Latest Key Management Points for the Fruiting Period of Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion's mane mushroom is rich in nutrients, containing 16 kinds of amino acids needed by the human body as well as various vitamins and minerals. Its taste is delicious and it is deeply loved by consumers. When cultivating lion's mane mushroom, the fruiting period is an extremely important stage, as it is related to yield and quality and has a direct bearing on growers' income. So how should lion's mane mushroom be managed during the fruiting period? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction below.
1. Preparation for Fruiting
When the mushroom shed is tightly shaded and dark, and 20 days after inoculation the mycelium has already grown into one third of the mushroom bag, it is time to prepare for fruiting. Since the mushroom bag is made of plastic film, in order to ensure normal fruiting, first cut a small slit of about 3 cm each at the top, middle and bottom of the bag, so that the young buds will grow out from these slits.
2. Temperature and Humidity
During fruiting, the temperature in the mushroom shed should be maintained between 12-20 degrees, with 18 degrees being the most suitable. Generally, when the temperature in the mushroom shed is higher than 26 degrees or lower than 10 degrees, the growth rate of the fruiting bodies will be extremely slow, affecting yield and quality. Air humidity is also extremely important. During fruiting, it needs to be maintained between 85%-90% to meet the fruiting bodies' demand for water and humidity. When humidity is adequate, the fruiting bodies grow quickly, are white in color and give a relatively high yield. If humidity is too high or too low, the fruiting bodies grow slowly or stop growing and are very prone to malformation. When humidity is low, water or mist should be sprayed in time to increase the humidity in the mushroom shed, while watering is not advisable on rainy or overcast days.
3. Timely Ventilation and Cooling
Lion's mane mushroom is an aerobic fungus. It needs plenty of fresh oxygen during growth. When oxygen is sufficient, the fruiting bodies are large in size, firm in texture, white in color and high in yield. It is relatively sensitive to carbon dioxide concentration. Generally, when the carbon dioxide concentration in the mushroom shed exceeds 0.1%, it will grow poorly and may even become malformed. Therefore, during cultivation, ventilation and air exchange must be carried out frequently. Open the vents regularly every day. In addition, timely ventilation during high-temperature periods can also lower the temperature, but during low temperatures, ventilation should be reduced to increase temperature and retain moisture. Generally, ventilate in the morning and evening during high temperatures, for half an hour each time, while during low temperatures, ventilate at noon.
4. Control Light
When the mycelium has grown to one third or two thirds of the mushroom bag, appropriate scattered light should be provided to promote the formation of fruiting bodies, but the light should not be too strong. Around 200—300 lux is suitable, and in this way the fruiting bodies can mature in about half a month. Although the fruiting bodies of lion's mane mushroom form in a dark environment without light, they often become malformed mushrooms, and strong light can likewise cause malformed mushrooms.
The above are the key management points for the fruiting period of lion's mane mushroom. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.