Detailed Explanation of Log Cultivation Methods and Technical Key Points for Lingzhi (Reishi Mushroom)

① Selection and processing of logs: broadleaf trees such as oak, chestnut, Mongolian oak, peach, willow, poplar, and black locust should be used as logs. Diameters of 5-15 cm may all be used. After selecting the tree species, cut immediately, but there is no need to peel the bark; saw into logs 1 m long. If the tree species has a high moisture content, stack and dry until a wooden wedge driven into the log shows no sap exuding, then inoculation can begin. ② Inoculation period: choose a time when the temperature is 20-26°C and the relative air humidity is below 60%, which is favorable for dry cultivation and avoids contamination by miscellaneous fungi. ③ Inoculation: select fresh spawn cultured for 20 days, with fruiting body primordia just forming. This kind of spawn has strong vitality, develops rapidly after being inoculated into the log, and is not afraid of contamination by miscellaneous fungi. The inoculation tool can be a punch with a diameter of 1-1.2 cm; drive it into the log to a depth of 1 cm, with row spacing and plant spacing of 20 cm x 20 cm, arranged in a staggered "pin" shape. After punching, inoculate immediately. Otherwise, the holes will dry out and the survival rate will be affected. Inoculation should be carried out in a cool place. Before inoculation, first take out the spawn to be inoculated (cultivation spawn), cut it into small pieces of 1 sq cm, gently stuff them into the holes, press slightly tight, then cover with wooden wedges or bark. Then, gently hammer flat with a small wooden mallet. About 30 days after inoculation, the mycelium invades the log, and a brown fungal ring can be seen forming around the holes, indicating that inoculation has succeeded. Then, bury the logs in the cultivation site for growth-period management. ④ Growth-period management: after inoculation, stack the logs in a "well" shape and carry out dry cultivation for 10-15 days. Then, uncover the wooden wedges or bark covers and observe; when white mycelium is seen, the area around the inoculation holes has turned white or pale yellow, later gradually becoming light brown, and the wooden wedges or bark covers have been covered and fixed by mycelium, this means the inoculation has succeeded. Immediately bury the logs in acidic soil with pH 5-6. If the weather is dry, water to moisten the soil.

In the rainy season or on rainy days, pay attention to drainage to avoid water accumulation at the site. In addition, spread a ring of poisonous soil mixed with miewenling around the cultivation site to trap and kill termites and prevent damage. After Qingming Festival the following year, when the temperature rises to about 25°C, several logs can be taken out for inspection; uncover the bark covers or wooden wedges and observe. If the area around the holes has grown into tea-brown color, or lingzhi buds have already grown, and there is white mycelium or light brown mycelial membrane at both ends of the logs, and the special odor of lingzhi mycelium can be smelled, this indicates the mycelium has matured. Immediately dig out the logs and cut them into small logs 17-22 cm long. Then, bury them obliquely in acidic gravelly soil, with the upper end exposed about 3 cm above the ground, and cover with weeds for shade; sprinkle water once every few days to keep the soil moist. After 7-10 days, lingzhi buds begin to grow. During the period of lingzhi bud growth, keep the humidity of the cultivation site at about 90%. Too dry or too wet will both cause the lingzhi buds to die. Cultured under suitable temperature and humidity conditions, the lingzhi buds grow rapidly, first producing stipes, then caps. They can be harvested after about two months.

During the management process, also pay attention to preventing contamination by miscellaneous fungi. If contamination by Penicillium, Mucor, Rhizopus, and other miscellaneous fungi is found, use a burned blade to scrape off the surrounding bark and xylem, then apply thick lime milk for control, or stuff cotton balls dipped in 75% alcohol into the holes for control.