Shiitake Mushroom Farming in India: A Complete Cultivation Process

Table of Contents

• An Introduction to Shiitake Mushroom Farming in India
• What are the Medicinal Properties of Shiitake Mushroom?
• Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation Process – A Step-by-Step Guide

• • Selection Of Layering Yard
  • Selection Of Logs
  • Preparation Of Logs
  • Spawn Incubation
  • Stacking Method
  • Crop Management
  • Harvesting

• Conclusion

An Introduction to Shiitake Mushroom Farming in India

Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia. The name shiitake was derived from the two Japanese words ‘take’ and ‘shii’, which mean mushroom and tree, respectively. The scientific name of the shiitake mushroom is “Lentinula edodes”. It is the only edible mushroom in the world to have registered more than 100% growth over 35 years.

In India, though button mushrooms are more popular, shiitake mushroom agriculture is gaining popularity in recent years. It is mainly imported from Thailand, Bhutan, Korea, and China, which is why it is more expensive in our country. For the cultivation of these mushrooms, there was no proper technology to grow this variety on a successful commercial scale. Still, recently the Directorate of Mushroom Research (DMR), situated at Chmabaghat in Solan district and the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR), at Hassargatta near Bangalore, have developed new techniques for growing this crop by using willow wood as a substrate.

With many nutritional, health, and medicinal benefits, the growing popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets, the demand for shiitake mushroom cultivation is increasing in India.

What are the Medicinal Properties of Shiitake Mushroom?

• Shiitake mushrooms are known for their medicinal properties, especially their anti-cancer effects and cholesterol-lowering properties.
• Dried shiitake mushrooms are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and protein.
• They also help boost immunity due to the presence of lentinan and beta-glucan compounds.

Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation Process – A Step-by-Step Guide

Shiitake mushroom cultivation involves several steps like preparation of logs, spawn incubation, stacking method, etc. Let’s understand the complete process below:

Selection of Layering Yard

Year-round shade and humidity are essential factors in shiitake mushroom cultivation. Select a layering yard with at least 60% shade for staking and storing logs. The layering yard should be from North to East so that the slopes facing this direction will help protect against the sun and heat. Proper water sources are another critical factor for fruit induction.

Selection of Logs

Mushroom production depends on the host tree species selected for log preparation. The host tree species influence the taste and size of the mushrooms produced. Some highly suitable trees are Oak, chinkapin, tan Oak, and hornbeam. Trees with more sapwood than heartwood are preferred for shiitake production. Select the logs that have high content of sapwood because they contain the most readily available nutrients and have higher moisture content.

Preparation of Logs

Cut the logs in suitable length for easy handling. Log lengths can range from 36 to 48 inches, and diameters from 2.5 to 10 inches. Logs that are 40 inches in length and 5 inches in diameter are most productive. Incubate the prepared logs as early as possible to reduce contamination by other fungal organisms and prevent moisture loss before mycelium establishes in the wood.

Spawn Incubation

After obtaining the desired log, drill small holes, 1x1 cm in size and 1.5 to 2 cm deep, into the log with a drilling machine. The distance between the holes should be 20 to 30 cm (long axis) and 5 to 6 cm in between the rows.

The shiitake mushroom spawn is prepared on sawdust or wood plugs made from this sawdust spawn is used for incubation. The sawdust spawn is placed in the holes, or the wood plugs can be inserted directly into them. Cover the incubated holes with Paraffin wax. Once incubated, the mycelium will establish in the logs and gradually start colonizing the wood.

Stacking Method

Stacking is an essential step in the shiitake mushroom cultivation process. Two types of stacking are commonly used: crib stacks and lean-to stacks. In crib stacking, the logs are arranged in horizontal layers perpendicular to each other. Lean-to stacks are composed of vertical rows of logs supported by a horizontal rail or wire. After the incubation period is complete, transfer the logs to a growing house with optimal temperature, humidity and light for primordial initiation.

Crop Management

Controlling temperature and humidity helps in the further development of fruit bodies. The ideal temperature range is 5°C to 20°C, and the relative humidity should be above 65%. Log beating in synchronization with water soaking promotes greater fruit body production, a practice common among some growers today. Also, make sure to prevent the crop from diseases like red bread mold and green mold.

Harvesting

Harvest shiitake mushrooms when the caps are 70-75% open and curled. Harvesting depends on the growth progress rather than the mushroom's size. While harvesting, make sure the gills of the fruits are visible. Twist the stem gently by hand to harvest the mushrooms. Use a sharp knife to cut the stem neatly so that the dirt or debris can be removed without washing the mushrooms under water. For the next flush, a rest period of more than one month is required for mycelium to recover and accumulate nutrients.

Conclusion

As we have seen, shiitake mushroom cultivation has high demand in the Indian market, offers many nutritional and medicinal benefits, and is well-suited to the climatic conditions. Having said that, this is a growing business in India. This variety has broad appeal, as people are becoming increasingly health-conscious, and shiitake mushrooms are a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. With proper care and cultivation practices, growers can earn a high income from shiitake mushroom cultivation. That’s for today regarding shiitake mushroom farming. For more agricultural-related blogs, you can explore Tractorkarvan.