Laura Smith
Mushrooms are unique in that they do not rely on light for energy, unlike plants. However, light plays a crucial role in their growth and development. The effect of light on mushrooms varies across species, with some requiring no light at all and others needing ample illumination to grow healthy fruiting bodies. Light influences the direction of growth, colour, size, and yield of mushrooms. Blue light, in particular, has been found to promote faster growth and higher yields in some species, including oyster mushrooms. While mushrooms can grow in both light and dark conditions, providing indirect light or controlled lighting conditions can result in more robust, aesthetically pleasing, and productive mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do mushrooms need light to grow? | No, but light does offer certain benefits in mushroom cultivation. |
| The role of light in mushroom growth | Light acts as a signal to activate metabolic and developmental pathways. |
| Effect of light on mushroom growth | Improves shape, yield, texture, colour, and nutrient content. |
| Type of light | Blue light is the most effective for mushroom growth. |
| Amount of light | 6-8 hours per day is usually sufficient. |
| Light during different growth stages | Light is not needed during the mycelium colonisation phase but is required during the fruiting stage. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue light increases mushroom cap size and stem length
Although mushrooms do not require light for energy, light plays a crucial role in their development. Mushrooms can grow in both light and dark conditions, but exposure to blue light (around 430–470 nm) has been shown to increase cap size and stem length. Blue light influences the concentration of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, enhancing the nutritional profile, flavour, and shelf life of mushrooms.
Blue light acts as a signal to activate metabolic and developmental pathways in mushrooms. It upregulates genes involved in glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, which are essential for generating energy (ATP) and biosynthetic precursors in non-photosynthetic organisms like mushrooms. By exposing mycelium to specific wavelengths of blue light, growers can trigger a series of biochemical reactions that benefit mushroom development and health.
The impact of blue light on mushroom growth is particularly notable in oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.). These mushrooms require exposure to light to produce sporophores (fruiting bodies), and blue light has been shown to increase the fresh weight and size of the caps and stems compared to red light and dark conditions. In addition, blue light can improve the shape and yield of oyster mushrooms, resulting in compact, sturdy caps and vigorous stems.
While blue light is beneficial for mushroom growth, it is important to note that not all mushrooms have the same light requirements. Some mushrooms, such as button and enoki mushrooms, are intentionally grown in the dark to produce pale mushrooms with smaller caps. Additionally, red light has been shown to inhibit fruiting body growth in some species. Therefore, understanding the unique reactions of different mushroom species to various light spectrums and intensities is crucial when selecting grow lights for cultivation.
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Light is necessary during the fruiting phase
Although mushrooms are heterotrophic organisms that do not rely on light for energy in the same way that plants do, light plays an essential role in the life cycle of fungi, especially during the fruiting phase. Light acts as a signal to activate metabolic and developmental pathways, influencing the direction of growth, colour, and size of the fruiting bodies.
During the fruiting phase, light exposure can enhance the growth of mushroom caps, with blue light, in particular, promoting vegetative growth and resulting in more compact and sturdy caps. Blue light also increases the fresh weight of the caps compared to red light or dark conditions. Additionally, adequate exposure to light can improve the colour, texture, and nutrient content of some mushrooms. Mushrooms grown in complete darkness may have paler or uneven pigmentation and less visually appealing appearances.
The amount of light required during the fruiting phase varies depending on the mushroom species. Some mushrooms require as little as 4-6 hours of light, while others thrive with 10-12 hours. On average, 6-8 hours of light exposure per day is sufficient. It is important to note that the light does not need to be intense, as it serves as a signal rather than an energy source.
To optimise growth during the fruiting phase, growers can experiment with different ratios of blue and red light, as these wavelengths are typically the most important for mushroom growth. Blue light, with a wavelength between 400 and 500 nm, promotes faster colonisation and higher yields. Red light, on the other hand, stimulates the formation of reproductive structures. By understanding the ideal light spectrum and intensity for their specific mushroom species, growers can create the best environment for their mushrooms to thrive.
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Mushrooms don't need light to grow, but it helps
Mushrooms are heterotrophic organisms that feed by decomposing organic matter and do not rely on light for energy in the same way that plants do. They do not carry out photosynthesis, so they do not need light to grow. However, light plays an important role in the growth and development of mushrooms.
Light is involved in several vital processes in fungi, including the regulation of growth orientation and fruiting. Mushrooms exhibit positive phototropism, meaning they grow towards a light source. This helps them find ideal conditions for dispersing their spores. Light can also influence the colour, texture, and nutrient content of mushrooms. For example, mushrooms grown in complete darkness may have paler or uneven pigmentation. Additionally, blue light has been shown to increase the fresh weight and size of the cap and stem compared to red light or dark conditions.
While not all mushrooms have the same light requirements, most prefer indirect light or low levels of artificial light. Direct sunlight can dry out substrates and overheat the growing environment. Blue light, in particular, has been found to promote faster colonisation times and higher yields of fruiting bodies in some species. It is also effective because it mimics the natural conditions under which many mushrooms grow in the wild.
The amount of light needed varies among mushroom species. Some mushrooms require as little as 4-6 hours of light, while others thrive with 10-12 hours. Generally, 6-8 hours of light per day is sufficient for mushrooms, and the light does not need to be intense. Even ambient light from a basic LED bulb or low-intensity grow light can be beneficial.
In summary, while mushrooms don't need light to grow, light can enhance their growth, yield, and quality. By understanding the specific light requirements of different mushroom species, cultivators can optimise their growing conditions to produce healthier and more aesthetically pleasing mushrooms.
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Direct sunlight can dry out mushrooms
Mushrooms are heterotrophic organisms, meaning they do not require light for energy. However, light plays a crucial role in regulating their growth and development. While mushrooms can grow in both light and dark conditions, direct sunlight can be detrimental.
Mushrooms are sensitive to light, and specific light wavelengths can influence their growth and development. Blue light, for example, has been shown to enhance growth, particularly in the cap region, resulting in larger and more robust mushrooms. Red light, on the other hand, has been associated with inhibited growth in certain species.
To optimize mushroom growth, controlled light exposure is recommended. Providing diffused light or indirect sunlight can improve the colour, texture, and nutrient content of mushrooms while preventing the adverse effects of direct sunlight. This careful management of light conditions ensures healthier and more aesthetically pleasing mushrooms.
While direct sunlight can be detrimental to mushrooms, it is important to note that light, in general, plays a vital role in their life cycle. Light acts as a trigger for fruiting, the formation of mushrooms from mycelium. Therefore, while avoiding direct sunlight, it is essential to provide mushrooms with adequate light exposure to promote optimal growth and development.
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Some mushrooms need darkness to grow
Mushrooms are heterotrophic organisms that feed by decomposing organic matter, and unlike plants, they do not require light to produce energy. However, light plays an essential role in the life cycle of mushrooms, and some mushrooms need darkness to grow.
While some mushroom species require no light to grow, others, like the psychedelic cubensis, need plenty of light to develop healthy, mature fruiting bodies. The amount of light required by mushrooms varies, with some requiring as little as 2 hours of light per day, while others benefit from 10 to 12 hours of light daily.
Mushrooms like button, enoki, and cremini are grown in the dark to produce pale mushrooms with smaller caps. These mushrooms are intentionally deprived of light to achieve the desired characteristics. For example, the absence of light can lead to longer stems and smaller caps as the mushrooms stretch toward a light source.
During the incubation phase, mushrooms should be kept in a dark place away from drafts to prevent early fruiting. Additionally, when using grow bags, it is recommended to keep them in the dark during the colonization phase while the mycelium spreads. Only after the primordia (pins) begin to form should light be introduced to stimulate fruiting and direct upward growth.
While mushrooms can grow in both light and dark conditions, the quality of the mushrooms can be optimized by carefully managing the light they receive. Blue light, in particular, has been shown to enhance growth, especially in the cap, and can lead to more robust and aesthetically pleasing mushrooms. Therefore, while some mushrooms can grow in darkness, controlled lighting conditions can improve their overall quality and yield.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms do not need light to grow. They are heterotrophic organisms that feed by decomposing organic matter and do not carry out photosynthesis. However, light plays a vital role in the growth and development of mushrooms.
Blue light, with a wavelength between 400 and 500 nm, is considered the best light for growing mushrooms. It promotes vegetative growth, enhances yield, and improves the shape and quality of mushrooms. LED lights are ideal for providing blue light and growing mushrooms indoors.
The optimal duration of light exposure depends on the mushroom species. Some mushrooms require as little as 4-6 hours of light per day, while others thrive with 10-12 hours. Typically, 6-8 hours per day is sufficient. It is important to note that mushrooms need light during the fruiting stage for proper development, but not during the initial mycelium colonisation phase.
