Cause analysis and prevention and control methods for shiitake mushroom log rot
Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) is one of the common mushrooms, with extremely high edible and economic value, but during cultivation, log rot often occurs for certain reasons. So-called log rot refers to a kind of rotting disease that appears in shiitake mushrooms from the mycelium stage to the fruiting stage during cultivation. It causes the mycelium to gradually disappear, and finally the entire substrate of the mushroom log becomes soft and rotten, appearing as black muddy rot, accompanied by a foul odor, leading to rejection and harming growers' interests. So what causes log rot? And how should it be prevented and controlled? Let's take a look together.
1. Improper substrate formulation
During cultivation, if the substrate is improperly formulated and not fully and evenly mixed, or if there is too much urea, lime powder, or other substances and they are too concentrated, then once high temperatures are encountered during cultivation or after piercing holes for ventilation, these substances will have a reverse effect, instead restricting mycelial growth, ultimately leading to mycelial death and causing log rot.
Prevention and control methods: When formulating the substrate, it is essential to strictly follow the formula and not add more or less of any substance. After stirring it sufficiently, conduct high-temperature sterilization before inoculating with the mushroom spawn. For the inoculated spawn, it is best to choose varieties with strong adaptability and strong stress resistance to reduce the impact of this situation on them.
2. Poor ventilation
During cultivation, because the ventilation conditions of the cultivation room are poor, the concentration of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases indoors is relatively high. During growth, the mycelium cannot grow normally due to insufficient oxygen, and it also consumes a large amount of nutrients, so log rot occurs.
Prevention and control methods: During cultivation, ventilation should be strengthened to release carbon dioxide and toxic gases and balance oxygen. However, when ventilating, be careful not to ventilate all at once. Open the vents slowly, and never let the mushroom bags come into contact with cold wind.
3. Temperature too high
If the temperature of the cultivation room exceeds the suitable temperature for shiitake mushroom growth, the temperature accumulated in the mushroom bags will continue to rise, ultimately causing the mycelium to grow weakly or die, resulting in mushroom burning. In addition, excessively high humidity in the cultivation room can also lead to the occurrence of log rot.
Prevention and control methods: Both high temperature and high humidity can be reduced by strengthening ventilation to lower temperature and humidity. During high temperatures, shade nets can be set up around the cultivation room to bring the temperature down; otherwise, increasing air humidity is also acceptable. However, humidification is suitable for use in dry, high-temperature seasons and should not be used during rainy periods. On the contrary, during the rainy season, measures for ventilation and dehumidification should also be taken.
4. Direct sunlight
During cultivation, if the mushroom logs are directly exposed to strong sunlight, the ultraviolet rays in the sunlight will scorch the mycelium. Once scorched to a certain degree, the mycelium will be killed, and the mushroom logs will produce yellow liquid, finally becoming infected by pathogens and developing log rot.
Prevention and control methods: During the mycelial cultivation stage, avoid direct sunlight and maintain a dark environment in the cultivation room so that the mycelium can grow and develop normally.
The above are the causes and prevention and control methods of shiitake mushroom log rot. We hope it can help you. To learn more about shiitake mushroom cultivation knowledge, please stay tuned to us.