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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) - Call for papers!

Microflora Associated with Outdoor Cultivation of Yolvarlella volvacea (Bull.Ex.tr.) Sing

(Thailand), Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Pathology (University of the Philippines Los Baños)

Dissertation Abstract:

 

Forty-five samples of rice straw were collected from straw mushroom beds during outdoor cultivation of Volvariella volvacea. These were used to isolate bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi using the dilution plate technique both at room temperature (28-32°C) and at 50°C.

Fifty-five species ( 433 isolates, 3 7 genera) of fungi; 376 isolates of unidentified bacteria, and 94 isolates of filamentous actinomycetes were collected. The frequency of each identified fungus' occurrence was calculated at various stage of bedding.

Verticillium sp. was the most dominant at the beginning of bedding while Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common after harvesting.

Relative cellulolytic activity of each fungus was measured. Thirteen species of mesophilic and five species of thermophilic fungi showed strong cellulolytic activity.

V. volvacea mycelium was grown in dual cultures of each isolated organism and in media supplemented with culture filtrate of selected o rgani sms to o bserve a ntagonistic a nd/or enhancing effects. Thermoactinomycete isolate TA-1 promoted growth of mushroom mycelium probably by producing some metabolites secreted into the medium.

Changes in the population of each group of microorganism, pH, moisture, and temperature within the straw mushroom were investigated throughout bedding time. The pH increased very fast during the first and second days of bedding, after which there was a slight change. The moisture content decreased toward the end of the bedding time.

The general pattern found in this study was an increase in temperature during bedding time, which stimulated the growth of thennophiles.

The farmers had high participation in the farmers' and area analyses stage, but low participation in planning and implementation stages. They perceived moderate skill and knowledge as gains from their participation in the implementation of the PFPDP. Planning and monitoring the project appeared to be the least perceived among the areas of skill and knowledge of the PFPDP process. In the overall output of the PFPDP implementation, the farmers had moderate participation and they likewise perceived moderate knowledge and sk ill as gains from their participation in the implementation of the PFPDP.

The study identified certain aspects related to the operationalization of the PFPDP which need strengthening or improvement. The PFPDP implementation stages should be strengthened and modified. Participation of farmers in planning, decision-making, and implementation of the plans needs to be improved.

The increment of the financial and material support for the EWs in the implementation of the PFPDP should be considered by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE).

An effective refreshing training program for the EWs and the farmers must be developed. Supervision, coordination, skill, and technical assistance should be reconsidered by DOAE at every level. Finally, unity and clear policies to support the implementation of the PFPDP should also be considered by the authorities.