Best timing for watering edible fungi

In edible fungus cultivation, water plays the role of providing nutrients for the mycelium and fruiting bodies, and is an important factor determining yield levels and rapid flushes. For most varieties, the suitable water content in the growing substrate is 60%-65%. During fruiting, the water in both the substrate and the air gradually decreases, so water must be replenished in time. When watering the growing medium in the fungus bags, the following key points should be noted:

1. Watering amount. After the first flush is harvested, the substrate is rich in nutrients and its water content is still relatively high, so the watering amount should be smaller. After the second flush has grown, the substrate's nutrients have decreased and its water content has also dropped, so the watering amount can be larger and the bags can be soaked in water for a longer time.

2. Use clean river water or groundwater when watering. Pond water and ditch water from the surface should not be used, to prevent contaminating bacteria and pests from being carried into the substrate and causing disease and pest damage.

3. The water temperature should be as consistent as possible with the temperature of the mushroom shed; do not use ice-cold water.

4. Do not spray water on primordia or mushroom buds. It is best to use a sprayer to water, with the nozzle pointing upward to spray into the air to increase humidity.

5. After watering, if there are water droplets on the fruiting bodies, they should be removed by ventilation. Otherwise, this will create opportunities for pathogens to multiply and form lesions on the fruiting bodies.

6. Watering the fungus bags is an important measure for increasing yield, mainly used for edible fungi with a relatively long cultivation cycle. Note: (1) For shiitake and similar mushrooms, water should be added after color change is complete and before fruiting, until the water content of the growing substrate reaches about 65%. (2) For most edible fungi, water should be added during the flush transition period after finishing one or two flushes; first restore the mycelium, then add water, and it is best to control the watering amount to 80%-90% of the original bag weight. (3) When the mycelium is sparse and weak in growth, when the temperature is below 5°C, or when disease or pests occur in the substrate, watering is not suitable. (4) When watering after the third flush, nutrients can be supplemented at the same time, commonly urea, sugar, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc.