What to do about deformed shiitake mushrooms? Cause analysis and control measures
Shiitake mushrooms often show deformities during the fruiting period and the fruiting body growth stage. These deformed mushrooms fetch lower prices on the market, affecting growers' income. So what causes deformed shiitake mushroom growth? And how should it be controlled? Let's take a look at the causes of deformed shiitake mushroom growth and the control methods on Qinnong Web.
Causes of deformed growth
1. Improper selection of spawn: Besides inferior spawn or virus infection, improper selection of spawn can cause deformed shiitake mushroom growth. For example, in areas with higher altitude and lower temperatures, choosing to cultivate high-temperature-type spawn means the low temperature will cause the mushroom buds to shrivel, leading to deformities.
2. Improper development management: If the mushroom buds in the cultivation bag bud too early, the buds are squeezed by the bag wall and cannot stretch out, so deformities easily appear in the first flush of shiitake mushrooms.
3. Unsuitable soaking: After shiitake mushrooms have fruited 2-3 times, the moisture in the substrate logs begins to decline, so soaking to replenish water is needed. However, this method is only suitable for early-maturing varieties; if it is carried out on late-maturing varieties, it will cause deformities.
4. Improper humidity control and insulation: In winter, the temperature is lower, so insulation measures must be taken. If the fruiting period is affected by cold wind and low temperatures, the mushroom buds will shrivel and dry up and grow deformed. In addition, during the fruiting period, when the air humidity is below 70%, the mushroom stems may also become soft or hollow.
Control measures
1. Understand the fungal characteristics: Before planting and cultivation, understand the relevant cultivation knowledge, especially the characteristics of the spawn, and choose suitable varieties according to local conditions and climate. Then calculate the season and timing well and inoculate reasonably.
2. Prevent blind removal of the bag: Strengthen management during the mushroom bud stage. Especially when the mycelium has not reached physiological maturity, mutated deformed mushrooms are very likely to appear. Master the maturation time of the mycelium and remove the bag in time.
3. Soak in time and in proper amount: Likewise, understand whether the spawn is an early-maturing or late-maturing variety, and soak in time and in proper amount to prevent the water from being too early or too little. When the moisture content of the substrate log is below 40%, fruiting is difficult at this time. Moreover, there will be many small mushrooms. Generally, soaking begins when the moisture content is 60-70%, and after soaking, a moisture content of 95% is appropriate. If soaking is too long, it leads to excessive water absorption, which makes it difficult for the mycelium to grow and breathe, affecting fruiting.
4. Do a good job of insulation and humidity control: In winter, strengthen insulation measures, keep the day-night temperature difference above 10 degrees, and also pay attention to air humidity, adding humidity according to climate changes.
5. Harvest in good time: After shiitake mushrooms mature, they must be harvested in time. If not harvested in time, the shiitake mushrooms will become overripe and consume a large amount of nutrients, which is detrimental to the second flush.
The above are the causes of deformed shiitake mushrooms and the control measures brought to you by Qinnong Web. The content about deformed shiitake mushrooms is introduced here. To learn more related knowledge, please keep following Qinnong Web.