Oyster mushrooms produced in Mahikeng
A master's student in Crop Science at the North-West University Mafikeng Campus did ground-breaking work by producing oyster mushrooms in the dry climate conditions of Mahikeng. Sydwell Sihlangu, under the supervision of Dr Khosi Ramachela, showcased his research on innovative low-cost production of oyster mushrooms as a food security initiative.
The town of Mafikeng is known for its harsh summer season with temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius, making the area very arid and not suitable for many plant species and, as such, the kind of mushrooms Sydwell is harvesting.
His thesis titled "Effect of different plant substrates and growth hormones on the growth characteristics and nutrient content of oyster mushroom species (pleurotus ostreatus) in the semi-arid region" led him to a new and unexpected discovery that is a world's first.
The oyster mushroom is one of the most important macro fungi that produce high levels of quality protein from various agro-wastes. Oyster mushrooms are mainly cultivated in the temperate and subtropical regions of the world. None of which Mafikeng offers and thus making this a milestone for crop science and a major development in food security.
The initiative of using crop residues to grow oyster mushrooms stemmed from the realisation that the incorporation of the non-conventional crop production system into the existing agricultural systems can assist in improving the social-economic status of small-scale farmers.
The productivity of mushrooms is influenced by various factors such as growth media and other biochemical factors such as plant growth hormones. Plant hormones are involved in several stages of plant growth and development. The objective therefore was to investigate the effects of different plant substrates and growth hormones on the growth characteristics and nutrient content of oyster mushroom species in the arid and semi-arid regions.
Mpumalanga-born Sihlangu intends to continue working in the agricultural sector working with other small-scale farmers with hopes of imparting some training and knowledge that could see them grow in their respective fields.
"One can check the available literature on production of mushrooms in harsh summer conditions like Mahikeng. I am especially proud because it is a real breakthrough in terms of crop science. With this, I plan to work even harder and create more recognition for small-scale farmers and the important role they play in the country's economy."