What should be noted when replenishing water for edible fungi?

Replenishing water for edible fungi is a very common practice. Today I will share with you what should be noted when replenishing water for edible fungi.

Issues to note when replenishing water for edible fungi:

In edible fungus cultivation, water plays the role of providing nutrients for the mycelium and fruiting bodies, and is an important factor determining yield levels and rapid flushes. The suitable water content in the substrate for most varieties is 60%-65%. During the fruiting process, the water in both the substrate and the space gradually decreases, so water needs to be replenished in time. When replenishing water to the substrate in the fungus bags, the following key points should be noted:

Amount of water replenished. After the current flush is harvested, when the substrate is rich in nutrients and the water content in the substrate is still relatively high, the amount of water replenished should be smaller; after the second flush has grown, the substrate nutrients have decreased and the water in the substrate has also decreased, so the amount of water replenished can be larger, and the time for soaking the fungus bags can be longer.

When replenishing water, clean river water or groundwater should be used. Surface pond water and ditch water should not be used, to prevent miscellaneous bacteria and pests from being carried into the substrate and causing disease and pest damage.

Edible fungus cultivation methods:

The water temperature should be as consistent as possible with the temperature of the mushroom shed; do not use ice-cold water.

Do not spray water on the primordia or mushroom buds. Use a sprayer to replenish water, with the nozzle facing upward to spray into the space to increase humidity.

After replenishing water, if there are water droplets on the fruiting bodies, they should be removed by ventilation. Otherwise, it will create opportunities for pathogen reproduction and form lesions on the fruiting bodies.

Replenishing water to fungus bags is an important measure for increasing yield, mainly used for edible fungi with relatively long cultivation cycles. Note: 1. For shiitake and others, water should be replenished after color conversion is complete and before fruiting, replenishing until the substrate water content is about 65%. 2. Most edible fungi should be replenished during the flush transition period after one or two flushes have finished; first cultivate the mycelium, then replenish water, and it is best to control the amount of water replenished to 80%-90% of the original fungus bag weight. 3. When the mycelium is sparse, growth is weak, the temperature is below 5°C, or pests or diseases occur in the substrate, water should not be replenished. 4. When replenishing water after the third flush, nutrients can also be supplemented at the same time, commonly urea, sugar, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc.