Analysis of Common Problems in the Process of Edible Mushroom Cultivation
?1. Wrong variety selection, inappropriate temperature type
Taking the simplest oyster mushroom as an example, many mushroom farmers lack a grasp of the temperature type of varieties. We know that oyster mushrooms also have high-temperature and low-temperature types. Can low-temperature-type oyster mushrooms fruit in the hot summer? Can lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) fruit in winter without good insulation measures? These are the most basic things, and mushroom farmers must master them.
?2. Serious phenomenon of contaminated mushroom bags
The phenomenon of contaminated mushroom bags is the most distressing problem for mushroom farmers. Seeing piles upon piles of contaminated bags makes one feel bitter. Substrate prices are rising, mushroom prices are falling, and contamination is increasing. The main culprit causing contaminated mushroom bags is incomplete sterilization. Under suitable moisture and temperature conditions, the microorganisms that were not killed inside the bags begin to multiply, first appearing as tiny scattered spots on the bags, and later spreading into patches. So what are the reasons that lead to incomplete sterilization?
Culture substrates mainly based on corncobs generally have very large particles. When mixing the substrate, if the lumps do not fully absorb water and there is dry core inside the material, it is difficult to sterilize thoroughly without pre-wetting; whether it is atmospheric pressure sterilization or high pressure sterilization, if the cold air is not completely expelled during the sterilization process, a portion of the sterilization pot is always occupied by cold air, resulting in poor heat circulation, which will also cause incomplete sterilization; in addition, if the sterilization time cannot be guaranteed, the sterilization time is insufficient, or if the fire is stopped during the sterilization process, all will cause incomplete sterilization. If too many mushroom bags are placed too tightly in the sterilization pot, the problem of incomplete sterilization will also occur.
3. Mushroom spawn does not colonize or mycelium grows slowly
There are many reasons for this phenomenon. It cannot be ruled out that in some cases weak spawn vigor can cause slow mycelial growth. But most of the reasons are that the mushroom bags are filled too tightly or the water content is too high (higher than 65%). Because there is not enough oxygen inside the bags, the growth rate of the mycelium is inhibited. Of course, if the spawning temperature is too low, and ventilation is poor, or the pH of the culture substrate is unsuitable, it will also cause slow mycelial growth. There are also quite a few cases where the bags are not fully cooled after sterilization and are inoculated too hastily, causing the spawn not to colonize. In addition, if the culture room is too dry and the surface of the substrate loses water severely, the spawn also cannot colonize well.