Technical Key Points and Application Value of Cultivating Phoenix Mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) on Rice Straw

Cultivating Phoenix mushroom on rice straw refers to a production method in which rice straw is used as the main growing substrate for growing Phoenix mushroom. Phoenix mushroom belongs to the oyster mushroom group of edible fungi and is named for its fruiting body, which resembles a phoenix tail. It has the characteristics of strong adaptability, fast growth, and relatively concentrated fruiting. Rice straw is widely available and low in cost, and after proper treatment it can serve as a growing substrate, making it a common way for rural areas to make use of straw resources.

Before cultivation, the rice straw must first be thoroughly sun-dried, then cut short or softened by rubbing, soaked in limewater to soften it and provide a certain sterilizing effect, then removed and drained until the moisture content is moderate, after which the substrate can be laid out and inoculated. Inoculation mostly uses the layer-spawning method, laying one layer of substrate and scattering one layer of spawn, and finally covering with plastic film to keep it warm and moist. During the mycelial growth stage, keep the environment warm and protected from light, pay attention to changes in substrate temperature, and prevent high temperatures from burning the mycelium.

After the mycelium has covered the substrate surface, gradually increase ventilation and provide diffused light and relatively high humidity to stimulate primordium formation. During the fruiting stage, focus on maintaining moisture; air humidity can be raised by misting, but avoid spraying large amounts of water directly onto young mushrooms. Harvesting is best done when the caps are fully expanded and the edges are slightly incurved; after harvesting, clean the substrate surface and replenish moisture, and usually further flushes of mushrooms can still be produced.

The most common problems in production are contamination by competing microorganisms and substrate spoilage, mostly caused by incomplete treatment of the rice straw, excessively high moisture content, or poor ventilation, so raw material treatment and moisture management are key to the success or failure of cultivation. Overall, cultivating Phoenix mushroom on rice straw requires little investment and has a short cycle; it can both consume straw and yield edible mushrooms, making it suitable for small-scale farmers to try.