A Complete Analysis of the Key Cultivation Techniques for the Shaggy Mane Mushroom

The shaggy mane mushroom (Coprinus comatus) is a medium-to-high temperature edible fungus, with an optimum temperature of 16-24°C for fruiting body growth and development. In nature, the fruiting body can grow once the temperature reaches above 10°C, so it can be cultivated from March to October each year.

I. Temperature Management

The temperature for spore germination of the shaggy mane mushroom is 22-26°C, with an optimum of 24°C. The mycelium growth temperature range is 3-35°C, with an optimum growth temperature of 24-28°C. The mycelium will not freeze to death at -10°C, but grows slowly; above 35°C it stops growing and rapidly ages, autolyzing and turning black; at 40°C the mycelium withers and dies. Therefore, the natural temperature during the fruiting period should preferably be controlled between 10-28°C. When encountering high or low temperature weather, cooling or heating measures must be properly carried out.

II. Water Management Techniques

After the bed surface is covered with soil, the soil layer moisture should be gradually adjusted and moistened in multiple applications over 2-3 days until the water content reaches about 18%. The standard is that the soil particles have no white core, form a ball when squeezed in the hand, crumble when touched to the ground, and do not stick to the hand, so that the mycelium can quickly extend into the soil layer and grow within it. Combining temperature, soil layer water content and mycelium growth conditions, use the method of light and frequent spraying to supplement water and keep the soil layer in a moist state. After about 10-15 days, once a large number of fruiting body primordia have formed on the bed surface, the amount of spraying should also gradually increase to meet the water needs of fruiting body growth and development. As the fruiting bodies grow, develop and expand, the daily spraying amount per square meter should reach 2000-2500 milliliters. After one flush of mushrooms ends, stop watering for 2-3 days to facilitate mycelium recovery and growth; after the next flush of mushrooms emerges, gradually increase the spraying amount again, and repeat this cycle of management. The principles of water management can be summarized as: "Spray plenty of water for pinning, keep the fruiting water steady, spray heavily at flush transition, supplement maintenance water, and spray air water frequently." Spraying for moisture retention must be done in multiple, small amounts, and try not to let water droplets accumulate on the fruiting bodies. During the growth period, the water content of the substrate should be 60%-70%, with 65% being the optimum water content. The relative air humidity should be maintained at 80%.

III. Ventilation Management

The shaggy mane mushroom is also an aerobic fungus, and its respiration during physiological activities is very vigorous, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. The ventilation management of the shaggy mane mushroom differs from that of other mushrooms; the ventilation volume should not be too strong, otherwise the scales on the surface of the mushroom bodies will noticeably increase, affecting the commercial appearance. When spraying water on the bed surface, ventilation must be thorough; after spraying is finished, do not rush to close the doors and windows, and wait at least about 1 hour before closing and covering with film. When the temperature is relatively high, the doors and windows of the mushroom house and both ends of the greenhouse or small arched shed should be hung with wet straw curtains before ventilating, to keep a relatively high environmental humidity inside the mushroom house as much as possible. On rainy days, when air humidity is high, the ventilation time can be appropriately extended. The general principle is to both maintain fresh air and sufficient oxygen in the mushroom house and prevent drastic changes in the microclimate environment within a short period. Keeping the micro-environment in a relatively stable state is beneficial to the normal growth and development of the fruiting bodies.

IV. Insect Prevention Measures

Enclose the surroundings of the shade shed with insect-proof netting to prevent various insects from entering.

V. Setting Up a Shade Shed

Strong light irradiation inhibits mycelium growth and can accelerate mycelium aging. Avoid direct sunlight, and a shade shed can be set up in summer. Build a shade shed 2.5-3 m above the cultivation field, requiring the shade shed to be sealed and light-proof. Cover the shed with a layer of plastic film to prevent rainwater from leaking in. Cover another layer of shade netting on top, and the edges of the shade shed should preferably extend 3 m beyond each side of the cultivation field, so that sunlight from 9:00 to 16:00 cannot directly shine on the mushroom beds. The relative air humidity under the shade shed must not be too high; the highest in the central area is 95%, and the relative humidity around the edges only needs to be maintained at about 75%.