The key to high yields of shiitake mushrooms lies in doing a good job of inoculation

Dense inoculation: increase the inoculation points on the log; the more inoculation points, the larger the colonisation area, and the mycelium can permeate the log in a relatively short time. Gas exchange between the log and the outside world mainly relies on absorbing and evaporating water; the alternating wet-dry movement of moisture allows the interior of the log to receive sufficient oxygen, enabling the mycelium to penetrate deep into the log to feed, thereby accelerating the maturation of the log and reducing the chance of infection by contaminating fungi.

Deep inoculation: deep inoculation holes hold more spawn, which helps prevent drought and reduces the temperature-difference stimulation of the spawn blocks at the bottom of the holes from the outside. The mycelium inside the spawn blocks will germinate quickly under relatively constant temperature and humidity, and the survival rate can be improved. Drilling holes deep increases the depth in the tangential direction of the wood, allowing the mycelium to absorb fairly sufficient nutrients, and the yield will be greatly increased.

Early inoculation: under low-temperature conditions, the density of contaminating fungal spores in the air is low and their activity is low, so they do not easily germinate into mycelium; therefore, early inoculation is not advisable. Shiitake mycelium can establish itself under relatively low-temperature conditions, and has strong resistance, robust mycelial growth and a high survival rate, so early inoculation is suitable.