What problems are prone to occur in edible mushroom cultivation

In edible mushroom cultivation, many basic common-sense issues are not solidly grasped by mushroom growers, and small details can easily lead to major disasters. It is necessary to summarize them:

1. The variety is not suitable, and the temperature type is inappropriate.

Taking the simplest oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) as an example, many growers lack a grasp of the temperature type of varieties. We know that oyster mushrooms also have high-temperature and low-temperature types. Can low-temperature-type oyster mushrooms fruit in the hot summer? Can reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) fruit in winter without good insulation measures? These are the most basic things, and growers must master them.

2. Serious contamination of mushroom bags

This is the most distressing problem for growers. Seeing piles of contaminated bags makes one feel bitter. Material prices are rising, mushroom prices are falling, and contamination is increasing. The main culprit causing mushroom bag contamination is incomplete sterilization. Under suitable moisture and temperature conditions, the microorganisms in the bags that have not been killed begin to multiply, first appearing as tiny scattered spots on the bags, and later spreading into patches. So what are the reasons that lead to incomplete sterilization?

For culture material based mainly on corncobs, the particles are generally very large. During mixing, the material blocks do not absorb water thoroughly, and there is a dry core inside the material. Without pre-wetting, it is difficult to sterilize thoroughly. Whether using atmospheric-pressure sterilization or high-pressure sterilization, if the cold air is not completely expelled during the sterilization process, a portion of the sterilization pot will always be occupied by cold air, resulting in poor heat circulation. This can also cause incomplete sterilization. In addition, if sterilization time cannot be guaranteed, the sterilization time is insufficient, or the fire is stopped during sterilization, all can cause incomplete sterilization. If too many mushroom bags are placed too tightly in the sterilization pot, the problem of incomplete sterilization will also occur.

3. Spawn does not colonize or mycelium grows slowly

There are many reasons for this phenomenon. It cannot be ruled out that some spawn with weak vigor can cause slow mycelial growth. But in most cases, the cause is that the bags are filled too tightly or the water content is too high (higher than 65%). Because there is not enough oxygen in the bags, the growth rate of the mycelium is inhibited. Of course, if the incubation temperature is too low, ventilation is poor, or the pH of the culture material is unsuitable, it will also cause slow mycelial growth. After sterilization of the bags, if the material bags are not fully cooled before inoculation is rushed, causing the spawn not to colonize, this is also not uncommon. Also, if the incubation room is too dry and the surface of the material loses water severely, it is impossible for the spawn to colonize well.