TABLE OF CONTENTS

 PARTS OF A MUSHROOM . . . ... ... ... ... . . . . . . . . . 1

 TERMINOLOGIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
 THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MUSHROOM ... ... ... . . . . . . . . . 3
 MEDISINAL NA MGA KATANGIN NG KABUTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
 MAJOR PHASES IN MUSHROOM CULTIVATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
 CONSIDERATIONS FOR SITE SELCTION OF GROWING MUSHROOM . . . . . . . . . 4
 PREPARATION OF CULTURE MEDIA
 POTATO DESTROSE AGAR (PDA) . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... 6
 PRODUCTION OF PURE CULTURE MEDIA . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... 8
 METHODS FOR PRESERVING MUSHROOM STRAINS . . . . . . ... ... ... 10
 SPAWN PRODUCTION
 GRAIN SPAWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
 SAWDUST SPAWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
 PLANTING SPAWN ... ... ... ... . . . . . . . . . 15
 FRUTING BAGS / BAG CULTIVATION OF OYSTER ... ... . . . . . . . . . 17
ABALONE, GANODERMA, TENGA NG DAGA, AND
OTHER WOOD ROTTEN MUSHROOMS
 SUMMARY OF PLEUROTUS FRUTING BAG PRODUCTION ... ... ... ... 20
 PREPARATION OF FRUITING BAGS OF KING OYSTER . . . . . . ... ... ... 21
 PREPARATION OF FRUITING BAGS / SHIITAKE ... ... ... ... ... 23
CULTIVATION TECNOLOGY
 LOG CULTIVATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
 RICE STRAW-BASED FRUITING BAG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
 PREPARATION OF MILKY MUSHROOM CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY . . . . . . . . . 30
 PREPARATION OF BEDS OR TRAY OF BUTTON MUSHROOM . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
 PREPARATION OF OUTDOOR CULTIVATION BEDDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
MATERIALS FOR STRAW MUSHROOM
 CARE FOR THE MUSHROOM BED . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... 35
 PREPARATION OF INDOOR CULTIVATION BEDDING . . . . . . ... ... ... 36
MATERIALS FOR STRAW MUSHROOM
 SKETCH OF AN IDEAL SIZE ISOLATION CHAMBER . . . . . . ... ... ... 39
 SKETCH OF SHELF-TYPE MUSHROOM HOUSE . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... 40
 HOW TO COMPUTE THE SPACE REQUIREMENT FOR FRUITING HOUSE ... ... ... 41
 ANNEX
 RICE WASH SUCROSE AGAR ... ... ... ... ... ... i
BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

PARTS OF A MUSHROOM (VOLVARIELLAVOLVACEA)

CLASSIFICATION:

CLASS: BASIDIOMYCETES
ORDER: AGARICALES
GENUS: VOLVARIELLA
SPECIES: VOLVACEAE

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TERMINOLOGIES

CASING For the cover of the substrate surface with a layer of moist
material having specific structural characteristics. A layer of
material, usually soil or peat moss, placed on the surface or a
substrate to stimulate fruit body production.

COMPOST To allow a mixture of substrates, with the help of natural of

artificially introduced microorganisms, to undergo
decomposition to produce a degraded but nutrient-rich
mixture.

CULTURE MEDIUM A solution or substrate for culturing or growing an organism

FRUITING BAGS Production of the mushrooms; sexual reproduction of the

fungus

HYPHA Individual filaments of a mycelium

INOCULATE To transfer an organism into substratum

INCUBATION The period after inoculation during which the organism grows

LIQUID MEDIA Liquid media normally consists of a distilled mixture of water

and nutrients. Commonly used nutrient sources include
sugars. Allows the spore to grow and begin mycelia growth.

MYCELIUM A network or mass of hyhpae; the vegetative body or structure

of the fungus

PRIMODIA A basiocarp initial

SPAWN Mycelium growing on a substrate used as planting material on

mushroom cultivation

SPAWN RUN Vegetative growth of the mycelium throughout the substrate

used to produced mushroom

SPORE Structure formed by fungi and corresponding to the seeds of

plants, capable of germination and reproducing

SUBSTRATE The material, usually organic, on which mushrooms grow

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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MUSHROOM

PROTEIN 2% to 5% of their fresh weight

19.35% of dry weight

AMINO ACIDS Contains 9 essential amino acids for body health

FATS 0.6 – 3.0 % of dry weight

VITAMINS B-complex, pro-vitamin D2, and vitamin C

MINERAL 56-70% of ash content

FIBER 7.4-27.6%

NUCLEIC ACID 4.0% -from fresh form only

SOME PRECAUTIONS WHICH MAY HELP TO AVOID MUSHROOM

POISONING

 Avoid gathering mushrooms at the button stage because at that stage you still won’t
be able to properly distinguish one species from the other.

 Always start with the small piece of the mushroom even if it is known to be edible.

 Avoid mushrooms that ooze white milk-like juice when cut.

 Do not eat mushrooms in a much matured stage or about to decay even though it is
known to be edible.

MEDISINAL NA MGA KATANGIAN NG KABUTE

 Nakapagpapalakas at nakadaragdag ng natural na resistensiya ng pasyente.
 Pinasisigla at binubuhay ang mga natutulog na ugat.
 Pinasisigla ang pagdaloy ng dugo.

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 BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

ISA SA MGA PINAKAPOPULAR NA KABUTENG MEDICINAL AY ANG

GANODERMA LUCIDUM . NAKAKAGALING ITO O NAKAKABAWAS NG:

 Sign of hypertension  Brain stroke

 Hypotension  Hepatitis
 Arteriosclerosis  Hemorrhoids
 Menopause  Low back pain, varix
 Constipation  Gastric at duodenal ulcer
 Hydrosis (edema)  Autoimmune diseases (collagen
disease)

MAJOR PHASES IN MUSHROOM CULTIVATION

THE MAJOR PRACTICAL PHASES OF MUSHROOM CULTIVATION ARE:

a) Selection of an acceptable mushroom variety
b) Pure culture preparation
c) Production of “seed” known as spawn
d) Preparation of substrate materials for fermentation/composting
e) Mycelia (spawn) running – incubation period
f) Mushroom development – cropping/fruiting

CONSIDERATIONS FOR SITE SELECTION OF GROWING MUSHROOM

THE FOLLOWING FACTORS SHOULD BE KEPT IN MIND WHEN SELECTING A SITE

FOR MUSHROOM FARM:
 Distance to market
 Availability of substrate materials
 Transportation of both product and substrate materials
 A lay-out to prevent contamination on the farm
 Climatic conditions have to suit the cultivated mushroom
 Availability of water

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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

Some climatic control can be achieved by shielding the substrate from outside
conditions. The growing area should provide suitable environmental conditions:

Temperature Ventilation

Humidity Sufficient Light

FURTHERMORE, IT SHOULD PROVIDE:

 Pest and disease control
 Efficient use of space

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 BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

EXERCISE NO. 1
PREPARATION OF CULTURE MEDIA

POTATO DEXTROSE AGAR (PDA)

MATERIALS:
Potato 200 grams
Dextrose powder 20 grams
White Gulaman bar 20 grams
Distilled or tap water 1000 mL or 1 liter
Kitchen weighing scale
Beaker or measuring cup
Absorbent cotton
Rubber band
Scratch or white paper
Casserole
Ladle
Flat (rhum) bottle
Strainer
Funnel

HOW TO PREPARE:
1. Peel the potatoes. Weigh 200 grams using and slice potatoes into cubes.

2. Boil the sliced potatoes in one (1) liter of water approximately 5-10 minutes or
until soften enough to be eaten. Collect the decoction using fine-mesh
strainer. Restore the volume of the decoction into 1 liter by gradual addition
of water.

3. Put the decoction in a casserole and bring to boil. Add the 20 grams gulaman,
continuous stirring until fully dissolved.

4. Turn off the fire then add the 20 grams dextrose powder.
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5. Using a funnel, pour 40-50 ml of the liquid media in flat bottle. In the absence
of a measuring cup, fill the bottle at least 1 inch high.

6. Plug the mouth of the bottle with cotton, cover with paper and secure with
rubber band.

7. Arrange the bottles inside the

autoclave or pressure
cooker. Ordinary
casserole can also be used.

8. Sterilize for 30 minutes at 15

pounds per square inch
(psi). If casserole is used,
sterilize at boiling point for 2-3 hours.

9. After sterilization, slant the bottles immediately. Make sure that the media do
not touch the cotton plug. Allow to solidify then arrange the bottles in
upright position.

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 BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

EXERCISE NO. 2
PRODUCTION OF PURE CULTURE

MATERIALS:
Fresh mushroom
Alcohol (70%)
Denatured alcohol
Alcohol lamp
Cotton
Paper
Rubber band
Inoculation needle
Scalpel/Forceps
Flat bottle

PROCEDURE:
1. Clean and disinfect the inoculating chamber/room.

2. Prepare all the necessary materials.

3. Disinfect the hands with alcohol.

4. Flame-sterilize the inoculating needle and scalpel/forceps using

the alcohol lamp

5. Select healthy and fresh mushroom. Cut and arrange in a sterile

paper.

6. Remove the excess moisture of the culture media. Hold the flat bottle with media
on the upper side.

7. Unplug the bottle, flame-sterilize the mouth and slowly pour the excess moisture.
Flame-sterilize and return the cotton plug.

8. For oyster, abalone and ganoderma mushrooms. Tear into halves.

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9. In the cases of straw, milky, button and shiitake mushrooms, cut into halves with
sterile scalpel.

10. Get the inner tissue, particularly between the cap and
the stem (stipe) using the sterilized inoculating
needle/scalpel/forceps.

11. Hold the flat bottle with one hand. Remove the cotton plug on the other hand
holding the inoculating needle with the mushroom tissue.

12. Flame-sterilize the opening of the bottle using the alcohol lamp.

13. Place the tissue inside the flat bottle. Flame-sterilize again the opening of the bottle

14. Return the cotton plug into the isolation culture

media.

15. Cover with paper and seal tightly using rubber band.

16. Put a label with the date upon isolation, the mushroom species planted and the
generation.

17. Lay the bottles in a slant position with one side (approximately ½ inch above the
surface) after the isolation, allow the mushroom tissue to form mycelium to the
culture media. After 12-24 hours, arrange the bottles in an upright position.

18. Incubate for 10-14 days.

The tissue starts to grow within 3-4 days after isolation. If there
are no contaminants, this can serve as the source of pure culture.

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SUB-CULTURE AND STORAGE

To have the isolated mushroom organisms remain pure and active, proper care
must be undertaken. The following activities are recommended:

 Make periodic transfer of the organism to new agar slants. Transfer or sub-
culture should be up to F2 only to avoid degeneration.
 Keep the pure culture in a cabinet or kept in the refrigerator to prevent the
culture or agar from rapid drying.
 For long term storage (more than one year), add 2 drops of sterile mineral oil in
culture slant then store in refrigerator.

METHODS FOR PRESERVING MUSHROOMS STRAINS

Cultivation techniques should evolve with the mushroom and the cultivator. Every
experienced cultivator maintains a collection of stocks cultures, known as a “species
bank”.

A simple method for preserving the cultures for long period of time calls for the
application of a thin layer sterile mineral oil over the live mycelium once it has been
established. The mineral oil is non-toxic to the mycelium, greatly reduces the mycelium’s
metabolism and inhibits water evaporation from the agar base.

The culture is then stored at 37-41˚F until needed. To reactivate the strains, slants
were first inverted upside down so the oil would drain off and then incubated at 77˚F.
Within three weeks each slant showed renewed signs of growth and when sub cultured
onto agar plates they yielded uncontaminated cultures.

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EXERCISE NO. 3
SPAWN PRODUCTION

A. GRAIN SPAWNS
MATERIALS:
Grains: any of the following – sorghum, crack corn or palay
Cotton
Bottle/ PP bag
Paper
Rubber band
Casserole
Alcohol lamp
Stove
Pressure cooker/autoclave
Denatured alcohol
Isopropyl Alcohol
Mask
Inoculating needle
Pure culture
Tray
Lighter/match

PREPARATION OF GRAIN MEDIA:

MATERIALS:
Grains: any of the following – sorghum, crack corn or palay
Cotton
Bottle/ PP bag
Paper
Rubber band
Casserole
Stove
Pressure cooker/autoclave
Tray
Lighter/match

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PROCEDURE:
1. Wash the grains thoroughly and discard all floated materials.

2. Prepare the following grains:

a. Sorghum-boil for 20 minutes

b. Palay- boil for 40 minutes. If soaked overnight boil for 20 minutes

c. Cracked corn- Soak overnight only.

3. Drain and air dry the grains in any

clean absorbent material to remove
excess water.

4. Bottle the grains when the appropriate

moisture content is attained. This can
be determined when the grains do not
stick to the palm.

5. Plug the bottle with cotton, cover with

clean paper and secure with rubber band.

6. Arrange the bottles in the autoclave or

pressure cooker. Ordinary casserole can also be
used.

7. Sterilize the bottled grains for 45 minutes

at 15 pounds per square inch (psi). If casserole is
used, sterilize at boiling point for 3-4 hours.

8. Allow to cool and inoculate with pure culture of chosen mushroom species.

9. Incubate for 14-21 days old.

INOCULATION OF GRAINS:
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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

MATERIALS:
Cotton
Alcohol lamp
Denatured alcohol
Isopropyl Alcohol
Mask
Inoculating needle
Pure culture
Lighter/match

PROCEDURE:
1. Clean and disinfect the inoculating chamber/room.

2. Prepare all the necessary materials.

3. Disinfect the hands with alcohol.

4. Flame-sterilize the inoculating needle

using the alcohol lamp.

5. Unplug the pure culture bottle and

flame-sterilize the mouth. Get the pure
culture stub using inoculating needle
and return the cotton plug.

6. Hold and unplug the bottled grain and inoculate with the pure culture stub. Return
the cotton plug, cover with paper and secure with rubber band.

7. Label the inoculated grains properly

indicating the date and species.

8. Incubate for 14-21 days.

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B. SAWDUST SPAWN
It is best for log cultivation (Shiitake and ear wood)
MATERIALS:
Old sawdust 10kg
Rice bran 1.25 kg
Agricultural Lime (CaCo3) 147.5g
Gypsum (CaSo4) 147.5 g
Oat meal 500 g
Water 1.5liters/1kg of dry weight sawdust

PROCEDURE:
Pour sawdust first followed by rice bran, gypsum, oat meal and lime. Mix
thoroughly, and then add the water gradually with continuous mixing of the materials.
The mixed substrate should not be too dry or too wet. Dampness level can be checked using
palm test method. Hold a small portion of the substrate in the palm, squeeze and then open
the palm. If the substrate forms a ball without water dripping between the fingers, then
dampness is enough. However, if water drippings between fingers are observed, it is too
wet. To correct this, add little sawdust and the rest of the supplements computed according
to the proportion of the above materials.

1. Filling the Bottle/bag – Fill 350 grams of fermented substrate materials in the catsup
bottle or bag then plug with white cotton waste balls and cover with paper or plastic
cap to minimize the entry of moisture during steaming or pasteurization.

2. Pasteurization or steaming– Steam the bottles in a pasteurizer like drum for six to
eight hours and cool down. Provide drums with cover that fits tightly on top and
with a hole for air outlet. Another method is sterilizing the bottles or bag in an
autoclave or pressure cooker for one and half hours at 15-20 psi. Fabricated steamer
is also possible.

3. Inoculation – Cool down the sterilized bottled sawdust spawns. If the spawns were
taken out of the sterilizer, inoculate at least 8 hours after. Do not allow sterilized
sawdust spawns not inoculated more than 24 hours due to high risk of
contamination. Inoculate each spawns with mushroom culture stub in a clean and
aseptic place.

4. Incubation – Keep the newly planted sawdust spawns in a dry and ventilated room
for at 15-21 days. If within five days of incubation and no white growth appears,
the spawn is dead or the substrate is too dry or contaminated with other
microorganisms. White mycelium will fill the spawns in 15-21 days, which means
the sawdust spawns are ready to for log cultivation.

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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

C. PLANTING SPAWN
It is best for bed cultivation of Kabuteng Saging

MATERIALS:
Chopped banana leaves
Rice straw
Rice bran
Saw dust
Wide mouth bottles or PP bag
Clean paper
Rubber band
Aluminum foil

PROCEDURE:
1. Saw dust base spawn

2. Mix any of the following:

a. 7 parts rice straw: 3 parts saw dust

a. 9 parts rice hull: 1 part rice bran

a. 3 parts sawdust: 1 part rice straw and 1 part rice bran

a. Dried banana leaves (Pure banana leaves)

3. In case of rice hull, soak overnight then rinse.

4. Soak other materials such as dried legume pods, chopped banana leaves and rice
straw for 3 hours.

5. Drain the soak materials using net to easily remove the excess water.

6. Combine and mix materials of your choice as mentioned above.

7. Put the mixture in the bottle or pp bag (6x10). To give aeration, do not compact the
substrate. Cover with aluminum foil or cotton waste plug and tight with rubber
band.

8. Sterilize the bottled or bagged substrate at 20 psi for 1 hour in the autoclave or
pressure cooker. If drum or casserole will be used, pasteurized the substrate for 3-
4 hours.

9. Cool down the sterilized substrate.

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 BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES ARE TO BE UNDERTAKEN UNDER ASEPTIC CONDITION:

a. Place the cooled bottled or bagged substrate inside the sterilized inoculating
chamber or room. Carefully open the bottled or bagged substrate and inoculate
it with pure culture or grain spawn.

b. Cover the bottle or bag with clean paper and tight with rubber band.

c. Incubate the bag for mycelium colonization for 2 weeks after inoculation.

Note: Formation of chlamydospores (pinkish color) is a sign of quality spawn and ready for
planting.

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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

EXERCISE NO. 4
FRUITING BAGS/ BAG CULTIVATION OF OYSTER (WHITE/PINK/GRAY),
ABALONE, GANODERMA, TENGA NG DAGA, AND OTHER WOOD ROTTEN
MUSHROOMS

1. MIXING OF SUBSTRATE MATERIALS

SUBSTRATE MATERIALS:
General recommendations (for sawdust basic substrate material)
Saw dusts 78%
Rice Bran 20%
Brown sugar 1%
Agri. Lime 1%
Water 60-65% (approximately 1.5L of water per kg of
dry sawdust)

PROCEDURE:
Pour sawdust first on the ground followed by rice bran, brown sugar and
lime. Mix thoroughly, and then add water gradually with continuous mixing of the
materials. The mixed substrate should not be too dry or too wet. Dampness level
can be checked using palm test method. Hold a small portion of the substrate in the
palm, squeeze and then open the palm. If the substrate forms a ball without water
dripping between the fingers, then dampness is enough. However, if water
drippings between fingers are observed, it is too wet. To correct this, gradually add
sawdust and the rest of the supplements computed according to the proportion of
the above materials.

SHORT METHOD COMPOSTING (FOR SAWDUST)

Composting or Fermenting the substrate – Pile into heap or conical shape the
previously mixed substrate materials. Cover with plastic sheets or any available
sheet that will prevent the substrate from drying. Turn the heaps evenly every two
days for 15 to 21-days. However, if aged sawdust and stored under open condition
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is to be used, fermentation is no longer needed. It is advisable to have a temporary

shed to protect the heap during composting against heavy rain fall, wind and
dryness.

2. FILLING THE BAGS

Use 6x12inches polypropylene plastic (pp) bags
with thickness of 0.2 or 0.3. Fill 1kg of fermented
substrate materials in the bags and then compact
manually if machine is not available. Then put 1 inch
pvc ring that serve as neck, plug with cotton waste balls,
put paper or plastic cap to prevent the entry of moisture
during steaming or pasteurization.

3. PASTEURIZATION OR STEAMING
Steam the bags in a pasteurizer like drum
(holding 85 bags or less) for six to eight hours and
cool down. Provide drums with cover that fits
tightly on top and with a hole for air outlet. Another
method is sterilizing the bags in an autoclave or
pressure cooker for one and half hours at 15-20 psi.

4. INOCULATING THE BAGS

If the bags were taken out of the
sterilizer, inoculate them at least 8 hours after
sterilization. Do not allow sterilized bags to
not be inoculated for more than 24 hours due
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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

to high risk of contamination. Inoculate each bag with grain spawn in a clean and
aseptic place. To inoculate, shake the grain spawn bottle, remove the plug and
flame the mouth of the bottle and pour some grains into the bags. Slightly shake
the neck area of newly inoculated bags to distribute evenly the grains in the
shoulder area of the bags.

5. INCUBATION
Keep the spawned compost bags in a dry and ventilated room for at least
30 to 45 days. If within five days of incubation and no white growth appears, the
spawn is dead or the substrate is too dry or contaminated with other
microorganisms. White mycelium will fill the bags in 20 to 30 days, it is a sign that
the bags are ready for fruit initiation. Open the bag one or two weeks after it is
totally covered with mycelium. This is to make sure that the mycelium is matured
enough to fruit. Inoculated bags could be piled and incubated directly in a
growing house provided that the house will remain dry to attain the required
incubation period.

6. FRUITING AND ITS

REQUIREMENT
Fruiting requires a
temperature of 20° to 28°C,
ventilation, light and relative
humidity (80-85%). Provide
moisture by watering the
mushroom house daily. Do
not water directly on bags’
opening. To lower the
temperature and hasten the fruiting, spray the house if the temperature is more
than 28°C, door and windows secured with net may also be left opened at night
to let the cool air in.

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 BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

SUMMARY OF PLEUROTUS FRUITING BAG PRODUCTION

Sieve sawdust to remove large and unnecessary object

Mix thoroughly the following materials:

78% sawdust
20% rice bran
1% sugar
1% lime
60-65% water

Composting or fermenting the substrate - Pile the mixed substrate materials

into heap or conical shape. Cover with plastic sheets or any available
materials. Turn the heaps evenly every 2-3 days for 15-21 days

Bagging - Fill 1 kg of fermented substrate into 6 x 12 inches polypropylene

(pp) plastic bags gauge 0.2 or 0.3 mm, compress manually if machine not
available. Put pvc neck, plug with cotton waste balls and cover with paper to
minimize the entry of water during steaming or pasteurization

Pasteurization or steaming - Steam the bags in a drum with cover that fits
tightly on top with a hole for air outlet for 6 -8 hours. For autoclave or
pressure cooker, steam at 15-20 psi.

Inoculation - Cool down the sterilized bags. Inoculate each bag with grain
spawn in a clean and aseptic area

Incubation - Incubate the inoculated fruiting bags in a ventilated room with

an optimal temperature of 25 degrees centigrade for 30-45 days

Fruiting – fruiting stage requires 200 to 280C with relative humidity of 80-85%
and 25% sufficient light (scattered). After three to five days, pinheads (baby
mushroom) will appear.

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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

EXERCISE NO. 4.1

PREPARATION OF FRUITING BAGS/ BAG CULTIVATION OF KING OYSTER

1. MIXING OF SUBSTRATE MATERIALS

SUBSTRATE MATERIALS: FORMULATION BASED ON BPI RESEARCH STUDY
Saw dusts 45%
Rice straw 40%
Rice Bran 10%
Brown sugar 1%
Agri. Lime 1%
Gypsum 1%
Corn powder 3%
Water 60-65% (approximately 1.5L of water/kg of dry
sawdust)

PROCEDURE:
Pour sawdust followed by rice bran, rice straw, then brown sugar, gypsum,
corn powder and lime. Mix thoroughly, and then add water gradually with
constant mixing of the materials. The mixed substrate should not be too dry or too
wet. Dampness level can be checked using palm test method. Hold a small portion
of the substrate in the palm, squeeze and then open the palm. If the substrate forms
a ball without water dripping between the fingers, then dampness is enough.
However, if water drippings between fingers are observed, it is too wet. To correct
this, add little sawdust and the rest of the supplements computed according to the
proportion of the above materials.

SHORT METHOD:
Composting or Fermentation the substrate – Pile into heap or conical shape the
previously mixed substrate materials. Cover with plastic sheets or any available
covering materials that will prevent the substrate from drying. Turn the heaps
evenly every two days for 15 to 21-days. However, if aged sawdust and stored
under open space is to be used, fermentation is no longer needed.
*It is advisable to have a simple roof to protect the heap during composting against heavy rain fall,
wind and dryness.
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 BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

2. FILLING THE BAGS

Fill the bags with 800 grams of mixed substrate using polypropele and then
compact manually. Then put the cut pvc ring (2.5 inches) which serve as neck, plug
with cotton waste balls, cover with paper or plastic cap to prevent moisture during
steaming or pasteurization.

3. PASTEURIZATION OR STEAMING
Steam the bags in a drum (holding 85 bags or less) for six to eight hours and
cool down. Provide drums with cover that fits tightly on top and with a hole for air
outlet. Another method is sterilizing the bags in an autoclave or pressure cooker for
one and half hours at 15-20 psi.

4. INOCULATING THE BAGS

When the bags were taken out of the sterilizer, inoculate them. Inoculate the
bags immediately after 24hours to prevent high risk of contamination. Inoculate
each bag with grain spawn in a clean and aseptic place. To inoculate, shake the
grain spawn bottle, remove the plug and flame the mouth of the bottle and pour
some grains into the bags. Slightly shake the neck area of newly inoculated bags to
distribute evenly the grains in the shoulder area of the bags.

5. INCUBATION
Incubate the spawned bags in ventilated room for at least 30 to 45 days.
White mycelium will fill the bags in 30 days; it is a sign that the bag is ready for
fruit initiation. Open the bags one or two weeks after it is totally covered with
mycelium. This is to make sure that the mycelium is matured enough to fruit.
Inoculated bags could be piled and incubated directly in a growing house
provided that the house will remain dry to attain the required incubation period.
Note: If no growth after five days, the spawn is dead. Maybe the substrate is too dry or contaminated.

6. FRUITING AND ITS REQUIREMENT

Fruiting requires a temperature of 17° to 22°C, ventilation, light and
relative humidity (85-95%). Provide moisture by watering the mushroom house
daily. Do not water directly on bags’ opening. To lower the temperature and
hasten the fruiting, spray the house if the temperature is more than 30°C, door
and windows may also be left opened at night to let the cool air in.

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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

EXERCISE NO. 4.2

A. PREPARATION OF FRUITING BAGS/ SHIITAKE CULTIVATION
TECHNOLOGY

1. MIXING OF SUBSTRATE MATERIALS

SUBSTRATE MATERIALS: GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Saw dusts 79.6%
Rice Bran 9%
Rice straw 5%
Brown sugar 1.8%
Gypsum 1.8%
Pumice 1.8%
Agri. Lime 0.9%
Magnesium sulphate 0.1%
Water 60-65% (1.5L of water/kg of dry sawdust)

PROCEDURE:
Pour sawdust followed by rice bran, rice straw, then brown sugar, gypsum,
pumice, magnesium sulphate and lime. Mix thoroughly, and then add water
gradually with constant mixing of the materials. The mixed substrate should not be
too dry or too wet. Dampness level can be checked using palm test method. Hold a
small portion of the substrate in the palm, squeeze and then open the palm. If the
substrate forms a ball without water dripping between the fingers, then dampness
is enough. However, if water drippings between fingers are observed, it is too wet.
To correct this, add little sawdust and the rest of the supplements computed
according to the proportion of the above materials.

SHORT METHOD:
Composting or Fermentation the substrate – Pile into heap or conical shape the
previously mixed substrate materials. Cover with plastic sheets or any available
sheet that will prevent the substrate from drying. Turn the heaps evenly every two
days for 21-28 days. However, if aged sawdust and stored under open space is to
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be used, fermentation is no longer needed. *It is advisable to have a simple roof to protect
the heap during composting against heavy rain fall, wind and dryness.

2. FILLING THE BAGS

Use 6 x 12inches polypropylene plastic (pp) bag with thickness of 0.2 or 0 .3.
Fill 800 grams of fermented substrate materials in the bags and then compact
manually if machine is not available. Then put 1 inch pvc ring that serve as neck,
plug with cotton waste balls, cover with paper or plastic cap to prevent moisture
during steaming or pasteurization.

3. PASTEURIZATION OR STEAMING
Steam the bags in a drum (holding 85 bags or less) for six to eight hours and
cool down. Provide drums with cover that fits tightly on top and with a hole for air
outlet. Another method is sterilizing the bags in an autoclave or pressure cooker for
one and half hours at 15-20 psi. Fabricated steamer is also possible.

4. INOCULATING THE BAGS

If the bags were taken out of the sterilizer, inoculate at least 8 hours after
sterilization. Do not allow sterilized bags not inoculated more than 24 hours due
to high risk of contamination. Inoculate each bag with grain spawn in a clean and
aseptic place. To inoculate, shake the grain spawn bottle, remove the plug and
flame the mouth of the bottle and pour some grains into the bags. Slightly shake
the neck area of newly inoculated bags to distribute evenly the grains in the
shoulder area of the bags.

5. INCUBATION
Keep the spawned bags in a dry and ventilated room with 4hr/ 20hr/ light
dark cycle for at least 60-90 days. If within five days of incubation and no white
growth appears, the spawn is dead or the substrate is too dry or contaminated
with other microorganisms. Fully colonized bags may begin to turn brown and
produces some exudates. This is normal and considered desirable.

6. FRUITING AND ITS REQUIREMENT

Fruiting requires a temperature of 17° to 22°C, ventilation, light and
relative humidity (85-95%). Provide moisture by watering the mushroom house
daily. To lower the temperature and hasten the fruiting, spray the house if the
temperature is more than 30°C, door and windows secured net, may also be left
opened at night to let the cool air in.

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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

B. LOG CULTIVATION

1. TREE SPECIES
Choose/select hardwood species of trees like oak, alnus, madre de cacao
and eucalyptus. The logs should be cut2 weeks before inoculation time. Cut
logs with 4-6 inches in diameter and 3-4 foot in length.

2. INOCULATION METHOD
To inoculate logs, drill the logs using high speed for about 1 inch deep. A
2” spacing is recommended between rows and holes should be spaced 4-6
inches apart in rows along the length of the log. The holes should be staggered
in a diamond pattern to ensure rapid growth of the fungus throughout the
logs. Place the sawdust spawn or wood plug (dowel) spawn in each drilled
hole. Wax the holes after inoculation to seal the holes to avoid moisture loss
and to reduce the chance of contamination of the other fungi. Use food grade
wax.

3. SPAWN RUN
Logs should be stacked to give tame for the fungus to spread
throughout the sap wood. This process, known as spawn run or incubation,
may last from 6-18 months, depending on the tree species, long size,
mushroom strain, amount of spawn in each log, moisture, temperature, and
other factors.

Spawn run period may be divided into two phases:

1. The first phase lasting from one to two months referred as temporary
laying (crib-stacking system).

2. The phase will be on the third month until fully colonization (8

months)- destacking (High A-Frame)

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4. PRODUCTION:
Optimum conditions of production area (raising yard) include a
temperature between 59-680F a relative humidity between 85% and 90%.
In a natural production, growers do not do anything to the mushroom
logs to make them fruit. Logs are left to fruit naturally, flushing either when
there is a heavy rainfall or when a temperature changes encourage fruiting.
However, forced production can be done to control or plan when the logs will
fruit. Harvest can be induced according to a pre-planned log rotation schedule.
On this method, yield can be predicted.

5. SHOCKING OR FORCED PRODUCTION METHOD

Shocking or forcing is the one of the processes used to convert the
vegetative stage into production. The most typically way to induce fruiting, is
to submerge the logs in soaking tanks and leave for 12-24 hours. Pull out the
logs from the water and incubate them in an A-Frame position or crib stocking.
In 3-7 days, pinheads will appear.

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER:

 Year- round shade (60-100%) and high humidity

 Access and relative location

 Proximity to water and water source

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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

RICE STRAW-BASED FRUITING BAG

MATERIALS:
Rice straw
Saw dust
50 kg straw: 20kg saw dust: 1.5 kg rice bran
70 kg straw: 30 kg saw dust
7 parts straw: 3 parts saw dust
Pure rice straw
83kg straw (41.5kg each straw and saw dust): 15kg bran: 1 kg
molasses: 1 kg lime
7 sack straw: 3 sacks saw dust: bran

MATERIALS:
PVC/ PE Pipes 1” (cut into 1/2” height)
Rubber band
Garbage bag/Banana leaves/sacks (drum lining)
Absorbent cotton
Used bond paper/ Old newspaper
Tie wire
Plastic ropes
Firewood
Water
Sieved /cleaned sawdust

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS:
Steel drum, tripod and pallet
Bolo (machete) and chopping block
Weighing scale
Alcohol lamp/match/lighter
Inoculating needle
Scissors, knife or cutter
Coping saw
Pliers
Laminated woven Sacks
Bucket
Plastic crates or tray
Hand sprayer
Fruiting bag Molder

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PREPARATION:
1. PREPARATION OF SUBSTRATE
a. Collect newly threshed rice straw
b. Chop rice straw into approximately 1-3 inches long
c. Weigh the desired volume of rice straw
d. Soak for 6-8 hours to soften it
e. Drain excess moisture, air dry
f. Mixing of substrate:
i. Mix thoroughly the following:
1. 78% rice straw
2. 28% rice bran
3. 1% brown sugar or
molasses
4. 1% agri lime
5. 60-65% moisture
content

g. Partial aerobic fermentation (PAF)/

Pre-decomposition
i. Pile mixed substrate materials into heap or conical shape
ii. Cover with plastic sheets
iii. Turn the heap evenly every 2 days. Ferment for 3-7 days
iv. Maintain 60-65% moisture. if dry sprinkle with non chlorinated water
v. Return the plastic cover

2. BAGGING
a. Fill approximately 750 grams of substrate into a 6”x12”X0.02mm or 7”x 12” X
0.03mm PP bag. Compress manually.
b. Gather the upper portion of the PP bag and insert the PVC pipe ring. Pull the
plastic bag through the pipe and fold the end.
c. Plug the mouth of the bag with cotton waste, cover with clean paper/plastic
sheet and tie with rubber band

3. PASTEURIZATION
a. Set autocalve rack inside the steel drum, it must be at least 20inches from
bottom of the drum?
b. Fill drum with water about two (2) inches below the rack
c. Place laminated woven or jute sack as lining inside the drum before piling the
fruiting bags. Cover the drum.
d. Pasteurize the bags for 6-8 hours. Timer starts upon boiling.
e. Pull out the fruiting bags from the drum and allow to cool.

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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

4. INOCULATION
a. Disinfect first the inoculating chamber.
b. Prepare all the materials needed such as alcohol lamp, inoculating needle and
14day old spawn.
c. Disinfect your hands with alcohol?
d. Flame-sterilize the inoculating needle using the alcohol lamp.
e. Remove the cotton plug from grain spawn and flame-sterilize the mouth. Shake
the grain spawn to loosen.
f. Press fruiting bag shoulder to give space for spawn
g. Inoculate the fruiting bags with 5grams of grain spawn.
h. Put the cotton plug back and cover with paper and seal with rubber band
i. Label the inoculated bags indicating the date and species.

5. INCUBATION:
a. Incubate the bags inside a ventilated room for 21-30 days
b. Discard the contaminated fruiting bags to avoid spreading of contamination.

6. FRUITING AND ITS REQUIREMENTS:

a. Fruiting requires a temperature below 22 degree centigrade (22 oC),
ventilation, light and relative humidity of 80-85%
b. Transfer the fully-ramified fruiting bags to the growing house
c. Hang or pile fruiting bags. Hang fruiting bags using ropes and clips, 1 foot
high above ground up to one’s reach
d. Just after hanging, open bags by removing rubber band, paper cover, cotton
ball. After 3-4 flashes remove the ring using cutter or scissors.
e. Provide moisture by watering the floor and wall area 2-3 times daily
f. Use hand spray to mist the fruiting bags but not directly to growing pinheads
to prevent rotting
g. Place thermohygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity.
h. Use humidifier if available.

7. HARVESTING
a. Harvest fully mature fruit approximately 2-3 days from pinhead formation.
Morning or afternoon, avoid misting or watering prior to harvesting
b. Harvest with your bare hands by twisting fruits and gently pulling it from the
bags
c. Do not leave any part of the fruit behind, it rots
d. A bag can yield up to 8 flushes within 3-4 months

8. CARE AND MANAGEMENT

a. Slice the substrate surface about ¼ inch thick with sterilized cutter and/or
scrape the hardened surface of the fruiting bags after 4th flush harvest to revive
mycelial growth to achieve higher yield.
b. Collect sliced or scraped substrate and properly dispose
c. Mist the newly cut surface of the fruiting bags with clean water added with
supplement either brown sugar, muscovado or molasses at 1 to 4 tbsp/gallon
of water.
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EXERCISE NO. 4.3

PREPARATION OF MILKY MUSHROOM CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY

PROCEDURE:
1. Collect any loose agricultural wastes such as rice straw, rice hull, dried banana
leaves, corn stalks, etc.

2. Chopped rice straw, banana leaves, corn leaves at least 2-4 inches

Choose any of the following Methods of Pasteurization:

A. Hot dipped pasteurized the chosen
substrate in 80⁰C hot water for 40 B. Steam the bags. For substrate
minutes. Using clean hands fill the preparation, choose A or B method,
substrate materials in PP bags. use polypropylene plastic bags of
Addition of supplement is optional. 6x12 inches size 0.2 or 0.3. Fill 800g
or desired weight and size of mixture
substrate materials in the PP bags

3. Put on pvc pipe which serves as a neck, plug with cotton waste, put on a
paper or plastic cap to minimize entry of water during steaming or pasteurization.
Steam the bags in a pasteurizer like drum for 6-8 hours and cool down.
Provide drums with cover that fits tightly on top. Provide racks to hold the bags
inside the drum.

4. Inoculating the bags. Inoculate each bag with the grain spawn in a clean and
aseptic place. To inoculate, shake the grain spawn bottle to loosen the grains,
remove the plug and flame the mouth of the bottle and pour some grains into the
bags. Slightly shake the neck area of newly inoculated bags to distribute evenly the
grains in the shoulder area of the bags.

5. Incubation. Keep the spawned bags in a dry and ventilated room for at least
30-45 days. If within five days of incubation and no growth appears, the spawn is
dead or the substrate is too dry or contaminated with other microorganisms.
Mycelium will colonized the bags in 20-30 days, which means the bags are ready
for casing.

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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

This is to make sure that the mycelium is matured enough to fruit.

Inoculated bags could be filed and incubate directly in a growing house provided
the house will remain dry to fulfill the required incubation time.

6. Casing and fruiting requirements. Fruiting requires a temperature of 30ºC -

38ºC, ventilation, light, and relative humidity (80-85%), with light (1600-3200lux).

RATIO
i. Pure Verimicast
ii. Pure peat moss
iii. Pure carbonized rice hull
iv. Garden soil + sand (1:2)
v. Garden soil +sand + SMS (1:1:2)
vi. Garden soil + Peat moss+ sand (1:2:1)
vii. Garden soil + carbonized rice hull (1:2)
viii. Garden soil + decomposed coir dust (1:2)
ix. Garden soil + spent mushroom substrate (1:2)

7. Remove the PP bag after the bag is totally covered with mycelium. Placed a
casing (serve as mulch) 2-3 cm at the top of the 30days old milky mushroom
planting substrate.

8. Observe 7-10 days after casing, pinhead will appear. Provide air ventilation
(secured with insect net to prevent entry of insects) at lower and upper part of walls.

EXERCISE NO. 5
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PREPARATION OF BED OR TRAYS OF BUTTON MUSHROOM

MIXING OF SUBSTRATE MATERIALS

SUBSTRATE MATERIALS: GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Rice straw 61%
Manure 24%
Urea 9%
Rice bran 4%
Gypsum 2%

PROCEDURE:
1. Select long clean rice straw and must be thoroughly dried. Rice straw is
preferred because they are abundant and are readily available.

2. Soak the rice straw for 6-8 hours using tap water, drain and wash the rice straw
in running water. Drain for about 2 hours until no water drip is observed.

3. Mix the manure (manure to be used must be thoroughly dried), urea and rice
bran. Add the mixture to the soaked rice straw and mix thoroughly.

4. Pile the mixture for two days, then turn the mixture as follows:

PHASE I
a. 2nd day- 1st turn
b. 4th day- 2nd turn
c. 6th day- 3rd turn (*note: add the gypsum)
d. 8th day- fill in the tunnel (trays- 6-8 inches/ beds 12inches or 1 ft.)
*It is advisable to have a simple roof to protect the heap during composting against heavy rain fall,
wind and dryness.

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PHASE II. BULK STERILIZATION/SPAWNING

Tunnel/Chamber, inject live steam inside the tunnel, the temperature should be
ranged from 560C- 600C for 6-8 hours at high humidity. Cool down for 24 hours at
300C-370C.

Arrange the compost properly to facilitate spawn broadcasting. Broadcast the

14 days old grain spawns; it must be spread over the compost and should be mixed
through the compost quite well. After the beds are tamped, cover it with plastic
sheet or paper to prevent dry out and infestation of contaminants. After
introducing, incubate for two weeks with occasional checking of spawn run and
temperature.

PHASE III. SOIL CASING

Options for casing:
 Pure garden soil (clay loam is best)
 Spent mushroom substrate (SMS)+ peat moss + garden soil (1:1:1)

a. Pasteurized the chosen casing for 1 hour at 15 psi.

b. Application of casing substrate on bed should be 14 days after the introduction
of grain spawn. A layer of 3-4cm thick of chosen casing is applied to the beds.
c. Increase humidity to 85-90%, lower temperature to 170C-220C to stimulate
pinning or fruiting.
d. First crop is normally attained 12-15 days after casing.
e. Observe proper harvesting of mushrooms. Production is up to 60 days or more.

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EXERCISE NO. 6
PREPARATION OF OUTDOOR CULTIVATION BEDDING MATERIALS FOR
STRAW MUSHROOM (KABUTENG SAGING)
1. Select long clean and well dried rice straw. Other materials which are equally suitable
for the purpose are banana leaves and stalk, water lily, abaca leaves and pulp. In all
cases, the materials must be thoroughly dried. However, rice straw and banana leaves
are preferred because they are abundant and are readily available.

2. Tie the materials in bundles with a diameter of approximately 4-6 inches, being taken
care that the butt ends are put together when the bed is made.

3. Cut the bundled materials to 9-12 inches long. Trim both ends properly to obtain clean
side when the bed is made.

4. Soak the bundled bedding materials thoroughly in a soaking vessel in 6 hours when
using dried banana leaves and overnight or 2 days for rice straw. Wash the substrate
especially the rice straw in running water before laying them in pile.

5. The soil foundation is prepared like a garden plot; the only difference is that the surface
of the foundation is thumped firm to enable it to support the soggy bedding materials.

6. Lay the bundled and washed bedding materials across the foundation with the butt
ends on one side. Press the layer to level the surface.

7. Seed the layer by placing pieces of spawn about the size of the thumb along a line 4
inches apart along the row. Seed the opposite side of the layer if the length of the
material is 12 inches. Seed along the center if it is 9 inches long.

8. Set the next layer of bundled material on the top of the first, placing the butt ends
opposite those of the preceding layer (if rice straw).Press to level its surface and seed as
previously described. Repeat the
procedure until the desired height of the
bed is attained. A mushroom bed should
consist of six layers during cool months;
the first five layers are seeded; the top
most layer serving as cover for the bed.
During summer months, the bed should
consist of 4 layers. The first 4 layers are
seeded and the fifth layer will serve as
cover for the bed.

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EXERCISE NO. 6.1

CARE FOR THE MUSHROOM BED
1. When the bed is made, cover it with plastic sheet, gummy sack or any suitable
materials followed by dried leaves or construct a shed made of coconut or cogon leaves
to protect from the drying effect of the wind and to keep it humid. It also protects the
bed from the rains.
2. Four to five days following its seeding, lifting of plastic cover for few minutes is
recommended to release too much heat. Then return the plastic cover. The bed should
have at least a temperature of 30-350C.
3. Watering may be done using sprinkler. Watering alongside of the covered bed can be
done from time to time (not directly on the seeded bedding material).Avoid watering
directly on the bed.
4. Approximately 9-12 days from seeding, the mushroom pinheads start to form. Four
days from pinhead formation, mature button mushrooms are now ready to harvest.
Harvesting will take place for 4-5 consecutive days. This is what it called the first flush
or first cycle.
5. Resume watering of the bed when the flush is over to allow next flush or cycle to come
in.

The growth of mushroom on the bed comes in flushes. With proper and adequate
maintenance and care, the first cycle will come out 12-15 days following seeding. Second
flushes or 2nd cycle flush will continue if grower decides to continue and repeat the same
procedure as above.

HARVESTING IS DONE IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:

a. Harvest the whole mushroom including its stump. Do not leave any stump on
the bed as this would rot and the adjacent mushrooms may be infected.
b. Harvest all mushroom if in colony.
c. Mushroom in the button stage of growth are more succulent, hence, they are
more preferred than fully opened ones.
d. Harvested mushrooms may be placed in trays or in any other suitable container.

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 BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

EXERCISE NO. 7
PREPARATION OF INDOOR CULTIVATION FOR STRAW MUSHROOM
(KABUTENG SAGING)
A semi-industrialized method of production, which requires pasteurization of the
growing substrate directly inside the mushroom houses, requires indoor beds. It involves
several operations, each of which must be performed properly for the enterprise to succeed.
The best basic steps in Volvariella indoor cultivation are shown in the chart:

Materials for compost: straw, cotton waste, etc.

Composting 2-6 days depending on compost materials

Prepared compost

Pasteurization (if possible)

Compost ready for spawning

Covering with plastic sheets

Spawn running 32-340C for 4 days

Removing the plastic sheets, watering, ventilation and light

Spawn running 32-340C for 4 days

Removing the plastic sheet, watering, ventilation and light

Mushroom production 28-300C

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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

MATERIALS USED IN INDOOR CULTIVATION:

a. Cotton waste or chopped paddy straw
b. Wooden frames about 92 cm x 28 cm (for composting) (sides only- no top or
bottom)
c. Water
d. CaC03 (calcium carbonate) 2% w/w of substrate rice bran
e. Supplements: manure (5% w/w) or sewage sludge (5% to 10% w/w) or NPK
chemical fertilizer (1% w/w).

PROCEDURE:
1. A wooden frame is placed on the ground and the cotton waste or paddy straw raw
materials are packed inside. Limestone, fertilizer, and water are mixed with the
material as it is packed.

2. The materials are tramped as they are added, to help with mixing and absorption
of water. If the compost has any large lumps, these should be removed.

3. When the frame has been completely filled, it is pulled up to a height of about 15-
20cm and another layer of compost is added on top of the first layer.

4. A finished pile of compost usually consists of four to six layers and it is about 70-
90cm in height.

5. The pile is covered with a plastic sheet and allowed to ferment. After two days, the
fermented compost should be turned by hand or thoroughly mixed by a mechanical
mixer.

6. The rice bran (2% of the dry weight of the compost) should be added at this point.
Water is also added, if necessary.

7. The mixed compost is re-piled and covered with the plastic sheet. Fermentation
continues for another two days.

8. Piling the beds, it takes about four days to prepare the compost for use in the beds.
A suitable size of bed is about 0.4m2(4.5 sq. ft.). The layer of compost should be
about 10cm thick and should consist about 8 kgs (dry weight) or 26-28 kgs (wet) of
compost materials.

9. Pasteurization will be done after the beds have been prepared, live steam
(pressurizes and over 1000C) is introduced into the mushroom house. Within 2
hours, the air temperature gradually rises to about 60-620C, and this should be
maintained for another 2 hours.

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10. The temperature is then gradually lowered to about 520C by gentle stream of fresh
air. The temperature during the next 8 hours is maintained at 50-520C by continuous
fresh air supply. The steam valves are then closed and the temperature is allowed
to drop gradually to 34-360C. This can take 12-16 hours, depending on the outside
temperature. The beds are ready for spawning.

11. For spawning, the air temperature in the mushroom house is cooled to 35 0C and
the bed temperature to 36-380C before the spawn is added. The amount of spawn
used should be calculated at 1.4 % (dry weight) or 0.4% (wet weight) of the compost.

12. Pure culture spawn is removed from its container (bottle) and placed on tray for
easy handling. The spawn is broken into pieces about 2 to 2.5cm and spaced 12-
15cm apart.

13. The spawn is covered with the displaced compost and the beds are covered with a
plastic sheet. The temperature of the mushroom house should be maintained at 32-
340C during the spawns running period. Full growth is only 3-4 days, depending
on the compost quality and the temperature.

14. The first crop of mushrooms is usually harvested 10 days after planting the spawn.
The first flush normally provides three or four successive days of harvesting and
produces 85-90% of the expected yield.

15. During the next 3-5 days (the rest period), put additional water to the substrate.
Stable conditions must be maintained in the growing rooms and protect during this
period.

16. Spraying with mist water will maintain the desired humidity of the growing rooms
and protect the substrate from excessive drying. It should not, however, damage
the delicate mycelia threads.The temperature can be maintained at the appropriate
level by opening or closing the ventilators.

17. The second flush may also provide 2-3 days of harvesting, but the yields will be
lower: only 10-15% of total yield.

18. An ideal yield for indoor beds ranges from 50% B.E.

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SKETCH OF AN IDEAL SIZE ISOLATION CHAMBER

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SKETCH OF SHELF-TYPE MUSHROOM HOUSE

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BPI MUSHROOM LABORATORY

HOW TO COMPUTE THE SPACE REQUIREMENT FOR FRUITING HOUSE

1. THE DIAMETER OF 1 SPAWN BAG IS 4 INCHES

A 10 ft beam would therefore load 30 columns (hangers) of spawn bags.
Each column in an 8 ft high beam would load 20 bags with the lowest bag spaced 9
inches from the floor and highest on spaced 9 inches from beam level. The total
load of a 10 ft beam would therefore be 600 bags or 60 bags per ft of beam length.

2. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN BEAMS (ROWS) SHOULD BE 30 INCHES

TO ALLOW FOR PASSING
A growing area with a dimension of 20 ft x 14 ft will therefore accommodate
5 beams of 20 ft long each. Allow 2 ft as passing space across beams, hence the total
beam length is 5ft x 18 ft = 90 ft. Multiply this by 60 spawn bags per ft to get the
total capacity of 5,400 bags. One square foot will accommodate 18.5 bags.

By metric measurement this is equivalent to 6.09 x 4.26m house. The rule of

a thumb is every square meter floor area will accommodate 200 bags.

3. EACH COLUMN HANGERS CONSIST OF 4 CORDS OF NYLON, EACH

MEASURING 7 FT. LONG.
One column hanger would therefore need 30 ft of nylon (size 6) including
allowance. One column would carry 20 bags, hence, to get the total length of cord
needed for a 5,400-20=270 column. 270 x 30ft =8,100 ft. One roll of nylon cord is
656 ft (200 meters). Hence, a 5,400 capacity house will need 12.5 rolls of nylon cord.

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ANNEX A: PREPARATION OF CULTURE MEDIA

RICE WASH SUCROSE AGAR

MATERIALS:
Rice (ordinary) 200 g
White sugar 20 g
White gulaman bar (finely shred) 20 g or 2.5 bars
Distilled/ Tap water 1000 ml or 1 liter
Flat bottles
Cotton
Rubber band
Paper
Casserole
Weighing scale
Beaker or measuring cup,
Ladle
Flat bottle
Strainer
Funnel

HOW TO PREPARE:
1. Wash rice with one (1) liter water. Collect the rice wash and strain.
2. Place the rice wash in a casserole and bring to boil.
3. Add the gulaman, stirring constantly until fully dissolved.
4. Turn-off the fire then add the 20 grams white sugar.
5. Using a funnel, pour 40-50 ml of the liquid media in flat bottle. In the absence of a
measuring cup, fill the bottle at least 1 inch high.
6. Plug the mouth of the bottle with cotton, cover with paper and secure with rubber
band.
7. Arrange the bottles in the autoclave or pressure cooker. Ordinary casserole can
also be used.
8. Sterilize for 30 minutes at 15 pounds per square inch (psi). If casserole is used,
sterilize at boiling point for 2-3 hours.
9. Immediately after sterilization, slant the bottles making sure that the media does
not touch the cotton plug. Allow to solidify then arrange the bottles in upright
position.