Three key aspects to focus on when cultivating mushrooms in high-temperature seasons

To cultivate mushrooms well in high-temperature seasons, three technical aspects need to be mastered.

1. Select suitable high-temperature-type mushroom strains

Currently, the more heat-tolerant mushroom strains include Xincheng 96, Sumo No. 1, and others. Among them, Xincheng 96 has a mycelium growth temperature of 18—36°C, with the optimum mycelium growth temperature of 25—33°C. Its fruiting temperature is 20-36°C, with the optimum fruiting temperature of 24—33°C, making it the most heat-tolerant strain currently available. The greatest advantage of this strain is that mushrooms do not discolor 2—3 days after picking, are not prone to cap opening, and are easy to keep fresh. The disadvantages are that the mycelium grows slowly, has weak decomposition ability, and has higher requirements for the quality of the growing substrate. It is more suitable to be sown in May—June and to fruit in June—September. Sumo No. 1 has a mycelium growth temperature of 10—35°C, with the optimum mycelium growth temperature of 20—30°C, and a fruiting temperature of 10—35°C, with the optimum fruiting temperature of 15—32°C. This strain has strong vitality, fast mycelium growth, and early fruiting. It is suitable to be sown in March—April and to fruit in April—July.

2. Control the substrate fermentation temperature well

During the low-temperature period of February—March, choose a site with a relatively high base temperature and strong moisture-retention effect, such as building piles for fermentation inside a plastic greenhouse. The nutritional ratio, formula, and piling method of the fermented material are the same as those of autumn mushroom growing substrate. To make the material temperature rise quickly and reduce the temperature difference between the inside and outside, a warming agent needs to be used when building the pile. The material temperature generally reaches 60—65°C on the 5th day of piling. Counting from when the material temperature reaches 60°C, turn the pile for the first time after 7 days; afterward, when the material temperature drops, turn the pile once every 5—6 days. When the growing substrate appears coffee-colored, elastic, not sticky to the hand, and free of off-odors, it can be inoculated.

3. Combine prevention and control

Control pests and diseases

The main pests harming high-temperature mushrooms include mushroom flies, springtails, and mites, and the disease is Diehliomyces microsporus. The most effective method to control pests and diseases during the mycelium growth period is to mix chemicals into the substrate: for every 100 kg of growing substrate, use 10 g of the high-temperature edible fungus cultivation insect-prevention substrate additive Xiaguning diluted in 10 kg of water and spray it, turning the material and filling the beds for inoculation while spraying. In addition to the above measures, the following measures should also be taken:

(1) Prevention and control of pests. After casing soil, while spraying mushroom-regulating water, mix into the water a 1000-fold solution of the insecticide Guchongjing and a 1000-fold solution of the substrate additive to control pests during the fruiting period. When the temperature rises above 20°C and adult mushroom flies are active on the mushroom beds, use Guchongjing or cypermethrin to spray and kill the adults. The surroundings of the mushroom beds, walls, and floor must all be sprayed wet to effectively kill the adults and reduce the number of the next generation of larvae.

(2) Prevention and control of diseases. The pathogenic spores of Diehliomyces microsporus come from the soil. To effectively control this disease, first, do not use field soil that has previously been treated with spent mushroom substrate as the casing material; instead, dig clean middle-layer soil from paddy fields, crush it, sun-dry it, and 5 days before use spray it with a 500-fold solution of Duogufeng, then seal it for 5 days before use. During the fruiting period, if irregular raised fungal masses appear on the soil surface and mushrooms around them decrease, promptly scrape open the soil surface to inspect the growing substrate. If the growing substrate has changed color and has an off-odor, Diehliomyces microsporus may be present. Once confirmed, promptly remove the soil and growing substrate at the contaminated area, and heavily spray the affected area with a 300-fold solution of Duogufeng and a 100-fold solution of Gujunqing, then let it dry naturally. After 1 week, add soil and water to stimulate fruiting.