Detailed Explanation of Key Techniques for Small-Bag Shiitake Cultivation in Woodland

For small-bag shiitake cultivation in woodland, it is advisable to choose a site with abundant water sources, convenient drainage, and a woodland canopy density of 0.8 or above. If the canopy density is lower, shade nets or straw curtains can be hung between the trees. According to the meteorological conditions in the Lunan area, the fruiting time in woodland can be arranged from April to November; therefore, the bagging time should be advanced by 60-80 days accordingly. About 30,000 bags are planted per 667 sq m.

1. Bag specifications. Folded diameter 17 cm, length 30 cm, filled with 0.5 kg dry material.

2. Variety selection. Shiitake varieties should be high-temperature varieties, such as Didai No. 1, Wuxiang No. 1, 931, etc.

3. Mixing material and bagging. In the cultivation material formula, raw materials with low lignin content that decompose easily should not be mixed in. Formula one: 80% mixed wood sawdust, 15% wheat bran, 3% cornmeal, 1% gypsum, 1% sugar; formula two: 70% mixed wood sawdust, 10% cottonseed hulls, 15% wheat bran, 3% cornmeal, 1% gypsum, 1% sugar. After mixing the material, let it sit for one hour, then bag it, pressing firmly while filling. Put on the top ring, use a 2 cm diameter wooden cone to poke a hole downward in the center of the material surface, pull it out gently, then cover with a cotton-free cap.

4. Sterilization and inoculation. Generally, normal-pressure sterilization is used; when the temperature reaches 100°C, maintain it for more than 12 hours, stop the fire, then let it sit for another 6 hours, and move it into the inoculation room. When the material temperature drops below 30°C, disinfect, generally using a smoke disinfectant; after igniting, maintain for 6 hours, then begin inoculation with aseptic operation. Each bottle of spawn inoculates about 30 bags.

5. Mycelial culture. The mycelial growth range is 4-35°C, with the optimum temperature being 22-25°C; when the mycelium grows to one-third of the bag, gradually increase ventilation, ventilating once every two days for one hour each time. At the suitable temperature, the bags are fully colonized in 50-60 days.

6. Color conversion and bag removal. After the mycelium fills the bag, increase ventilation and light so it converts color as quickly as possible, about 30-40 days. When 2/3 of the bag has nodular protrusions and the color turns reddish-brown, the bags can be removed and arranged on the beds and covered with soil. Generally, mushroom beds with good drainage or better are preferable. When removing the bags, it is best to choose an overcast day or weather with relatively lower temperatures. Before arranging the bags, water once, then sprinkle lime powder for disinfection, then spray insecticide to kill insects; remove the bags while arranging them, with 3 cm spacing between bags, then cover with soil, with the soil thickness just enough to cover the bags. Water heavily once, then sprinkle lime powder for disinfection, then spray insecticide to kill insects; remove the bags while arranging them, arch bamboo hoops, and cover with shade nets or plastic film.

7. Fruiting management. In early summer, the air is dry and the temperature gradually rises; management focuses on moisture retention. Spray cold water in the morning to lower the temperature and create a temperature difference and wet-dry difference, stimulating the rapid formation of mushroom buds. After the first flush is harvested, increase ventilation and reduce humidity to let the mycelium rest and recuperate for 7-10 days. When the harvested area turns white, it indicates that the mycelium has accumulated a certain amount of nutrients again; then water once more, and culture for 3-5 days in an alternating dry-wet environment to form a relatively large wet-dry difference and temperature difference, prompting the formation of the second batch of mushroom buds. When the summer temperature rises to 32°C, use morning cold-water spraying to lower the temperature and stimulate the formation of primordia on the logs.

8. Timely harvesting. When the temperature is high, shiitake fruiting bodies grow very quickly, so harvest promptly. Do not wait until the cap edges are fully expanded, as this would affect commercial value. When harvesting, do not pull up the cultivation material; pinch the mushroom stem and twist gently to pick it off, protect the small mushroom buds, and clean up the remaining mushroom stems thoroughly.