How to manage edible mushrooms in winter? Nail these three points

In winter, temperatures are cold, mycelium and fruiting bodies grow slowly, respiratory intensity is low, and mushroom yields are small, but the mushroom flesh is thick and the quality is good. Mushroom growers should seize the good opportunity of high market demand during the Spring Festival and high prices for winter mushrooms selling well, and decisively take measures to strive for more mushrooms and good mushrooms, achieving better economic benefits. The specific management measures come down to three points:

1. Raise the mushroom bed temperature and create conditions for mushroom growth. Winter is cold, so you can only rely on natural air temperature combined with artificial regulation. For shiitake (Lentinula edodes) sheds, remove the coverings on the shed, and except when harvesting mushrooms requires opening the film on the mushroom bed, keep it tightly covered the rest of the time; for oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) sheds, thin out the coverings on the shade shed; for button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) sheds, cover the outside of the mushroom shed with another layer of film. Rely on natural sunlight and the biological heat of the mycelium itself to maintain the temperature inside the mushroom shed, and at night add shade nets or straw curtains outside the shed to prevent freezing and frost. Generally, after taking the above measures, the temperature inside the shed can be raised by 5—10°C, and mushrooms can still grow normally in the cold winter.

2. Replenish water and control humidity, keep warm and prevent cold. After shiitake and oyster mushrooms have gone through mycelial growth and autumn mushroom growth, the mushroom logs have lost a lot of water, down to only 50—60% of their original weight, so water should be replenished at this time. Before replenishing water, open the shed door for ventilation for 3—4 days; when replenishing water, use a water injection needle to pierce into the mushroom log, and with the pressure of the water pump, make the mushroom log absorb enough water in a short time. Well water is preferable as the water source. The principle for spraying water is: spray mist-like water, spray more when there are many mushrooms, spray less when there are few mushrooms, spray more during the bud stage, spray less during the harvest period. In winter, button mushrooms basically do not need water replenishment or spraying.

3. Pay attention to ventilation and air exchange, and avoid attacks by north wind. After mushroom buds appear, respiration is vigorous; if the air does not circulate and carbon dioxide accumulates too much, it will inhibit the formation and growth of fruiting bodies. Ventilation and air exchange should be carried out around noon when the temperature is relatively high, for 10—20 minutes. When entering and leaving the shed for operations, enter and exit from the south side of the shed to prevent attacks by dry, cold wind.