Emma Wilson
Growing mushrooms is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. While the number of mushrooms that can be grown per jar varies depending on several factors, it is generally accepted that the yield per jar ranges from 3 to 12 grams. The type of mushroom, substrate used, and growing environment all play a role in determining the final yield. For example, cordyceps mushrooms yielded between 3.5 and 11.8 grams per jar in strain trials. Additionally, the experience of the grower also impacts the yield, with experienced growers typically achieving higher yields than beginners. The process of inoculating grain jars and creating spawn offers endless possibilities for mushroom cultivation, but it is crucial to be mindful of potential contaminants that can ruin the project.
What You'll Learn
Yield variables
Experience of the grower
The experience level of the grower can significantly impact mushroom yield. Experienced growers often achieve higher yields compared to beginners. Beginners may encounter various challenges and unknown variables that can lead to lower yields.
Type of mushroom
Different mushroom species have different growth patterns and yields. For example, cordyceps and shiitake mushrooms exhibit large variations in yield depending on the strain selected. The choice of strain can significantly impact the success of mushroom cultivation.
Substrate used
The type of substrate, or growing medium, used can greatly affect mushroom yield. For instance, shiitake mushrooms grown on logs yielded 0.5–2.3 pounds per log, while those grown on supplemented sawdust blocks yielded 0.3–1.4 pounds per block. The strain of mushroom also plays a role in substrate consumption, with some strains developed to consume specific substrates more effectively.
Environmental conditions
Environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and ventilation, play a crucial role in mushroom growth and yield. For most mushroom species, temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit are ideal for optimal fruiting speed and quality. However, the specific temperature requirements may vary depending on the mushroom variety.
Container size and type
The size and type of container used for mushroom cultivation can impact the yield. For example, a quart jar typically yields about 2 ounces over three flushes, while a pint jar would yield approximately half of that. The shape and material of the container can also influence the growth and yield of mushrooms.
Inoculation technique
Inoculation is the process of introducing mushroom spores or mycelium to a substrate. Different inoculation techniques, such as top spawning and through spawning, can impact the yield. Proper inoculation techniques help prevent contamination and promote healthy mushroom growth.
It's important to note that yield estimates may vary depending on numerous factors, and it's challenging to provide an exact number of mushrooms per jar. Growers should focus on gaining experience, understanding the specific requirements of their chosen mushroom variety, and creating optimal growing conditions to maximize their yields.
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Inoculation methods
The inoculation process involves bringing spawn into contact with a food source to initiate its growth and development. The substrate, or food source, can be grains, brown rice, straw, woodchips, logs, or hardwood, depending on the type of mushroom.
Using a Syringe
One method of inoculation involves using a syringe to inject spawn into the substrate. To do this, first flame-sterilize the tip of the syringe until it is red hot. Then, quickly open the lid of the grain jar and inject the syringe. About 1-2 ml of liquid culture is usually sufficient for a quart-sized grain jar. Alternatively, you can inject the liquid culture directly through the filter on the top of the jar without opening the lid. This method is especially useful if you do not have access to a laminar flow hood.
Grain-to-Grain Transfers
Another method to make more spawn efficiently is through grain-to-grain transfers. This involves taking a small amount of colonized grain and putting it into fresh, sterilized jars. This allows you to exponentially increase your cultivation capacity. One fully colonized jar can inoculate up to 10 new grain jars.
Outdoor vs Indoor Inoculation
Outdoor inoculation methods can generally be performed with less concern for introducing contaminants, as clean conditions are sufficient. On the other hand, most indoor methods require a sterile space to avoid contaminating the substrate. This can be achieved through the use of a lab-like setting or low-budget equipment that mimics a lab setting.
Other Considerations
Before beginning the inoculation process, it is important to read and understand the directions thoroughly. Work quickly and mindfully, trying to minimise the time spent with your arms and hands over the uncovered jars. Ensure that your work surface and gloves are cleaned with alcohol, bleach, or another disinfectant. Label your jars with the mushroom name and the date of inoculation. Additionally, even after gaining experience, it is crucial to maintain sanitary conditions and not get complacent.
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Fruiting processes
The fruiting process is an art and a science. It involves direct observation of the mushrooms and the substrate throughout the process. The mushrooms communicate their needs through their morphology, colour, texture, and abundance. While there are many ways to fruit mushrooms, the following four primary perimeters should be considered:
Temperature
Most species of mushrooms thrive at temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit. The highest-quality mushrooms with good fruiting speed develop at temperatures in the low 60s Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for the colonization phase is between 72 and 80 Fahrenheit, which is similar to the fruiting phase.
Humidity
The humidity level needs to be as close to 100% as possible. A wet, breathable cloth can be placed over the open jar to help maintain constant humidity.
Oxygen
Oxygen levels need to be increased during the fruiting process. Mushrooms can be introduced to oxygen by removing the coverings of the holes in the jar.
Light
Mushrooms require 4 to 6 hours of indirect light per day. A low-wattage light can be placed adjacent to the fruiting chamber as a light source if the chamber does not receive indirect light. A 12/12 light cycle is recommended for the fruiting phase.
The fruiting process begins after the inoculation and incubation period, during which the mycelium grows through the substrate until it is totally permeated and overgrown. Once the substrate is fully colonized, it needs to be prepared for fruiting. This can be achieved by leaving the substrate in the bag or moving it to an external location like a plastic tote, terrarium, or mono tub. Usually, fruiting the substrate in a tote will result in a larger yield because the substrate will have more surface area and headroom to produce fruit bodies.
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Environmental factors
Mushroom cultivation is a complex process influenced by a multitude of environmental factors. These factors play a pivotal role in the life cycle of mushrooms, from their growth to their development and overall yield. A careful understanding and management of these factors are crucial for successful mushroom farming and sustainability. Here are some key environmental considerations:
Temperature
Temperature is a critical factor in mushroom cultivation. It influences the growth, development, and yield of mushrooms. Fluctuations in temperature can affect the growth rate and quality of mushrooms. For instance, oyster mushrooms are sensitive to temperature changes, exhibiting increased transpiration rates when stored at higher temperatures. Maintaining a low and consistent temperature is essential for preventing spoilage and preserving the quality of the harvest. The optimal temperature range for fruiting bodies of oyster mushrooms is 26°C to 28°C, while mycelium growth occurs at slightly higher temperatures between 28°C and 30°C.
Humidity
Humidity is another essential factor in mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms thrive in dark and humid environments, with an optimum air humidity range of 85-95% relative humidity (RH). High humidity prevents the substrate from drying out and maintains the necessary moisture content for proper mushroom development. However, excessive moisture can lead to overly wet substrates, promoting mould growth. On the other hand, low humidity can cause the substrate to dry out, resulting in poor mushroom spore and fruiting development. Proper humidity levels are crucial for successful mushroom cultivation and can be maintained through the use of humidifiers and humidity sensors.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide plays a significant role in mushroom growth. The ideal CO2 concentration for mushroom cultivation is between 800-1,500 ppm, but different growth stages have unique CO2 requirements. During the spawning period, for example, the CO2 level should be higher, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 ppm.
Light
Light is a crucial factor in the fruiting process of mushrooms, and different mushroom species have specific light intensity needs. Some mushrooms require direct sunlight, while others thrive in low-light environments. For indoor cultivation, indirect sunlight or LED grow lights are commonly used to provide the necessary light exposure. Controlling light exposure is essential for uniform crop growth, troubleshooting, and managing pests and diseases.
Air Circulation and Fresh Air
Proper air circulation and fresh air are vital for successful mushroom development. Adequate air exchange helps maintain the right temperature and humidity levels, contributing to the overall health and growth of the mushrooms.
Substrate Quality
The substrate, or growing medium, provides the necessary nutrients for mushrooms. It should be rich in materials such as straw, wood chips, or compost, which mushrooms break down to obtain their nutrients. The substrate's composition and impurities can affect bioremediation efficiency, influencing the overall growth and development of mushrooms.
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Contamination risks
Mushroom cultivation is a tricky business, with contamination being almost inevitable. The human body is the greatest source of contamination—human hands and clothes contain lots of bacteria and spores that can ruin a crop. To minimize the risk of contamination, it is recommended to shower and use hand sanitizer before handling mushrooms. Wearing clean clothes, including a lab coat or scrubs, along with a face mask, gloves, and a mouth covering, can also help reduce the chances of contamination. It is crucial to maintain silence while working, especially when near open containers, to prevent any accidental contamination from breath or speech.
The air itself is a significant source of contamination, with mold spores and other invisible contaminants floating around, ready to ruin your mushroom crop. Using a laminar flow hood is an effective way to reduce airborne contaminants, providing a clean stream of air for your mushroom cultivation. Additionally, it is essential to understand and practice proper sterile techniques. This includes being mindful of potential sources of contamination and knowing how to mitigate them. Sterile tools, jars, and other equipment should only be exposed for the minimum amount of time necessary to complete the task at hand.
One of the most common bacterial contaminants is Bacillus spp., also known as "wet spot" or "sour rot." It is characterized by a dull gray, slimy substance that resembles mucus and often forms in uncolonized patches at the bottom of grain jars. To prevent this type of contamination, it is recommended to soak the grains for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature before sterilization. This allows any heat-resistant bacterial endospores to germinate and subsequently die off during the sterilization process. If contamination does occur, it can be physically removed using a sanitized spoon, ensuring the patch is small and isolated.
Another notorious contaminant is Trichoderma, a genus of green mold that preys on other fungal mycelium. Trichoderma is challenging to contain once it takes hold, and it is identified by its vibrant blue-green color during sporulation. If Trichoderma is detected, immediate isolation and removal of the contaminated substrate are crucial to prevent it from spreading to other substrates and equipment. Bleach or alcohol solutions can be used to wash affected tools and surfaces. While it may be tempting to try and save the crop, it is often more prudent to cut your losses and start anew, ensuring thorough sanitization of the affected area.
Cobweb mold (Hypomyces rosellus) is another harmful fungus that can be encountered, especially in environments with still air, low oxygen, and high humidity. It resembles mycelium but has a three-dimensional growth pattern, appearing as wispy, white tufts hovering above the substrate. Cobweb mold can spread rapidly, making it crucial to detect and address it early on to prevent extensive contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of mushrooms you can expect to yield per jar varies depending on the type of mushroom, the substrate, and the environment. On average, you can expect to yield between 2 and 12 grams of mushrooms per jar.
The yield of mushrooms per jar is influenced by various factors, including the type of mushroom, the substrate used, the environment, and the grower's experience.
To increase the yield of mushrooms per jar, you can use colonized rye grains to inoculate bulk substrates. For example, you can mix one jar of colonized rye grain with five parts horse manure to increase the size of the bulk substrate and, consequently, the yield.
The best substrate for yielding mushrooms per jar depends on the type of mushroom and the specific strain. For example, the cordyceps strain yields more mushrooms per jar when grown on supplemented sawdust blocks compared to logs.
To inoculate grain jars and yield mushrooms, you need to cut up pieces of agar and place them in sterilized grain in a sterile environment. This process results in "first-generation spawn," which can be used to make more grain spawn or added to a bulk substrate to grow mushrooms.
