Mushroom cultivation requires a comprehensive approach to prevention and control, ensuring high-quality yields while minimizing contamination risks. The first step involves carefully selecting and managing bacterial strains. After identifying the suitable mushroom varieties, it's essential to confirm that the selected bacterial species are free from contamination. High-quality strains can be identified through visual inspection—look for thick mycelium with a pleasant aroma. If possible, further testing such as culture analysis and checking hyphal viability should be conducted to ensure quality.
Next, the bagging process must be strictly controlled. Use polypropylene bags with uniform thickness, no imperfections, and good elasticity. The substrate moisture content should be maintained at a 1:1.1 to 1:1.2 water-to-substrate ratio. The material should be packed firmly but not too tightly, and both ends of the bag must be sealed properly using flame. During hot seasons, a 1:800 dilution of carbendazim solution can be added to the bags to prevent bacterial growth.
Sterilization is another critical step. Under atmospheric pressure, maintain a temperature of 100°C for at least 8 hours. Ensure even heat distribution by leaving space between the bags in the sterilizer. Avoid sudden cooling caused by adding water or adjusting the fire. The entire process—from preparation to sterilization—should be completed within 8 hours. Also, the time from starting the sterilization to reaching 100°C should not exceed 5 hours to prevent substrate degradation.
Maintaining a clean environment is vital for reducing spore density and contamination. Regular cleaning of areas like the inoculation room, sterilization chamber, and cultivation spaces is necessary. After heavy rain, perform a thorough cleaning. Daily disinfection with solutions like 0.2% soapy water, 3–4% mineral carbonic acid, 5% formaldehyde, 1:500 diluted carbendazim, or 5–20% lime water helps keep the air and surfaces sanitized. Waste materials should be burned or soaked to prevent pollution.
Aseptic techniques during inoculation are crucial. The inoculation room must be disinfected before use. Strains should be handled carefully, with tools sterilized by flame. Keep the room clean, avoid unnecessary movement, and dispose of waste promptly to maintain sterility.
Timing the inoculation season is important. It should align with the optimal temperature range for mycelium growth and fruiting body development. Inappropriate timing can lead to higher contamination rates and poor mycelial growth. Ideally, inoculate when the daily average temperature is around 25°C. During summer, consider inoculating during cooler nighttime hours.
Environmental factors significantly influence bacterial growth. Proper ventilation, temperature, and humidity control create conditions favorable for mushrooms and less favorable for contaminants. Maintaining ideal conditions strengthens the mycelium’s resistance and reduces the risk of infection.
If mold appears on the surface of the blocks or bags but hasn’t penetrated the material, it can be treated with lime water (pH 8–10) to alter the pH and inhibit growth. Severe cases may require removing the mold and replacing the affected area with new spawn. For heavily infected blocks, they can be cleaned, dried, and treated with 0.5% peracetic acid for effective control.
Regular inspections are essential, especially in warmer seasons. Bags should not be overcrowded to prevent overheating and damage. After 5–6 days of germination, inspect each bag individually and remove any contaminated ones. Lightly contaminated bags can be treated with formaldehyde, lithocarbonic acid, or alcohol. Heavily contaminated bags with Penicillium or Trichoderma should be re-inoculated, while those with Mycobacterium acremonium should be buried. Disposing of waste properly prevents reinfection.
Pests such as crickets and nematodes are common in bag cultivation. Cockroaches mainly affect the early stages, while nematodes become more prevalent later. Using safe pesticides like 1:1200–1500 diluted insecticides or 1:500 marathon emulsion can effectively control nematodes. Keeping the growing area clean and free of debris helps reduce pest infestations.
By implementing these measures, mushroom growers can significantly improve the success rate of their cultivation and ensure a healthy, high-yield harvest.
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