Emma Wilson
Mushroom cultivation is a rewarding pursuit, but it has its challenges. One such challenge is the occurrence of mushroom aborts—instances where mushrooms stop growing and never reach full maturity. Aborts are undeveloped mushrooms that cease growing at an early stage and are characteristically smaller than their fully-grown counterparts. They often exhibit darker or discoloured caps, usually turning black, blue, or purple. They are not a sign of contamination but can be caused by environmental stress, inadequate ventilation, or contamination by pathogens or competing fungi. While aborts may be small in size, they are usable and can be more potent than mature mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description | Mushrooms that stop growing before reaching full maturity |
| Cap colour | Black, dark blue, purple, brown |
| Cap shape | Pointier |
| Size | Smaller than fully-grown mushrooms |
| Growth | Stunted, premature halt |
| Causes | Environmental stress, inadequate ventilation, contamination, sharp temperature changes |
| Action | Remove as soon as possible to prevent contamination |
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What You'll Learn
Stunted growth and cap rotting
Mushroom aborts often arise from improper growing conditions, such as excessive moisture, low humidity, or sharp temperature changes. In some cases, they may be linked to the presence of cobweb mold (Hypomyces rosellus), a parasitic fungus that thrives in still air, low oxygen, and high humidity environments. Cobweb mold can spread rapidly and infect pinning mushrooms, causing them to abort their growth.
To prevent mushroom aborts, it is crucial to maintain optimal growing conditions. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to stunted growth. Maintain appropriate humidity levels, as low humidity can result in small fruits and deformed caps. Be mindful of temperature fluctuations, especially during rehydration, as sudden changes can trigger mushroom aborts.
Additionally, it is important to monitor your mushroom crop for any signs of contamination, such as molds, insects, or bacterial infections like "wet spot" or "sour rot." Taking proactive measures, such as disinfecting the growing area, adjusting growing conditions, and practicing sterile techniques, can help mitigate the risk of contamination and reduce the occurrence of mushroom aborts.
While most mushroom aborts are safe for consumption, it is always recommended to inspect your crop regularly and harvest before the aborts have a chance to turn completely black and become rotten.
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Black, blue, or purple caps
Identifying mushroom aborts based on their caps is a distinctive feature. Aborted mushrooms are characterised by their dark blue or black caps. When you notice that the growth of your mushrooms has completely stopped for about 4 to 5 days, it is a sign that they have aborted.
Mushrooms with black, blue, or purple caps can be further identified as magic mushrooms, which contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin. The Psilocybe cubensis variety typically has caramel to golden-brown caps, with dark purple-to-black spore prints, and thin, white stems. The Psilocybe semilanceata variety, also known as liberty caps, have caps that are yellow to brown when moist and develop radial grooves that correspond to the positions of the gills underneath. When dry, the caps become a much lighter yellow-brown colour. The Psilocybe semilanceata variety also bruises blue when handled.
Another variety of magic mushroom is the Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, which has a thicker, white stem and a brown cap. The cap is rounded but mostly flat, and the gills attach directly to the stem. This variety bruises blue when handled, indicating the presence of psilocybin.
It is important to distinguish between magic mushrooms and their toxic lookalikes. Poisonous mushrooms typically have white gills, bulbous bases, or brightly coloured caps. They may also exhibit white spores instead of dark purple or black ones.
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Environmental stress
Mushrooms are sensitive organisms that thrive under specific environmental conditions. Environmental stress is a key factor that can cause mushrooms to abort. Any deviation from their ideal temperature range, humidity levels, or CO2 concentration can induce stress, leading to stunted growth and mushroom aborts.
To prevent environmental stress and reduce the occurrence of mushroom aborts, it is crucial to maintain optimal environmental conditions. Here are some detailed guidelines:
Temperature Control
Keep temperatures stable, ideally within ±5°F (3°C) of your mushroom species' recommended range. Most gourmet mushroom species prefer temperatures between 50–70°F (20-25°C). Avoid placing your growing setup in locations with significant day-night temperature swings to prevent sudden temperature changes, which can shock your mushrooms and lead to aborts or stalled growth.
Humidity Management
Maintain proper humidity levels by misting lightly. Aim for surfaces covered in tiny dew drops, creating an ideal environment for mushrooms. Avoid standing water on mushrooms or substrates as it can invite contamination and suffocate developing pins. Increase airflow if you notice excessive droplet accumulation inside your growing chamber.
Airflow and Ventilation
Ensure adequate ventilation and fresh air exchange around your growing area. Remove any domes or coverings periodically to introduce fresh air and reduce CO2 buildup. Some vigorous mushroom species may require more frequent air exchange, so consider opening the dome multiple times a day or using a gentle fan to boost circulation.
CO2 Levels
Monitor CO2 levels closely to prevent high concentrations, which can induce stress in mushrooms. Use an air quality monitor to track and maintain proper CO2 levels in the fruiting chamber. Ensure a good air exchange by periodically removing any coverings and positioning your growing setup in a well-ventilated area.
By following these guidelines and maintaining optimal environmental conditions, you can reduce the occurrence of mushroom aborts due to environmental stress and improve the health and yield of your mushroom colony.
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Contamination
Moulds and bacteria are common contaminants that compete with mushrooms for nutrients and can lead to mushroom aborts. Bacterial contamination often appears dull grey, slimy, and excessively wet, similar to mucus. It usually emits a sour odour and can be identified by its smell. Mould contamination, on the other hand, can manifest as cobweb mould, which appears grey, white, and fluffy, resembling mycelium. Cobweb mould spreads rapidly and can cause mushrooms to abort their growth or prevent them from growing altogether. Trichoderma, a genus of green mould, is another common contaminant that preys on other fungal mycelium. It is identified by its vibrant blue-green colour during sporulation and can cause soft decay in mushrooms.
To prevent and manage contamination, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene practices. This includes practising clean handling by washing hands, sanitising tools, and keeping the growing area tidy. Any contaminated blocks or mushrooms showing mould or slime should be promptly discarded to prevent the spread of spores. Additionally, standing water on mushrooms or substrates should be avoided as it invites contamination and suffocates developing pins. Instead, light misting is recommended to maintain humidity without creating puddles. Increasing airflow or improving Fresh Air Exchange (FAE) can also help prevent mould growth.
Proper harvesting techniques can also reduce the risk of contamination. When harvesting mushrooms, gently twist them at the base to minimise damage and reduce the risk of contamination. It is important to remove the whole stem from the mycelium if possible, as leaving behind pieces can increase the risk of contamination. Timely and careful harvesting encourages future healthy flushes and reduces the occurrence of mushroom aborts.
While it is challenging to avoid contamination entirely, implementing these hygiene, environmental, and harvesting practices can significantly reduce the risk and impact of contamination on mushroom growth and aborts.
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Inadequate ventilation
To prevent mushroom aborts caused by inadequate ventilation, it is essential to ensure proper airflow and ventilation in the growing area. Here are some measures to improve ventilation and prevent CO2 buildup:
- Position your growing area in a well-ventilated space, preferably with air circulation from multiple directions.
- Use a gentle fan to boost air circulation, especially if growing in an enclosed area like a cabinet.
- Open windows or periodically remove any coverings or domes to allow for manual ventilation and fresh air exchange.
- Maintain temperature stability within the recommended range for your mushroom species, as sudden temperature changes can shock mushrooms and cause aborts.
- Monitor environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels, using tools like hygrometers and thermometers.
By implementing these measures, you can improve airflow, maintain appropriate CO2 levels, and reduce the occurrence of mushroom aborts caused by inadequate ventilation.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom aborts are undeveloped mushrooms that stop growing before reaching full maturity. They are characterised by smaller sizes and darker or discoloured caps, often turning black, blue, or purple. They can be identified by their failure to grow and develop, and by their distinctive colouration.
Mushroom aborts can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental stress, contamination, and inadequate ventilation. Environmental stress can be induced by deviations from the ideal temperature range of 20-25°C, changes in humidity levels, or fluctuations in CO2 concentration. Contamination can occur through the introduction of pathogens or competing fungi, and inadequate ventilation can lead to CO2 buildup, hindering mushroom development.
If you encounter mushroom aborts, it is recommended to remove them as soon as possible to prevent potential contamination and allow the remaining mushrooms to access more resources. While aborts may be small, they are often usable and can contain higher concentrations of psychoactive compounds. Proper sterilisation and ventilation techniques can help minimise the occurrence of aborts and maintain the health of your mushroom colony.
