Abstract :
Agaricus bisporus, being one of the most commonly white button mushrooms contributes about 40-
45% to the world mushroom production. Presence of viable cells were measured in terms of viable
count or CFU, which exhibit progressive declination in count of thermophilic fungi from initial stage
of composting. Similarly, declination of pH ranges from 8.3-7.1 alkaline pH in initial stage was due to
microbial decomposition of organic acids and subsequent release of ammonia through mineralization of
organic nitrogen sources, declination of weight from 1.465 Kg. to 0.491 Kg and temperature from 44-34?C
was due to extensive utilization of compost as nutrient by inhabiting thermophilic fungi. Result obtained
exhibit highest cellulose content in raw material of which horse manure exhibit higher cellulose content
then wheat straw, horse manure 2.052mg and wheat straw 1.044mg. Highest cellulolytic activity was
observed in horse manure followed by wheat straw in basal material. Horse manure 2.167micromoleglucose
released/ml/hr and wheat straw 1.014micromoleglucose released/ml/hr. Highest antimicrobial activity was
observed in methanol extract (14mm) against B. cereusas compared to ethanol extract (7mm). Same results
obtained for S.aureus(20mm) and B. cereus (14mm) in methanol extract. Least microbial growth inhibition
was observed in S. aureus (25mm) followed by B. cereus (7mm) with respect to control in ethanol extract.
No antimicrobial activity observed in P. aeruginosa in ethanol but least inhibition was observed in methanol
extract.
Keyword :
Agaricus bisporus, White button mushrooms, Thermophilic fungi, Antimicrobial activity.