Unhas Biology Students Conduct Field Practicum in Mycology at Pleurotus ostreatus Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Business
Students from the Biology Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Hasanuddin University, conducted a field lecture for the Mycology course at the Pleurotus ostreatus Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Business House located in Labakkang District, Pangkajene and Islands Regency, South Sulawesi, on Sunday, November 9, 2025. This activity aims to broaden students' knowledge regarding the biological, ecological, and technological aspects of cultivating economically valuable edible mushrooms.
The students seemed enthusiastic about participating in various sessions at the cultivation house managed by a local entrepreneur who is an alumnus of Unhas Biology, Kak Ulfah Nur Amaliah, S.Si. They were given explanations about the techniques of cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus oyster mushrooms, starting from the process of selecting seeds, preparing the planting media, good and proper harvesting techniques, to post-harvest processing. The students also had the opportunity to be directly involved in practical activities such as inoculating seeds into the growing medium, monitoring the growing conditions of the mushrooms, and the harvesting process through to the processing of the harvest.
This activity was guided by the lecturer of the Mycology course, Dr. Nur Haedar, S.Si., M.Si., along with several assistants who accompanied the students during the practicum. The lecturer provided technical and scientific guidance on aspects of mycology related to the cultivation process, as well as the importance of oyster mushrooms as a nutritious and environmentally friendly food source.
“This field practicum aims to provide students with a direct understanding of the importance of mycology in everyday life. Pleurotus ostreatus oyster mushrooms are a concrete example of the use of fungi that not only contribute to the local economy but also to the sustainability of natural resources,” explained Dr. Nur Haedar, S.Si., M.Si., who also guided the practicum.
In addition to technical cultivation activities, students also gained insight into the market potential of Pleurotus ostreatus oyster mushrooms as a profitable processed product. The owner of the cultivation house, Kak Ulfah, also shared her experiences regarding the challenges and opportunities in the mushroom cultivation business and the importance of good management to maintain product quality and business sustainability.
Through this practical activity, it is hoped that students will not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills in the field of mycology that can be applied in the real world. This also serves as an effort to support the development of the mycology and sustainable agriculture industries in Indonesia.
Author: Nenis Sardiani, S.Si., M.Si.