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CULTIVATION TIPS ADVISIE How clean is clean?
By Con Hermans AdVisie “the mushroom growing consultants”, Heythuysen
hermans@mushroomconsulting.nl
The basic principles of mushroom growing are based on selectivity and competitive advan- tage. Compost is fermented is such a way that only a select group of moulds can grow on the nutrients left behind. Competitor moulds are eradicated by the right temperature treatment and hygiene measures, after which an overdose of spawn and long mycelium growth gives the mushroom mycelium a huge advantage and allows it to colonise the compost completely. Constantly checking whether the right procedures are being followed will safeguard a good, stable compost quality. However, the chain is only as strong as the weakest link and unfortunately many weak links can occur in the composting process. This ultimately reveals itself on the farm as: high tempe- ratures, weak recovery growth, infections, weak patches, lower production and lower quality mushrooms. From experience, I know this often has to do with professional tunnel vision, pushing the boundaries and the slow build-up of infection pressure. Running a quick scan of the entire process, an extensive spore pressure measurement and a hygiene check can help you to quickly pinpoint the weak links. This is best done by an external professional, as a fresh pair of eyes sees more. Everyone has a different response to the questions what is clean, what is correct and what is tolerable. And, as experience too often shows, the sense of alertness tends to become blunted as time wears on. The photo here shows the spore pressure, measured using an air sampler during delivery of the incubated compost. The compost appeared to quite well incubated at first sight, but this spore pressure is far too high and is sure to cause the grower problems.
Say bye bye to bacterial blotch Praktische doorlichting en advies bij:
By Jos Hilkens AdVisie ‘the mushroom growing consultants, Herkenbosch
hilkens@mushroomconsulting.nl
Photo’s: AdVisie Compostering Ziekten
Bacterial blotch is a recurrent problem on many farms; varying from a few spots to sizable patches. On mechanical harvesting farms, a serious infection can lower the quality of the yield, or even potentially mean the entire yield is rejected, leading to a loss of income. On manual picking farms, a lower picking performance will also be the result. Bacterial blotch can appear in a flash on inactive, short structured, wet compost and when the weather is warm and humid. The correct growing measures, and possibly the use of chlorine, can help limit the damage. Make sure the compost is active enough, this will make evapora- tion far more spontaneous. Do this by taking measures such as filling enough kg compost/m2, adding more supplement and filling the beds loosely. The last option in particular works well and costs nothing! With warm, humid weather the required values in the growing room are not always achieved. Lowering the RH after the casing soil has been sprayed after the 1st flush tends to give problems sooner. If the RH is 2% or more above the desired value, consider increasing the circulation position. In practice, an increase of 10 to 20% is no exception. After the casing soil has been hydrated again after the 1st flush, the casing soil should lose its shiny appearance after 18 to 24 hours. If the casing soil stays too wet for too long, bacterial blotch can develop. If bacterial blotch is endemic on the farm, we advise using lightly chlorinated water for spraying. If there are small spots of bacterial blotch in the first flush, using chlorinated water in the first and final spraying when the casing soil is sprayed after the first flush is recommen- ded.
Jos Hilkens +31(0)653 31 6204
Luchtmeting
Con Hermans +31(0)653 29 9396
advertisement Consulting for:
Jos Hilkens +31(0)653 31 6204
Disease control Composting
Mushroom- growing
Con Hermans +31(0)653 29 9396
www.champignonadvies.nl
www.mushroomconsulting.nl
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