Latest High-Yield Cultivation Techniques and Methods Tutorial for Wood Ear Mushroom

Wood ear mushroom is also known as yellow-back wood ear. It is commonly seen in our daily life, has a delicious taste, and is deeply loved by many people. It is distributed throughout various regions of our country, mostly growing on various tree trunks or decaying wood, and has the effects of clearing the lungs and boosting qi, relieving pain, and invigorating blood circulation. Below, Qinnong Web will explain its high-yield cultivation techniques.

1. Cultivation time

There are many cultivation methods for wood ear mushroom, but nowadays the two main methods used are cooked-material bag cultivation and plastic greenhouse wall-style cultivation. These two methods save both time and labor and can also achieve high yields. According to its cultivation characteristics, bags are generally prepared and colonized in early February, with mushrooms emerging by the end of March. Summer high temperatures are not conducive to mycelial growth, so bags are prepared and colonized in mid-August, with mushrooms emerging by the end of September.

2. Cultivation substrate

The cultivation raw materials for wood ear mushroom should be dry, clean, free of mold, and free of hard debris. Moldy, damp raw materials with hard debris will affect its yield. Corncobs at 47%, sawdust at 40%, bran at 10%, superphosphate at 1%, lime at 1%, and gypsum at 1% can be used to mix the cultivation raw materials. Because the main raw materials, corncobs and sawdust, have poor water absorption, they should be pre-wetted in advance. Then all raw materials are measured out in proportion and thoroughly stirred to make them moist, with the water content controlled at about 60%. Then they can be bagged. Before bagging, let them sit for one day, then stir once more so that water absorption is uniform. The filling should be appropriately firm, with consistent tightness from top to bottom.

3. Sterilization and inoculation

Wood ear mushroom is commonly sterilized with atmospheric steam, maintained at 100 degrees under normal pressure for 12 hours. Then the fire is stopped, and the residual heat is used to let it sit for another 12 hours, which can achieve thorough sterilization. When loading into the pot, it should not be too full. Leave some space so that steam can spread throughout the entire space and achieve the best sterilization effect. Inoculation should be done in a sterile environment to prevent secondary infection. People should disinfect themselves before inoculation. After inoculating the mycelium, promptly gather the bag opening and press it gently and firmly so that the spawn fully combines with the cultivation substrate.

4. Later-stage management

To ensure good mushroom emergence, attention should be paid to disinfection inside the greenhouse. Spread a layer of quicklime on the ground to inhibit the growth of other contaminating bacteria and damage from snakes, rats, and mosquitoes. In addition, the inoculated material bags should be stacked into wall piles, with a height of about 10 material bags. Keep distance between piles to facilitate ventilation and management. Wood ear mushroom is best colonized at low temperatures. High-temperature colonization should be strictly avoided to prevent burning of the spawn. A range of 20-25 degrees is suitable, and it must not exceed 28°C. During the mycelial cultivation period, a dark environment is best, with as little light as possible.

The above is the high-yield cultivation technique for wood ear mushroom brought to you by Qinnong Web. When cultivating wood ear mushroom, pay attention to the colonization period, check frequently, and solve problems promptly to avoid colonization failure. For more agricultural knowledge, please stay tuned to Qinnong Web.