In mushroom cultivation, it's common to encounter situations where the mycelium fails to grow properly, showing symptoms like yellowing and shrinking after germination. This issue can significantly hinder the entire mushroom production process. Here are the main causes and effective prevention strategies:
First, high temperature can cause mycelium burn. If the sowing temperature is too high, or if the compost is too thick, the temperature may not drop gradually during fermentation, leading to a condition where the material exceeds 30°C. To prevent this, avoid sowing during hot periods, and ensure the temperature stays below 25°C. If mycelium starts shrinking due to heat, re-stack the pile for better ventilation, adjust moisture levels, and consider re-seeding.
Second, excess ammonia in the culture material is another problem. This often happens when nitrogen fertilizers are added in excessive amounts or too late, such as only during the later stages of turning the heap. Ammonia gas can then develop, which is harmful to the mycelium. To prevent this, add chemical fertilizers like urea at the time of building the heap, and in appropriate quantities. If ammonia is detected, open windows, spray a 2% formaldehyde solution, and turn the material. Once the smell is gone, reseed.
Third, overly dry materials can also lead to poor growth. When the planting material is too dry, especially in a dry climate, the mycelium may grow slowly and become weak. To address this, cover the surface with a layer of wet straw soaked in 0.5% lime water to help the hyphae recover. In dry weather, keep doors and windows closed for three days after sowing, and use layered broadcasting with proper covering.
Fourth, excessive moisture in the culture material can be equally problematic. High humidity combined with high temperatures or heavy watering during hot periods can lead to poor oxygen supply, causing the mycelium to weaken and shrink. To avoid this, monitor moisture levels carefully when stacking. If the material is too wet, spread it out to dry before re-stacking. The ideal moisture content should be between 60-65%. If overwatering occurs, ventilate promptly to help the mycelium recover.
Fifth, low-quality strains can also cause issues. If the seeds are exposed to heat during transport or not used in time, their vitality may decrease. Old strains tend to have reduced growth potential, making them more susceptible to environmental stress. To prevent this, choose strong, healthy strains with thick mycelium. Avoid purchasing seeds during hot weather, and never use aged strains.
Lastly, pests such as earthworms can damage the mycelium, especially in the early stages. These pests are hard to detect but can cause hyphal breakage and shrinkage. They can enter the compost through contaminated materials or soil. Prevention involves treating the compost and soil with insecticides, fumigating the seeds with dichlorvos before sowing, and using mushroom powder for early control. If pests are found, apply appropriate pesticides immediately.
By understanding these factors and implementing proper preventive measures, growers can significantly improve the success rate of their mushroom cultivation efforts.
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