Inoculation Methods for Shiitake Mushroom Logging

Inoculation is a crucial step in the success or failure of shiitake mushroom cultivation. Generally, 1 kg of spawn can inoculate 40 spawn bags, and 1 2 kg spawn bag can inoculate 80 spawn bags. First, the spawn should have clean, robust, dense, and uniform mycelium, free of brown film, dark brown droplets, and other microorganisms. The culture medium should not show signs of decay, dryness, or aging. Any bags damaged by rodents, torn, or contaminated with inferior spawn should be discarded. The optimal inoculation age is within 10-15 days of the mycelium reaching the bottom of the bag.

1. Types of Inoculation Methods
Shiitake mushroom inoculation generally uses hole inoculation, with four common methods.

(1) Manual Inoculation and Sealing Method: After disinfecting one side of the substrate bag with an alcohol swab, make four holes. Quickly inoculate with the inoculum, then seal the holes with 3.25cm x 3.25cm adhesive tape. When the mycelium grows to the size of the tape, lift a corner of the tape. When the mycelium in two holes connects, remove the tape completely.

(2) Manual Open Inoculation Method (Film Covering): This method is suitable for use in low temperatures. After inoculation, the bags are not sealed. Initially, stack them in single layers of 10-12 layers with a stack spacing of 0.8m, and cover each layer with a film of equal width. Remove the film when the mycelium grows to 5-6cm.

(3) Manual Bag Inoculation Method: In the inoculation room (box), during inoculation, untie one end of the outer bag, pull out 4/5 of the bag, make four holes, quickly inoculate with the inoculum, and then immediately push the bag back into the bag. Tie a slipknot at the opening of the outer bag. When the mycelium grows to 6-8 cm, remove the bag.

(4) Automated Shiitake Mushroom Inoculation Machine Inoculation Process: Place the mushroom bag on the chain conveyor tray → Enter the sterile purification space via motor drive → Spray alcohol or disinfectant on the surface of the mushroom bag for reciprocating wiping disinfection → Punch holes → Break open the spawn → Accurately inject the spawn into the punched holes via forced feeding → Automatic pusher pushes the mushroom bag into the bag opening → Manually put the outer bag over the bag opening and remove the pushed-out mushroom bag directly, tying the opening to complete the operation.

This technology can fully realize the needs of factory-scale, automated production, effectively improving production quality, production efficiency, and reducing production costs. Its production efficiency is more than ten times that of manual operation.