IL Faqqiegħ Champignon (Agaricus bisporus (JE Lange) Imbach 1946), magħruf ukoll bħala faqqiegħare among the most cultivated in the world and are appreciated for their delicate flavor and soft texture. If you are interested in growing these mushrooms at home or on a small scale, in this article we will explain the basic steps to do it in a simple and effective way, using organic cultivation techniques.
So let’s see what materials and tools are needed to start cultivation, how to prepare the substrate, how to inoculate the mycelium, and how to manage the growth and harvesting phases.
What are the steps to take to grow champignons
Preparing the substrate: The substrate for button mushrooms can be straw, horse manure, sawdust or a mixture of these materials. It is important that the substrate is fresh and sterilized to avoid contamination. If you use horse manure, make sure it is well composted to reduce the presence of pathogens.
Inoculate the mycelium: the mycelium is the vegetative part of the mushroom and appears as a set of white filaments. To inoculate mycelium on substrates, you can use a grow kit or purchase mycelium from a specialist supplier. Mix the mycelium with the substrate and place it in a container at room temperature (between 18°C and 24°C).
Promote the growth of mushrooms: after a few days, the mycelium will begin to colonize the substrate, giving life to the primordia, or the fruiting bodies of the mushrooms. To encourage the growth of fungi, it is important to maintain a constant temperature and high humidity (between 70% and 75%). You can cover the substrate with a layer of peat moss or vermiculite to retain moisture.
Mushroom Picking: Button mushrooms are ready for picking when the cap opens fully, revealing the gills. You can harvest them with a sharp knife, cutting them at the base of the stem. Leave the smaller mushrooms on the surface to continue growing.
Repeat the cycle: after the first harvest, the substrate can be used for a second or third mushroom growth. However, it is important to sterilize the substrate between growths to avoid contamination.
By following these simple steps, you will be able to grow field mushrooms in an organic, tasty and healthy way!
How to prepare the substrate for growing champignons
The choice of the substrate is a fundamental step for the cultivation of champignon mushrooms. There are different types of substrates that can be used, depending on availability and preferences. In general, the substrate for champignons should be fresh, clean, and sterilized to prevent the growth of other organisms and ensure healthy, productive cultivation. The main types of substrates for growing these mushrooms are generally four: straw substrate, horse manure substrate, sawdust substrate and mixed substrate.
The straw substrate
Straw substrate is one of the most common substrates for growing field mushrooms. The straw is cut into small pieces and wetted to make it soft. Afterwards, it is sterilized in an autoclave or in an oven at a high temperature to kill any pathogens. After sterilization, it is mixed with the mycelium of button mushrooms and placed in a container.
The horse manure substrate
il horse manure substrate it is another widely used substrate for the cultivation of champignon mushrooms. Horse manure must be well composted to avoid the presence of pathogens and ensure healthy growth of fungi. The manure is mixed with straw or sawdust and subsequently sterilised. After sterilization, the substrate is inoculated with the mycelium of the Agaricus bisporus and placed in a container.
The substrate of sawdust
The sawdust substrate is a cheap and easy to find substrate. Sawdust is mixed with limestone and manure for balance the pH and provide the nutrients needed for mushroom growth. After sterilization, the substrate is inoculated with champignon mycelium and placed in a container.
The mixed substrate
Mixed substrate is a combination of different types of substrates, such as straw, horse manure and sawdust. This type of substrate is used to exploit the advantages of each individual material and ensure optimal growth of field mushrooms. The mixed substrate is sterilized and inoculated with mushroom mycelium, and placed in a container.
What is a mycelium and how is it inoculated into the substrate?
The mycelium is the part of the mushroom composed of a network of filaments that extends into the substrate to absorb the nutrients necessary for the growth of the mushroom. The mycelium inoculum is a crucial step in the cultivation of mushrooms, as it represents the starting point for the growth of the mushroom itself. The inoculum of the mycelium is usually carried out using previously sterilized cultivation substrate, in which pieces of already cultivated mycelium or mushroom spores are inserted. In this way the mycelium develops in the substrate and gives rise to the growth of the mushrooms. There are several techniques for inoculating the mycelium into the substrate, including dispersing the spores directly onto the substrate or using pre-existing mycelium colonies.
The dispersal of spores of the button mushroom
The dispersal of fungus spores is the simplest and cheapest technique for inoculating the substrate. It involves spraying the fungus spores on the surface of the substrate and then covering them with a layer of potting soil. However, this technique takes time for spore germination and mycelium to grow.
The use of pre-existing colonies
Using pre-existing mycelium colonies is a faster and more effective method of inoculating substrate. This technique involves the use of a mycelium already grown on a sterile growing medium, which is then transferred to the new growing medium. You can use mycelium colonized on flour or sawdust, or use previously inoculated mycelium plugs.
Tekniki oħra
Another technique for inoculating mycelium into the substrate is the use of semi-solids or liquids containing mycelium. In this case, a solution containing mycelium is prepared and added to the growing medium, which is then mixed and placed in containers.
How to sterilize the substrate for the inoculation of the mycelium of button mushrooms?
The sterilization of the substrate is a fundamental step for the cultivation of button mushrooms, as it allows the elimination of any pathogens or bacteria present in the substrate which could compromise the growth of the mycelium and of the mushrooms. There are several sterilization techniques, but the most common involves the use of an autoclave.
To sterilize the substrate, first you need to prepare the chosen substrate, whether it is horse manure, sawdust or straw, and humidify it. Subsequently, the moist substrate is placed in perforated plastic bags or glass jars, in quantities which vary according to the size of the sterilization container.
The next step involves placing the bags or jars in an autoclave, where they are subjected to a temperature of at least 121°C for at least 60 minutes. The autoclave must be suitable for the quantity of substrate to be sterilized and for occupational safety regulations.
After sterilization, it is important to keep the substrate in hygienic conditions, using gloves and masks to avoid contamination. The sterilized substrate can then be inoculated with the mycelium for the growth of field mushrooms.
Other sterilization techniques also exist, such as pasteurization, which involves using temperatures lower than those of an autoclave for a longer period of time, or the use of UV light or sterilizing chemicals. However, the autoclave remains the most used and recommended technique for sterilizing the substrate in the cultivation of button mushrooms.
How to cure the growth of the button mushroom, after the mycelium has started to colonize the substrate?
After the inoculation of the mycelium, the cultivation of field mushrooms requires a series of precautions to ensure correct growth of the mushrooms. Here are some useful tips:
Temperature: the ideal temperature for the growth of champignon mushrooms is between 18 and 24°C. It is important to keep the temperature constant, avoiding sudden changes in temperature and protecting the substrate from direct sunlight.
Humidity: The humidity of the substrate must be constantly monitored and maintained between 70 and 75%. You can use a spray to moisten the substrate evenly and regularly.
Air: These mushrooms need good air circulation to prevent mold growth and to ensure uniform growth of the mushrooms. It is advisable to place the bags or jars in a ventilated area.
Lighting: Champignons need light for photosynthesis, but must be protected from direct sunlight. It is advisable to place the bags or jars in an area with diffused light and to avoid direct exposure to the sun.
Harvesting: the mushrooms must be harvested when the cap is still closed and before it opens completely. It is important to remove them gently to avoid damaging the mycelium and substrate.
Furthermore, it is important to maintain constant hygiene during cultivation, using gloves and masks to avoid contamination. Any signs of mold or contamination should be removed immediately. With these precautions, it will be possible to obtain a good production of high quality organic champignon mushrooms.
When cultivated champignon mushrooms are to be harvested, how do I understand that they are ripe?
Champignon mushrooms must be harvested when the cap is still closed and before it opens completely. This is when the mushroom is still young and contains the most nutrients. Also, picking the mushrooms when the cap is still closed prevents the edges from flaking or the mushroom flesh becoming too soft.
To understand if they are ripe, you can look at the cap of the mushroom. When the mushroom is still young, the cap has a rounded shape and the edge rests on the surface of the substrate. Over time, the cap begins to expand and separate from the edge of the mushroom, taking on a cupped shape. This is when the mushroom is ripe and ready to be harvested.
In any case, it is important not to wait too long to pick them, otherwise the flesh of the mushroom becomes too soft and the flavor can become less intense. Once harvested, the mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
How many times can the champignon growing cycle be repeated?
The cultivation cycle of field mushrooms can be repeated several times, depending on the cultivation conditions and the substrate used. Typically, the substrate is used for two or three cultivation cycles, after which it is necessary to replace it with a new one.
The number of cultivation cycles also depends on the cultivation technique used and the sterilization conditions of the substrate. If the substrate is sterilized properly and the cultivation is managed correctly, it is possible to obtain a greater number of cultivation cycles.
However, it is important to note that with each cultivation cycle, the yield of button mushrooms can decrease. This is because the substrate is gradually consumed and the nutrient resources available for the growth of the mushrooms are reduced. Furthermore, with each cultivation cycle, the risk of contamination of the substrate by unwanted bacteria or fungi increases, which can compromise the quality of the cultivation.
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