Int. J. Agr. & Agri. R. International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR) ISSN: 2223-7054 (Print) Vol. 2, No. 3, p. 1-6, 2012 http://www.innspub.net RESEARCH PAPER OPEN ACCESS Evaluation of cotton waste, paper waste and jatropha cake for culture of Pleurotus sajor-caju under different pasteurization methods James Chitamba 1* , Marphios Shamuyarira 2 , Farayi Dube 2 , Nhamo Mudada 3 , Stenly Mapurazi 4 1 Department of Agronomy, Midlands State University, P. Bag 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe 2 Department of Agricultural Science, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe 3 Cotton Research Institute, P. Bag 765, Kadoma, Zimbabwe 4 Department of Environmental Science, Bindura University of Science Education, P. Bag 1020, Bindura, Zimbabwe Received: 11 February 2012 Revised: 26 February 2012 Accepted: 27 February 2012 Key words: Pleurotus sajor-caju, substrate, pasteurization, biological efficiency. Abstract Identification of suitable substrate material and correct substrate pasteurization method is critical for successful oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju) culture. An experiment was undertaken in a mushroom growing house to evaluate the effect of two pasteurization methods (boiling and use of Na hypochlorite) for P. sajor-caju culture on different substrates (cotton waste, waste paper and jatropha cake). A 3×2 factorial laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications was used. Spawning was done at a rate of 8% and only the first three flushes were considered for the evaluation of substrate productivity. Mean number of basidiocarps (MNB), mean basidiocarp weight (MBW), biological efficiency (BE) and number of days to first fruiting (DFF) were used to evaluate substrate productivity. No fruiting was observed on jatropha cake under either pasteurization technique. Fruiting occurred on cotton waste and waste paper under both pasteurization methods. The results showed significant interaction effect (p