GROWING GOURMET - Anto2ni.it

GROWTH PARAMETERS 379
Fruitbody development passes through four distinct phases. During initiation, the mycelium first
undergoes a rapid discoloration from white undifferentiated mycelium to a dark gray amorphous
mass on the exposed surface of the fully colonized block. During the second phase, the surface topography
soon becomes contoured with dark gray black mounds which differentiate into ball-like
structures. The third phase begins when portions of this primordia ball shoot out multiple stems
• topped with globular structures. Each globular structure further differentiates with vertically oriented
ridges or folds. The fourth and final phase begins when, from this primordial mass, a portion of the
folds elongate into the petal-like sporulating fronds or "leaflets". With some strains and under some
conditions, the third phase is skipped.
The strategy for the successful cultivation of Maitake is in diametric opposition to the cultivation of
Oyster mushrooms. If Maitake is exposed to substantial and prolonged light during the primordia formation
period, the spore-producing hymenophore is triggered into production. This results in dome
shaped primordial masses, devoid of stems. If, however, minimal light is given, and carbon dioxide
levels remain above 5000 ppm, stem formation is encouraged. (Elongated stem formation with Oyster
cultivation is generally considered undesirable.) Once the stems have branched and elongated to
two or more inches, carbon dioxide levels are lowered, light levels are increased, signalling Maitake
to produce the sporulating, petal-shaped caps. Humidity must be fluctuated between 80-95%.
Maitake, being a polypore, enjoys less humid environments than the fleshier, gilled mushrooms.
If growing in polypropylene bags, the bags should be opened narrowly at the top so that a forking bouquet
is elicited. Stripping off all the plastic increases evaporation from the exposed surfaces of the block,
jeopardizing the moisture bank needed for successful fruitbody development. In my growing rooms, I follow
a compromise strategy. Given good environmental controls and management, I am successful at
growing Maitake by fully exposing the upper surface of the mycelium once the gray primordial mounds
have formed 45-60 days after inoculation I leave the remainder of the plastic around the block to amerliorate
the loss of water. Holes are punched in the bottom of the bags for drainage.
As the mushrooms develop, less watering is needed in comparison to that needed by, for instance, Oyster
mushrooms. Furthermore, cultivators should note that if too much base nutrition of the substrate is allocated
to stem formation, the caps often abort. And, if the sawdust is over-supplemented, bacteria blotch is triggered
by the slightest exposure to excessive watering or humidity. Every strain behaves differently in this
regard. Maitake cultivation requires greater attention to detail than most other mushrooms. Because of its
unique environmental requirements, this mushroom can not share the same growing room as many of the
fleshier gourmet and medicinal mushrooms.
Once the production blocks cease producing, they can be buried outside in hardwood sawdust and!
or soil. In outdoor environments, the subterranean block becomes a platform for more fruitings,
maximizing yield. Blocks planted in the spring often give rise to fruitings in the fall. (See Figure 339).
The autoclavable, plastic should be removed—unless made of cellulose or other biodegradable material.
By scratching the outer surfaces of the blocks, the internal mycelium comes into direct contact
with the sawdust bedding, stimulating leap-off.
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