Mushroom cultivation is a complex process that is divided into different phases.
Fortunately, modern technologies make this process easier, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
The Mushroom Test Chamber is one of these technologies.
But how does mushroom cultivation work, how many phases is it divided into and how does the Mushroom Test Chamber help us?
In the following article we will answer all these questions.
Mushroom Cultivation: The Colonization Phase
Colonization is the initial phase of mushroom cultivation, during which the mycelium colonizes the substrate. To ensure effective colonization, it is essential to maintain certain environmental conditions:
- Humidity: Fungi develop in humidity conditions between 90% and 100%. This level of humidity helps keep the substrate hydrated, encouraging the growth of the mycelium.
- Free Water: A high presence of free water in the substrate is required to support fungal growth.
- Temperature: The optimal temperature varies depending on the species, but is generally found between 20°C and 30°C. This range promotes the enzymatic activity and metabolism of the mycelium.
- Nutrients: Mushrooms require a variety of nutrients, including mineral salts, sugars, proteins, vitamins and fatty acids.
During this phase, it is crucial to avoid direct light and maintain stable conditions to allow the mycelium to develop evenly. Cleaning and sterilization of the substrate and cultivation environment are equally essential to prevent any contamination.
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Mushroom Cultivation: The Fruiting Phase
Fruiting is the phase in which the mycelium produces the fruiting bodies, i.e. the mushrooms themselves. The optimal conditions for fruiting vary depending on the type of mushroom, but generally are:
Temperature: Most mushrooms fruit well between 12°C and 24°C.
Humidity: High relative humidity, often between 75% and 95%, is crucial for fruiting.
Lighting: Although mushrooms do not require light for mycelial growth, some types require a certain amount of light to trigger fruiting. Indirect light or fluorescent light with a 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle is often ideal.
Ventilation: Good air circulation is important to provide fresh oxygen and prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide, which can inhibit fruiting.
How the Mushroom Test Chamber is made
The Mushroom Test Chamber is a laboratory instrument capable of replicating and maintaining ideal conditions for both phases of cultivation. The main characteristics of a good fruiting chamber include:
Temperature Range: It must cover a range from 0°C to 70°C to adapt to the different needs of the fungal species.
Humidity Range: Must allow you to adjust the humidity between 10% and 98%.
LED lighting: Must be equipped with vertical dimmable LED lights, with the possibility of reducing the light intensity to below 50% of the standard.
Ventilation: It is essential to prevent the accumulation of carbon dioxide. A CO2 probe can be used to monitor carbon dioxide levels and activate an exhaust fan to bring in fresh air.
HEPA filters: They must be installed at the inlet and outlet to prevent contamination from external agents and to filter fungal spores.
UV Sterilization: Can be used to sterilize the water and air in the chamber, ensuring a contamination-free environment.
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The FDM Mushroom Test Chamber
FDM has been a leading company in the climate simulation sector for over 70 years.
Our growth chambers are suitable for the cultivation of numerous organisms and microorganisms including fungi.
The FDM growth chambers have all the basic characteristics for the cultivation of plant species and can be configured, upon customer request, for the specific cultivation of mushrooms with all the features listed above.
Do not hesitate to contact us to find out more.
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