What causes abnormal growth in straw mushrooms? With preventive measures
The straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) is one of the common edible fungi. Its cultivation technique is simple and the growing cost is relatively low, but the returns are considerable, so quite a lot of people cultivate it. However, after spawning, some abnormal growth situations often appear, affecting its yield and quality. Below, let's take a look with the editor at the causes of abnormal growth in straw mushrooms and the preventive measures.
1. Mycelium shrinkage
Under normal circumstances, straw mushroom spawn begins to germinate 12 hours after spawning and keeps growing into the compost, but if the mycelium still has not germinated or grown 24 hours after spawning, mycelium shrinkage may have occurred.
Causes of shrinkage: There are quite a few causes of mycelium shrinkage. For example, high-temperature burning of the fungus: when the temperature of the compost exceeds 45 degrees for a long time, it will cause mycelium shrinkage. Straw mushrooms are relatively sensitive to pesticides; after spawning, pesticides are sprayed to prevent pests and diseases, and this can also cause mycelium shrinkage. When the water content of the compost exceeds 70%, or the covering is too tight, the mycelium will suffocate and shrink due to lack of oxygen. If urea or chemical fertilizer is added excessively to the compost, its decomposition will release a large amount of ammonia gas, causing mycelium shrinkage. If the spawn age is too long or too short, its vitality is weak, and shrinkage is very likely to occur. Straw mushrooms are relatively sensitive to temperature; generally, when the day-night temperature difference is large, their mycelium will shrink. In addition, when pests appear in the compost, they will bite and eat the mycelium, causing mycelium shrinkage.
Preventive measures: For the phenomenon of high-temperature burning of the fungus, build a sunshade shed to avoid burning the fungus at midday high temperatures; when composting the culture material, when the temperature reaches 75 degrees, turn the pile twice. After spawning, it is not suitable to spray pesticides into the compost. The water content of the compost should be appropriate and should not exceed 70%; the plastic film covering should not be too tight, and some gaps should be left to facilitate ventilation. The amount of urea added should not exceed 0.2%, and it should also be added when the material is piled. During cultivation, choose high-quality spawn; the suitable spawn age is best 15-20 days, and spawn over 30 days should not be used. Keep the mushroom house clean and hygienic, keep it away from livestock and poultry pens, disinfect thoroughly, and eliminate sources of insects.
2. Mycelium overgrowth
After mycelial growth, a large amount of white fluffy mycelium appears on the surface of the material. This is mycelium overgrowth. After overgrowth, the mycelium cannot promptly shift to reproductive growth, causing delayed pinhead formation, few fruiting bodies, and low yield.
Causes of overgrowth: It is generally caused by poor ventilation leading to high temperature, high humidity, and high carbon dioxide concentration, which stimulates the mycelium and causes overgrowth.
Preventive measures: After the mycelium has grown for 2-3 days, according to its growth condition, uncover the film regularly to facilitate ventilation, lower the temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration, and allow the mycelium to grow normally.
The above is an introduction to the causes of abnormal growth in straw mushrooms and the preventive measures. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.