Emily Johnson
Mushrooms can be a tricky crop to grow, and there are many reasons why they might develop cracks in their caps. The good news is that mushrooms with cracked caps are neither contaminated nor diseased, and they are safe to eat. The most common cause of cracking is a lack of moisture, which can be remedied by increasing humidity and ensuring that the substrate is evenly moist. Other factors that can cause cracking include high temperatures, inadequate lighting, poor airflow, and genetic mutations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Dehydration, imbalanced parameters in the fruiting chamber, genetic mutation |
| Prevention | Maintain relative humidity of 85-95%, avoid vigorous fanning, mist the walls of the tub |
| Indicators | Yellowish pigmentation, secondary metabolites, abnormal growth |
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What You'll Learn
Dehydration or imbalanced fruiting chamber parameters
Dehydration is a common cause of mushroom cracking. Mushrooms need a lot of water, and if there is inadequate moisture, the mushrooms will become dry and brittle, leading to cracked caps. This can be addressed by adding more water to the growing medium and ensuring consistent moisture levels. Mushrooms require high relative humidity (RH) of 85-95%, and it is recommended to use ultra-fine water mist or a humidifier to maintain this. It is important to mist the walls of the growing container and avoid direct spraying onto the mushrooms and mycelium. Additionally, passive Fresh Air Exchange (FAE) through air vents or gaps is crucial to prevent dehydration.
Imbalanced fruiting chamber parameters can also contribute to mushroom cracking. This includes incorrect temperature, with higher temperatures in the fruiting chamber potentially causing cracked caps. Yellowish pigmentations and secondary metabolites appearing on mushrooms may indicate that the temperature is too high. Furthermore, inadequate lighting can lead to long stems and underdeveloped caps. Mushrooms require some diffused light, and a poorly lit environment will affect their growth.
Genetic mutations can also be a factor in mushroom cracking, but these are beyond the grower's control and may be triggered by sharp changes or improper fruiting conditions.
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High temperatures in the fruiting chamber
To prevent this, it is important to maintain the correct temperature in the fruiting chamber, which will vary depending on the mushroom species. It is also crucial to ensure that the relative humidity stays within the optimal range of 85-95%. This can be achieved through various means, including manual misting with a spray bottle, using a fogger/humidifier, or employing an aquarium air pump or small PC fan for additional fresh air exchange (FAE).
However, it is important to avoid excessive moisture, as this can also lead to cracking. Pools of water should be avoided, and proper airflow should be maintained to allow moisture to evaporate. Striking a balance between moisture and airflow is crucial to preventing mushroom caps from cracking.
Additionally, the growth rate of the mushrooms should be monitored. If they are growing too rapidly, adjustments may need to be made to slow down the process and prevent cracking. This can include reducing the temperature, adjusting humidity levels, or exploring other cultivation techniques.
By carefully controlling the temperature, humidity, and airflow in the fruiting chamber, mushroom growers can minimize the occurrence of cracked caps caused by high temperatures and create optimal conditions for healthy mushroom development.
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Genetic mutations
Mushrooms can develop cracks and splits in their caps and stems due to genetic mutations. While mushroom cracking is neither a disease nor contamination, it is an indication of dehydration or imbalanced fruiting parameters, such as high temperatures, which can be corrected.
Mushrooms that grow clonally, like those in the same cluster, can exhibit patchy mutations within the colony. For example, a cluster may contain a few albino mushrooms that stand out from their ordinary beige-brown relatives due to random mutations. Additionally, some mushroom strains, particularly older ones, develop "sectors" and other irregularities as random mutations accumulate over time. With repeated subculturing, the likelihood of mutations increases.
Certain species of mushrooms, such as Marasmius oreades (fairy ring mushrooms), exhibit a surprisingly low accumulation of mutations over time, indicating a well-developed protection against harmful mutations. This discovery has significant implications for medicine and evolutionary biology. While the mechanism behind this protection is not yet fully understood, researchers propose that it could be due to highly effective DNA repair systems or asymmetric DNA division during cell division, where mutated DNA is left behind as the fungus grows outward.
While genetic mutations in mushrooms cannot be reversed during cultivation, growers can focus on genetic isolation techniques, such as strain isolation, selection, and cloning, to produce perfect mushroom fruits in the future.
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Poor airflow and inadequate lighting
In addition to airflow, mushrooms require some diffused light to grow. Inadequate lighting can result in long stems and underdeveloped caps. As the mushroom fruit grows, it will turn towards the light. In a poorly lit area, the stem may grow too long as it reaches for light, while the cap remains small and narrow.
To create the optimal environment for mushroom growth, it is essential to maintain balanced fruiting parameters, including relative humidity, temperature, and fresh air exchange. Relative humidity plays a crucial role in mushroom cultivation, and a lack of humidity is often cited as a cause of cracked mushroom caps. However, it is important to note that excessive moisture can also lead to issues. Therefore, a careful balance of humidity and airflow is necessary to promote healthy mushroom growth.
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Low humidity
Mushrooms with cracked caps are most likely caused by low humidity. This is because mushrooms are like sponges and can easily absorb water. If the humidity is low, the mushrooms will not be able to absorb enough water, resulting in cracked caps.
To fix this issue, you can increase the humidity in the environment by using a humidifier or misting the walls of the growing container with water. It is important not to spray the mushrooms directly, as this can cause water to pool on the mushroom cake, which is detrimental. Instead, mist the walls gently and frequently, allowing the mist to drift down onto the mushrooms. This will provide the mushrooms with the necessary moisture without soaking them.
In addition to increasing humidity, it is important to ensure proper airflow in the growing environment. Mushrooms require high levels of CO2, which can be achieved through adequate ventilation. Position logs outdoors in a well-ventilated area or use a fan to improve airflow if growing mushrooms indoors.
By maintaining high humidity and proper airflow, you can help prevent cracked mushroom caps and promote healthy mushroom growth.
It is important to note that cracked mushroom caps are not a sign of contamination or disease, and mushrooms with cracked caps are still safe to consume.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms crack due to low humidity or a lack of moisture. This can be caused by inadequate lighting, poor airflow, or high temperatures.
To fix cracking mushrooms, you can increase the humidity by using a humidifier or misting the walls of your tub with a spray bottle. Avoid spraying the mushrooms directly and do not let water pool on the mushroom cake.
Yes, cracked mushrooms are safe to consume. However, if the cracks are accompanied by colour changes (yellow, brown, grey, or black), spotting, or deformities, this can indicate contamination.
