Autumn Edible Mushroom Cultivation: Managing Temperature and Humidity and Choosing Varieties

Autumn is a suitable season for the growth of most edible mushrooms. At this time the temperature gradually falls back and the day-night temperature difference is moderate, which both avoids the damage to mycelium caused by summer heat and provides a relatively stable environment for fruiting. For this reason, many mushroom growers schedule varieties such as enoki mushroom (Flammulina velutipes), button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), shaggy ink cap mushroom (Coprinus comatus) and oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) for cultivation during this period.

In choosing varieties, decisions should be based on local climatic conditions and the sales market. Enoki mushroom prefers low temperatures and is suited to fruiting in late autumn; button mushroom requires a fully fermented compost and has high demands on the temperature and humidity of the mushroom house; shaggy ink cap mushroom has strong adaptability and relatively extensive management. Sowing dates should be staggered to avoid the high-temperature period, and it is generally best to load and sow the substrate after temperatures have steadily dropped.

In cultivation management, temperature and humidity are the key factors. During the mycelium-running stage, the focus is on keeping warm and moist; watch the substrate temperature to avoid burning the mycelium from excessive heat. Once the fruiting stage begins, increase ventilation in the mushroom house to prevent carbon dioxide accumulation from affecting mushroom shape. Watering should follow the principle of small amounts given frequently, spraying more into the air and onto the floor to raise humidity, and avoiding direct splashing onto the mushrooms, which can cause rot or malformed mushrooms.

Autumn cultivation also requires attention to pest and disease prevention and control. The compost should be fully fermented or disinfected before use, and the mushroom house should be cleaned and aired before loading. If contamination by weed molds is found, it should be removed from the house promptly. Overall, as long as the three key points of variety selection, temperature and humidity regulation, and environmental hygiene are well controlled, autumn-crop edible mushrooms can usually achieve relatively stable fruiting performance.