What causes deformed oyster mushrooms? With control methods

Oyster mushrooms are one of the edible fungi we eat regularly, and they sell extremely well on the market, which is why many people are drawn to growing them. However, managing their cultivation is extremely important, and many growers often encounter deformed mushrooms during cultivation, which is a real headache. So what causes deformed oyster mushrooms? How do you control it? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction below.

1. Long-stemmed mushrooms

These show a relatively small cap with a relatively long stipe, hence the name long-stemmed mushroom. The cause is that during the primordium formation and differentiation stage, the carbon dioxide concentration in the mushroom house is too high, causing oxygen deficiency; insufficient or excessive light can also produce long-stemmed mushrooms.

Control methods: Strengthen ventilation to reduce the carbon dioxide concentration in the air. In addition, adjust light and temperature, with particular attention to temperature. Oyster mushrooms have different temperature requirements at each growth stage, so these must be well regulated.

2. Tumor-capped mushrooms

In this case, the deformed mushrooms show granular protrusions along the edges and a stiff cap; in severe cases, cap differentiation is poor, forming irregularly shaped mushrooms. The cause is that the temperature during the fruiting body development stage is too low and lasts for a relatively long time, which leads to disordered cell growth in the fruiting body, thus forming tumor-capped mushrooms.

Control methods: Again, regulate temperature well. Keep the temperature of the oyster mushroom house at the minimum threshold for oyster mushroom growth, and there should also be a certain day-night temperature difference, so as to promote the growth and development of the fruiting bodies.

3. Cauliflower mushrooms

As the name suggests, this kind of deformed mushroom is much branched and looks just like a cauliflower. The cause is that a relatively high-concentration pesticide was sprayed during the fruiting stage, or there are other toxic gases in the mushroom house, such as excessively high carbon dioxide concentration; any of these can produce cauliflower mushrooms.

Control methods: When using any pesticide, pay attention to the concentration; it must not be too high.

4. Shriveled mushrooms

The fruiting body is normal in the early development stage, but during the expansion stage it turns yellow, becomes water-soaked or shrivels, then stops growing, and finally the fruiting body gradually softens and rots. The water-soaked condition is caused by excessive humidity or too much water sprayed on the fruiting bodies, which makes the young mushrooms absorb too much water and affects normal respiration and metabolism. Shriveling is the opposite of water-soaking; it is caused by low air humidity and too strong ventilation, which leads to water loss and death of the fruiting bodies.

Control methods: Choose excellent varieties for cultivation, and during cultivation be sure to regulate air humidity well; it should not be too high or too low.

The above is an introduction to the causes of deformed oyster mushrooms and control methods. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.