Agrocybe aegerita, also known as Populus edodes, is a rare and highly valued edible mushroom that has gained popularity in recent years. Once considered wild, it has now been successfully cultivated, making it one of the rising stars in China's edible fungi industry. Known for its unique aroma, crisp texture, and rich nutritional profile, this mushroom is packed with protein, anti-cancer polysaccharides, essential minerals, vitamins, and trace elements. In addition to its culinary appeal, Agrocybe aegerita is also recognized for its medicinal properties, such as diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects. Regular consumption can support overall health, aid in detoxification, and even contribute to cancer prevention, earning it the nickname "Mushroom."
Since its commercial introduction, Agrocybe aegerita has become a favorite among consumers, showing great potential in the market. Most of the mushrooms sold in Guangzhou are fresh and imported from other regions, with very few being locally grown. In 2001, an experimental cultivation project was initiated using strains provided by the Baiyun District Agricultural Research Institute, leading to successful results. This proved that, with proper understanding of its biological characteristics and tailored environmental conditions, Agrocybe aegerita can be effectively cultivated in Guangzhou, resulting in higher yields.
**Biological Characteristics**
1. **Nutrition**: Agrocybe aegerita is a wood-decaying fungus with a strong ability to break down proteins but weak lignin utilization. Therefore, during cultivation, it requires nutrient-rich substrates like cottonseed hulls, hardwood bagasse, rice straw, and supplemented with wheat bran, corn meal, or soybean meal. Unlike other fungi, it needs a higher nitrogen content for optimal growth.
2. **Moisture and Humidity**: The ideal moisture level in the substrate during mycelium growth is 65%-68%, while air humidity should be between 60%-80%. During fruiting body development, the air humidity must rise to around 95% initially, then stabilize at 80%-90%.
3. **Temperature**: Mycelium grows best at 20-27°C, with the ideal range being 23-26°C. Fruit bodies develop well between 16-28°C, ideally 20-24°C. A temperature fluctuation during fruiting helps promote differentiation and growth.
4. **pH Level**: Agrocybe aegerita thrives in slightly acidic conditions, with an optimal pH range of 5-6. If the pH is too low (below 4) or too high (above 6.5), mycelium growth slows down.
5. **Air Circulation**: As an aerobic fungus, it requires good ventilation throughout all growth stages. Poor air circulation leads to slow growth, long stems, and increased risk of contamination.
6. **Light Requirements**: While mycelium does not need light, the formation of primordia and fruit bodies requires indirect light (200-300 lux). Too much light can inhibit growth, while insufficient light results in pale coloration and elongated stems.
**Cultivation Techniques**
1. **Cultivation Site**: Suitable locations include greenhouses, warehouses, or basements, provided they are well-ventilated and have controlled humidity. Separate areas for mycelium growth and fruiting body development can improve efficiency.
2. **Cultivation Season**: Autumn cultivation typically starts from mid-August to early October, with harvests occurring from late October to April of the following year.
3. **Substrate Preparation**: Common mixtures include cottonseed hulls, wood chips, bran, and supplements like sucrose and calcium carbonate. Substrates are pre-wet, fermented for 4-8 days, and sterilized before use.
4. **Inoculation**: Sterilized bags are inoculated with spores, usually 30-40 bags per bottle of culture.
5. **Mycelium Cultivation**: The environment must be clean, dry, and shaded. Temperature and humidity are closely monitored, with regular turning to ensure even growth and detect contamination.
6. **Fruiting Management**: When mycelium fills the bags and pigmentation appears, the bags are moved to the fruiting room. Proper humidity, temperature, and light help trigger fruiting body formation. Harvests occur about 10 days after opening the bags.
7. **Late Fruiting Care**: After 2-3 harvests, growth slows during winter. To maintain viability, watering is reduced, and the substrate is allowed to enter dormancy. With proper care, additional harvests can be made in the following spring, increasing total yield by 20%-30%.
Through careful attention to these factors, Agrocybe aegerita can be successfully cultivated, offering both economic and nutritional benefits.
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