Laura Smith
Mushrooms require specific conditions to grow and flourish, including temperature, humidity, light, and fresh air exchange. During the colonization phase, mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus, thrives in a high CO2, low-oxygen environment. However, once the mushrooms transition to the fruiting stage, they require more oxygen for the development of caps and stems. Therefore, fresh air exchange (FAE) is crucial for mushroom cultivation, ensuring a balanced exchange of gases and optimizing conditions for each growth stage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air exchange during colonisation | Yes, but CO2 is more important during this phase. |
| Air exchange during fruiting | Yes, oxygen is more important during this phase. |
| Air exchange method | A very fine filter on the bag, or a fruiting chamber. |
| Air exchange benefits | Prevents contamination. |
| Air exchange during inoculation | Not mentioned, but sterilisation is important at this stage. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms need fresh air to grow
Mushrooms require fresh air to grow, but the amount of fresh air they need varies depending on the stage of growth. During the early stages of colonisation, mushrooms thrive in a high CO2, low-oxygen environment. However, once they transition to the fruiting stage, they require more oxygen and less CO2 for optimal growth.
Fresh air exchange (FAE) is pivotal to mushroom cultivation. FAE ensures that the growing environment has a balanced exchange of gases, optimising the conditions for each stage of mushroom growth. Mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus, consists of a network of fine white filaments that serve as the "roots" for mushrooms. These roots draw nutrients from the substrate and prepare for the growth of mushroom fruit bodies. Without proper FAE, the mycelium can become "stressed", leading to slower growth rates and reduced yields.
The amount of fresh air needed during colonisation depends on the type of mushroom and the growing method. For example, when growing mushrooms in mushroom growing bags, the substrate should get enough air exchange through the breathable filter patches or micro-perforations in the bags. However, if the substrate has smaller particles, such as sawdust, it can become compacted, preventing adequate fresh air exchange in the centre of the substrate. In this case, using chopped straw or sugarcane bagasse is recommended to improve air circulation.
During the fruiting phase, mushrooms require more fresh air exchange than during colonisation. One of the easiest ways to create the right conditions is by using a fruiting chamber, which comes in various sizes, from small totes to large walk-in grow tents or rooms. The fruiting phase is the most exciting part of the mushroom growing process, as you finally get to watch your mushrooms grow. However, it is also the phase that requires the most monitoring to ensure the correct balance of humidity and fresh air exchange.
Overall, mushrooms need fresh air to grow, but the amount of fresh air required varies depending on the growth stage and the type of mushroom. By providing the proper fresh air exchange and maintaining a carefully controlled environment, optimal mushroom growth can be achieved.
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CO2 is also important for mushroom growth
Mushrooms require a specific combination of temperature, light, humidity, and fresh air to create healthy, well-formed fruiting bodies. While mushrooms do not need CO2 for photosynthesis, CO2 is critical for mushroom growth and the development of its fruiting body.
CO2 is essential for respiration, and mushrooms, like humans, use oxygen and release CO2. Therefore, the correct CO2 level is needed for successful mushroom farming. CO2 levels need to be tightly controlled during mushroom growth to obtain high-quality, large sizes, and overall yield. During the spawn run, CO2 levels should be maintained between 10,000 and 20,000 ppm, while during the fruiting phase, levels should be no more than 1,000 ppm, ideally between 500 and 800 ppm.
CO2 monitoring is especially important during pinning, a critical part of the mushroom's growth cycle. Mushrooms pin under high CO2 levels and then extend their stems to find oxygen. If the CO2 concentration is too high during the early pinning stage, "legging" occurs, resulting in long stems as the developing fruit pushes higher in search of oxygen.
To ensure successful mushroom growth, it is crucial to maintain optimal CO2 levels throughout the growing process. CO2 buildup stimulates mycelium growth and prevents mushrooms from forming. Mycelium, the vegetative part of the mushroom, requires specific conditions, including consistent temperature, humidity, and airflow.
Additionally, during colonization, mushroom mycelium tolerates higher levels of CO2, similar to its natural underground environment. However, it still needs sufficient fresh air exchange to breathe. This can be achieved through breathable filter patches or micro-perforations in mushroom growing bags.
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The amount of fresh air needed depends on the mushroom's life stage
Mushrooms require a specific combination of temperature, light, humidity, and fresh air to grow into healthy, well-formed fruiting bodies. The fruiting phase is the most exciting part of the mushroom growing process, but it is also the phase that requires the most monitoring to ensure the right balance of humidity and fresh air exchange.
During the early stages of colonisation, mycelium thrives in a high-CO2, low-oxygen environment. This is because, during colonisation, mushroom mycelium tolerates higher levels of CO2 as it is often underground. However, it still needs enough fresh air exchange to breathe.
Once you transition to the fruiting stage, the mycelial network requires more oxygen and less CO2 for optimal growth. Oxygen is essential for the development of mushroom caps and stems. Excess CO2 can inhibit mushroom development during the fruiting phase.
If you are growing mushrooms in mushroom growing bags, your substrate should get enough air exchange through the breathable filter patches or micro-perforations in the growing bags. Sometimes, if your substrate has smaller particles, like sawdust, it can become compacted and not allow enough fresh air exchange in the centre of the substrate. When this happens, the mycelium will not colonise the centre of the substrate.
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Mushrooms need oxygen to develop caps and stems
Mushrooms require a combination of temperature, pH, light, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2), moisture, and oxygen to develop caps and stems. While mushrooms do not require oxygen to grow, oxygen plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment for their development.
During the colonization phase, mushroom mycelium tolerates higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) due to its underground habitat. However, it still requires sufficient fresh air exchange to breathe. This gas exchange is essential for the mycelium's growth and the prevention of mushroom formation. The ability of the substrate to "breathe" is crucial for successful colonization.
Oxygen is particularly important during the fruiting phase, which is when mushrooms develop their caps and stems. While mushrooms can produce fruit in dim light or complete darkness, light availability is crucial for the formation of their fruiting bodies. Inadequate lighting conditions can lead to the development of thin stems and small caps. Therefore, ensuring proper lighting and oxygen levels during this phase is essential for the optimal development of caps and stems.
Additionally, the amount of fresh air exchange during colonization is important. While some gas exchange is necessary, excessive CO2 buildup can stimulate mycelium growth and prevent mushrooms from forming. Therefore, controlling the amount of fresh air introduced during this phase is crucial for the subsequent development of caps and stems.
Overall, while mushrooms do not rely on oxygen for growth, oxygen plays a supporting role in maintaining a healthy environment and facilitating the development of caps and stems. By ensuring proper oxygen levels, lighting conditions, and fresh air exchange during colonization and fruiting, optimal cap and stem development can be achieved.
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Fresh air helps to prevent contamination
Colonization is the period of mushroom cultivation that starts at inoculation, during which the mycelium grows through the substrate until it is totally permeated and overgrown. The mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus, consists of a network of fine white filaments that act as the "roots" for mushrooms, drawing nutrients from the substrate and preparing for the growth of mushroom fruit bodies.
During colonization, the mycelium grows and feeds on the substrate, producing heat that increases the temperature inside the substrate. This process is called thermogenesis and can result in higher temperatures inside the substrate than in the room. If the temperature in your substrate becomes too high, it can cook the mycelium, causing it to die. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature and aim for a few degrees below the optimum temperature.
While the mycelium thrives in a high CO2, low-oxygen environment during its initial colonization phase, it still needs enough fresh air exchange to breathe. This is because, during this phase, there is a massive amount of CO2 build-up, which stimulates mycelium growth and prevents mushrooms from forming. However, once you transition to the fruiting stage, the mycelial network requires more oxygen and less CO2 for optimal growth.
One of the benefits of fresh air exchange is its role in preventing contamination. In a stale, CO2-rich environment, harmful bacteria and molds find it easier to thrive. Providing fresh, oxygen-rich air not only invigorates the mycelial network but also creates an environment that is less hospitable for contaminants. Additionally, sterilization of the work area, hands, equipment, and substrate is crucial to preventing contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms need a good amount of fresh air exchange to breathe during colonization. However, they thrive in a high CO2, low oxygen environment during this initial phase. Therefore, a balance must be maintained.
The substrate should get enough air exchange through breathable filter patches or micro-perforations in the growing bags. If your substrate has smaller particles, like sawdust, it can become compacted and not allow enough fresh air exchange in the centre of the substrate. To prevent this, use chopped straw or sugarcane bagasse when growing mushrooms in 5-gallon (20-litre) buckets or large containers.
Mushrooms need more oxygen and less CO2 during the fruiting stage for optimal growth. Therefore, they require the most fresh air during this phase.
