Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

In the present investigation to study the effect of ZnO nanoparticles, the culture of species of Pleurotus sajarcaju was multiplied by using potato dextrose agar media in MRTC, Pantnagar. Media and substrate were supplemented with ZnO nanoparticles at different concentrations (0ppm, 20ppm, and 40ppm). It has been found that different treatments had nonsignificant impact on nitrogen content. However, the maximum nitrogen content (3.35%) was recorded at 20 ppm concentration of zinc oxide nanaparticles, which was 1.2% higher than control and at 40ppm 3.33% nitrogen was found. Application of ZnO nanoparticles gave 0.54% at 40 ppm more phosphorus content in the fruiting body of oyster mushrooms. It was observed that maximum potassium content (2.11%) was recorded at 20 ppm ZnO nanoparticle treatments, which was 71.54% higher than control. The sulfur content was higher at 3.23% at 20 ppm ZnO nanoparticle treatments. This study can be further used to combat macronutrients deficiency and hidden hunger.