A Detailed Guide to the Cultivation Techniques of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Phoenix Mushroom)
Pleurotus pulmonarius is also called the phoenix mushroom. Its flesh is crisp and tender, its texture is better, and its flavor is very fresh and delicious. It is often used in soups and enjoys a reputation as the “finest of mushrooms”. So, what cultivation techniques are there for Pleurotus pulmonarius? Let us find out together!
1. Preparation of the growing substrate
Pleurotus pulmonarius generally uses materials such as sawdust, rice straw and cottonseed hulls to make the growing substrate. According to practical production experience, 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. Therefore, using sawdust and rice straw instead can also achieve high yields and shorten the cultivation time somewhat. Here are one or two common substrate formulas for everyone: (1) sawdust 60%, cottonseed hulls 15%, rice straw 15%, wheat bran 10%; (2) sawdust 30%, cottonseed hulls 30%, rice straw 30%, wheat bran 10%. Both of these formulas can give Pleurotus pulmonarius high yields.
2. Bagging and sterilization
After the growing substrate has been mixed according to the formula, it can be put into bags using special edible mushroom cultivation bags. If dry material is bagged, 250-350 grams per bag; if wet material, 500-600 grams can be bagged. After bagging, seal the bag openings well and prepare to begin high-temperature sterilization. Steam sterilization is generally used, requiring 0.103 MPa and a temperature of 121 degrees. Sterilize under these conditions for 2 hours. If sterilizing under normal pressure, it must be maintained for 12-24 hours. After sterilization, unload the bags to cool.
3. Inoculation and mycelial growth
After sterilization, inoculation with the mushroom spawn can be carried out. Inoculation must be done in a professional inoculation room, which requires a relatively dark and sterile environment. Personnel entering must undergo disinfection and sterilization treatment to avoid inoculation failure. After inoculation, the bags can be transferred to the culture room for mycelial growth. During the first three days of mycelial growth, the temperature must be kept between 24-26 degrees so that the spawn becomes established in the growing substrate. After the fourth day, as the mycelium grows in the bags, metabolism generates heat, so at this point the temperature of the culture room should be lowered by 2-3 degrees. The mycelium needs no light at all during growth and development, so the culture room is kept in a relatively dark environment. Ventilation should be strengthened to increase oxygen, so as to avoid a high carbon dioxide concentration that would cause oxygen deprivation of the mycelium. Humidity should be kept between 60%-70%. If too high, strengthen ventilation to lower humidity; if too low, increase humidity by spraying a fine mist of water. Generally, about 25-35 days after inoculation, the mycelium will fill the entire bag, and at this point fruiting management can begin.
4. Fruiting management
After the mycelium has grown and matured, the bags can be moved into a shed for cultivation. When arranging them, place them on shelves in rows or stack them in a wall-style overlap on the ground. 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 point, 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 a way to cool it down; if too low, find a way to warm it up. At the same time, keep the shed humidity between 85-95%, and in this way you can safely produce mushrooms.
The above are the cultivation techniques for Pleurotus pulmonarius. We hope they can help you!