How to Grow Wood Ear Mushroom for High Yields? A Detailed Guide to Cultivation Techniques
Wood ear mushroom (Auricularia polytricha), also known as yellow-back wood ear, is a common sight in our daily lives. It has a delicious flavor and is deeply loved by many people. It is distributed throughout China, mostly growing on various tree trunks or decaying wood, and has the effects of clearing the lungs and boosting qi, as well as relieving pain and invigorating blood circulation. Below, QinNong Network explains its high-yield cultivation techniques.
1. Cultivation Time
There are many cultivation methods for wood ear mushroom, but nowadays two are mainly used: the sterilized substrate bag cultivation method and the plastic greenhouse wall-style method. Both methods save time and labor while also achieving high yields. According to its cultivation characteristics, bags are generally prepared and inoculated in early February, with mushrooms emerging by the end of March. Summer high temperatures are not conducive to mycelial growth, so bags are prepared and inoculated in mid-August, with mushrooms emerging by the end of September.
2. Cultivation Substrate
The cultivation materials for wood ear mushroom must be dry, clean, free of mold, and free of hard debris. Moldy, damp materials or those containing hard debris will affect its yield. The cultivation substrate can be formulated with 47% corncob, 40% sawdust, 10% wheat bran, 1% superphosphate, 1% lime, and 1% gypsum. Since the main materials, corncob and sawdust, have poor water absorption, they should be pre-wetted in advance. Then all materials are measured out in proportion and thoroughly mixed to make them moist, with the water content controlled at around 60%. After that, the bags can be filled. Before filling, let the substrate sit for one day, then stir it once more so it absorbs water evenly. The filling should be firm but moderate, with consistent tightness from top to bottom.
3. Sterilization and Inoculation
Wood ear mushroom is commonly sterilized with atmospheric steam, maintaining a temperature of 100 degrees under normal pressure for 12 hours. Then the fire is stopped, and the residual heat is used to keep it sealed for another 12 hours, which achieves thorough sterilization. When loading into the sterilizer, do not overfill. Leave some space so steam can fill the entire space and achieve the best sterilization effect. Inoculation should be done in a sterile environment to prevent secondary infection. Workers must disinfect themselves before inoculation. After introducing the mycelium, promptly gather the bag opening and press it gently so that the spawn fully combines with the cultivation substrate.
4. Later-Stage Management
To ensure good mushroom emergence, the greenhouse should be disinfected, and a layer of quicklime should be spread on the ground to inhibit the growth of other contaminating bacteria and prevent damage from snakes, rodents, and mosquitoes. In addition, the inoculated substrate bags should be stacked into wall-like piles about 10 bags high, with spacing between piles for ventilation and management. Wood ear mushroom is best incubated at low temperatures; high-temperature incubation must be avoided to prevent "burning" of the spawn. A temperature of 20-25 degrees is suitable, and it must not exceed 28°C at most. During the mycelial cultivation period, a dark environment is best, with as little light as possible.
The above is the high-yield cultivation technique for wood ear mushroom brought to you by QinNong Network. When cultivating wood ear mushroom, pay attention to the spawn-running period, check frequently, and solve problems promptly to avoid failure of spawn running. For more agricultural knowledge, please stay tuned to QinNong Network.