How to Grow Mushrooms

How to Grow Mushrooms

Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been known since ancient times as a flavorful food source. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese used to collect them from nature, as they were only available during specific seasons of the year and in areas near rivers and streams with relatively high humidity. Mushrooms were referred to by some cultures as the “food of the spirit,” with historical accounts suggesting that Hippocrates was the first to mention their health benefits in 400 BCE. The Chinese are considered the first to cultivate mushrooms using traditional methods, followed by Europeans, who used the cultivated mushroom Agaricus bisporus to treat abscesses.

Today, there are over 2,000 edible mushroom species, with approximately 25 types being commercially cultivated worldwide. The United States, the Netherlands, France, China, the United Kingdom, Chile, Mexico, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia are among the leading countries in mushroom production. The global mushroom production reaches approximately 4 million tons annually. Mushrooms play an important role in various industries, including:

• Pharmaceuticals: Used to produce medicines and antibiotics.
• Food: Used in the production of citric acid and certain types of cheese.
• Forestry and pest control: Used in biological pesticides.

Methods of Mushroom Cultivation

There are several systems for cultivating mushrooms, including:

1. Cultivation in nylon bags hung on wires:
   • These are breathable bags used for mushroom production and are suspended on wires.
   • This method is preferred when the cultivation area is limited, as it preserves the nutrient mixture.
   • However, it limits the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the bag and its surroundings.
2. Cultivation in polyethylene bags:
   • These bags are made from polyethylene and are simple, cost-effective, and allow for easy disease management when issues arise.
3. Cultivation in crates:
   • Vegetable crates can be used for this method, yielding about 2–4 kg per crate per season.
   • This method is inexpensive and does not require much space.
4. Cultivation in ready-made nutrient blocks:
   • These blocks are typically 60×40×20 cm in size.
   • The mushroom mycelium is grown in a nutrient block wrapped in polyethylene.
   • The farmer removes the cover and places the block in a suitable environment for mushroom growth.
   • The harvest is ready in about two weeks.
5. Cultivation in wooden boxes and shelves:
   • Wooden boxes measuring 100–200×20×25 cm are used.
   • These are placed on shelves stacked above one another, with 60–80 cm between each shelf.

Requirements for Mushroom Cultivation

For successful mushroom cultivation, the following requirements and conditions must be met:

1. Preparation of a nutrient mixture:
   • Ensure the mixture is well-prepared before planting.
2. Selecting the mushroom variety:
   • Choose high-quality types such as Pleurotus sp. or Agaricus sp., which are in high demand for cultivation.
3. Sterilizing the cultivation medium:
   • This prevents pest problems. Mushrooms grow better in low-acidity soil, so the soil’s pH level should be monitored regularly to prevent the growth of harmful fungi.
4. Providing clean water for irrigation:
   • Irrigation should be done using fine-sprayed sprinklers, and mushrooms should be watered after every harvest.
5. Supplying fertilizer and other materials:
   • Such as straw, sawdust, and agricultural residues.
6. Maintaining suitable environmental conditions:
   • Temperature requirements vary by mushroom type and growth stage:
     • Low temperatures delay the formation of fruiting bodies and prolong mycelium growth.
     • High temperatures lead to elongated stems and spots on the mushroom caps, which can deform the product.
   • Mushrooms require high humidity levels between 60%–90% and proper ventilation from the second week of planting.
7. Shading the cultivation area:
   • Use dark plastic covers for boxes or shaded rooms.
   • During the initial stages, direct light should be avoided, as it stimulates spore growth before the fruiting stage.
   • During fruiting, mushrooms require dim light from neon or fluorescent lamps.

Controlling Diseases and Pests

Diseases and pests that affect mushrooms are caused by animals, bacteria, or fungi. Methods for addressing these issues include:

1. Using poison and traps for mice:
   • Mice damage the nutrient bags by creating holes to eat the wheat seeds growing inside.
   • Steel poles with containers at the top and gypsum can also be used.
2. Using yellow sticky traps for flies:
   • Flies lay eggs on mushroom surfaces. Nets can also be placed on windows to prevent insects from entering.
3. Removing snails manually:
   • Snails eat parts of the mushrooms.
4. Controlling fungi:
   • Trichoderma fungi consume nutrients from the substrate, ruining the crop. Pesticides are ineffective; cleanliness and precautions are essential.
   • Another harmful fungus is Verticillium, which competes for nutrients. Its appearance indicates low incubation temperatures, so raising the temperature is necessary. Bags with green spots should be discarded.
5. Improving ventilation to combat bacteria:
   • Pseudomonas tolaasii bacteria attack mushrooms during production. Improved ventilation lowers humidity and prevents damage to the mushrooms. Damaged mushrooms should be removed immediately.

Most Common Mushroom Types

There are over 2,000 mushroom species used in food production, with the following being the most significant:

1. Cultivated mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus):
   • Representing 32% of global mushroom production, they require specialized facilities with precise temperature, humidity, and ventilation controls.
2. Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes):
   • Making up 25% of global production, they are mainly grown in China and require advanced cultivation techniques and a relatively long fermentation period.
3. Chinese mushrooms or straw mushrooms (Volvariella volvacea):
   • Representing about 3% of global production, these require a semi-tropical environment and multiple stages of fermentation. They are low-cost to cultivate.
4. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus sp.):
   • Accounting for 14% of global production, they can be cultivated indoors and are suitable for small-scale farmers with limited resources and experience.