CSA Xpert

The indoor method can be divided into following 5 steps:

a. Substrate

Cotton waste is the preferred substrate for cultivation of paddy straw mushroom by this method. However, paddy straw can also be used. Cotton waste is preferred over paddy straw as it contains more cellulose and hemi-cellulose and the fine texture of cotton waste helps in retention of moisture, which minimize the water requirement at later stages of cropping and thus helps in avoiding damage to fruiting primordia.

b. Compost preparation

Substrate (cotton ginning mill waste or paddy straw + cotton ginning mill waste in 1:1, w/w ratio) is wetted for first 2 days with sufficient treading of the cotton waste so that it absorbs sufficient water. After 2 days of substrate wetting, poultry manure is added @5.0% to the wetted substrate and pile (1.5 m high x 1.5 m wide) is raised. However, nothing is added in cotton waste substrate. First 2 turnings are given at an interval of one day each and calcium carbonate @1.5% (dry weight basis) is added at third turning and the substrate is left for fermentation for next 2 days.

c. Bedding and Pasteurization

After 4 days of outdoor composting, the compost is spread on shelves and the thickness of the substrate varies in different season from 5-10 cm. During summer months lesser thickness is needed, while higher in winter to preserve moisture & heat. The compost surface is made even by pressing it lightly. After 8-12 hours of compost filling live steam is introduced in the room. A temperature of 60-62°C is maintained for 4-5 hours for cotton waste compost & 65°C for 6 hours for paddy straw compost. After pasteurization, the compost is kept at a temperature of 50°C for next 24-36 hours & followed by its natural cooling. The compost is spawned when substrate temperature reaches 35°C.

d. Spawning

 The compost is spawned with fresh spawn @1.5% (dry weight) or 0.4% (wet weight) basis of the compost. The pieces of broken spawn are inserted at a depth of 2-2.5 cm at a distance of 12-15 cm apart. The spawn is covered with displaced compost & the bed is covered with thin plastic sheet. The room temperature is maintained at 32-34°C during spawn run & at this temperature the compost will be colonized with in next 4-5 days in cotton waste based compost & 5-6 days in paddy straw compost.

e. Fructification & Crop Management

During spawn running water & light are not needed but a little ventilation is required. By the end of 3-4 days fluorescent light along with little more ventilation is provided in the rooms. The plastic sheets are removed on 4-5th day, followed by little water spray on the beds. The pinhead will start appearing on 5th - 6th day of spawning. After another 4-5 days, the first flush of mushroom is ready for harvest. The desired conditions needed for better fructification are temperature 30°C, relative humidity 80%, fluorescent light & intermittent fresh air. The quick growth rate of this mushroom demands ample supply of water & oxygen. However, watering of the compost is not quite recommended as it lowers the temperature & suffocates the tiny primordia, which reduces the yield. Crop management to achieve the best possible combination of light, temperature, ventilation, relative humidity & compost moisture is in fact an art of judgement, experience & effort.