Key points of integrated control methods for common mold contamination in Pholiota nameko

Pholiota nameko is a mushroom with very high nutritional value, also called pearl mushroom, nameko mushroom, etc. This mushroom has a relatively crisp and crunchy texture when eaten, with a very tender and smooth mouthfeel, and is especially fresh. If you try to pick it up with chopsticks while eating, you generally cannot grasp it because it is too slippery. During the specific cultivation process of Pholiota nameko, it is very easily contaminated by mold. So what are the common mold contaminations of Pholiota nameko? What are the key points of integrated control methods?

1. What are the common mold contaminations of Pholiota nameko?

During the cultivation process of Pholiota nameko, the molds that generally appear relatively easily include Penicillium, Trichoderma, Aspergillus, and Neurospora, etc. These types of molds have relatively strong reproductive ability when the temperature is relatively high, ventilation is poor, and humidity is relatively high. In the later stage of cultivation, blue-green, green, orange-red, yellow, or black mold-like substances will appear on the culture material. Once mold appears, it will compete with the Pholiota nameko mycelium for nutrients, and some molds will secrete toxins, affecting the normal growth process and development of Pholiota nameko. Among these molds, Trichoderma is the most harmful to Pholiota nameko.

2. What are the key points of integrated control methods for mold contamination in Pholiota nameko?

Because the growth of mold has a very large impact on Pholiota nameko, in order not to affect the commercial quality of Pholiota nameko, it is necessary to prevent the occurrence of mold in advance.

First, select the correct culture medium and properly treat the culture material. Before mixing the culture material, we should let the raw materials be exposed to the sun for three to four days, so that miscellaneous bacteria in the raw materials can be reduced. Generally, we choose to mix in carbendazim for sterilization, and we can also choose thiophanate-methyl, kemeiling, etc.

Second, strictly control the inoculation step. Relatively high-quality and suitable spawn is a key factor for the success of cultivating Pholiota nameko. When selecting spawn, one should choose Pholiota nameko spawn around one month old. At this time, the mycelium is relatively white and dense, with no phenomenon of wall detachment or water accumulation, and no fruiting body formation, especially uncontaminated spawn is relatively good. After having these good raw materials and spawn, it is also necessary to do a good job in the hygiene of inoculation tools, sites, and personnel, so as to avoid the phenomenon of infection.

Third, do a good job in protecting the cultivation bags. During the cultivation process of Pholiota nameko, if the quality of the cultivation bags is not good, mold infection is very likely to occur, so bags with uniform thickness and good quality should be selected. Be sure not to let sharp objects scratch and damage the bags. When the spawn bags come into contact with the ground, they must be placed in a smooth place, and during handling, hands and tools must be disinfected.

Fourth, correct management. If the temperature of the inoculated spawn bags is controlled at around 25°C and the humidity is controlled at 80 to 90 percent, miscellaneous bacteria are not likely to appear. If the temperature is too high or the humidity is too great, Penicillium or Trichoderma will appear.