Temperature is another critic factor to consider in mushroom cultivation, as the grower must manage the temperature careful to allow the mushrooms to grow correct. If the temperature in the incubator is too low, the mycelium will take longer to grow. However, if the temperature is too high, the mycelium may not grow at all or may become covered in contaminant instead of the desired mycelium growth.
Different mushroom species requires different temperatures to grow, so it is essential to ensure the temperature is set to the correct setting for the specific mushroom being cultivated. There are two phase to mushroom cultivation: the colonization phase and the fruiting phase. During the colonization phase, the mycelium grows into the substrate where the mushrooms grows.
Keeping the Right Temperature for Mushrooms
The mycelium grows best at a warm temperature. Temperatures that are too high may stress the mycelium or encourage bacteria growth. Once the mycelium has fully colonized the substrate, the mushroom will enter the fruiting phase.
To initiate the fruiting phase, the grower should often drop the temperature to indicate to the mushroom that the fruiting phase has commenced. For example, many mushroom species will require cooler temperatures to encourage the growth of the pins that will eventualy grow into mushroom caps. Oyster mushrooms will fruit in warmer temperatures then enoki mushrooms, which require cooler temperatures for fruiting.
Every mushroom species prefers a specific temperature range to grow good. That is why a temperature chart will be necessary to determine the perfect temperature for each species of mushroom being cultivated. The type of substrate used for mushroom cultivation also indicates the temperature at which the mushrooms should grow.
For example, oyster mushrooms grow well in straw substrates at a warm temperature. The substrate for lion’s mane mushrooms is hardwood sawdust, which grows best at a mid range temperature. If the temperature isnt correct for the indicated substrate and mushroom species, the mushroom yield will be low.
In addition to the temperature that the grower will maintain during the cultivation process, the humidity in the area must also be controlled. Mushrooms require a high level of humidity in there environment, ideally between 85% and 95% humidity. If it is too low, the pins will abort.
If the humidity is too high without allowing for enough fresh air to the mushrooms, the mushrooms may develop long and skinny stems. A balance of the right temperature, humidity, and fresh air is required to grow mushrooms with thick stems and large caps. There are many different way to grow mushrooms that allow for the control of the humidity and the temperature within the growing area.
One such method is the monotub. This method allow for the control of the environment in which the mushrooms grow. This method is ideal for beginner because a monotub can stand minor change in temperature.
Another method is to use logs, which use the natural temperatures outside to facilitate the growth of the mycelium. This method is used for shiitake mushrooms. Finally, the most advanced growing methods are using advanced chambers to control the temperature in which the mushrooms grow.
These growing methods is used for mushroom species that are very sensitive to temperature changes. If issues are encountered in the cultivation process, there may be an issue with the temperature and humidity of the growing area. If there are no pins, the temperature during the colonization phase may have been too high for the mycelium, or there may not have been enough airflow to the incubation area.
If there is green mold growing on the substrate, the temperature in the colonization phase may have been too high, or the environment may not have been sterile before the grower placed the mycelium into the substrate. If there are aborts of the pins, there may not be enough humidity in the area. If the mushrooms have long skinny stems, there may not be enough fresh air to the mushrooms.
To monitor the temperature of the growing area, min-max thermometers should be used. It isnt ideal to only use a thermometer to monitor the average temperature in the area, as rapid changes to the temperature may have halted the growth of the mycelium altogether. By monitoring the areas temperature, it is possible to ensure that the mycelium is maintained within the appropriate temperature range for growth during the colonization and fruiting phase of mushroom cultivation.
You should of checked the temperature more frequent.