Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are triggered to fruit by conditions that mimic their natural environment, such as lighting, humidity, temperature, and fresh air exchange. Mushrooms cannot photosynthesize, but they need light to regulate their growth and fruiting. Light exposure signals to the fungi that it is time to start fruiting. In their natural habitats, light would indicate to a fungus that it has reached the surface of its substrate, which is a good place for the fungus to produce a fruit body. In addition to light, a temperature drop and adequate air circulation are crucial in promoting mushroom fruiting. This is because mushrooms require lower CO2 levels to fruit, and fresh air exchange helps to maintain these levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Fluorescent bulbs, indirect sunlight, or ambient room lighting. |
| Temperature | Lowered by about 10 degrees F. |
| Humidity | 80-95% RH, with 90% being ideal for pinning. |
| CO2 Levels | Lower levels trigger fruiting. |
| Ventilation | Proper ventilation or use of a fan. |
| Substrate | Well-colonized substrate. |
| Nutrition | Nutritional depletion can trigger fruiting. |
| Species | Different species have different requirements. |
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What You'll Learn
Light exposure
Mushrooms do not rely on light for photosynthesis, but they do need light to regulate their growth and fruiting. Light exposure acts as a pinning trigger, signalling to the fungi that it is time to start fruiting. In their natural habitats, light indicates to a fungus that it has reached the surface of its substrate, and fruiting can begin.
When cultivating mushrooms, it is important to provide a consistent source of indirect light. Most kinds of light will work, including fluorescent bulbs or indirect sunlight. If using indirect sunlight, it is important to rotate the chamber so that all sides receive the same amount of sunlight, as this will produce the highest yield. If using artificial light, it is common to simulate the natural environment by having 12-hour cycles of light and darkness. However, some people argue that a period of darkness is not necessary to induce fruiting, and leave their lights on 24/7.
In addition to light exposure, other factors that trigger mushroom fruiting include temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and fresh air exchange. Lowering the air temperature and introducing fresh air exchange to get rid of CO2 from the surface of the casing are important steps in the pinning process. During pinning, mist can help protect the emerging fruit bodies from drying out. Pins are the first formation of the fruit body, measuring ⅛ to ¼ inch in diameter. They form when there is a perfect microclimate of evaporating moisture.
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Temperature
To induce fruiting, it is essential to lower the air temperature and introduce fresh air exchange. This temperature reduction mimics the natural environment, where a drop in temperature is usually accompanied by rain, increasing humidity levels. Adequate air circulation is vital in promoting mushroom fruiting, as it helps maintain low CO2 levels and prevents the buildup of contaminants.
When creating a simulated environment for mushroom fruiting, temperature control is essential. Each mushroom species has its preferred temperature range for optimal growth and fruiting. For instance, Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) thrive in a temperature range of 73-81°F (22-27°C) during the growing phase and require cooler temperatures of 55-60°F (12-15°C) for fruiting.
It is worth noting that temperature shock can also trigger mushroom fruiting. However, extreme temperature changes may be detrimental to the mushrooms' health and should be avoided. The ideal temperature range for fruiting varies depending on the specific mushroom species, so it is important to research the preferences of the mushrooms you are cultivating.
Additionally, the temperature can influence the pinning process, which is a critical stage in mushroom fruiting. Pinning occurs when the rhizomorphs form and emerge through the surface. A temperature drop, along with high humidity and adequate ventilation, creates the perfect microclimate for pinning to take place.
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Humidity
To achieve the desired humidity levels, mushroom cultivators employ various techniques. One common method is to use a humidifier in a controlled environment, such as a mushroom fruiting chamber. These chambers are designed to mimic the natural environment in which mushrooms typically grow, and they often include features like heaters, fans, and moisture-retaining walls to help regulate humidity and other conditions. Monotub chambers, shotgun fruiting chambers, and hydroponic tents are some of the options available for growers, each with its own unique characteristics and suitability for different scales of cultivation.
For successful mushroom fruiting, humidity should be managed in conjunction with other factors. Fresh air exchange, or FAE, is one such critical factor. By providing adequate ventilation or using fans, excess CO2 levels can be reduced, and fresh oxygen can be introduced. This air exchange not only helps regulate temperature and prevent the buildup of contaminants but also acts as a significant trigger for mushroom fruiting. The combination of high humidity and FAE creates the ideal microclimate for mushrooms to initiate pinning and subsequent fruiting.
Additionally, light exposure plays a vital role in triggering mushroom fruiting. While mushrooms do not rely on light for photosynthesis, light signals to the fungi that it is time to start fruiting. In their natural habitats, light indicates that the fungus has reached the surface, which is an optimal location for producing a fruit body. Both natural and artificial light sources can be used to induce fruiting, with some mushrooms requiring specific light conditions during different phases of growth.
It is worth noting that temperature also influences mushroom fruiting. A temperature drop of around 10°F (5°C) can trigger fruiting in some mushroom species. This temperature change often occurs naturally alongside increased humidity, as rain can raise humidity levels. Therefore, managing temperature and humidity in conjunction is essential for creating the optimal environment for mushroom fruiting.
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Air exchange
FAE is particularly important for indoor mushroom cultivation. Proper ventilation helps to maintain an optimal environment for mushroom fruiting, removing excess CO2 levels and bringing in fresh oxygen. Adequate air circulation can be achieved through ventilation or the use of fans in growing areas.
Temperature changes also play a role in triggering mushroom fruiting. A drop in temperature of about 10°F can induce fruiting, and in nature, this temperature drop is usually accompanied by rain, which increases humidity levels. Humidity is another crucial factor in mushroom fruiting, and the introduction of fresh air through FAE can help to regulate humidity.
Light exposure is another important trigger for mushroom fruiting. Light, particularly blue light, regulates mushroom growth and fruiting. It signals to the underground mycelium that it has reached the surface and can begin fruiting. Indirect light sources, such as ambient room lighting or indirect sunlight, are usually sufficient for this purpose.
In addition to environmental factors, genetic factors also influence mushroom fruiting. Good genetics can promote more fruiting, and certain species may form aberrant fruit bodies when growing in the dark. Nutritional factors are also important, as nutrition depletion has been known to provoke fruiting since the beginning of the 20th century.
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Substrate
The mycelium colonizes the substrate, but high CO2 levels prevent it from being fully consumed. During fruiting, the mycelium begins to consume the substrate, converting it into CO2. This is why substrates pull away from the sides of the container during fruiting, not because of moisture loss.
Full colonization of the substrate is the primary pinning trigger. When the mycelium reaches the physical border of its container or comes up against a biological barrier, such as a contaminant species, it has colonized all that is available to it. It then enters the next phase, which is reproduction.
To induce fruiting, it is important to first achieve full colonization of the substrate. This can be done by providing minimal gas exchange during colonization and then increasing air exchange during fruiting. This increase in air exchange lowers CO2 levels and is a major pinning trigger.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest that nutrition plays a role in the fruiting process. In the natural world, when the mycelium reaches the surface, there will be more fresh air than there was underground. This is because mushrooms sense changes in their environment, triggering the fruiting process.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom fruiting is triggered by conditions that mimic the natural environment in which mushrooms fruit. This includes lighting, humidity, temperature, and fresh air exchange.
Light tells the fungi that it is time to start fruiting. Light exposure is also a pinning trigger. In their natural habitats, light would indicate to a fungus that it has reached the surface of its substrate. Most kinds of light work for growing mushrooms, whether it's fluorescent bulbs or indirect sunlight.
Humidity needs to be maintained at around 80-95% for mushroom fruiting. Humidity is also crucial for the pinning stage, which is when rhizomorphs form and emerge through the surface.
Temperature plays a significant role in mushroom fruiting. A temperature drop is a common trigger for fruiting. For example, a drop of 5 °C over a few days can trigger fruiting in Boletus edulis. Additionally, during the pinning stage, a drop in temperature of about 10 degrees F is necessary to initiate fruiting.
