2.1 Microorganisms and inoculum production (spawn)
Pleurotus ostreatusstrains (PLO 6 and PLO 2) were obtained fromthe Federal University of Viçosa and were
maintained in Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium at 22 ºC. Wheat grains were used as a
substrate for the spawn. The grains were cooked for 30 min in water at a 1:3 ratio of wheat grains:water (w/w).