In reply to:

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The Mushroom Cultivator "VIII. The Casing Layer" pg.135

Casing Colonization
Enviromental conditions after casing should be the same as during spawn running. Substrate temperatures are maintained within the optimum range for mycelial growth; relative humidity is 90-100%; fresh air is kept to a minimum.(Fresh air should only be introduced to offset overheating). The build-up of CO2 in the room is beneficial to mycelial growth and is controlled, a sheet of plastic should be placed over the casing, this plastic sheet prevents moisture loss from the casing.

Soon after casing, substrate temperatures surge upward due to the hampered diffusion of metabolic gases which would normally conduct heat away. This surge is an indication of mycelial vitality and is a positive sign if the room temperature can be controlled. This temperature rise can be anticipated by lowering either the temperature of the substrate prior to casing or lowering the air temperature of the room after casing.

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The Mushroom Cultivator "IX Strategies for mushroom formation (pinhead initiation)" pg.141

Stage II: Environmental Transition-The Prelude to Setting Primordia
Pinhead initiation techniques should begin when the mycelium reaches the valleys of the casing surface. Once the mycelium is clearly established in the valleys, the cultivator can begin the first steps leading to the setting of pinheads. Within this one to two day period, the
--1. Substrate and air temperatures are lowered to the fruiting range.
--2 The humidity is maintained at the 95% level.
--3 The carbon dioxide content of the room is reduced by the introduction of fresh air.
--4 The room is lighted on a 12 hour on/off cycle.

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In reply to:

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The Mushroom Cultivator P. Stamets and J.S Chilton. "Chapter XIII The Contaminants of Mushroom Culture" pg. 235

Molds and bacteria do not grow well in a climate specifically adjusted for mushrooms. Although both mushrooms and contaminations prefer humid conditions, the later thrive in prolonged stagnant air environments whereas mushrooms do not. The differences are frequently subtlte-amounting to only a few percentage points in relative humidity and slight adjustments to the air intake dampers in the growing room.

The contaiminants can be divided into two well defined groups. Those attacking the mushrooms are called pathogens while those competing for substrate are labeled indicators or competitors.(Mushroom pathogens are either molds, bacteria, viruses or pests; indicators are always fungi of some sort). In general, mushroom pathogens are not as numerous as the competitor molds, though they can be much more devastating.

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Edited by Eddie Walker on 03/25/01 10:38 AM.