ISMSNEWS China – It’s all happening! D


uring an official visit in April as a guest of CEFA, I was very impressed to see and hear about the continuing rapid mod- ernization and significant growth of the Chinese mushroom industry. Production and consumption are continuing to increase due a myriad of contributing factors. One that stood out is the increasing level of sophistication in production, and the support services that underpin it.


The opening of the ISMS Zoucheng Expert Workstation in Zoucheng City and a a visit to the Yuguan Agaricus development in Guannan were just two exciting examples that demon- strate that it’s all happening in China right now. The other pleasing aspect I noted was that many Chinese entrepreneurs have now recognized the


importance of developing a marketing strategy. This is imperative if the development of the mushroom industry is to be sustainable. Zoucheng City is the home of the famous philosopher Confuscius. In keeping with the tradition of great wisdom in the city, the Zoucheng government and the local industry have created a new mushroom R&D facility now officially known as the ISMS Zoucheng Expert Work- station. It is designed to provide mushroom scientists with experi- mental growing rooms and laboratories to support their work. The facility is located near a major mushroom production area, where several large companies produce a wide range of mushrooms. The idea is for researchers to be able to liaise closely with local producers. Research results can be easily extended into commercial production and researchers will have first hand knowledge of the problems that


are affecting local producers. This is the principal on which ISMS was created, so it was very pleasing to see the Zoucheng mushroom com- munity embrace it so well.


The Zoucheng Workstation is another example of how well govern- ments at all levels in China are actively supporting the development of the industry. The other astounding feature is the number of mush- room researchers there are across the country, as well as the number of students currently in training in universities. This scientific effort will become increasingly important to the continuing development of our industry on a global scale. Finally a few words about the amazing experi- ence at the Yuguan agaricus farm and our hosts Mr Huang, the owner, and Mr Jackie Qi, the pro-


ject manager. Yuguan is still under construction and upon completion will be the largest agaricus farm in the world! There are currently 9 Phase 1 bunkers in operation but there are another 18 in the pipeline. The quality of the mushrooms being produced was first class. A full processing and value-added product plant is located adjacent to the production facilities along with an R&D building. Down the track, Yuguan will develop a satellite grower program in the local area. This initiative will be a massive injection into the local economy and pro- vide employment for thousands. Mushrooms are good for business and the community, so its no wonder that governments are keen to support the mushroom industry. Long may it continue!


Greg Seymour, President ISMS TEELTTIPS ADVISIE Compost moisture content


There can be wide diff erences in the moisture content of various batches of compost. In phase III compost this can vary from 58 to 66% and in the same production week variations of up to 4% can regularly occur in the moisture content. It can be a huge challenge to get a very dry compost up to the right moisture level. Over-dry composts often contain weaker mycelium, have a tendency to exhibit problems with nutrient transport from the compost to the mush- rooms, and the mushrooms often mature faster. With very dry compost, spraying water on the incubated compost during fi lling can help. Obtaining the optimal moisture content isn’t always possible, but the addition of 6 to 8 l/m2 help as an initial corrective measure.


on the head fi ller will distribute the moisture well and By Jos Hilkens


AdVisie “the mushroom growing consultants”, Herkenbosch hilkens@mushroomconsulting.nl


The opposite case – too wet compost- is not ideal either. This is usually less well-incubated, often leads to problems with pinhead development and gives mushrooms with a disappointing colour. At cool down you will regularly see temperature peaks in the compost as it starts getting drier and more mycelium starts growing. Using a standard spraying pattern is fi ne, if it is slightly adapted to suit mycelium growth in the casing soil. However, when the compost is clearly drier or wetter than normal, corrections in the spraying pattern of 4 to 10 l/m2


are no exception. It is diffi cult to indicate precisely how


much water should be applied to the casing soil at preparation, as fi gures in practice vary from 8 to 38 litres per m2


. A good average for Dutch compost is 18 – 25 l/m2 , but this depends on


factors such as fi lling weight, activity and moisture content of the compost, the type of casing and evaporation levels on the farm itself.


MUSHROOM BUSINESS 19


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