Abstract:
Three oyster mushroom strains (P969, P49 and P43) were used as the experimental materials in Fiji (tropical region). Experiments were conducted at three temperature ranges (14~18, 18~22 and 22~26 ℃), three CO2 concentrations (500~750, 750~1000 and 1000~1250 ppm), and three relative humidity levels (80%~85%, 85%~90% and 90%~95%). This study examined the performance of these strains cultivated on Juncao in cold storage rooms or simple refrigerated containers under different growing conditions. Additionally, the study compared production performance of different
Pleurotus ostreatus strains cultivated by covering soil under trees across different seasons and regions in Fiji. The results showed that under the temperature-controlled conditions of 14~18 ℃, CO
2 concentration of 500~750 ppm, and relative humidity of 85%~ 90%, year-round cultivation of P969, P49, and P43 in cold storage or simple refrigerated containers yielded significantly better fruiting body quality, production, and biological efficiency compared to other growth conditions. The highest yield and biological efficiency were observed in P969, with values of 418.3 g/bag and 124.5%, respectively. In natural forest-canopy soil-covered cultivation, during the cooler dry season (16~26 ℃) in eastern and central Fiji, P969 was the best-performing strain, with a first harvest maturity time of 10.3 days, total yield of 390.8 g/bag, and biological efficiency of 116.3%. During the moderate temperature dry season (19~29 ℃) in the west and rainy season in the east and central regions, P969, P49 and P43 were suitable, with P49 and P43 maturing within just 6 days, and biological efficiencies of 103.0% and 98.7%, respectively. In the hotter rainy season (22~33 ℃) of western Fiji, P49 and P43 were preferred. The use of temperature-controlled or natural soil-covered cultivation under forest canopies with different temperature-adapted mushroom strains enables the year-round production of oyster mushrooms on Juncao in Fiji. This marks the end of Fiji’s inability to produce edible and medicinal mushrooms. It has played a positive role and achieved remarkable results in promoting poverty reduction, increasing farmers’ income and sustainable development in Fiji.