Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are roughly 90% water and require a high-humidity environment to grow. However, high humidity levels can sometimes result in a lack of fresh air exchange (FAE) in the fruiting chamber, causing the mushrooms to develop long stems and fuzzy feet. This phenomenon, where the edges of the mushroom caps become ruffled, is often observed in oyster mushrooms and is typically caused by two factors: a lack of FAE and high relative humidity levels. To address this issue, growers can introduce more fresh air by manually performing FAE 4-6 times a day or creating proper airflow through vents in the growing chamber.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of ruffling edges | Lack of fresh air exchange (FAE) in the fruiting chamber during the fruiting period |
| How mushrooms breathe | Mushrooms inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide |
| Effect of low oxygen levels | Mushrooms grow long stems to search for fresh air, resulting in small caps and spindly stems |
| High humidity levels | Influences the gas ratio in the fruiting chamber, reducing free space for oxygen |
| Fuzzy white dots on caps | Harmless mushroom mycelium, not mould; does not affect taste |
| Deformities in mushrooms | Caused by inadequate lighting, too much/little moisture, or poor airflow |
| Mushroom storage | Keep below 40 degrees for freshness; avoid room temperature and sealed containers |
| Consumption | Cook all mushrooms before eating to neutralize bacteria |
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What You'll Learn
Lack of fresh air exchange (FAE) in the fruiting chamber
Mushrooms, like humans, inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. A lack of fresh air exchange (FAE) in the fruiting chamber can cause the mushroom mycelium to become stressed, resulting in slower growth rates and reduced yields. Oyster mushrooms, in particular, produce a lot of CO2 as they grow and need a steady supply of fresh air to develop normal fruit bodies.
During the initial colonisation phase, mycelium thrives in a high CO2, low oxygen environment. However, once the mushrooms enter the fruiting stage, the mycelial network requires more oxygen and less CO2 for optimal growth. Without proper FAE, the mushrooms can become susceptible to diseases and contaminants.
To address a lack of FAE in the fruiting chamber, growers can introduce fresh air through manual or automated methods. Manual methods involve simple techniques like fanning and removing the lid of the fruiting chamber. Automated methods utilise air pumps and automated venting systems to consistently maintain optimal growing conditions.
The frequency of FAE depends on the stage of mushroom growth and other environmental factors like humidity and temperature. During the fruiting phase, it is recommended to perform FAE at least twice a day, with some growers suggesting more frequent exchanges for optimal results.
By understanding the importance of FAE and implementing effective strategies, growers can create an optimal environment for mushroom growth and development, promoting healthy and robust fungi.
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High humidity levels
In high humidity conditions, mushrooms may absorb additional moisture from the air, causing their cells to become turgid and swell. This increase in cell turgor pressure can lead to the curling of the cap edges. The swelling of the cells may also affect the
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Poor lighting
Mushrooms thrive in environments that mimic their natural habitat, which often involves low-light conditions. Indirect light is necessary for guiding the directional growth of mushrooms and is a key factor in the transition from mycelial colonization to the fruiting stage. While the mycelium, or main body of the fungus, can spread and digest organic material without light, light becomes crucial once it is time for the fungus to produce mushrooms for reproduction.
Insufficient light during the fruiting phase can result in poor growth direction, improper cap formation, and smaller mushroom sizes. Oyster mushrooms, for example, require reading-level light or indirect light to achieve a nice deep cap colour and proper formation. A lack of light can lead to long and stringy stems with tiny caps or no caps at all.
Additionally, the type of light used can also impact mushroom growth. Direct sunlight can inhibit mushroom development by causing dryness or overheating. Instead, mushrooms prefer indirect light or low levels of artificial light. Fluorescent or LED lights can provide a consistent light source for about 12 hours daily, mimicking natural daylight. Blue light, in particular, has been found to promote faster colonization times and higher yields of fruiting bodies in some species.
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Oyster mushrooms require reading-level light
Mushrooms are roughly 90% water and thrive in a high-humidity environment. Oyster mushrooms, in particular, produce a lot of CO2 as they grow, and need a steady supply of fresh air to develop normal fruit bodies. A lack of fresh air and light can cause oyster mushrooms to grow long, stringy stems with tiny caps or no caps at all.
Blue light, with a wavelength between 400 and 500 nm, appears to promote faster colonization times and a higher yield of fruiting bodies in some species. It mimics the natural conditions under which many mushrooms grow. In the wild, mushrooms are often exposed to the blue light present in daylight. The Blue Sun Spectrum offered by Active Grow can aid a range of species, including oyster mushrooms, in producing bountiful and high-quality yields.
The best light for mushrooms depends on the species being cultivated. Generally, mushrooms prefer indirect light or low levels of artificial light rather than direct sunlight, which can dry out substrates and overheat the growing environment. Some cultivators use ambient light, while others employ LED or fluorescent lighting to provide a consistent light source that can be controlled for intensity and duration.
It is important to understand the unique reactions of different types of mushrooms to various light spectrums and intensities when selecting grow lights. Light conditions can also affect the content of selected active ingredients in anatomical parts of the oyster mushroom. For example, limited light exposure caused an increase in the content of total polyphenolic compounds, but this did not correlate with antioxidant activity.
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Inadequate lighting
Mushrooms do not require light for photosynthesis, as they do not have chlorophyll and do not engage in this process. Mushrooms can grow in complete darkness, as they obtain energy through the breakdown of organic matter. However, light plays a crucial role in the development of many mushroom species. It can influence the direction of growth, colour, and size of the fruiting bodies. Inadequate lighting conditions can lead to specific issues in mushroom development.
Firstly, insufficient lighting can cause mushrooms to develop thin stems, a condition known as stipe elongation. This occurs when the mushrooms do not receive enough light to trigger proper stem development. The stems may become elongated and thin, affecting the overall structure and appearance of the mushroom.
Secondly, inadequate lighting can result in smaller caps, known as pileus. Mushrooms typically form larger caps when exposed to adequate light, particularly blue light. Blue light upregulates specific genes involved in energy production and biosynthetic processes, leading to larger cap sizes. In the absence of sufficient blue light, mushrooms may exhibit smaller caps, impacting their overall shape and size.
Additionally, lighting conditions can influence the colour of the pileus. Mushrooms grown under bright and intense lighting tend to have darker-coloured caps, appearing dark brown, grey, or even blackish. On the other hand, mushrooms cultivated in environments with low light levels, typically below 100 lux, tend to exhibit pale yellow caps. This colour variation is a direct result of the lighting conditions during their growth.
It is worth noting that the effects of inadequate lighting on mushroom development may vary among different species. Some mushrooms, like enoki, are typically grown in the dark, resulting in thinner stems and smaller caps, which are desirable traits for this variety. However, for most other mushroom varieties, adequate lighting during the fruiting phase is crucial for the proper development of their fruit bodies.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms need fresh air and a good amount of airflow. A lack of fresh air exchange (FAE) in the fruiting chamber during the fruiting period can cause the edges of the mushroom to ruffle.
Try to FAE 4-6 times a day. Open the fruiting chamber for 3-5 minutes at least 4-6 times a day. You can also introduce natural airflow by creating proper air vents in a MonoTub.
Mushrooms will grow long stems and develop small caps. The base of the stems may also become fuzzy.
Mushrooms may develop fuzzy caps. This is not a contamination issue but a sign that your mushrooms need more fresh air.
Deformities can also be caused by inadequate lighting and too much moisture. Mushrooms need diffused light to grow. Too much or too little moisture can also cause issues.
