Design and construction of mushroom growth media steam sterilizer machine.

Abstract

Mushroom is the one of the most-world important fungi plants. The importance of mushroom is centered on the large quantity of Carbohydrates, protein, fibre and vitamins and fats making it comparable favorably as an energy source with 'cereals, animals" meat and root crops. Furthermore, mushroom is referred to as the fungi plant of its feature because of its medicinal Values. Climatically, mushroom Can be produced, in most parts of the country although other mushrooms like button mushrooms require cool temperatures and only districts of Kabarole, Kabale and Kisolo this was revealed when a survey of market for Ugandan produced mushrooms. Indoor mushroom growing under goes a series of processes which includes spawn production, substrate preparation, sterilization and, inoculation. Sterilization is done to kill green molds and other organs that flourish at the temperature used .to grow mushrooms. Many methods are being, used to 'Carry out sterilization process. However, effective demand for sterilization is gaining potential due to poor sterilization methods used which cause washing of nutrients, excess moisture content which affect the colonization of the substrates and they are tiresome. The aim of study was to design mushroom growth media steam sterilizer machine with increased efficiency and reduced time of sterilization. Designing and constructing of the various components of the sterilizer machine involved determining the appropriate' heater and also the pressure gauge and this was done to. achieve the parameters, Engineering drawing was designed before the sterilizer was constructed and assembled. The performance of the sterilizer after construction was evaluated taking into. consideration sterilizer capacity, effectiveness, biological efficiency and power requirement. The obtained results reveal that its recommended to pack the substrate in not more than 5kg since the' effectiveness of the machine reduced with an increase in weight. Therefore, it is recommended that; this sterilizer should be manufactured and popularized for adoption in Uganda and will help to reduce the demand for charcoal as' well.as increase profits to the mushroom growers.