Sarah Brown
Mushrooms require specific conditions to fruit, and these conditions vary depending on the species and strain. Generally, mushrooms need high humidity, a controlled temperature, and fresh air to fruit successfully. Humidity levels should be maintained above 80%, and preferably above 90%, to encourage pinning and mycelium growth. Temperature requirements differ depending on the species, with some preferring cooler conditions and others requiring warmth. Sufficient fresh air and oxygen are also critical, as lower CO2 levels signal to the mycelium that it is time to create fruit bodies. Light is another factor that influences fruiting, as it indicates to the fungus that it has reached the outside of a dung pile, triggering the fruiting process. However, mushrooms can also fruit in complete darkness, and the specific role of light in fruiting requires further investigation. Overall, creating the optimal conditions for mushroom fruiting can be a delicate balance, and factors such as strain selection, substrate preparation, and incubation techniques also play a role in successful mushroom cultivation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Humidity | 80-95% |
| Temperature | Varies with species and strain. Cooler conditions produce slower-growing but higher-quality mushrooms. |
| Lighting | Most light sources work, including indirect sunlight and fluorescent bulbs. |
| CO2 Levels | Lower levels of CO2 signal the mycelium to create fruit bodies. |
| Mycelium Growth | The mycelium fuses together until the entire substrate becomes one mycelial organism. |
| Yield | Influenced by factors such as species, strain, growing medium, and substrate thickness. |
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What You'll Learn
Humidity
During the first four days after initiation, when the baby mushroom pins are beginning to fruit, humidity plays an especially crucial role. During this delicate stage, it is recommended to keep the humidity above 85%. As the mushrooms mature, they become more resilient and can withstand lower humidity levels. After about three days of pinning, the humidity can be lowered to 60%, although maintaining it in the 80% range is still considered ideal.
To achieve the desired humidity levels, various techniques and equipment can be employed. Commercial humidifiers, such as cool mist or sonic humidifiers, are commonly used to increase humidity in controlled environments like fruiting chambers or grow rooms. These humidifiers can be piped into the fruiting chamber to maintain the desired humidity levels. Additionally, a humidistat or timer can be used in conjunction with the humidifier to ensure that the equipment turns on and off at specific intervals, helping to regulate moisture levels effectively.
Another technique to manage humidity is misting with a spray bottle. While misting is not a primary humidification method, it serves as a useful supplement. It is often done after fanning for fresh air exchange or to replenish moisture in casing layers. However, it is important to avoid directly spraying the mycelium and fruit bodies with water. High-surface-area materials like perlite and geolite are also effective in maintaining relative humidity. These materials are commonly used in fruiting chambers, especially when fruiting from substrates that lack casing, as they can help maintain high humidity levels through evaporation.
It is worth noting that natural humidity levels in most areas are typically insufficient for consistent mushroom production. Therefore, supplemental humidification systems are often necessary to create the ideal conditions for successful mushroom cultivation. The specific humidity requirements can vary depending on the species and strain of mushrooms being grown, so it is important to refer to the specifics of the variety being cultivated.
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Temperature
During the incubation phase, the ideal temperature range is generally between 20°C and 24°C (65°F and 75°F). At this stage, the mycelium, which is the vegetative part of the mushroom, develops in the substrate. If the temperature is too low, the growth of the mycelium may slow down or even stop, resulting in stunted mushroom growth. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, it can encourage the growth of undesirable mould and bacteria, leading to potential crop failure.
Once the mycelium has fully colonized the substrate, the mushroom enters the fruiting phase. A drop in temperature is often necessary to trigger the formation of fruiting bodies. The optimal temperature range for this phase depends on the specific mushroom species. For example, oyster mushrooms flourish in a cooler temperature range of 55-65°F (13-18°C), while shiitake mushrooms prefer slightly warmer conditions of 50-60°F (10-16°C).
It is important to note that mushrooms are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Maintaining a stable environment with consistent temperatures is crucial for optimal mushroom growth. Growers can use various tools and techniques to control temperature, such as climate-controlled rooms, heating mats, cooling fans, and automated systems. Regular monitoring of temperature with thermometers or temperature sensors is essential to ensure the mushrooms remain within their optimal temperature range.
The lighting conditions also play a role in mushroom fruiting. Mushrooms require a certain number of hours of light per day to direct their growth and trigger fruiting. However, the specific light spectrum is not as important, and LED lights can be sufficient.
By understanding the temperature requirements of the specific mushroom species being cultivated and implementing proper temperature control measures, growers can maximize their chances of a successful and productive mushroom harvest.
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Oxygen levels
Oxygen is one of the most critical factors in the complex process of mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms require oxygen to grow and develop. The mycelium, or the fungus from which mushrooms grow, uses oxygen to break down nutrients and convert them into energy for growth. Therefore, oxygen is necessary during the colonisation phase, when the mycelium grows through the substrate, and the subsequent fruiting phase.
During the fruiting phase, oxygen is required for the respiration process, which is the breakdown of carbohydrates into energy. If there is insufficient oxygen, the mushroom's growth will be stunted, and it may not produce the desired fruiting bodies. However, too much oxygen can also be detrimental to mushrooms during cultivation. Excess oxygen can cause the mycelium to dry out and become less productive. It can also promote the formation of harmful moulds and bacteria that can infect the mushrooms and cause disease.
To ensure optimal oxygen levels, mushroom cultivators must maintain proper ventilation and air circulation. This can be achieved through the use of fans, ventilation systems, or regular manual airing out of the growing space. For indoor mushroom growers, integrating fans or ventilation systems into grow tents or rooms is essential to prevent stagnant air and ensure healthy mycelium expansion.
Additionally, oxygen-rich environments can be created through specific techniques such as cutting holes in grow bags or removing lids from buckets and tubs. These practices signal to the mycelium that there is space to produce mushrooms. It is also important to consider the size of the particles in the substrate, as smaller particles can become compacted and restrict oxygen flow. Chopped straw or sugarcane bagasse is recommended to prevent this issue.
Overall, maintaining the proper levels of oxygen is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation. By providing adequate oxygen, cultivators can support the growth and development of mushrooms and prevent issues such as stunted growth or disease caused by excessive oxygen levels.
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Lighting
While mushrooms do not require light for photosynthesis, light plays a vital role in the growth and development of many mushroom species. Light is particularly important during the fruiting stage, as it can trigger the formation of fruiting bodies and influence the direction of growth, colour, and size of these fruiting bodies.
The amount and type of light required will depend on the species of mushroom being grown. Some mushroom species require no light at all, such as the Psilocybe Albino, which prefers almost complete darkness for a high yield. Other species, such as the psychedelic Psilocybe Cubensis, require plenty of light to develop healthy, mature fruiting bodies.
For those species that do require light, indirect natural light or low-intensity artificial light is preferred. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause overheating and harm the delicate mycelium. A bright, airy space with gentle, filtered light can provide the necessary conditions without the risks associated with direct sunlight. Artificial lighting, such as LED grow lights or fluorescent bulbs, can also be used to provide the right spectrum of light without overheating risks. When natural light is insufficient, artificial lighting becomes a crucial component.
In terms of the type of artificial light, blue light has been shown to have a profound effect on mushroom growth. Blue light, with a wavelength between 400 and 500 nm, promotes faster colonisation times and a higher yield of fruiting bodies in some species. It mimics the natural conditions under which many mushrooms grow, as mushrooms are often exposed to the blue light present in daylight. The Blue Sun Spectrum, which incorporates 6500K Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) white high Color Rendering Index (CRI) chips, is tailored for mushroom growth and can lead to healthier, more naturally developed fungi.
When it comes to the duration of light exposure, the optimal amount will vary depending on the mushroom species. Some growers use a 12/12 lighting schedule, providing 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. Others give their mushrooms much less light, as a lot of light is probably unnecessary. Exposing mushrooms to 12 or more hours of artificial light per day can even be harmful, depending on the intensity of the light. Lights measuring below 7,000 Kelvin can be left on for longer periods of time, and basic LED bulbs or low-intensity grow lights can provide sufficient light for most species.
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Yield
The yield of mushrooms is influenced by a variety of factors, including the strain, substrate, and environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, oxygen levels, and light.
Strain
The choice of strain is crucial and can significantly impact the yield. Different strains of the same mushroom species can exhibit varying yields due to differences in growth rate, fruiting body size, and shelf life. For example, in cordyceps strain trials, the yield ranged from 3.5 grams per jar to 11.8 grams per jar. Similarly, shiitake mushrooms showed variability in yield depending on the substrate used (logs or supplemented sawdust blocks) and the selected strain.
Substrate
The type of substrate used also influences yield. For instance, shiitake mushrooms grown on logs yielded 0.5-2.3 pounds per log, while those grown on sawdust blocks yielded 0.3-1.4 pounds per block.
Humidity
Maintaining high humidity levels is essential for mushroom fruiting. Most mushroom species prefer humidity levels between 80% and 95%. During the first four days after initiation, when baby mushroom pins start to fruit, humidity should be maintained above 85%. As the mushrooms mature, they can tolerate lower humidity levels, but ideal conditions still call for humidity in the 80% range.
Temperature
Temperature plays a vital role in mushroom fruiting and yield. As a general rule, cooler temperatures produce slower-growing but higher-quality mushrooms. Warmer temperatures can lead to over-mature, lower-quality mushrooms and increase the risk of contamination. The ideal temperature range for fruiting varies depending on the mushroom species and strain. For example, the fruiting temperature for oyster mushrooms differs from that of shiitake mushrooms.
Oxygen and Fresh Air Exchange (FAE)
Oxygen levels and fresh air exchange are important factors in mushroom fruiting. Lower levels of CO2 signal the mycelium to create fruit bodies. Providing ample fresh air to the fruiting chamber is beneficial, as long as humidity levels can be maintained. Techniques such as using a fish tank air pump or simply opening the lid and fanning can help increase fresh air exchange.
Light
Light serves as a signal for mushrooms to initiate their fruiting stage. Most light sources, including indirect sunlight and fluorescent bulbs, can be used. When using indirect sunlight, it is important to rotate the chamber to ensure even light exposure and prevent lopsided fruiting. Artificial light can be controlled using a timer to simulate day and night cycles.
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Frequently asked questions
Humidity is critical for mushrooms to fruit. Most species prefer 80 to 95% humidity, and it should be maintained above 85% in the first four days after initiation.
The ideal temperature for fruiting varies with species and strain. Generally, mushrooms produced under cooler conditions grow more slowly but are better quality.
Light is a signal for the fungus to start its fruiting stage. Most light sources work, including indirect sunlight and fluorescent bulbs.
Fresh air exchange and oxygen levels are important. Lower levels of CO2 signal the mycelium to create fruit bodies.
