Key Technical Points for Shiitake Mushroom Mycelial Growth and Soaking Management

After inoculation, the mycelium begins to germinate and colonize from days 1-6. At this time, the bag temperature is 1-3°C lower than the room temperature. The room temperature can be controlled at 28°C, and the indoor relative humidity should be kept below 70%. From days 7-15 of mycelial growth, the mycelium germinates and grows 4-5 cm. It is necessary to check whether the mycelial growth is normal. If contaminating microorganisms are found, promptly remove them from the cultivation room for handling, and maintain the room temperature at 24-27°C. Pay attention to ventilation. From days 16-25 of mycelial growth, the mycelium becomes interconnected. Remove the mycelial strips to allow oxygen to enter directly into the depths of the bag. After oxygen is introduced, the mycelial temperature rises rapidly within 12 hours. The key management points are: open doors and windows to spread out the bags and prevent high temperatures from burning the mycelium. From days 26-45 of mycelial growth, this stage is the period when nodular formations develop inside the bag. The thickness and quality of the nodular formations directly affect mushroom production. The key management points are: appropriately punch holes to increase oxygen, turn the piles to dissipate heat, strictly prevent high temperatures from burning the mycelium, and maintain the temperature at 25°C. Guard against temperatures above 30°C. If no nodular formations appear by days 30-45, it proves that the temperature was too high or there was severe oxygen deficiency during this period, which will affect normal mushroom production. From days 46-60 of mycelial growth, this is the peak stage of nutrient transformation. Management methods: color change occurs at day 45 and ends at day 60. Along with the color change, nodular formations still appear, and a certain amount of pigment secretion also occurs. The mycelium changes from white to brown, that is, white to brown, and yellow must not appear. During this period, the temperature absolutely must not rise, otherwise yield will be affected. If planting is relatively late (after the Autumn Equinox) and the color change stage is entered when the natural temperature has dropped very low, in order to keep warm, doors and windows are often closed with no ventilation or little ventilation. This causes oxygen deficiency, poor color change, and affects quality. Under normal conditions, after 60 days of color change, mushroom production begins. Until March of the following year is the best period for producing high-quality flower shiitake. If the cultivation room has good insulation, ensures fresh indoor air, and can maintain normal mycelial growth temperature, cultivation can continue for 20 more days. This is an important way to further increase yield. After 80 days, the mycelial skin inside the bag turns brown, and mycelial growth ends. After mycelial growth ends, the weight of the bag decreases because of water loss. Therefore, evenly punch 3-4 holes in each bag, press them into water, and soak the bags according to the degree of water loss. Generally, soaking for 24 hours is sufficient. The longer the mycelium is cultivated under standard conditions, the better it is for increasing yield, but entering the middle and late stages of color change (70%-80% color change) without carrying out bud induction measures will affect the quality of mushroom production.