Detailed Explanation of Bag Cultivation Technology for Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus) Using Fermented Substrate

I. Cultivation Timing and Spawn Selection (1) According to the actual conditions of each mushroom grower, substrate production is carried out in winter, spring, and autumn respectively. Since shaggy mane has the characteristic of not fruiting without casing soil, spawn bags can be mass-produced during the slack farming season, and casing soil applied 20-30 days in advance according to market demand for fruiting. (2) Select varieties with plump fruiting bodies, moderate individual size, few scales, disease resistance, and high yield. For fresh sales, choose solitary-growing varieties; for salting, choose cluster-growing varieties.

II. Substrate Formulas Formula 1: cottonseed hulls 58%, corncob 30%, nitrophosphate-potassium 2%, fermented dried chicken manure 10%; Formula 2: cottonseed hulls 99%, diammonium phosphate 1%; Formula 3: spent substrate of white king oyster mushroom or king oyster mushroom or oyster mushroom 30%, cottonseed hulls 39%, corncob 30%, potassium nitrate 1%. All the above formulas are supplemented with 0.15%-0.2% carbendazim or 10 ml of 0.1% prochloraz. When mixing, the amount of lime powder used is 5%, and the amount of water used is 65%-70%.

III. Mixing and Fermentation Mix the substrate in batches according to the size of the site. When the temperature is high, it is suitable to mix 1500-2000 kg per batch; when the temperature is low, it is suitable to mix 5000-6000 kg per batch. In this way, relatively less material at both ends of the fermentation pile remains unmixed, and the cultivation success rate is higher. On the second day after mixing, when turning the material, sprinkle in the fermented dried chicken manure and stir evenly. On the third day, raise the material temperature to 65°C and maintain it for two days. After turning, adjust the pH of the material to above 9. After the material is well fermented, it should be spread out in time to cool down, and pesticides should be sprayed on the surface of the material to prevent diseases and pests.

IV. Bagging and Spawn Running (1) Bagging. The plastic bag specifications are 22 cm × 45 cm or 25 cm × 50 cm (depending on the temperature). Great care must be taken in mixing and disinfection. The bags should be tied tightly and holes punched in time. The filled spawn bags should be placed crosswise or arranged in a quincunx pattern. Regardless of the bagging method used, the material temperature must not exceed 30°C, and holes should be punched as the bags are filled. After bagging is completed, the site should be cleaned thoroughly. Inside the shed, aerosol disinfectant should be used; outside the shed, insecticides and fungicides should be sprayed heavily once. (2) Spawn running. 1. Temperature. During the mycelial germination stage, keep the temperature at 25°C. After the mycelium covers the surface and begins to grow, the temperature should preferably be kept at 22°C. After the mycelium has grown over half, the temperature should be kept at 18°C-20°C. 2. Humidity. During the spawn running period, the shed should be on the dry side, with humidity kept below 70%, and humidity controlled in combination with ventilation. 3. Air. The air in the shed should be fresh. When the temperature is high, ventilate frequently; when the temperature is low, ventilate less or not at all. The environment should be on the alkaline side. 4. Light. During the spawn running period, too much light is not needed. If straw mats are lifted to increase temperature, shade nets or dry, disinfected colored shed films or old films with poor light transmittance, or black films, can be used to block strong light. When the spawn bags take on a silver-gray color, gradually whiten throughout, and when the bag opening is untied a distinctive fresh fragrance can be smelled and the bag feels elastic when tapped by hand, this indicates that spawn running has been successful.

V. Preparation of Casing Soil (1) If it is a new shed, soil can be dug on site in the shed, broken up with an iron rake, digging one layer and spraying pesticide once, then piling the soil at the edge of the bed. (2) After the soil is dug, disinfect it with 2% lime powder, then spray 5% formaldehyde solution, insecticides, etc., then cover with film for 3 days. After 3 days, spread the pile for later use. The standard for casing soil: water content 45%, forms a ball when held in the hand, and breaks apart when dropped to the ground.

VI. Unbagging, Casing, and Fruiting (1) Seven days after the mycelium has fully colonized the bags, begin unbagging and casing. The bed width should be within 1 m. For beds 1.5-2 m wide, a ridge should be left in the middle, which can increase the fruiting amount. Inside the bed, insecticides and fungicides should be sprayed heavily, and lime powder scattered for disinfection. The spawn bags should be laid flat or broken apart and placed upright, with a 2-3 cm gap between bags. Soil should be scattered as they are placed, and compound fertilizer should be applied at a ratio of 0.6% of the material amount. After the bags are arranged, cover with 3 cm of soil on top, spray once with insecticide and fungicide, soak thoroughly with plenty of water, and then replenish the soil once more. After 7 days, when the mycelium has covered the bed surface, carry out the second casing, with a soil thickness of 1-2 cm. (2) When shaggy mane forms primordia, it generally fruits in clusters. Do not spray water directly onto the primordia; instead, spray onto the walls, floor, and into the air. Keep the indoor humidity at 85%-90%, the fruiting temperature at 16°C-20°C, and maintain appropriate scattered light.