Bailing Mushroom, a relatively new variety in the edible fungi industry, has gained attention in recent years. However, due to its short cultivation history, many challenges still exist in its production techniques. One of the major issues is the low yield, with some farmers reporting bioconversion rates below 20%, even when market prices are high. This leads to limited economic returns. Based on my own experience in cultivating Pleurotus nebrodensis over the past few years, I would like to share insights into the optimal nutritional ratios that can help improve both yield and quality.
The balance of nutrients plays a key role in determining the productivity of Pleurotus eryngii. In 2002 and 2003, the Shouguang Institute of Edible Fungi conducted experiments using 200,000 bags of raw materials, mainly composed of cottonseed husks, with 20% wheat bran and about 8% cornmeal added. This resulted in a bioconversion rate exceeding 60%. In contrast, in 2005, when only pure cottonseed husks were used for Bailing Mushroom cultivation, the bioconversion rate dropped to between 20% and 30%. From these experiences, I emphasize the importance of a balanced nutrient formula.
Nutrients should be primarily organic, such as bran, cornmeal, or rice bran, typically added at 20–30%. While these provide essential nourishment, adding too much can increase contamination risks and reduce theé€æ°”性 (air permeability) of the substrate, which slows down mycelium growth and delays fruiting. Inorganic nutrients like potassium dihydrogen phosphate and magnesium sulfate should also be included, generally at 0.2–0.5%. Too much of these can negatively affect water absorption.
Another critical factor in increasing yield is ensuring the culture material has strong moisture retention. Conventional cottonseed husks often have short fibers, making them difficult to absorb enough water. This can lead to insufficient moisture during fruiting, affecting the development of the mushrooms. To address this, we can blend in 30–50% of highly water-absorbent materials like cotton wool or corn cobs. This not only improves moisture retention but also reduces costs—offering a double benefit.
For growing Pleurotus eryngii, the ideal moisture content of the substrate should be between 60% and 65%. Before fermentation, the ratio of material to water should be around 1:1.5 to 1.6, and before inoculation, it should be adjusted to approximately 1:1.3. Recently, waste cotton linters from textile mills have been successfully used as a base, offering an economical and effective alternative.
Adding a small amount of lime (2–5%) to the formula can significantly enhance mycelium growth. After fermentation, the pH of the substrate should ideally be around 8–9. While lime is not always necessary, its absence may slow down mycelium development, impacting the timing of fruiting.
In conclusion, the formulation of culture materials is a flexible and dynamic process. By utilizing local resources and making scientific adjustments, we can strive to achieve higher yields and better commercial quality in Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation. With proper management and continuous learning, the potential of Bailing Mushroom can be fully realized.
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