GROWING GOURMET - Anto2ni.it

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Profile of Natural Initiation Strategy
M.rrl, 31, ApnI 5, April 10, April 15, April 20. April 25, April30, M.y S. M.y 10, 15
Date
behemica sscxknt.
GROWTH PARAMETERS 411
Daily temperature fluctuation in topsoil layer—2'-4'—from a wild Morel patch
in Mason County, Washington. by Paul
Figure 369. Temperature fluctuation for a period prior to, and during outdoor fruitings of Morels (Morchella
angusticeps). Note that the temperature fluctuation for primordia formation occurred within 40-60° F. (5-15° C.)
Available Strains: Strains are readily obtained from wild clones or spore germinations. The mycelium
out-races most competitors and can easily be isolated from contaminants.
Mycelial Characteristics: Mycelium at first fine, divergent, fast running, non-aerial and initially
gray, soon thickening becoming gray-brown, with young clones developing numerous brown with
orangish to golden nodules which I call "micro-sclerotia". (See Figure 361.) As the mycelium matures,
the nutrified agar media becomes stained dark brown. (By viewing the petri dish cultures from
underneath, the staining of the medium is clearly seen.) As cultures over-mature, the mycelium resembles
squirrel's fur. When the mycelium is implanted into unsterilized wood chips, an powdery
gray mildew forms on the surface. This asexual stage, resembling oidia, has been been classified as
Costantinella cristata. I do not see this expression on agar or grain media.
Fragrance Signature: Mycelium pleasant, smelling liked crushed, fresh Morel mushrooms. After
transferring each jar of grain spawn, I am compelled to deeply inhale the residual gases still within
each container. (A sure symptom of a Morel addict.)
Natural Method of Cultivation: Although my attempts to grow the White Morel (Morchella esculenta)
indoors have only produced stunted mushrooms, I have had fairly consistent success at growing the Black
Morels (Morchella angusticeps) outdoors in burned areas topped with peat moss or hardwood sawdust
(oak or alder) supplemented with calcium sulfate. When Black Morel mycelium is dispersed into an outdoor
burn-site, the cultivator relinquishes control to the natural weather conditions. In effect, nature
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