In mushroom cultivation, it's common to encounter problems where the mycelium fails to grow properly, showing signs of yellowing and shrinking after germination. This issue can significantly hinder the overall production process. Below are the main causes and effective prevention strategies:
First, high temperature damage. If the sowing temperature is too high, or if the culture medium is too thick, the temperature may not drop steadily after fermentation, leading to temperatures above 30°C. This can cause the mycelium to burn and shrink.
To prevent this, avoid sowing during hot periods and ensure the temperature stays below 25°C. If the mycelium starts shrinking due to heat, re-stack the material for better ventilation, adjust moisture levels, and consider re-seeding.
Second, excessive ammonia in the culture material. Adding too much nitrogen fertilizer during heap building or adding it too late (only during the later turning stages) can result in ammonia gas being released after sowing, which is harmful to the mycelium.
Prevention involves adding nitrogen fertilizers like urea at the time of heap construction, in appropriate amounts. If ammonia is detected, open windows and spray a 2% formaldehyde solution. After the smell disappears, replant the seeds.
Third, the culture material is too dry. Dry conditions can slow down mycelium growth, making it weak and less vigorous.
To address this, cover the surface with wet straw soaked in 0.5% lime water to help the hyphae recover. When sowing in dry weather, close doors and windows for three days after planting, and use layer broadcasting and covering methods for better moisture retention.
Fourth, overwatering. Excessive moisture in the culture material, combined with high temperatures and poor ventilation, can lead to oxygen deprivation, causing the mycelium to weaken and shrink.
To manage this, control moisture levels when stacking materials. If the material is too wet, spread it out to dry before re-stacking. The ideal moisture content should be between 60–65%. If heavy watering causes shrinkage, improve ventilation to help the mycelium recover.
Fifth, low-quality strains. Strains that have been exposed to high temperatures during transportation or stored for too long may lose their vitality, leading to poor growth after sowing.
Choose healthy, strong strains with good germination rates. Avoid buying them during hot seasons and do not use old or aged strains.
Sixth, pest infestation. Common pests like earthworms can harm the mycelium, causing it to break and shrink. They often enter through contaminated compost or soil.
Prevention includes treating the compost and soil with insecticides, fumigating the strains with dichlorvos before sowing, and using mushroom powder for early prevention. If pests are found during cultivation, apply appropriate pesticides to control the infestation.
By understanding these issues and implementing proper preventive measures, mushroom growers can significantly improve the success rate of their cultivation efforts.
Youth Biotech CO,. Ltd. , https://www.youtherb.com