Use of Areca nut pericarp as a substrate for the straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) cultivation

Areca nut pericarp and pararubber sawdust were used as a substrates for Volvariella volvacea cultivation. The five formulas of substrates were used as spawing media : entirely Areca nut pericarp, Areca nut pericarp : pararubber sawdust (ratios 3:1, 1:1, 1:3) and entirely pararubber sawdust. Five kilograms of each substrates was spread in baskets for 15 days until harvesting time. The average yields obtained were 600.0 (B.E. = 34.20%), 250.0 (B.E. = 14.25%), 380.0 (B.E. = 21.66%), 250.0 (B.E. = 14.25%) and 330.0 (B.E. = 18.81%) g/basket, respectively. Using entirely Areca nut pericarp gave thehighest yield, which was significantly different (p