How to Prevent and Treat Deformed Mushrooms? A Detailed Guide to Practical Methods
Deformed mushrooms manifest in many different forms. The most common ones in production mainly include: "landmine mushrooms", "hollow mushrooms", "big-bottom mushrooms", "hard opening and early opening", "red root", and "water rust spots".
The main cause of "landmine mushroom" formation is that the casing soil material is too coarse, the soil is rather hard, the casing layer is thick, the surface layer of the casing contains less water, while the temperature and humidity conditions of its lower part and the substrate are suitable for fruiting body initiation and growth, so fruiting bodies tend to differentiate and form on the material surface or in the middle and lower layers of the casing soil, and then push through the soil surface. Solution: select high-quality humus soil, preferably peat soil; even if soil is taken from ordinary farmland and subsoil is dug from below 20 cm, it does not matter. A certain amount of decomposed cow manure, wheat bran, rice husk, etc. can be mixed in according to a set ratio; during the processes of collecting, sun-drying and treating the soil, it should be sieved so that most soil particles remain around the size of @#@245@#@ particles, with the largest about 1/2 the size of a corn kernel, accompanied by some soil powder; the casing need not be too thick, generally about 3 cm is sufficient. If conditions permit, first apply a layer of coarse soil 1-1.5 cm thick, then apply fine soil, and take care to keep it at a uniform and corresponding moisture content.
The cause of "hollow mushroom" formation is insufficient water content in the casing layer, or relatively low water content in the substrate, so that the mushroom body's normal growth demand for water cannot be met; this is the main reason hollow mushrooms occur. In addition to solving the water content problem of the casing layer, appropriate shed humidity is an effective auxiliary measure, generally adjustable within the range of 85-90%; too high or too low is unfavorable.
The cause of "big-bottom mushroom" formation is a sudden rise and fall in shed temperature, a large temperature difference range, or attack by cold or hot air, causing unbalanced growth of the cap and stipe; or it can also occur due to excessively low shed humidity while the casing layer moisture is suitable, among other reasons. In addition, certain chemical drugs can also lead to the occurrence of this kind of deformed mushroom.
"Hard opening and early opening": when the day-night temperature difference in the mushroom room exceeds 10°C or more, or when attacked by cold air, hard opening will occur. Excessive mushrooming density, too high temperature, too low humidity, and fruiting bodies growing quickly with thin stipes and thin caps will all cause early opening. The control method is to add insulating curtains outside the house when temperature changes sharply, keeping the indoor temperature and humidity basically stable.
"Red root": excessive watering during the high-temperature stage before mushrooming, excessive water content in the casing layer, relatively acidic compost, excessive topdressing with sugar materials, and poor ventilation can all possibly lead to red root formation. Attention should be paid to keeping the water content of the casing soil between 22%-25%, and avoiding watering during high temperatures. Topdressing should be appropriate, and sugar should be used in the right amount. If red root is found, some clear limewater can be sprayed appropriately.
"Water rust spots": after mushrooms are sprayed with water multiple times, doors and windows should be opened for 0.5 hours-1 hour for ventilation and air exchange to keep the indoor air fresh. Otherwise, if the humidity in the mushroom house is too high, small water droplets will remain on the mushroom surface, and after a slightly longer time rust-colored spots will form.
In addition, certain drugs, oily substances and gases, such as diesel commonly used in rural areas, dichlorvos commonly used on edible fungi, and carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide produced by heating stoves, can also lead to the occurrence of several other kinds of deformed mushrooms. The specific situation should be carefully analyzed, the causes identified, and the right remedy applied, so as to avoid losses in production.