How to grow Hericium erinaceus (lion's mane mushroom) well? Detailed explanation of cultivation methods and techniques
How to grow Hericium erinaceus well? Please advise. Hericium erinaceus is a well-known edible and medicinal mushroom in China. The optimum growth temperature range for the mycelium is 22--24°C, and the best temperature for the fruiting body growth stage is 18--20°C. During bag-culture cultivation, the mycelium growth stage has no strict air humidity requirements, while the fruiting body growth stage requires a relative air...
How to grow Hericium erinaceus well? Please advise.
Hericium erinaceus is a well-known edible and medicinal mushroom in China. The optimum growth temperature range for the mycelium is 22--24°C, and the best temperature for the fruiting body growth stage is 18--20°C. During bag-culture cultivation, the mycelium growth stage has no strict air humidity requirements, while the fruiting body growth stage requires a relative air humidity of 85%--90%. In production, as long as the above temperature and humidity conditions are met, year-round production can be organized.
Preparing the substrate. Substrate formulas: 1. Cottonseed hulls 78%, wheat bran 20%, sucrose 1%, gypsum 1%. 2. Corncobs 78%, wheat bran 20%, sucrose 1%, gypsum 1%. 3. Cottonseed hulls 40%, sawdust 30%, wheat bran 25%, corn flour 2%, gypsum powder 1%, sucrose 1%, monopotassium phosphate 1%. In production, one of these formulas can be selected to prepare the raw materials according to the supply of raw materials and the scale of production. The raw materials must be fresh and free of mold. After the raw materials are prepared, mix them evenly in the proportions given, then add water and mix thoroughly so that the moisture content of the substrate reaches 60%--70% and the pH value is 4.5--6.5 (considering that the medium will gradually acidify during the later cultivation process, the pH value at this time is best at 6.5), then let it sit for about 30 minutes before filling bags. Note that when using formula 2, the corncobs need to be crushed to the size of soybean grains and soaked in water 1 day in advance so that they fully absorb water; before use, take them out, drain off excess water, and then mix them evenly with the other materials. The prepared substrate must not be piled up for too long, especially in hot seasons, otherwise it will deteriorate and cannot be used.
Filling bags, sterilization, inoculation. Once the substrate is prepared, the bags can be filled. The plastic bag specifications are 35 cm x 17 cm x 0.05 cm. For high-pressure sterilization, use polypropylene bags; for atmospheric-pressure sterilization, use polyethylene bags. Fill each bag with about 450 g of dry material, and the filling should be appropriately firm but not too tight. After filling, put on a hard plastic neck ring and cover it with a lid. At this point, check the plastic bag, neck ring, lid, etc. for damage; if there is any damage, replace them. Sterilization is divided into atmospheric-pressure sterilization and high-pressure sterilization. Atmospheric-pressure sterilization is carried out at atmospheric pressure for 12 hours, and high-pressure sterilization is carried out at a pressure of 1.5 kg/sq cm for 2 hours. After sterilization, take out the substrate bags, check once more for damage and bags that have taken in water, and then move them into the inoculation room for inoculation. When the temperature of the substrate bags is below 30%, inoculate under sterile conditions in an inoculation box. To shorten the spawn-running time, use two-end inoculation, that is, inoculate at one point at the bag mouth and at one point in a hole punched at the bottom of the bag. After inoculation, quickly put the lid back on and seal the hole tightly with adhesive tape or a special sealing film. After all substrate bags are inoculated, affix labels and send them to the spawn-running room for cultivation.
Management during the mycelium running stage. 1. Temperature and humidity management. By means such as sprinkling water, shading, and ventilation, control the room temperature at 22--24°C and the relative air humidity below 70%. 2. Light management. Since the mycelium growth stage of Hericium erinaceus does not require light, the spawn-running room needs to be shaded to remain dark. 3. Other management. About 3--4 days after being moved into the spawn-running room, the mycelium begins to colonize the substrate. At this time, check once for contamination and pick out contaminated substrate bags. In addition, check for damage caused by mice and other pests.
Management during the fruiting body formation period. After 25--30 days of cultivation, the mycelium has fully covered the substrate bags or is about to fully cover them. At this time, through ventilation and air exchange, lower the temperature of the spawn-running room to 20--22°C, remove the shading materials, and increase scattered light. After about 7 more days, when mushroom buds begin to appear on the substrate surface, move the mushroom bags into the mushroom shed or adjust the temperature of the spawn-running room to 18--20°C, remove the lids of the substrate bags, and remove the neck rings to induce fruiting. At this time, maintain the relative air humidity at 85%--90%, increase scattered light, and pay attention to proper ventilation and air exchange. In this way, after about 15 days the fruiting bodies will mature.
Harvesting. When the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus reach 5--10 cm in diameter or are nine-tenths mature, they can be harvested. When harvesting, cut off the mushroom stems with a small knife, leaving stubble of 1--2 cm to facilitate regrowth. After harvesting, continue to strengthen water, temperature, and humidity management, and after about 10 days new fruiting bodies will grow again. Generally, each mushroom bag can produce 3 flushes of mushrooms, with a biological efficiency of 60%--80%.
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