In the process of straw mushroom cultivation, it's common to observe that young mushrooms wilt and die, leading to significant losses in production. There are several factors contributing to this issue, which should be carefully managed to ensure healthy growth.
First, the substrate used for growing Pleurotus eryngii prefers an alkaline environment. If the pH drops below 6, the mushrooms may struggle to grow properly. An acidic environment, on the other hand, encourages the growth of harmful molds such as green or yellow mold, which compete with the mushrooms for nutrients, eventually causing their death. To prevent this, the pH of the substrate should be adjusted to around 8 during preparation. After the first flush of mushrooms, you can spray a 1% lime solution or 5% wood ash water to maintain the proper pH level.
Second, temperature fluctuations can be extremely harmful to young mushrooms. They are very sensitive to changes in temperature. If the substrate is too cold—below 28°C—it can hinder mushroom development or even cause death. Sudden drops in temperature due to cold fronts or typhoons can also be fatal, especially to larger mushrooms. Maintaining a stable and suitable temperature is essential throughout the growing cycle.
Third, improper watering practices can also lead to mushroom loss. The water used for spraying should ideally match the ambient temperature. For example, using cold well water (around 20°C) during hot summer days can shock the young mushrooms and cause widespread death. It’s best to spray in the early morning or late evening, using water that is approximately 30°C. Additionally, the watering technique should vary depending on the growth stage. During the early stages, when the fruiting bodies are small, excessive moisture can be damaging. At these times, it's better to avoid spraying directly on the substrate and instead mist the aisles or water the floor to increase humidity without over-saturating the material.
Lastly, physical damage during harvesting can harm the mycelium and affect nutrient supply. If the mycelium is sparse, any rough handling can break it, leading to poor growth or death of nearby mushrooms. When picking, handle the mushrooms gently, supporting the base with one hand while twisting and removing the mature ones with the other. In cases where mushrooms are clustered closely together, it’s advisable to remove them all at once to avoid damaging the smaller, immature ones.
By paying attention to these key factors—pH balance, temperature control, proper watering, and careful harvesting—you can significantly reduce mushroom loss and improve overall yield in straw mushroom production.
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