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gluvbox
mycophagist
Registered: 07/15/08
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Last seen: 14 years, 9 months
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Shiitake + aspen: aggressive colonization, zero fruits
#8975415 - 09/23/08 08:54 PM (15 years, 5 months ago) |
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I have been working with some shiitake spawn and experimenting around with various different bulk substrates.
My most recent attempt is with aspen chips. I moved colonized BRF cakes to a combination of the aspen chips and some relatively fine dust I made with my coffee grinder.
I've experienced extremely fast colonization. Once the cake hits the wood (spawned 1:3) it has the entire thing colonized within a 2 1/2 days. In another day, it starts trying to climb out of the container. I've been really impressed with the aspen's colonization.
But it comes down to the darn substrate not pinning. I've had two 4 inch deep subs sit in fruiting conditions (plenty of light and fresh air exchange in a shotgun FC) for three weeks without pins. One had a 50/50+ casing layer the other went uncased. After three weeks, the uncased one got a cold dunk to ensure that water content wasn't the problem.
Is there something with aspen that might be causing the lack of fruits? I'm so confused because the mycelium seems to love it.
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gluvbox
mycophagist
Registered: 07/15/08
Posts: 145
Last seen: 14 years, 9 months
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Re: Shiitake + aspen: aggressive colonization, zero fruits [Re: gluvbox]
#8975585 - 09/23/08 09:24 PM (15 years, 5 months ago) |
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I should also mention that I am getting reasonable browning only in splotches.
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gluvbox
mycophagist
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Re: Shiitake + aspen: aggressive colonization, zero fruits [Re: gluvbox]
#8975607 - 09/23/08 09:27 PM (15 years, 5 months ago) |
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It just occurred to me (after more looking) that I might need to let the whole surface brown before bringing it to fruiting conditions. I assumed that shiitakes behaved more like oysters until just now.
I have three more containers waiting on the incubation shelf. Should I let them sit until they have brown surfaces or bring them to the fruiting chamber as soon as they hit 100% colonization?
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drwatson
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Re: Shiitake + aspen: aggressive colonization, zero fruits [Re: gluvbox]
#8975666 - 09/23/08 09:38 PM (15 years, 5 months ago) |
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Did you cold shock it?
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RogerRabbit
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Re: Shiitake + aspen: aggressive colonization, zero fruits [Re: gluvbox]
#8975702 - 09/23/08 09:43 PM (15 years, 5 months ago) |
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I have dozens of Aspens on my new property so will be trying them soon with Shiitake. I've used other hardwoods such as Alder with great results, but am looking forward to trying Aspen logs and chips/sawdust.
You don't case Shiitake. In addition, they need several days of cold temperatures to initiate pinning. The substrate block should be left in the bag until you see blistering, at which time you can begin the cold shock. You don't need to wait for browning in my experience, although every Shiitake grower develops his own pinning strategies. RR
-------------------- Download Let's Grow Mushrooms semper in excretia sumus solim profundum variat "I've never had a failed experiment. I've only discovered 10,000 methods which do not work." Thomas Edison
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gluvbox
mycophagist
Registered: 07/15/08
Posts: 145
Last seen: 14 years, 9 months
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Re: Shiitake + aspen: aggressive colonization, zero fruits [Re: RogerRabbit]
#8975988 - 09/23/08 10:32 PM (15 years, 5 months ago) |
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I see! Back in the fridge it goes!
Conveniently, the tupperware containers I am using have lids that lend themselves to refrigerator time.
Thanks for the info, RR. It is always appreciated.
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Holydiver
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Re: Shiitake + aspen: aggressive colonization, zero fruits [Re: gluvbox]
#8977813 - 09/24/08 10:34 AM (15 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
gluvbox said: I see! Back in the fridge it goes!
You might have issues with the fridge--I did. I got fruits with a dunk in a large rubbermaid (weighed down the blocks) with ice + water for 48 hours, adding more ice as needed. The fridge blocks did absolutely nothing, the rubbermaid blocks had huge flushes in 3-4 days after dunking. Around 40-45F and wet is key.
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RogerRabbit
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Re: Shiitake + aspen: aggressive colonization, zero fruits [Re: Holydiver]
#8977984 - 09/24/08 11:26 AM (15 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
Around 40-45F and wet is key.
Absolutely. The refrigerator is too cold. If you have a dedicated mycology refrigerator, you can adjust it upwards to the correct temperature. However, most kitchen refrigerators are set to just above freezing. RR
-------------------- Download Let's Grow Mushrooms semper in excretia sumus solim profundum variat "I've never had a failed experiment. I've only discovered 10,000 methods which do not work." Thomas Edison
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