Causes of Straw Mushroom Death and the Best Harvest Time Explained
The straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) is an important tropical and subtropical mushroom and is currently the third most cultivated edible fungus in the world. China ranks first in the world in straw mushroom production, and a great many people grow it. However, straw mushroom death can occur during cultivation, seriously harming yields and affecting growers' income. So what are the causes of straw mushroom death? Let's take a look.
1. The growing environment is too acidic
The straw mushroom is different from other fungi: it prefers an alkaline environment. When the substrate is acidic, that is, when the pH value is below 6.5, it will struggle to grow and is easily contaminated by competing microorganisms, leading to mushroom death. Therefore, when mixing the substrate, be sure to add an appropriate amount of lime to adjust the acidity and alkalinity so that it becomes alkaline, and after each harvest, spray a lime solution once as well.
2. Sudden temperature changes
The straw mushroom is a constant-temperature fruiting type of edible fungus. Its mycelium grows best at temperatures between 30-39°C; below 15°C or above 42°C, growth stops. The fruiting bodies grow best at 28-33°C; below 20°C or above 45°C, they will wither and die. Therefore, pay attention to temperature changes. In low temperatures, take measures such as double-layer film covering to keep warm; in high temperatures, pay attention to measures such as spraying water and building shade structures to cool down.
3. Improper humidity
Moisture is an important factor affecting the growth of straw mushrooms. When moisture is insufficient, its mycelium grows extremely slowly and the fruiting bodies dry up and die; however, when there is too much moisture, it leads to poor ventilation in the mushroom bed, causing the mushrooms to die or rot. Therefore, humidity must be well controlled. Generally, the water content of the substrate is best at around 70%; during mycelial growth, the relative air humidity is best maintained at 80%; and during the fruiting body formation stage, the air humidity is best maintained at 90%.
4. Poor ventilation
The straw mushroom is a high-temperature aerobic fungus. Many mushroom growers, in order to raise the temperature inside the mushroom shed, prolong the covering time, which leads to excessive accumulation of carbon dioxide in the shed, causing the straw mushrooms to suffocate to death. However, the ventilation rate should not be too large either, as this causes water to dissipate quickly and is also unfavorable to the growth and development of straw mushrooms. Therefore, 3-4 days after sowing, ventilate for about 30 minutes each day at around 10 a.m., and gradually extend the ventilation time as the mycelium grows.
The above is an introduction to the causes of straw mushroom death. We hope it helps you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.
The best time to harvest straw mushrooms:
The best times are 4-6 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. Mushrooms harvested in the morning can make it to the morning market without any additional preservation treatment. For those harvested in the afternoon, keep the time until the next morning market as short as possible.