The cultivation of certain mushroom species in low-light conditions is crucial for their successful growth. These mushrooms, often referred to as “obligate shade” or “low-light” mushrooms, have evolved to thrive in environments with limited exposure to light.
Why Mushroom Cultivation Is Done In Dark Room?
Mushroom cultivation in dark or low-light environments is a vital technique stemming from the unique biology of mushrooms. Unlike plants, mushrooms don’t rely on photosynthesis. Controlled darkness during specific growth stages prompts fruiting and mitigates issues like contamination and premature pinning.
The reason mushroom need to be cultivation In low-light conditions
Mushroom cultivation is often done in dark or low-light conditions for several important reasons:
Growth Optimization
Mushrooms are different from plants in that they do not photosynthesize. They rely on external organic matter as their energy source. Darkness or low light helps prevent premature pinning (the initial stage of mushroom growth) and elongation of the stems. This is because mushrooms need to sense a decrease in light to trigger their fruiting process. Maintaining darkness until the mycelium is fully colonized helps ensure optimal fruiting conditions.
Preventing Contamination
Light can promote the growth of unwanted microorganisms or molds in the substrate, which can compete with the mycelium and spoil the crop. By keeping the growing environment dark, the risk of contamination is reduced.
Energy Conservation
Light exposure consumes energy, especially in large-scale commercial mushroom cultivation. By keeping the cultivation area dark, energy costs are minimized, making the process more economical.
Temperature Control
Light can raise the temperature in the growing area. Certain mushroom species have specific temperature requirements for optimal growth. Maintaining a constant, controlled temperature is easier in a dark or low-light environment.
Quality and Appearance
Mushrooms grown in the dark tend to have a more consistent and desirable shape and color. They are less likely to be elongated or discolored due to light exposure
These types of mushrooms need to be cultivated in a dark room
Mushroom cultivation in dark or low-light conditions is most commonly associated with species that are categorized as “obligate shade” or “low-light” mushrooms. These mushrooms naturally grow in the wild under the cover of forest canopies or in shaded areas. Some examples of mushrooms that are typically cultivated in dark or low-light environments include:
White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
The common white button mushroom, as well as cremini and portobello mushrooms, are often grown in dark environments. They require darkness during the initial stages of cultivation to stimulate pinning, and then they may be exposed to light for proper development and coloration.
Crimini Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus var. crimini)
Crimini mushrooms are closely related to white button mushrooms and share similar light requirements.
Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake mushrooms are typically grown on hardwood logs or supplemented sawdust blocks in low-light conditions. They are often exposed to light during the fruiting stage, but they can tolerate shade during incubation and colonization.
Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa)
Maitake mushrooms are shade-loving and thrive in low-light conditions. They are commonly grown on supplemented hardwood logs in the shade.
Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus spp.)
Various oyster mushroom species, such as the pearl oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), are often cultivated in low-light environments. They may be exposed to light during fruiting, but they can tolerate shade during the colonization stage.
Enoki Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes
Enoki mushrooms are typically grown in dark conditions, which encourages the growth of long, slender stems and small caps.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Lion’s mane mushrooms can be cultivated in low-light conditions, and they are often grown on hardwood sawdust substrates or logs in a controlled environment.
What and when is the right way to harvest mushrooms?
Mushrooms are typically ready for harvest when they have reached a mature stage of growth. Below are general guidelines for when and how to determine if common mushroom species, which are often cultivated in dark or low-light conditions during their initial growth stages, are ready for harvest:
White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
Harvest Timing:White button mushrooms are ready for harvest when the caps are fully expanded but have not yet flattened out. Harvest them before the gills underneath the cap start to turn dark and release spores.
Appearance: The caps are round, firm, and creamy white.
Crimini and Portobello Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus var. crimini/portobello)
Harvest Timing: Crimini mushrooms are typically harvested when the caps are fully expanded, just before they mature into portobello mushrooms. Portobellos are allowed to grow larger, with open caps and visible gills.
Appearance: Crimini mushrooms have dark brown caps when mature, while portobellos have even larger, brown caps with exposed gills.
Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)
Harvest Timing: Shiitake mushrooms are ready for harvest when the caps have fully expanded, and the edges start to curl upward slightly.
Appearance: The caps are brown and convex with visible gills underneath.
Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus spp.)
Harvest Timing: Oyster mushrooms are typically harvested when the caps are fully expanded, just before they start to flatten and turn upward at the edges.
Appearance: The caps can vary in color depending on the strain but are typically white to light brown with well-defined gills.
Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa)
Harvest Timing: Maitake mushrooms are ready for harvest when the fronds (multiple branching caps) have fully expanded, and the individual caps are open.
Appearance: The fronds have a brownish-gray color with exposed gills.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Harvest Timing: Lion’s mane mushrooms are harvested when the “icicles” or “teeth” on the fruiting body have fully developed and are hanging down.
Appearance: The “icicles” are white and mature-looking.
Final thoughts
In summary, the necessity of cultivating mushrooms in dark or low-light environments underscores the delicate balance required for successful mushroom farming. Understanding the specific light requirements for different mushroom species is essential to ensure optimal growth and yield.
Darkness during the initial stages encourages proper development and prevents contamination, while controlled light exposure at later stages stimulates fruiting. This practice exemplifies the precise science and artistry of mushroom cultivation, emphasizing the importance of providing mushrooms with the right environmental conditions to thrive and ultimately deliver a flavorful and nutritious harvest.