Objective  To investigate the effect of different casing materials on growth and development of Calocybe indica, and provide a theoretical basis for introduction and cultivation of Calocybe indica in China.

Method  Different casing materials including loamy soil(CK), loamy soil+cow dung (volume ratio was 3∶1), spent mushroom compost, loamy soil+sand (volume ratio was 3∶1) were used as casing materials for cultivation of mushroom C. indica, and their effect on the yield and agronomic performance of C. indica sporophore were evaluated. Changes in soluble protein content and extracellular enzyme activity were measured.

Result  Using loamy soil+cow dung as the casing material resulted in the highest yield of 2 078.50 g, the highest fruiting density and the shortest time for primordium initiation of around 7.67 days. When spent mushroom compost was used as the casing material, the yield and fruiting density of C. indica were ranked second, while the time of primordium initiation was the longest being 22.67 days. Compared with the control treatment, loamy soil+sand resulted in lower yield and fruiting density as well as worse fruiting quality. During different growth stages, in general soluble protein contents in different treatments showed a rising trend and largely increased during the second flush of C. indica (except for spent mushroom compost treatment). Soluble protein content in loamy soil+cow dung treatment was the highest during the whole growth process. Changes of extracellular enzyme activities were the most beneficial to C. indica growth under loamy soil+cow dung treatment.

Conclusion  Considering C. indica growth status and economic benefits, it is recommended to use loamy soil+cow dung as the casing material.