For the first time we learn what mycelium is in biology class, but many do not fully understand why it is necessary to grow it and what is its use. In this article we will look at how to grow the mycelium of mushrooms, the details of the cultivation of mycelium, and first of all we will understand what it is for.
What is mycelium and why grow it
Often mycelium is also called a mycelium, let's break what it is. Mycelium is a vegetative body of mushrooms. Mycelium in its structure may differ by the presence or absence of septa between the cells, therefore the mycelium consists of thin, branched filaments, which are called hyphae, as well as of the nuclei and septa (depending on the type of mycelium: cenotic or septate).
Did you know? Mycelium of mushrooms grown at home, you can not only eat but also drink, such as Kombucha.
Thanks to the achievements of modern science, the cultivation of mycelium at home will help to get the harvest of mushrooms without much difficulty. These mushrooms have not only high taste, but also are good helpers of nature, as they contribute to the speedy decomposition of dead trees. Besides, from the usual mycelium, one can start the production of such cultivated species of mushrooms, like champignons, mushrooms, or oyster mushrooms, or, by planting myceliums in open ground, with the time to harvest white mushrooms. Types of mycelium
Before you make a mycelium, you need to know exactly which type of mushroom mycelium is best used for cultivation. We have already figured out that the mycelium of the fungus can differentiate according to the type of internal structure, and with the fact that these two groups are called coenotic mycelium and septic mycelium.
There is another classification, which is based on the type of nutrient base for the mycelium, here you can select grain mycelium, substrate mycelium and liquid mycelium. Each of these types can be made at home. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, the substrate mushroom mycelium grows slowly at home, but it can be stored more qualitatively. As for grain mycelium, this species may not settle down on wood, and its storage period is not long; liquid mycelium is used extremely rarely because of the increased demands of this species for sterility and conditions.
Important! Grain mycelium prefers grain sterilization, however, if the procedure is unsuccessful, a mold will appear that will negatively affect the yield of mushrooms.
How to organize a place for growing mycelium
Mycelium of fungi is quite possible to get at my site, but before growing it at home it is necessary to create some conditions for the growth of fungi. The first thing to take care of is the place to grow the mushroom mycelium. Humidity is an important condition here, because any mushrooms most qualitatively grow in wet places, therefore, in order for the mushrooms to be pleased with the harvest, the humidity must be at a high level. The second factor that must be taken into account when choosing a place to grow mycelium is temperature, it is important to follow all the rules here, not allowing the plants to overheat.
Did you know? If the room temperature rises above 30 °C, mycelium will die, and at a temperature below room temperature, growth may slow.It is better to choose a place for mycelium not only where the room temperature is kept, but also so that sudden changes in temperature do not happen, it will negatively affect the mycelium. Also, if you are thinking about how to get mycelium in enclosed spaces, you need to take care that the place is well lit and with good ventilation.
Grain mycelium growing technology
Growing mycelium from home grain is a technology that is very popular among mushroom pickers. Cereal mycelium of mushrooms is most often produced in specially equipped laboratories, but the manufacturing technology does not require any special material costs and effort. Consider how to do it at home. There is no single scheme for preparing mycelium at home; everyone simply uses the technology that is best suited.
The simplest technique is as follows:
- pour grain into a large saucepan or aluminum basin and fill it with water so that the grains are covered 2-3 cm;
put on the stove and boil for 30 minutes;- remove, filter and dry on a flat flat surface;
- we fall asleep grain in banks on 2/4;
- sterilize the jars in a large saucepan;
- banks should cool, then in each lay mycelium in small quantities.
put on the stove and boil for 30 minutes;Important! Before planting the mycelium in a nutrient medium, it must be disinfected, and all manipulations are best carried out under the light of a quartz lamp to prevent the infection of the mycelium by microbes.
How to grow mycelium from mushroom legs on cardboard
There are many different ways to grow mycelium, one of which is growing mycelium on cardboard. Cardboard is an inexpensive and readily available material. In addition, the cardboard is made of wood, and the mycelium survives better on it, and corrugated cardboard will allow future mushrooms to breathe, which will contribute to the development of mycelium.
The technology of growing mycelium from mushroom legs on corrugated cardboard is simple:
- cut into pieces of cardboard without labels must be soaked in warm water for an hour, although, if it lies in the water longer, it will not be worse;
prepare seed;- the fungus must be divided into fibers using a sharp knife or blade;
- in the tank in which you are going to plant mycelium, you need to make holes for the flow of excess moisture;
- From the cardboard you need to carefully remove the top layer;
- put mushrooms on a cardboard and cover with a layer removed earlier;
- put the cardboard with the material into the container, crushing them;
- the container must be covered with polyethylene;
- at the first sign of drying of the cardboard - moisten with a spray bottle;
- package shoot every day for airing material.
prepare seed;As you can see, growing mushrooms at home is an affordable occupation. Mycelium will help you to harvest crops of mushrooms at home without problems, the main thing is desire and patience.
