Why Do Oyster Mushrooms Grow Before Mycelium Fills The Bag?

Why Do Oyster Mushrooms Grow Before Mycelium Fills The Bag?

Several factors can cause oyster mushrooms to fruit prematurely, before the mycelium fully fills the bag:

1. Excessive Bacterial Strains: Using too much inoculum can lead to early fruiting.
2. Old Bacterial Strains: Over-aged strains may enter reproductive growth prematurely, resulting in mushroom formation before the mycelium is mature.
3. Premature Opening of Bags: Opening the bag too early, combined with excessive light or large temperature fluctuations, can trigger fruiting prematurely.
4. Incomplete Sterilization: If the bag is not fully sterilized, bacterial contamination in the middle can prevent the mycelium from spreading properly, leading to premature fruiting at the infected end.

Prevention and Treatment:

To avoid premature fruiting, it’s important to manage the strain inoculum carefully (keeping it between 12-15%), select appropriate bacterial strains, and wait for full mycelial colonization before opening the bag. Ensure proper shading and temperature control, especially at night, to maintain optimal growing conditions. Additionally, thorough sterilization is crucial to prevent contamination.

Premature fruiting not only affects the appearance and quality of the mushrooms but also depletes the bag’s nutrients, reducing overall yield. Therefore, careful management during the cultivation phase is essential for healthy, high-yield production.