Fungus, specifically belonging to the basidiomycetes group, is widely cultivated in China. The primary cultivation methods are wood-based and bag-based. Among these, bag cultivation is faster, has a shorter growth cycle, and helps conserve forest resources. Based on local climate and resource conditions, we have developed new techniques suitable for northern regions.
1. **Production Schedule**
Black fungus is a moderate-temperature type, with optimal ear temperatures ranging from 12–28°C. It is typically planted in January to February and harvested between April and May. Auricularia, on the other hand, is a high-temperature type, requiring temperatures of 15–32°C. It is usually planted in March to April and harvested between May and June.
2. **Culture Formulation**
The moisture content of the culture material should be around 65%, with a material-to-water ratio of 1:1.25 to 1:1.3. The mixture should feel moist but not dripping when squeezed. Common formulas include:
- Cottonseed hull 30%, corn cob 30%, sawdust 30%, bran 7%, gypsum 1%, compound fertilizer 1%, phosphate fertilizer 0.5%, lime 0.5%.
- Cottonseed hull 30%, corn stalk 60%, bran 7%, gypsum 1%, compound fertilizer 1%, phosphate fertilizer 0.5%, lime 0.5%.
- Cottonseed hull 30%, corn cob 60%, bran 7%, gypsum 1%, compound fertilizer 1%, phosphate fertilizer 0.5%, lime 0.5%.
All formulas should include 0.6% clotrimazole to prevent contamination.
3. **Bagging and Sterilization**
Cultivation bags are typically 17cm x 38cm x 0.035cm, made of low-pressure polyethylene or polypropylene. Each bag contains 0.5kg of dry material. The bags must be tightly sealed with plastic ropes. They are then sterilized at 100°C for 10–12 hours in an atmospheric pressure sterilizer, followed by 12 hours of cooling and hole-punching. Alternatively, an autoclave can be used at 1.5 atmospheres for 1.5–2 hours.
4. **Inoculation**
After sterilization, the bags are cooled to below 25°C before inoculation. Inoculation is best done when the temperature is around 10°C, or during cooler parts of the day if it's hotter. Inoculation is carried out in a disinfected area using an inoculation box or room. Once the bag is opened, the mouth is tied again after introducing the spores. The inoculated bags are then placed in a controlled environment for germination, with temperatures maintained between 20–30°C, avoiding direct light.
5. **Ear Formation in the Shed**
Once the cultivation bags are healthy, they are moved into the ear shed. Two common methods are used: hanging bag method and three-dimensional wall-type ears.
- Hanging bag method: Good cultivation bags are hung with 10–12 ears per bag.
- Three-dimensional wall-type: Sides of the bag are cut with 6–8 “Iâ€-shaped slits, and the bags are stacked 7–8 layers high. When the ear base forms, humidity is increased, and regular management ensures a harvest within 10–15 days. This method produces large, thick ears with small roots, ideal for fresh sales.
6. **Earing Reminder**
By mid-May, when temperatures stabilize above 20°C, the ear formation process begins. Daytime warming, nighttime humidification, and ventilation help increase the temperature difference, which encourages ear base development after 10 days of moisture management.
7. **Ear Management**
As the inner ear base develops, air humidity is increased. A small amount of water is sprayed daily to maintain humidity above 85%, ensuring good air circulation. This promotes ear base growth and the formation of small ear pieces.
9. **Fruiting Body Growth Management**
Once small ears form, misting is increased, and ventilation is adjusted. Dry-wet alternation is essential—water is stopped for 2–3 days to allow mycelium recovery, then humidity is raised again. Avoid high temperatures and humidity to prevent infections. Black fungus requires 15–25°C, while hair fungus needs 15–33°C. Excessive heat can cause thin, weak ears or even rotting. To avoid this, a "seven wet, three dry" approach is recommended. Additionally, scattered light is necessary during fruiting to improve color and quality.
10. **Harvesting**
Ears are ready for harvest when the edges are thin and the roots shrink. Spores should be collected before they are released. One to two days before harvesting, watering is stopped, and the bags are exposed to sunlight until the ears dry and shrink. After harvest, the bags are kept dry for 7–10 days to prepare for the next batch.
11. **Notes**
- Corn stalks must be well-fermented and soft, avoiding tight sealing of bags.
- Timely harvesting and appropriate picking ensure better quality for subsequent crops.
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