Different techniques for growing mushrooms

These techniques were taken from the FAO Website from a program named Cultivating mushrooms for people with disabilities

http://www.fao.org/docrep/004/ab497e/ab497e07.htm#TopOfPage

Given the proper environment, mushrooms will grow and can offer a good source of natural vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms can also bring illness and even death to people who are unaware of certain types of wild mushrooms. Cultivated mushrooms are therefore the preferred and most reliable source of supply. Mushrooms are commonly used for various dishes in different shapes and forms. The most commonly and easily cultivated mushrooms are oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus Ostreatus), ear mushrooms (Auricularia polytricha), and straw mushrooms (Volvariella volvacea). Other types of mushrooms such as Lentinula sp., Lentinus sp., Ganoderma sp., Macrocybe sp., Agrocybe sp. types can also be cultivated successfully but will require more attention and knowledge. It is therefore recommended that a new comer in mushroom cultivation start with easy to grow and commercially viable mushroom

Tissue Culture

1. Prepare materials:

Potatoes: 200 gr.
Dextrose: 20 gr.
Agar powder: 20 gr.
Water: 1 liter.
Cotton (gauze)

Note: Visually check potatoes for spots or rot. Buy dextrose and Agar of commercial grade.

2. Wash and cut potatoes into one-centimeter cubes; leave on or remove the skin.

3. Clean small flat bottles (small whiskey bottles as a container can be used).

4. Place potatoes in one liter of water. Simmer for 15 - 20 minutes.

5. Remove potatoes & keep the broth as clear as possible.

Add water to broth to reach one liter of liquid PDA

6. Bring water to stove. Add dextrose followed by agar. Slowly stir continuously with regular speed until completely dissolved.

7. Pour liquid PDA in bottle until you reach 5 - 10 mm high.

8. Plug bottle with cotton.

9. Place bottles in autoclave at 121^oC for 20 - 30 minutes to ensure complete sterilization.

Let cool down to around 37^oC.

10. Place bottles in slanted position as to increase surface area of the medium. PDA should come close to the neck but must not touch the cotton plug.

After PDA medium is settled in bottle, transfer all bottles to clean shelf in the clean room.

11. Check for contamination (contamination can be seen when dark spots or lines occur).