John Miller
Trichoderma is a genus of green mold that infects mushrooms. It is a common form of contamination in mushroom cultivation, preying on other fungal mycelium and causing a soft decay in mushrooms before it sporulates into a vibrant green. It is often observed in the early stages of the cultivation process, especially during the spawning run period, but also during the cropping period, causing huge losses in mushroom crops. It is difficult to detect in its mycelial stage as it appears similar to mushroom mycelium. However, it has a fluffy appearance that rises from the substrate, unlike mushroom mycelium, which appears more rope-like and remains tight on the substrate. Once it sporulates, it is almost impossible to misidentify or contain due to its vibrant blue-green color.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Genus of mold |
| Genus | Trichoderma |
| Common Species | Trichoderma harzianum |
| Colour | Vibrant blue-green during sporulation; white, yellow, and forest green at other times |
| Mycelium | Aggressive white mycelium that causes soft decay in mushrooms |
| Habitat | Present in all soils |
| Prevention | Soak grains for 12-24 hours before sterilization |
| Treatment | Isolation and removal of contaminated substrate; raising pH with salt, sodium hypochlorite, or sodium bicarbonate |
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What You'll Learn
- Trichoderma is a genus of green mould that preys on other fungi
- It is a common form of contamination in mushroom cultivation
- It is distinguishable by its vibrant blue-green colour during sporulation
- It is almost impossible to contain once it takes hold
- It can be treated with salt, sodium hypochlorite, or sodium bicarbonate
Trichoderma is a genus of green mould that preys on other fungi
One of the most common forms of Trichoderma is Trichoderma harzianum, which produces an aggressive white mycelium that causes soft decay in mushrooms before sporulating into a vibrant green. This species has been found to be the cause of green mould disease in mushroom cultivation, particularly in oyster mushrooms. Other species, such as Trichoderma pleurotum and Trichoderma pleuroticola, have also been implicated in green mould diseases in mushroom farms worldwide.
Trichoderma can grow at any stage of the cultivation process, and it is often difficult to detect in its early stages as it resembles mushroom mycelium. However, unlike mushroom mycelium, Trichoderma has a fluffy appearance that rises from the substrate. Once it starts to sporulate, Trichoderma is almost impossible to misidentify due to its distinctive green splotches. It can also turn white or yellow as the infection spreads outward from the centre.
To prevent and control Trichoderma contamination, mushroom growers employ various disinfection treatments, such as sterilisation, immersion in hot water, or alkalinised water. Isolation and immediate removal of contaminated substrates are crucial to prevent the spread to other areas. In some cases, growers may attempt to raise the pH of the infected area using salt, sodium hypochlorite, or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to inhibit further growth.
After successfully identifying, treating, and removing Trichoderma contamination, it is essential to sanitise the affected area thoroughly and review the processes to identify the source of the contamination.
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It is a common form of contamination in mushroom cultivation
Trichoderma is a genus of green mold that preys on other fungal mycelium. It is a common form of contamination in mushroom cultivation. It is often observed in the early stages of the cultivation process, especially during the spawning run period, but also during the cropping period. It causes huge losses in mushroom crops.
One of the most common species of Trichoderma is Trichoderma harzianum, which is known to produce an aggressive white mycelium that causes a soft decay in mushrooms before it sporulates into a vibrant green. It can be difficult to detect in its mycelial stage as it appears similar to mushroom mycelium. However, unlike mushroom mycelium, which appears more rope-like and remains tight on the substrate, Trichoderma has a fluffy appearance that rises from the substrate.
Once Trichoderma sporulates, it is practically impossible to misidentify due to its vibrant blue-green color. It is also nearly impossible to contain once it takes hold. If it starts to sporulate, it is recommended to remove the contaminated Petri dish, grain jar, grow bag, or monotub from the lab and/or fruiting room as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading to other dishes, jars, bags, and tubs.
To prevent Trichoderma contamination, mushroom growers often apply disinfection treatments to lignocellulose substrates. Immersion in hot water at 60°C for 30 minutes or in alkalinized water for 36 hours has been found to effectively reduce Trichoderma contamination during the spawning phase.
After identifying and removing Trichoderma contamination, it is important to sanitize everything in the affected area before beginning another grow. It is also recommended to review the processes to identify where the contamination may have originated to prevent future occurrences.
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It is distinguishable by its vibrant blue-green colour during sporulation
Trichoderma is a genus of green mold that is distinguishable by its vibrant blue-green colour during sporulation. It is one of the easiest types of contamination to identify, especially after sporulation, and one of the most difficult to contain. It is a common contaminant in mushroom cultivation and is present in all soils. It preys on other fungal mycelium, causing soft decay in mushrooms before sporulating into a vibrant green.
The most common species, Trichoderma harzianum, is known to produce an aggressive white mycelium that covers substrates rapidly before producing emerald-green spore-bearing structures. In its mycelial stage, it can be challenging to detect as it resembles mushroom mycelium. However, unlike mushroom mycelium, which appears rope-like and tight on the substrate, Trichoderma has a fluffy appearance that rises from the substrate.
To identify Trichoderma, one can perform a swab test by gently swiping a cotton swab over the surface of the discoloured area. Trichoderma spores will stick to the swab, while bruising will not leave any colour. Another distinguishing feature of Trichoderma is its vibrant blue-green colour during sporulation, making it almost impossible to misidentify at this stage.
If Trichoderma contamination is detected, immediate isolation and disposal of the contaminated substrate are crucial to prevent further spread. Growers should also sanitise the affected area and review their processes to identify the source of the contamination.
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It is almost impossible to contain once it takes hold
Trichoderma is a genus of green mold that attacks and preys on other fungal mycelium. It is one of the most common forms of contamination in mushroom cultivation. It is easily distinguished by its vibrant blue-green colour during sporulation. Of all the types of contamination, trichoderma is one of the easiest to identify, yet one of the hardest to contain.
The most common species, Trichoderma harzianum, produces an aggressive white mycelium that causes a soft decay in mushrooms before it sporulates into a vibrant green. It can be difficult to detect in its mycelial stage as it appears similar to mushroom mycelium. However, unlike mushroom mycelium, which appears more rope-like and tight on the substrate, Trichoderma has a fluffy appearance that rises from the substrate. It can grow at any stage of the cultivation process and feeds on the desired species under cultivation.
If you suspect Trichoderma contamination, immediate isolation and disposal of the contaminated substrate are crucial. Failure to do so can result in the spread of contamination to other substrates, including grow bags, jars, and monotubs. The contaminated items should be removed from the lab and fruiting room as soon as possible to prevent a full-blown crisis.
While it is challenging to contain Trichoderma once it takes hold, some measures can be taken to try to save the crop. One approach is to spread salt on the affected area, although this is not recommended unless it is your only option. Other suggested treatments include covering the infected area with sodium hypochlorite, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), or a solution thereof, which can raise the pH and inhibit further growth.
To prevent Trichoderma contamination, mushroom growers often apply disinfection treatments to lignocellulose substrates. Immersion in hot water at 60°C for 30 minutes or in alkalinized water for 36 hours has been found to effectively reduce Trichoderma contamination during the spawning phase.
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It can be treated with salt, sodium hypochlorite, or sodium bicarbonate
Trichoderma is a genus of green mold that preys on other fungal mycelium and is often fatal to psilocybin mushrooms. It is easily identifiable by its vibrant blue-green color during sporulation. It is also one of the most difficult types of contamination to contain.
If you spot Trichoderma, it is important to act quickly to prevent it from spreading and contaminating other dishes, jars, bags, and tubs. While it is challenging to eradicate, it can be treated with salt, sodium hypochlorite, or sodium bicarbonate.
One method of treatment is to use salt, which has been used by early mushroom cultivators to control Trichoderma. Salt can absorb moisture from the mold, depriving it of the water it needs to grow. By covering the affected area with salt, you may be able to stop the spread of Trichoderma and save your crop. However, it is important to note that this method may not always be effective, and some people recommend cutting out the contaminated parts instead. Additionally, using too much salt can affect the taste of the mushrooms.
Another treatment option is to use sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach. Sodium hypochlorite can effectively kill mold and fungi, including Trichoderma. By applying a diluted solution of sodium hypochlorite to the affected area, you can stop the spread of the contamination. However, it is important to use proper personal protective equipment when handling sodium hypochlorite, as it can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, can also be used to treat Trichoderma. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant and can help absorb moisture, creating an environment that is hostile to mold growth. By sprinkling baking soda on the affected area, you may be able to stop the spread of Trichoderma and prevent further contamination.
While these treatments can be effective, it is always a good idea to take preventive measures to avoid Trichoderma contamination in the first place. This includes maintaining low moisture levels, using a pH-adjusted casing layer, and sanitizing all equipment and surfaces before starting a new grow. By taking proactive measures, you can reduce the risk of Trichoderma infection and ensure the health of your mushroom crop.
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Frequently asked questions
Trichoderma is a genus of green mold that preys on other fungal mycelium. It is a common form of contamination in mushroom cultivation.
Trichoderma is often identified by its vibrant blue-green color during sporulation. It can also appear white and even yellow as the infection spreads outward from the center. In its mycelial stage, it can be difficult to detect as it appears similar to mushroom mycelium. Unlike mushroom mycelium, which appears more rope-like and tight on the substrate, Trichoderma has a fluffy appearance that rises from the substrate.
If you suspect trichoderma contamination, it is important to act quickly to prevent it from spreading. Remove and dispose of the contaminated substrate immediately. You can try cutting out the contaminated area, but this may spread the infection. Some sources suggest covering the infected area with salt, sodium hypochlorite, or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to raise the pH and inhibit further growth. It is also recommended to sanitize everything in the affected area before beginning another grow.
