CULTIVATIONTIPS ADVISIE Picking based on cap diameter
In most countries, mushrooms are sold in certain size grades. These usually range from extra small (baby button) to small (button) to small medium and large medium, and then giant. But there is always a large variation in size within one grade. For example, small medium ranges from 35 to 50 mm. A more uniform cap diameter gives a more attractive presentation. This means a difference in size of 5 mm within one punnet. This is much easier to achieve with graze picking focused on a specific cap diameter. This works best on days 2,3 and 4 of harvesting. If you pick over the beds again within 2 to 2.5 hours, this also has positive effects on mushroom quality and yields. As mushrooms are picked away which effectively thins the beds, CO2 accumulates less quickly between the caps and maintains a better quality. Graze picking creates more space for smaller mushroom to grow and this benefits production. In addition, pickers can concentrate purely on the cap diameter and how close together the mushrooms are on the bed right up to the final picking session of the day. This makes harvesting a lot easier. The instructions for the final picking session depend on which day it is, and the condition of the beds. Commonplace is thinning mushrooms while retaining spread, or harvesting mushrooms with long stems and/or no round cap. In other words, mushrooms that are starting to ripen.
By Jos Hilkens AdVisie ‘the mushroom growing consultants’, Herkenbosch
hilkens@mushroomconsulting.nl Pictures: AdVisie
Alertness to amount of CAC
By Jos Hilkens AdVisie ‘the mushroom growing consultants’, Herkenbosch
hilkens@mushroomconsulting.nl Pictures: AdVisie
and 3rd
The amount of compost added to casing (CAC) greatly influences mushroom growing. Most growers apply CAC material with the head filler by mixing a little compost through the casing soil. The precise amount is assessed visually. However, how much CAC is added may vary during filling, for example by using compost from another tunnel with, for example, a short or long structure, coarser or finer casing, drier or more moist casing, a different filling thickness, altered speed of the CAC axle or the depth the axle penetrates the casing. For these reasons, it’s wise to continuously monitor how much CAC is added. Any differences in the growing room always complicate the cultivation process and will not benefit the final results. The rotation speed of the CAC axle affects the size of lumps, especially at the base of the casing layer, and how the CAC is distributed though the casing. If the axle rotates too slowly, the lumps may become too large so the first levelling axle will have more difficulty levelling the surface of the casing. This will not distribute the CAC uniformly through the casing either, which results in uneven colonisation by mycelium. If the axle rotates too quickly, the lumps will become too fine and more mycelium will grow through the casing. This makes it more difficult for growers to control the moisture balance of the casing soil in the 2nd
de champignonteel tadviseurs Jos Hilkens
+31(0)653 31 6204
hilkens@champignonadvies.nl
flush and affects the spontaneity of pinhead formation in these flushes.
hermans@champignonadvies.nl
(advert) the mushroom growing consultants
Con Hermans +31(0)653 29 9396
Jos Hilkens +31(0)653 31 6204
hilkens@mushroomconsulting.nl
6 MUSHROOM BUSINESS
Con Hermans +31(0)653 29 9396
hermans@mushroomconsulting.nl
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