Morel mushroom cultivation farm

 Growing Tips For Morel Mushroom 

     The morel genus is a cool-to-medium-temperature edible mushroom, especially during the fruiting stage, where its adaptability to environmental conditions is limited. Proper control and adjustment of environmental conditions is the key to successful cultivation.

(1) Temperature: There are slight variations between different varieties, but they are not significant. During cultivation, it is typically required to control relatively low temperatures, mainly to prevent contamination of nutrient bags, prevent mycelium aging, and maintain strong mycelial growth. During the mycelial growth phase, soil temperature should be controlled at 3-16°C within the top 3 cm of soil, which is most suitable. After the nutrient bags are applied, the temperature of the bags should not exceed 16°C to control contamination. The temperature for primordia differentiation after bud induction is best between 6-16°C for soil temperature and surface temperature. In the fruiting phase, temperatures should be controlled below 20°C. If the temperature exceeds or falls below the optimal range, morel growth will be negatively impacted. Low temperatures can cause frost damage or result in fewer and later fruiting bodies, while high temperatures can prevent fruiting or cause heat death, as well as the spread of diseases.

(2) Light: Light has a significant impact on the growth and development of morels. During the mycelial growth phase, light requirements are not strict, but light is important during the formation, differentiation, and later development of the ascocarps. Scattered light of 300-1000 lux can accelerate the breakdown and absorption efficiency of the nutrient bags and promote uniform and rapid primordia formation, as well as aid in their differentiation. Therefore, during the later stages of mycelial cultivation and the primordia induction stage, it is necessary to ensure morels receive some scattered light. A lack of light will delay physiological maturity and reduce the number of primordia. During the ascocarp development stage, more scattered light is needed to facilitate coloring and thickening of the morel fruiting bodies. However, excessive light should be avoided, as strong light can cause rapid loss of soil moisture, scorch the young mushrooms, and lead to premature fruiting.

(3) Water and Humidity: Morels are water-loving and thrive in humid environments. During mycelial growth in soil, the soil moisture should be maintained between 19%-23% (referring to mass fraction of moisture). The following visual indicators can be used for judgment: 1. The soil can form a clump in hand and scatter slightly when dropped; 2. The soil is moist but not sticky to the machine during mechanical cultivation. During growth in nutrient bags, the optimal water content is 50%-60% (depending on the formulation). During the primordia induction stage, soil moisture should be between 22%-25%, which is the soil moisture content 1-2 days after large water irrigation and natural infiltration. Mycelial growth phase requires maintaining high humidity, which is typically achieved by covering with black plastic film. During the primordia induction stage after watering, the surface air humidity should be maintained at 90%-99%. When the primordia reach about 2 cm, the humidity should be gradually reduced to 85%-95%. This is usually maintained by using small arched shelters or covering with white plastic film.

(4) Air: Morels are an aerobic fungus and require fresh oxygen throughout their growth and development. During the mycelial growth phase, the key is ensuring the soil is loose and breathable. This can be achieved by deep plowing and preventing soil compaction. During cultivation, the carbon dioxide concentration inside the covered plastic film should be kept below 0.2%. During the primordia induction phase, it should be controlled below 0.15%. In the young mushroom and mature mushroom phases, it should be kept below 0.06%. High carbon dioxide concentrations will cause long mushroom stems and thin mushroom caps.

(5) pH: The optimal pH range for mycelial growth of morels is 5.0-8.5, with the best range being 6.5-7.5. If the soil pH is above 6.0, there is usually no need to add quicklime for adjustment. The pH of nutrient bags after sterilization should be above 6.0, as too low a pH will slow down mycelial growth, affect decomposition, and impact maturity and yield.