Key Technical Points for Cultivating Straw Mushrooms in Shiitake Mushroom Sheds During the Idle Period

Cultivating straw mushrooms in shiitake mushroom sheds during the idle period refers to a rotation cultivation method in which, after shiitake fruiting has ended and the shed is left vacant, the existing facilities are used to grow straw mushrooms instead. Straw mushrooms are a high-temperature type of edible fungus, mostly fruiting in summer, while shiitake generally finishes production at the turn of spring and summer, so the two are staggered in season, making idle shiitake sheds very suitable for arranging straw mushroom cultivation. This method can make full use of the shed structure, mushroom racks and heat- and moisture-retaining conditions, reducing the time the site sits idle.

Before growing straw mushrooms in idle shiitake sheds, the spent mushroom bags and residual material in the shed should first be cleaned out, and the shed should be ventilated, sun-dried and disinfected, then new material spread in, which can reduce the risk of cross-infection by pests and diseases. For straw mushroom cultivation, rice straw, cottonseed hulls, corncobs and the like are often chosen as the growing substrate; after composting and fermentation the material is spread and spawned, and thorough fermentation helps ensure uniform mycelial growth.

Straw mushrooms prefer high temperature and high humidity. During the mycelial growth period, the material temperature should be kept stable and humidity sufficient, while ventilation should also be considered, to avoid a stuffy, damp environment breeding contaminant organisms. Once the fruiting period begins, ventilation and watering frequency can be appropriately increased to keep the air fresh, and attention should be paid to balancing shading and light to promote normal formation of mushroom buds. If sudden temperature changes occur or the material temperature runs too high, ventilation and cooling should be carried out promptly.

During management, the surface of the material should be observed; if contaminant organisms or pests are found, they should be dealt with promptly to prevent spread. After the harvest of one season of straw mushrooms is finished, the material should be cleared and the shed sun-dried in good time, to prepare for the next season of shiitake production. Reasonably arranging the rotation of shiitake and straw mushrooms can not only raise the utilisation rate of the mushroom shed and increase returns, but also help maintain a good production environment inside the shed.