Laura Smith
Growing mushrooms from scratch involves making your own grain spawn. The first step is to inoculate grain jars with a viable mushroom culture, either on agar or in liquid culture form. This can be done by injecting 1-2 ccs of solution for every pound of grain. However, the amount of solution used depends on various factors, such as the number of holes in the jar and the desired speed of colonisation. Using too much solution can induce contamination or stall colonisation, so it is important to use sterile techniques and maintain good cleanliness practices.
Inoculating Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Syringe Size | 10 ml |
| Syringe Content | Spores or liquid culture |
| Grain Type | Rye |
| Grain Weight | 1 or 2 pounds |
| Compost Weight | 5 or 10 pounds |
| Inoculation Amount | 2-4 ccs of solution for 2 pounds of grain |
| Inoculation Time | 2-4 weeks |
| Additional Notes | Syringes may contain 12 ccs of solution; cleanliness and genetics impact inoculation success |
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What You'll Learn
The amount of solution needed to inoculate mushrooms varies
When inoculating mushrooms, it is important to use a sterile technique to prevent contamination. The substrate, such as grain or compost, should be sterilized before injecting the spores or liquid culture. This can be done by cooking the grains and then steam-drying them to ensure they are completely dry.
The amount of solution required can range from 0.25 cc to 2-4 cc per hole, depending on the number of holes and the size of the inoculation site. For example, if there are four holes, it is recommended to use 0.25-0.5 cc per hole. Using too much solution can lead to excess water build-up and induce contamination.
The type of mushroom and the substrate used also play a role in determining the amount of solution needed. For instance, one source mentions that they have not been successful in inoculating grain spawn with less than 5 ml/1 lb of grain. Another source suggests that 1-2 ccs of solution is sufficient for every pound of grain.
It is important to note that the time it takes for colonization to occur is also influenced by the amount of solution used. Using less solution may result in a longer colonization time, but using too much can lead to potential issues such as wet rot. Therefore, finding the right balance is crucial.
Overall, the amount of solution required to inoculate mushrooms can vary depending on several factors. It is important to follow sterile techniques, consider the specific mushroom and substrate being used, and be patient during the colonization process. By doing so, one can successfully inoculate mushrooms and promote their growth.
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The type of grain spawn used affects the amount of solution needed
The type of grain spawn used does indeed affect the amount of solution needed to inoculate mushrooms. Grain spawn, also known as mushroom spawn, is a crucial component in mushroom cultivation. It serves as a substrate for mushrooms to grow, providing essential nutrients and an optimal environment for fungal growth and development.
The type of grain spawn used can vary, with options such as rye, wheat, and barley being commonly available. Each type of grain has unique characteristics, influencing the number of inoculation points and the overall growth process. Smaller grains, for instance, offer a higher number of inoculation points, promoting quicker and more uniform mushroom growth. However, they may require more careful water management to ensure optimal colonization.
The size and quantity of the grain spawn you select will directly impact the inoculation process. When transferring spawn to a bulk substrate, such as straw or compost, the grain size and quantity become critical factors. Balancing these aspects is essential to optimize colonization and subsequent mushroom fruiting.
Additionally, the type of grain spawn can influence the volume of solution required for inoculation. Different grains have varying capacities for absorbing and retaining moisture, which in turn affects the amount of solution needed. For example, rye grains may have different moisture absorption properties than wheat or barley grains, thus requiring slight adjustments in the volume of solution for effective inoculation.
The choice of grain spawn also depends on the type of mushroom you plan to grow, the availability of grains, and your personal preferences. Experimenting with different types of grain spawn can help you determine which variety performs best for your specific mushroom cultivation goals. It is important to prepare the grains properly for inoculation by cleaning, hydrating, and sterilizing them to create an ideal environment for mycelium growth and prevent contamination.
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Injecting a bag of sterilized grain with 1-2 ccs of solution for every pound
To begin, you will need a spore syringe or liquid culture, a bag of sterilized rye grain, and a bag of compost. The grain bag should be stored at room temperature out of direct sunlight, and it can be stored for several months before use. It is important to use clean hands and gloves when handling the grain bag to reduce the introduction of contaminants.
When you are ready to inject the solution, flame the needle of your syringe for 15 seconds. This step can be performed with an alcohol burner to avoid leaving soot on the needle. After flaming, press the plunger slightly and squirt out a small amount of solution to cool down the needle. Then, inject 1-2 ccs of solution for every pound of grain through the self-healing injection port on the grain bag.
After inoculation, place the bag in a location with minimal disturbances and a temperature between 75-81°F. You should see signs of growth within 3-10 days. During this time, try to avoid disturbing the bag as much as possible. Once the grain is fully colonized, you can transfer it to the compost, and the mushrooms will eventually grow out of the bag or you can transfer them to a fruiting chamber or tote.
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A 10ml syringe can inoculate 10 bags with 0.5ml each
When it comes to inoculating mushrooms, the amount of spore solution required per bag can vary. Factors such as bag size, substrate density, and the potency of the syringe all play a role. Generally, it is recommended to use 2ml of spore solution per grow bag, with some sources suggesting 0.5ml-0.75ml per bag.
When inoculating bags of sterilized grain, it is recommended to inject 1-2ml of solution for every pound of grain. This means that a 10ml syringe could inoculate 5-10 pounds of grain, depending on the concentration of the solution. It is also important to use sterile techniques when working with colonized spawn to avoid contamination.
Some growers suggest using 3ml of solution per bag to maximize the number of jars inoculated, especially when starting from spores to reduce the risk of contamination. Others recommend using 0.5ml-1ml of solution per half-gallon jar, but this method may take longer due to the smaller amount of mycelium used to colonize the grain.
By following the recommended guidelines and using sterile techniques, a 10ml syringe can effectively inoculate 10 bags with 0.5ml each, leaving enough solution for future inoculations or to create a liquid culture.
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Using more solution can induce contamination
The amount of solution required to inoculate mushrooms depends on the amount of grain you are inoculating. A general rule of thumb is that 2-4 ccs of solution is sufficient to inoculate two pounds of grain. However, it's important to note that using more solution than necessary can increase the risk of contamination.
Sources of Contamination
The air is a common source of contamination for mushroom growers. Mold spores and other contaminants are invisible but ubiquitous, and they can easily ruin your mushroom-growing project. To reduce airborne contaminants, you can use a laminar flow hood, which provides a clean stream of air for mycological work and effectively eliminates airborne contaminants. However, flow hoods can be quite expensive, so a more affordable option is a still air box (SAB), which is suitable for small-scale projects and is popular among home cultivators.
Incomplete Sterilization
Incomplete sterilization or improper pasteurization of the bulk substrate before inoculation is another common reason for contamination. The bulk substrates and grains naturally contain competing organisms and dormant spores that need to be reduced or eliminated. Supplemented sawdust fruiting blocks and mushroom grain spawn must be completely sterilized before inoculation by subjecting them to high pressure and temperature for an extended period.
Trichoderma Contamination
Trichoderma is a type of mold that can contaminate mushroom substrates at any stage of the cultivation process. It feeds on the desired mushroom species and can be difficult to control if left untreated. To prevent Trichoderma contamination, it is important to maintain a clean and sanitized growing environment and regularly monitor your operation for signs of contamination. If contamination is detected, immediate isolation and disposal of the contaminated substrate are necessary to prevent it from spreading to other areas.
Preventing Contamination
To minimize the risk of contamination when growing mushrooms, it is crucial to maintain a sterile environment and follow sterile processes. This includes properly sterilizing substrates and equipment before use and being mindful of potential sources of contamination, such as the air and the substrate itself. By taking these precautions and using the appropriate tools and techniques, you can increase your chances of successfully cultivating mushrooms without contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on how many holes there are. For 4 holes, users recommend 1-2 ccs in total or 0.25-0.5 cc per hole. For 5 cc per pound of grain spawn, one user says they have never been successful with less than this amount.
You could put 0.5 cc in each bag and do 20 bags with one syringe, or you could use 1 cc to make a jar of liquid culture and use that for the rest of the year.
It could take 1 week or up to 2 months. On average, it should take 2-3 weeks.
The first step is to make your own grain spawn. Once you have a viable mushroom culture, either grown out on agar or in liquid culture form, you can add it to sterilized grain.
