Lecture Notes on Maitake Mushroom Cultivation

Introduction

• Speaker: TR from Earth Angel Mushrooms
• Focus: Maitake mushroom cultivation
• Personal experience: Growing approximately 700-750 pounds of mushrooms per week

Overview of Maitake

• Maitake mushrooms are complex and challenging to grow compared to shiitake and oyster mushrooms.
• Sharing knowledge about growing maitake is beneficial; collaboration with other growers can enhance learning.

Strain Information

• Strain being cultivated: M4 (also known as 9827)
• Origin of culture: Acquired from Corey Nelson at High Five Mycology.
• Currently buying G1 spawn from Cap and Stem, while still making own spawn.

Spawn Composition

• Mix consists of:
  • 65% sawdust
  • 35% soybean hulls
• Spawn also includes millet and wheat.
• Moisture content target: 57.5% (may seem dry, but varies based on sawdust type).

Cultivation Process

Block Progression

• Blocks are observed through various stages:
  1. Fully colonized (white appearance)
  2. Developing dark rings (spider eyes) indicating fruiting phase.
  3. Fruiting begins with visible knobs transitioning into fingers.

Incubation

• Incubation temperature: around 68°F.
• Duration: Approximately 6-8 weeks depending on the block.
  • Key indicators for fruiting readiness include:
    • Appearance of spider eyes
    • Transition from knobs to fingers.

Challenges in Fruiting

• Timing for fruiting is crucial; blocks can be early or late.
• If blocks are brought to fruiting stage too early or too late, they may abort or grow incorrectly.
• Importance of monitoring the growth closely to identify optimal timing for fruiting.

Cutting Open the Bags

• Initial method: Cutting the top completely off the bag, but this led to lower yields due to airflow.
• New method: Cutting the bag high and making slits down the sides for better airflow and moisture retention.

Environmental Control in Grow Room

• Humidity kept in the 90s, but avoiding water on mushrooms.
• CO2 levels maintained below 1000 ppm.
• Optimal temperature range: Mid-60s to upper-60s Fahrenheit.
• Importance of cleanliness in the grow room; maitake is sensitive to contamination.

Lighting Considerations

• Maitake mushrooms require more light compared to other varieties.
• Use of flood lights to enhance growth, although the exact light requirement is still being studied.

Summary

• Key points to remember:
  • Maitake fruiting requires close attention to timing and conditions.
  • Monitor for finger development as a cue to initiate fruiting phase.
  • Maintain clean growing environments and appropriate humidity/temperature levels.
  • Utilize G1 spawn for efficiency while continuing to develop personal spawn techniques.

Conclusion

• Continual learning and sharing of information within the mushroom growing community is essential for success.
• Encouragement to keep growing mushrooms and stay motivated.