Reasons Why Straw Mushrooms Fail to Fruit and Solutions

Reasons why straw mushrooms fail to fruit: soil particles and uneven moisture are mixed into the bottom layer of the cultivation substrate, and straw mushrooms also become dull in color because they grow in the bottom layer where light is insufficient, while those that grow on the reverse side of the bed frame are mostly deformed mushrooms of poor quality. Solution: so we need to evenly regulate the moisture of the substrate and control the bottom layer of the substrate well to prevent soil particles from being mixed into the substrate. The covering soil should be nutrient-rich soil, and after sun exposure, adjust the moisture with lime water so that more straw mushrooms sprout.

Reasons why straw mushrooms fail to fruit

1. Soil particles mixed into the bottom layer

When cultivating straw mushrooms, soil particles mixed into the bottom layer of the substrate will cause failure to fruit. Generally, the water content of the bottom layer material is more favorable for fruiting, but mushrooms growing in the bottom layer become dull in color because of weak light, and some grow on the reverse side of the bed frame; due to the influence of the bed frame, most of those that grow out are deformed mushrooms of poor quality, seriously affecting their commercial value.

2. Uneven water content

When cultivating straw mushrooms, the water in the substrate is uneven, making the surface layer dry while the lower layer is relatively wet, thus causing mushrooms to grow under the substrate or on the reverse side of the bed frame. This situation is more likely to occur especially when cottonseed hulls are used as the substrate, because cottonseed hulls have poor water-holding capacity and easily allow water to seep downward, thereby affecting the growth of the fungal bodies.

Solutions for straw mushrooms failing to fruit

1. Strictly control the bottom layer of the substrate to avoid mixing in soil particles. When covering the surface of the substrate with soil, keep it moist and keep the substrate surface thoroughly wet to facilitate fruiting. Use nutrient-rich surface garden soil for the covering soil. After sun-exposing the garden soil, adjust the moisture with lime water and set it aside for later use. When the substrate and the substrate surface are even, sprinkle the straw mushroom spawn on it, then pat the substrate surface lightly so that the spawn is in close contact with the substrate, and then cover it with soil particles.

2. Be careful to evenly regulate the moisture of the substrate. Before sowing, sun-expose the cottonseed hulls, then soak them thoroughly in lime water, which helps the cottonseed hulls fully absorb enough water and also adjusts the pH to be slightly alkaline. After that, pile them for 24-48 hours. After piling, the cottonseed hulls will become soft, and the water will be absorbed thoroughly and evenly, after which sowing can be done.