Farming shiitake mushrooms is a simple process with the right knowledge. Check our article below to garner all the information needed:
Background information.
For oyster and button mushroom cultivation which are commonly practiced by many in Kenya, cultivation structure is a major factor to consider. Well, this is no different when it comes to shiitake production.
Erect properly ventilated structures should for a successful production. Set to standard incubation and fruiting rooms and spacious for easy operations. Also, set shelves at right angles to maximumly utilize space for maximum production per given area.
Spawn source is another key step to consider for successful shiitake cultivation. Few mushroom producers produce their own mushroom “seeds,” hence it’s of great importance that one considers where to source valid spawn. Ideally, poor quality and spawn from overgrown stock will result in poor production which can be frustrating. Also, spawn with no vigour won’t resist diseases and competitors in case of any.
Production media, wheat straw, sawdust, or any other substrate, ensure it is up to standard i.e., free from pests and micro-organisms. Give shiitake the first hand in colonizing the substrate for maximum establishment and production. You can enhance it by how well the grower prepares the substrate.
The above and many other factors will greatly determine how farming shiitake mushroom production will be. Also, challenges from diseases and pests require you to reduce to a lower percentage, if these factors are always put into consideration.
The article covers the steps followed for successful shiitake production.
Housing Structures.
Designing a mushroom structure can highly determine the success of the project. It all starts with site selection and avoid the following:
- Bushy surrounding which harbours pests.
- Avoid situating the structure next to the animal structure or waste site.
- Sites considered dump for the waste substrate from previous cultivation.
- Wet and water-logged areas.
The above factors risk the successful production of shiitake mushroom, as they favour pest and diseases, which later attacks the production.
Brick, mud, or Stoney buildings are good for production. The iron sheets are not old as it’s difficult to control temperatures. Nevertheless, with the knowledge to control temperature, you can consider them.
| Figure 1 Mud House (Photo: Courtesy) |
Example of a mud house. Facilitates easy cultivation of mushrooms by providing cool and right temperature for mushroom cultivation. It’s also cheap to erect and manage.
Ventilation for the structure you select is important, as it’s one of the major reasons for the mushrooms not to fruit after incubation. You should not overdo them to prevent drought in the structure but balance them to allow the circulation of fresh air.
Netting the openings is important to prevent flies into the production unit. Also, note the wind direction to avoid destruction and dust into the unit.
A changing room and a foot birth are important at every house to encourage hygiene and reduce contaminants.
Traps or trenches are also important around the production house to prevent the entry of rodents and other crawling insects that invade the production house.
Shelves Design and Arrangements.
After erecting the structure, one should design the placement shelves that will hold the growing bags for the shiitake production. They can be made from metallic pieces or wooden. One must consider the workability aspect by ensuring enough space is left and positioned well to accommodate the growing bags. For easier operations, the height of the racks used should favour the grower/ the worker during placement and harvesting.
Example of a rack for the placement of growing bags.
Arrangement of the selves into the room should be guided by the production and operation area.
The maximum area should be covered for higher profits. Overcrowding should not be encouraged as disease spread can be quick and hard to control.
We’ll cover more on shiitake mushrooms and whatever that you need to know before embarking on its production. Stay put..
