A Detailed Guide to Pleurotus geesteranus Cultivation Techniques and Management Methods
Pleurotus geesteranus generally uses sawdust, rice straw, cottonseed hulls and other materials to make the growing substrate. After mixing the growing substrate according to the formula, it can be bagged using specialized edible mushroom cultivation bags; after bagging, seal the bag openings tightly and use steam sterilization; after sterilization, inoculation with the spawn can proceed; inoculation must be done in a professional inoculation room, requiring a darker, sterile environment; after the mycelium has grown to maturity, the spawn bags can be moved into a shed for cultivation.
Xiuzhen mushroom is also called Pleurotus geesteranus or small oyster mushroom. As its name suggests, it is small in size with an elegant shape. Its texture is crisp and tender, its taste is fresh and delicious, and its flavor is unique. It is a high-protein, low-fat nutritious food, and also has the laudatory name of “MSG mushroom”.
1. Substrate Preparation
Pleurotus geesteranus generally uses sawdust, rice straw, cottonseed hulls and other materials to make the growing substrate, as shown by practical production. Using the shiitake mushroom formula for cultivation can achieve high yields, but the cultivation time is too long and the cultivation cost is relatively high, so using sawdust and rice straw as substitutes can also achieve high yields and shorten the cultivation time somewhat. Below are one or two common substrate formulas: (1) sawdust 60%, cottonseed hulls 15%, rice straw 15%, wheat bran 10%; (2) sawdust 30%, cottonseed hulls 30%, rice straw 30%, wheat bran 10%.
2. Bagging and Sterilization
After mixing the growing substrate according to the formula, it can be bagged using specialized edible mushroom cultivation bags. If using dry material, bag 250-350 grams, and if using wet material, bag 500-600 grams. After bagging, seal the bag openings tightly and prepare to begin high-temperature sterilization treatment. Generally, the steam sterilization method is used, requiring 0.103 MPa and a temperature of 121 degrees; sterilize under these conditions for 2 hours. If sterilizing under normal pressure, maintain for 12-24 hours. After sterilization, unload the bags to dissipate heat.
3. Inoculation and Mycelial Growth
After sterilization, inoculation with the spawn can proceed. Inoculation must be done in a professional inoculation room, requiring a darker, sterile environment. Personnel entering must undergo disinfection and sterilization treatment to avoid inoculation failure. After inoculation, the bags can be transferred to a culture room for mycelial growth. During the first three days of mycelial growth, the temperature must be maintained between 24-26 degrees so that the spawn becomes established in the growing substrate. After the fourth day, as the mycelium grows in the spawn bags, metabolism generates heat, so at this time the temperature of the culture room should be lowered by 2-3 degrees. During growth and development, the mycelium requires no light at all, so the culture room is kept in a relatively dark environment. Ventilation should be strengthened to increase oxygen, to prevent high carbon dioxide concentration from causing oxygen deprivation of the mycelium. Humidity should be maintained between 60%-70%. If too high, strengthen ventilation to reduce humidity; if too low, increase humidity by spraying water mist. Generally, after about 25-35 days of inoculation, the mycelium will have covered the entire spawn bag, and at this point fruiting management can begin.
4. Fruiting Management
After the mycelium has grown to maturity, the spawn bags can be moved into a shed for cultivation. When placing them, arrange the bags on shelves or stack them in a wall-style overlap on the ground, and open the bag openings to let oxygen enter the bags. At the same time, cover with film during the day and uncover the film at night. In this way, artificially increase the day-night temperature difference by about 10 degrees to stimulate growth. At this time, bright light is also needed to promote the formation of fruiting bodies. During the fruiting period, the temperature is best controlled between 18-22 degrees. If too high, find ways to cool it down; if too low, find ways to warm it up. At the same time, maintain the shed humidity between 85-95%, and thus fruiting can proceed safely.