Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can be found in a variety of environments, from sunny spots to dark and forgotten corners. While they don't rely on sunlight for development, some mushrooms can even die if exposed to excessive heat, and the amount of light they receive can impact their growth and quality. Some mushrooms grow in complete darkness, while others require a little light, particularly during the fruiting phase. This light helps trigger the formation of primordia (young mushrooms) and can improve the colour, texture, and nutrient content of the mushroom. Additionally, each species of mushroom has specific light needs, with some thriving in partial or full sunlight, such as the wine cap mushroom, and others growing in shady locations with indirect or filtered light, like the elm oyster mushroom.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms' food | Dead organic material, such as fallen tree branches or leaves |
| Sunlight as food | Mushrooms don't use sunlight like plants do |
| Sunlight for growth | Some mushrooms grow in partial or full sunlight, while some grow in the dark |
| Light during incubation | Exposure to a lot of light during the incubation phase can cause early fruiting |
| Light during fruiting | Light is a crucial factor in triggering the fruiting phase |
| Light intensity | Moderate light intensity (500 to 1000 lux) for about 8 to 12 hours per day is sufficient for most fungi |
| Light type | Light in the blue spectrum is generally effective for mushroom fruiting |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms don't rely on sunlight for development
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that do not rely on sunlight for development. They are heterotrophs, meaning they cannot make their own food like plants do through photosynthesis. Instead, they secrete enzymes into the surface they are growing on, such as trees, the forest floor, or other surfaces, and absorb food through their cell walls. Most mushrooms grow in the dark and produce spores on the surface of their caps. These are called saprophytic mushrooms, and they feed on dead or decaying matter.
While mushrooms do not depend on sunlight for energy, light can still be useful for some fungi, especially during the fruiting phase of their life cycle. Adequate exposure to light can improve the colour, texture, and nutrient content of some mushrooms. For example, oyster mushrooms require 10 to 14 hours of indirect or artificial light daily to produce good quality, high yields. On the other hand, shiitake mushrooms benefit from low light during the pop-corning and browning phase.
The amount of light required varies among mushroom species. Some mushrooms, like the wine cap Stropharia or king Stropharia, can develop in partial or full sunlight. Wild wine caps, for instance, grow on wood chips in forest clearings during late summer and autumn in Europe and North America. They enjoy partial sunlight and will not fruit in areas with dense shade. Shaggy ink cap or lawyer's wig mushrooms (Coprinus Comatus) are also commonly found in sunny spots, such as lawns, waste areas, and gravel roads.
However, excessive light, especially direct sunlight, can be detrimental to mushrooms as it may dry them out. Additionally, exposure to bright light during the incubation phase can induce early fruiting. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a dark environment during this stage. Overall, while mushrooms do not rely on sunlight for development, light can be a contributing factor in enhancing or hindering their growth, depending on the species and its specific requirements.
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Some mushrooms grow in sunlight
Mushrooms are often associated with dark, damp environments, like caves or dense forests. However, some mushrooms grow in partial or full sunlight. While mushrooms do not rely on sunlight in the same way that plants do, light plays a crucial role in their development and growth.
Mushrooms that grow in complete darkness may have compromised quality. They can be paler, have uneven pigmentation, and have less optimal texture and density. Light can improve the colour, texture, and nutrient content of some mushrooms. For example, wine cap mushrooms, also known as Stropharia, flourish in full sun or broken shade. They are often planted with other vegetables in beds with a thick layer of wood chip mulch, and they appear to improve the soil. Shaggy mane mushrooms, also known as shaggy ink caps or lawyer’s wig mushrooms, are another example of mushrooms that can grow in full sun. They are sought after for their delicate, buttery taste when young.
Oyster mushrooms are another variety that require light to grow. They need 10 to 14 hours of indirect or artificial light daily to produce good quality, high yields. Elm oyster mushrooms, in particular, can be found in sunny spots and tolerate areas with partial sunlight. They are often found on lawns and roadsides in suburban areas in late summer and fall.
To optimize mushroom growth and quality, it is essential to understand the specific light needs of each species. While some mushrooms can tolerate low ambient light or even benefit from limited light exposure during certain phases of growth, others require more light. Providing the right amount and intensity of light at the appropriate stages of development is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation.
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Light affects mushroom formation
The intensity and duration of light exposure play a crucial role in mushroom formation. Moderate light intensity, ranging from 500 to 1000 lux, is recommended for about 8 to 12 hours per day for most fungi. A study on oyster mushrooms showed that light intensity significantly impacts cap size and stem length. Insufficient light can lead to longer stems and smaller caps as mushrooms stretch towards the light source.
The quality and type of light also influence mushroom formation. Indirect or filtered sunlight is generally preferred, as direct sunlight can dry out the mushrooms. Blue light is particularly effective for mushroom fruiting, and artificial LED lights in the blue spectrum are often used to mimic natural conditions.
Additionally, light affects the colour, texture, and nutrient content of mushrooms. Adequate light exposure can enhance these characteristics, resulting in more aesthetically pleasing and nutritious mushrooms. Certain species, such as shiitake mushrooms, benefit from low light conditions during specific developmental phases.
While most mushrooms grow in shady locations or partial sunlight, some species, like the wine cap Stropharia (or King Stropharia) and elm oyster mushrooms, can tolerate full sunlight. These sunlight-friendly mushrooms often grow on wood chips in forest clearings or lawns during summer and autumn.
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Mushrooms need light during the fruiting phase
Mushrooms are fungi, and unlike plants, they do not rely on light for food or energy. They obtain nutrients and energy by decomposing organic matter. However, light plays a crucial role in the life cycle of mushrooms, especially during the fruiting phase.
During the incubation phase, mushrooms generally prefer to be in darkness or very dim light. This promotes rapid and efficient colonisation by the mycelium, the main body of the fungus. Darkness helps conserve energy, as the mushroom does not spend unnecessary energy reacting to light. It also maintains a stable environment for the mycelium.
Once the substrate is completely colonised by mycelium, light becomes essential for triggering the fruiting process. Mushrooms require light to form fruiting bodies and initiate pinning and proper cap formation. A lack of light during this phase can lead to several issues, including longer stems and smaller caps as the mushrooms stretch towards the light source, uneven pigmentation, delayed formation of young mushrooms, compromised texture and density, and reduced yield.
The amount and type of light required varies among mushroom species. Some mushrooms, like oyster mushrooms, require exposure to light to produce fruiting bodies, with recommended light intensities of 500 to 1000 lux for 10 to 14 hours daily. Shiitake mushrooms also require moderate light to initiate fruiting, but intense light can cause burns or defects on the caps. On the other hand, shiitake mushrooms benefit from low light during the pop-cornering and browning phase. For most fungi, moderate light intensity in the blue spectrum is effective for fruiting.
While mushrooms do not need direct sunlight, indirect sunlight through a window is often sufficient. Some growers use artificial lighting with full-spectrum LED or fluorescent lamps to provide the required light intensity and spectrum. It is important to monitor environmental conditions, as light can increase ambient temperature, and mushrooms require specific temperature and humidity levels for optimal growth.
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Light requirements vary by species
Light requirements do indeed vary across mushroom species. While some mushrooms can grow in the sunlight, others thrive in the dark.
Mushrooms are part of the Fungi kingdom and are heterotrophs, meaning they cannot make their own food. Unlike plants, they do not rely on sunlight for energy through photosynthesis. Instead, they secrete enzymes into the surface they are growing on to secure their food. However, light remains a crucial factor in certain stages of their life cycle, particularly during the fruiting phase.
Some mushrooms, such as the wine cap Stropharia, or king Stropharia, grow in sunny spots and are even described as "sunlight-friendly." This mushroom grows on wood chips in North America during summer and autumn and is known for its delicious taste. Other mushrooms that can tolerate sunlight include Coprinus Comatus, commonly known as the shaggy ink cap or lawyer's wig.
On the other hand, some mushrooms prefer low light conditions or even complete darkness. For example, shiitake mushrooms benefit from low light during the pop-cornering and browning phase. Oyster mushrooms, one of the easiest species to grow at home, generally require diffused light to initiate fruiting. A moderate light intensity of 500 to 1000 lux for about 8 to 12 hours per day is sufficient for most fungi during the fruiting phase.
It is important to note that a lack of light can impact the development of mushrooms. Insufficient light conditions can lead to longer stems and smaller caps as the mushrooms stretch towards the light source. The color, texture, and density of the mushrooms may also be affected, compromising the overall quality and yield. Therefore, providing the right light conditions is crucial for optimizing the growth and quality of mushroom crops.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are fungi, which is a separate kingdom from plants. Unlike plants, fungi don't photosynthesize, so they don't rely on sunlight for energy. Therefore, mushrooms don't die in sunlight, but some species may require a little light for the fruiting phase.
Light is not necessary for mushroom growth, but it can influence the quality of the mushroom. Adequate exposure to light can improve the colour, texture, and nutrient content of some mushrooms. Light is also a trigger for the formation of primordia (young mushrooms).
Some mushrooms that can grow in sunlight include the king Stropharia, also known as the wine cap Stropharia, and Coprinus Comatus, commonly called the shaggy ink cap.
The amount of light needed varies by species, but generally, a few hours of dim light or indirect sunlight is sufficient for mushrooms to fruit. When grown indoors, 12 hours of light exposure per day is recommended for healthy growth.
