate containing casing soil + SMC (50:50%), casing soil + oat vermicompost (70:30%), and casing soil + oat (70:30%) indicated promising results in most of the studied traits. SMC has been very effective in the growth of mushroom spawn and stimulation of the mycelium phase due to its rich mineral elements and nutrients required by mushroom spawn. On the other hand, since SMC is one of the important wastes of the mushroom production industry, which is produced in a large volume annually, can be used as a casing soil composition again, which is important in this sense.