The cultivation of mushrooms through inoculation with mycelium plugs is a fascinating technique that allows for mushroom production in various environments. This guide will walk you through the processes of inoculation on substrate, soil, and trees, providing all the necessary information to achieve optimal results.
Necessary materials
Before starting, make sure you have all these essential tools:
- Mycelium plugs of the desired mushroom species
- Sterile gloves
- 70% alcohol for disinfection
- Drill with wood bit (for tree inoculation)
- Environmental thermometer
- Spray bottle with distilled water
- Beeswax for sealing (for tree inoculation)
Inoculation on substrate
Substrate preparation
The substrate must be thoroughly sterilized before use. The most common substrates include:
- Hardwood sawdust
- Wheat straw
- Wood chips
Inoculation Procedure
1. Substrate sterilization: bring the substrate to 121°C for 60 minutes in an autoclave or sterilize using other appropriate methods.
2. Cooling: allow the substrate to cool to about 25°C.
3. Inoculation: in a sterile environment, evenly distribute the mycelium plugs in the substrate, maintaining a ratio of about 10% spawn to the total weight of the substrate.
Inoculation in soil
Soil preparation
The soil must have specific characteristics to support fungal growth:
- pH between 6.0 and 7.0
- Good drainage
- Rich in organic matter
Inoculation process
1. Area preparation: remove weeds and debris, work the soil to a depth of 15-20 cm.
2. Plug placement: create small holes 5-10 cm deep, spaced 20 cm apart.
3. Insertion and covering: place the plugs and cover with moist soil.
Inoculation on tree
Tree selection
Characteristics of the ideal tree:
- Healthy hardwood
- Minimum diameter of 15 cm
- At least 5 years old
Inoculation procedure
1. Drilling: with the drill, make holes 8-12 mm in diameter, 3-4 cm deep, spaced 20 cm apart.
2. Plug insertion: insert the plugs into the holes with a rubber mallet.
3. Sealing: cover each hole with beeswax to protect from moisture and contaminants.
Post-inoculation maintenance
Environmental conditions
Maintain the following conditions for optimal growth:
- Temperature: 18-25°C
- Relative humidity: 60-80%
- Indirect light
Monitoring
Regularly check:
- Moisture level of the substrate/soil
- Presence of contaminant molds
- Mycelium development (white filaments)
Common problems and solutions
Be aware of the following issues:
- Mold contamination: immediately isolate the contaminated area
- Poor growth: check temperature and humidity
- Drying out: increase watering or coverage
Success guaranteed if...
Success in mushroom cultivation requires patience and attention to detail. By following this guide and maintaining appropriate environmental conditions, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor within a few weeks or months, depending on the chosen mushroom species.
Safety Note
Important: always ensure to use edible and certified mushroom species. In case of doubt, consult expert mycologists before consumption.