Solutions for failed color change in shiitake mushroom logs

In the process of cultivating shiitake mushrooms, the color change of the mushroom logs is a crucial step. Generally, if the color change fails, it may at best lead to reduced yield and quality of shiitake mushrooms, and at worst lead to total crop loss, seriously affecting the economic returns of mushroom growers. So what should be done when shiitake mushroom logs fail to change color? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction below.

1. Conditions for color change

The color change of shiitake mushrooms refers to the transition conditions of the mycelium from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. Early-maturing varieties can produce mushrooms with half the log having changed color, while mid-to-late-maturing varieties must complete the color change before fruiting. Moisture during color change is extremely important; the water content of the mycelium must be greater than 65%, otherwise color change will not occur. At the same time, the humidity of the growing environment must also remain above 80%; if it is too dry, color change will not occur either. The temperature required for color change is 17-23 degrees; below 15 degrees or above 26 degrees, color change will not occur. At the same time, color change requires a light intensity of 800-2500 lks; if it is too bright or too dark, color change will not occur.

2. Causes of failure

There are relatively many causes of failed color change. First, too much bran in the culture medium leads to excessive nutrition in the mycelium, preventing it from completing the color change; second, the mycelium is not yet mature when the bag is removed, and after bag removal it continues to grow, causing excessive vegetative growth of the mycelium and failed color change; third, after the mycelium is removed from the bag, if the temperature exceeds 25 degrees or falls below 18 degrees, it will likewise cause excessive vegetative growth or stop the growth of the mycelium, resulting in failed color change; fourth, after the mycelium is removed from the bag, insufficient humidity causes the mushroom log to lose water, resulting in failed color change; fifth, the occurrence of pests and diseases causes the mushroom log to change color more slowly, the mycelial skin to become too thick, the color to turn black, the fruiting time to be delayed, the mushroom yield to be low, and many deformed mushrooms to appear.

3. Prevention and control measures

First, strictly control the proportion of bran in the formula at about 20%; it should not be too much. Remove the bag only after the mycelium is fully mature. After the mycelium matures, it shows that the nodular bumps inside the bag change from hard to soft, the area near the inoculation hole turns coffee-colored, and the mushroom log is elastic. Master the cultivation season well to ensure that the temperature at the time of bag removal is suitably 20-25 degrees. If low or high temperatures occur after bag removal, take timely measures to keep warm or cool down so that normal color change occurs. After bag removal, keep the mushroom bed moist, and at the same time do a good job in preventing and controlling pests and diseases.

The above is an introduction to what to do when shiitake mushroom logs fail to change color. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.