Detailed Explanation of Key Technical Points for Winter Management of Edible Fungi

It is understood that in winter, temperatures are cold, mycelium and fruiting bodies grow slowly, respiratory intensity is low, and mushroom yields are small, but the mushroom flesh is thick and the quality is good. Mushroom growers should seize the good opportunity of high market demand during the Spring Festival, when winter mushrooms sell well at high prices, and resolutely take measures to strive for more mushrooms and good mushrooms, achieving better economic benefits. In terms of management, the following points should be emphasized:

1. Increase the mushroom bed temperature and create conditions for mushroom growth. Winter is cold, and natural temperatures are not conducive to mushroom production. On sunny mornings, the coverings on the shed can be removed, relying on natural sunlight and the biological heat of the mycelium itself to raise the temperature inside the mushroom shed. On cloudy days and at night, shade nets or straw curtains should be promptly added outside the shed to prevent freezing and frost. If conditions permit, an additional layer of film can be covered outside the shed, which will provide better insulation. After taking the above measures, the temperature inside the shed can be increased by 5--10°C, and normal mushroom production can still be maintained during the cold winter.

2. Replenish water and control humidity, keep warm and prevent cold. After producing one crop of shiitake mushrooms, the mushroom logs lose considerable water, retaining only 50--60% of their original weight, so water should be replenished in a timely manner. Before replenishing water, open the shed door for ventilation for 3--4 days. When replenishing water, use a water injection needle to pierce into the mushroom log, using the pressure of a water pump to allow the log to absorb sufficient water in a short time. Clean well water at a suitable temperature is preferable as the water source. The principle for spraying water is: spray in the form of mist, spray more when there are many mushrooms, spray less when there are few mushrooms, spray more during the bud stage, and spray less during the harvest period.

3. Pay attention to ventilation and air exchange, and avoid cold wind attacks. After mushroom buds appear, respiration is vigorous. If air does not circulate and carbon dioxide accumulates too much, it will inhibit the formation and growth of fruiting bodies. Ventilation and air exchange should be carried out around noon when temperatures are relatively higher, for 10--20 minutes. When entering and leaving the shed for operations, enter and exit from the south side of the shed to prevent attacks from dry, cold winds.