MUSHROOM TECHNIQUES

1. MUSHROOM
TECHNOLOGY
DAY - 01

2. MODULE-I
 Mushroom technology encompasses the scientific methods and practices involved in the cultivation, processing,
and utilization of mushrooms. It includes the application of mycology principles, advanced cultivation
techniques, and innovative technologies to optimize mushroom production for various purposes, such as food,
medicine, cosmetics and environmental solutions.
 Mushroom cultivation is the deliberate and controlled process of growing mushrooms, typically for consumption
or medicinal purposes. It involves creating suitable conditions for fungal growth, often utilizing substrates like
compost or wood chips. This agricultural practice requires attention to environmental factors, such as humidity
and temperature, to facilitate successful mushroom development. Cultivation methods vary, including traditional
practices and modern techniques, contributing to the diverse array of edible and medicinal mushrooms available
worldwide.
IINTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

3. FUNGAL BIOLOGY
 Fungal biology studies organisms belonging to the kingdom Fungi. Fungi
are eukaryotic, non-photosynthetic organisms that play crucial roles in
ecosystems. They consist of structures like mycelium and reproduce
through spores. Fungi can be decomposers, forming mutualistic
partnerships, or causing diseases. Understanding their life cycle, growth
patterns, and interactions with the environment is essential in fungal
biology.
 Fungal biology forms the foundation for mushroom cultivation. It
involves understanding the life cycle, growth requirements, and
ecological roles of fungi. In mushroom cultivation, this knowledge is
applied to cultivate specific mushroom species. The process typically
involves creating a suitable substrate, providing optimal environmental
conditions (such as temperature and humidity), and managing factors
like contamination. Fungal biology guides the entire cultivation process,
ensuring successful growth and harvest of mushrooms for various
purposes.
BASIDIOMYCOTA- Mushrooms,
puffballs, bird's nest fungi,
rusts and smuts belong to
this division.

4. VARETIES OF MUSHROOMS
• There are nearly 2000+ varieties of mushrooms all over world, but not every single is edible. And the basic
classification of mushrooms are,
• 1. *Agarics (Agaricales):*Includes many edible mushrooms like button mushrooms and shiitake.
• 2. *Boletes (Boletales): Characterized by mushrooms with pores instead of gills, such as porcini
mushrooms.
• 3. *Chanterelles (Cantharellales): Notable for their distinctive funnel-shaped caps, like chanterelle
mushrooms.
• 4. *Morels (Pezizales): Recognized for their honeycomb appearance, morels are highly prized.
• 5. *Gilled Mushrooms (Gasteromycetes): Encompasses mushrooms with spore-producing structures on
gills, like oyster mushrooms.
• 6. *Cup Fungi (Pezizomycetes): Cup-shaped mushrooms, including various types of cup fungi.
• 7. *Polypores (Polyporales): Have pores on the undersurface, and many are involved in wood decay, like
the turkey tail mushroom.

5. MUSHROOM CULTIVATION IN SOUTHERN INDIA
• Agaricus bisporus
• Pleurotus ostreatus
• Calocybe indica
• Oyster-Hypsizygus ulmarius
• Agaricus augustus
• Agaricus bitorquis
• Volvariella speciosa
• Pleurotus eous
• Volvariella volvacea
• Tricholoma magnivelare, these are basic mushrooms
grown in southern India.

6.  SELECTING A MUSHROOM SPECIES
 PREPARING SUBSTRATE
 INOCULATION
 INCUBATION
 COLONIZATION
 FRUITING CONDITION
 PIN FORMATION
 MUSHROOM DEVELOPMENT
 HARVESTING
 POST-HARVEST HANDLING
 CLEANING AND REUSING
 DOCUMENTATION
GENERAL PROCEDURE

7. KEY CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES
• Sterilization of substrates to eliminate contaminants,
• Maintaining proper humidity and temperature conditions,
• Inoculating with mushroom spores or mycelium,
• Providing adequate ventilation.
• Casing layers,
• Spawn preparation,
• Proper harvesting methods contribute to successful mushroom
cultivation.

8. MODULE-II
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION AND SPAWN RUN
• Brown rice flour
• Vermiculite
• Wheat bran
• Straw
• Wood chips
• Sawdust, depending on the mushroom species.
• Each substrate provides specific nutrients and conditions for optimal mushroom growth.
TYPES OF SUBSTRATE

9. Ingredients: Gather materials like vermiculite, brown
rice flour, and organic grains (e.g., brown rice, wild
bird seed).
Mixing: Combine the ingredients in the right
proportions. A common ratio is 2 parts vermiculite, 1
part brown rice flour, and 1 part organic grains.
Moisture Content: Achieve the correct moisture
level. The substrate should hold together when
squeezed but not release excess water.
Sterilization: Place the substrate mixture in
containers and sterilize them to kill any
contaminants. Methods include pressure cooking or
autoclaving.
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION

10. INOCULATION AND
SPAWN RUN
• In mushroom cultivation, inoculation refers to introducing mushroom spores or mycelium to a
substrate, such as a sterilized grain or agar medium. The spawn run follows, during which the
mycelium colonizes the substrate, forming a network of threads. This prepares the substrate for later
stages like fruiting.
• Spawn in mushroom cultivation is a substrate that has been colonized by mushroom mycelium. It
serves as the "seed" for growing mushrooms. The mycelium, once established in the spawn, is then
used to inoculate a bulk substrate where it further grows, eventually forming the fruiting bodies
(mushrooms). Spawn provides a controlled and ready source of mycelium to initiate the cultivation
process efficiently.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC.

11. INOCULATION
TECHNIQUES
• Spore Syringe Inoculation: Injecting spore solution into the substrate using a syringe.
This method is suitable for sterile procedures.
• Liquid Culture Inoculation: Inoculating with a liquid mycelium culture instead of
spores. This helps ensure a faster and more controlled colonization.
• Agar Inoculation: Transferring a small piece of mushroom mycelium from an agar
plate to the substrate. Agar provides a controlled environment for mycelial growth.
• Grain-to-Grain Transfer: Inoculating new grain substrate with colonized grains from a
pre-existing culture. This method is efficient for scaling up mushroom cultivation.
• Inoculation via Wild Bird Seed (WBS): Using sterilized wild bird seed inoculated with
spores or mycelium. This can be a cost-effective approach.Each technique has its
advantages and is chosen based on factors like scale, resources, and desired level of
control over the cultivation process.