The Show Zhen mushroom, also known as the ring handle ear mushroom or white ring handle ear, is a newly emerging and highly nutritious rare edible fungus that has gained popularity in the international market. It is prized for its crisp texture, high fiber content, and exceptional flavor. Not only is it rich in nutrients, but it also offers a delicious taste that appeals to many consumers.
Artificially cultivated Pleurotus ostreatus is versatile in terms of raw materials and relatively easy to grow. It can be cultivated using various agricultural by-products such as wood chips, cottonseed hulls, rice straw, corn cobs, and other crop residues. On average, every 100 kg of dry material can yield 80–100 kg of fresh mushrooms. The entire cultivation cycle from inoculation to fruiting takes about 4–5 months, allowing for two harvests per year. Below are the key techniques involved in cultivating this valuable mushroom.
**I. Strain Isolation and Breeding**
Pleurotus ostreatus used in commercial production typically comes from two sources: either isolated from the fruit body or obtained directly from research institutions or specialized strain producers. While research institutes often perform isolation, purification, and regeneration, most growers opt to purchase pre-established strains due to the lack of necessary facilities.
**II. Cultivation Season**
The timing of planting depends on the temperature requirements of the mushroom. Spring planting is usually done between March and April, while autumn planting is arranged between May and August. In high-altitude areas, bag-making should be done earlier to ensure optimal growth conditions.
**III. Cultivation Methods**
The cultivation method for Pleurotus citrinopileatus is similar to that of other oyster mushrooms, but it cannot be grown using raw materials without prior processing. It can be cultivated indoors or in shaded outdoor structures, making it adaptable to different environments.
**IV. Bag Preparation and Sterilization**
Common raw material mixes include:
- 15% wood chips, 26% corn cob, 15% wheat husk, 5% corn flour, 1% sucrose, 1% gypsum, 2% lime, 100g potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 25g magnesium sulfate.
- 92% cottonseed hulls, 5% wheat husk, 1% sucrose, 1% gypsum, 1% lime.
- 50% bagasse, 32% wood chips, 15% wheat husk, 1% gypsum, 2% lime, 100g urea.
- 90% cottonseed hulls, 4% chaff, 1% glucose, 0.5% peptone, 0.5% glutamic acid, 4% wheat, and a small amount of lime.
These materials should be processed and crushed before mixing with water to achieve a moisture content of 60–65%. During hot seasons, the mixture is fermented for 4–5 days before being packed into sterilized bags. High-density polypropylene or polyethylene bags (17×33 cm or 20×35 cm) are commonly used. After sterilization at 100°C for 15–16 hours, the bags are cooled to 70°C before opening. Once cooled to below 30°C, the bags are moved to a clean room for disinfection using an aerosol sterilizer and then inoculated.
**V. Mushroom Management**
Once the mycelium fully colonizes the bag, it is left for 5–7 more days to reach physiological maturity. Then, it is transferred to a well-ventilated, clean mushroom house. Before moving in the bags, the space is disinfected using dichlorvos and formaldehyde. The humidity should be maintained at 90%, and temperatures kept around 23–25°C with diffused light. Small misting and ventilation are important during the early stages. When primordia appear, increased ventilation and light help promote healthy growth. Avoid direct spraying on the buds to prevent damage. Harvest when the caps flatten.
After the first harvest, any remaining debris should be removed, and the humidity reduced to 70–80% to encourage a second flush. Replenishing the bags with additional substrate helps maintain productivity. This process is repeated for subsequent flushes, ensuring consistent yields.
**VI. Harvesting and Processing**
Mature Show Zhen mushrooms have caps measuring 2–3 cm in diameter with curled edges. They should be harvested before spores are released. Fresh mushrooms are dehydrated, stored in refrigeration, and later sorted, packaged, and shipped. Alternatively, they can be dried for long-term storage.
**VII. Pest Control**
Insect pests should be managed using safe, broad-spectrum insecticides like pyrethrum or cypermethrin. Spraying should stop after harvesting. For fungal diseases such as green mold, 0.1% Kemylin is effective. Red mold can be controlled with carbendazim and diesel, while Mucor requires immediate removal. Yellow mold and black rhizopus are treated similarly to green mold. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are essential for successful cultivation.
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