Mushroom Propagation: Secrets Of Spore And Mycelium Growth

Mushrooms are the fleshy fruits of fungi that grow on soil, rotting wood, or any suitable surface where they find nourishment. They reproduce both sexually and asexually, depending on their species. In sexual reproduction, a fungal cell called hypha fuses with another hypha to form a new mushroom. In asexual reproduction, it replicates itself through budding or forming an entirely new part of its body, which breaks off and takes root on its own. Additionally, mushrooms produce spores that function similarly to plant seeds. These spores are microscopic and are produced in the gills of the mushroom. They are dispersed through wind, water or animals, and when they land in a suitable environment, they germinate and grow into new mushrooms.

Sexual and asexual reproduction

Mushrooms reproduce both sexually and asexually. Fungi that reproduce only sexually are called teleomorphs, while those that reproduce only asexually are called anamorphs or imperfect fungi. Some fungi can do both and are called holomorphs.

Sexual Reproduction

In sexual reproduction, two fungal cells called hyphae (often called mycelium) fuse to form a new mushroom. Each mushroom has gametes identified as positive or negative, and each type needs to find the opposite to reproduce. The advantage of sexual reproduction is that two adults with different but compatible types can come together to produce offspring that inherit a blend of traits, making them more adaptive to new environments and increasing their chances of survival. However, it takes time and energy for an adult hypha to find a compatible mate.

Asexual Reproduction

In asexual reproduction, mushrooms replicate themselves through budding or forming a new part of their body that breaks off and takes root on its own. This is also known as the vegetative method, commonly used in growing mushroom crops. Mushrooms also reproduce asexually by producing spores. The gills of a mushroom produce microscopic spores that fall off, disperse, and grow into new mushrooms. These spores are so small that 1,000 or more could fit on a pinhead, and a single mushroom can release more than one million spores a day. The spores travel along wind currents, and when they land in a moist place, they germinate and grow into new mushrooms.

Spores

Mushrooms reproduce both sexually and asexually, depending on their species. Fungi that reproduce sexually are called teleomorphs, while those that reproduce asexually are called anamorphs or imperfect fungi. However, some fungi can do both and are called holomorphs.

The spores are a key part of the mushroom's reproductive process. The gills of a mushroom produce microscopic spores that disperse and can grow into new mushrooms. These spores are so small that 25,000 of them can fit on a pinhead. They are dispersed from slits or tubes underneath the mushroom cap and travel along wind currents. Some fungi use water droplets, streams, or animals to spread their spores. For example, the stinkhorn fungi produce a foul-smelling slime that attracts flies. The flies then deposit the spores in new locations via their faeces.

While it is possible to grow mushrooms from spores, it is not a simple process. There are various methods for cultivating mushrooms from spores, including pure agar-culture, liquid-culture, grain-spawn, and grow-kits.

Growing mediums

Mushrooms grow from spores, which are so tiny that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Spores do not contain chlorophyll to germinate like seeds do, so they rely on other substances to nourish them. This blend of spores and other nutrients is called spawn. Spawn can be purchased or made at home. To make spawn, sterilise a mixture of millet grain, water, and chalk. Rye, wheat, and other small grains may be substituted for millet.

Every plant needs a growing medium, and mushrooms are no exception. Unlike other plants, mushrooms do not grow in soil. Their growing medium, also known as a substrate, includes logs, straw, cardboard, or wood chips. Each type of mushroom typically prefers a specific substrate. For example, white button mushrooms must be grown on composted manure, shiitakes on wood or hardwood sawdust, and oyster mushrooms on straw.

There are a variety of growing mediums that can be used to grow mushrooms. One option is to use a mushroom grow kit, which is packed with a growing medium inoculated with mushroom spawn. These kits offer interesting choices such as pink oyster, blue oyster, and lion's mane mushrooms. Another option is to create your own growing medium using materials such as straw, cardboard, logs, wood chips, or compost with a blend of materials like straw, corncobs, and cocoa seed hulls. For example, to grow mushrooms from store-bought stems, simply layer a cardboard box, paper bag, or plastic bin with straw or other moist material, and add mushroom end pieces.

When preparing the growing medium, it is important to maintain a sterile environment to prevent contamination, which can lead to failed crops or harmful substances. Additionally, mushrooms require a consistent environment with an even, warm temperature and high moisture levels.

Mushroom gills

Mushrooms have gills located beneath their caps, which are the primary site for spore production and dispersal. These gills are papery hymenophore ribs, called lamellae, and are used by the mushrooms to disperse spores for reproduction. The gills of a common field mushroom can produce one billion spores in a single day. These spores are microscopic, with 1,000 or more fitting on a pinhead inside the gills. The spores fall off the gills, disperse, and grow into new mushrooms when they land in a moist environment.

The attachment of the gills to the stem or stipe varies, with some gills running down the length of the stipe, while others do not touch it at all. These patterns of attachment are important for identifying different species of mushrooms, including whether they are edible or toxic. The colour, crowding, and shape of individual gills are also important features for identification.

The evolution of gills in mushrooms has likely occurred because it increases the ratio of surface area to mass, which in turn increases the potential for spore production and dispersal. This makes gills an effective means of reproduction for mushrooms.

The majority of fungi use the wind to disperse their spores, although some use water droplets, streams, or animals. For example, the stinkhorn fungi produce a horrible-smelling slime that attracts flies, which then deposit the spores in new locations through their faeces.

Mushroom farming

Mushrooms are the fleshy fruits of fungi that grow on soil, rotting wood, or any suitable surface where they find nourishment. They reproduce both sexually and asexually, depending on their species. In sexual reproduction, two fungal cells called hyphae fuse to form a new mushroom. Asexual reproduction occurs through budding or forming a new part of the body that breaks off and takes root, known as the vegetative method commonly used in mushroom crop production.

To start mushroom farming, you must first decide between indoor and outdoor cultivation. Indoor mushroom farming is ideal for year-round production and requires environmental control of temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Mushrooms need light to grow, but not in large amounts. Temperatures should be maintained between 55-65°F, and conditions should be moist but not wet. Proper ventilation is crucial as mushrooms produce CO2. Suitable structures for indoor cultivation include garages, sheds, shipping containers, and warehouses, provided the environment is properly controlled.

Outdoor mushroom farming is more cost-effective to establish but is limited to specific seasons, usually spring and fall. Growing on logs is recommended for outdoor cultivation.

The six steps of mushroom farming are Phase I composting, Phase II composting, spawning, casing, pinning, and cropping. The cropping cycle consists of 3- to 5-day harvest periods called flush, break, or bloom, followed by a few days without available mushrooms. This cycle repeats itself, and harvesting can continue as long as mushrooms mature, typically lasting 35 to 42 days but sometimes extending up to 150 days.

Frequently asked questions