Stage 1 - A Spore

Mushroom Stage Image
Spores are like the "seeds" of mushroom cultivation! Spores are used to make liquid cultures OR to directly inoculate grain/substrate for cultivation.

Stage 2 - Hyphae and Mycelium

Mushroom Stage Image
Early mycelium looks like fine, white, fuzzy hairs - hyphae - that later develop into thicker, root-like bodies. They only develop when environmental conditions are perfect for their species. Humidity and Temperature are major factors.

Stage 3 - Forming a Colony

Mushroom Stage Image
With the right conditions, mycelium will continue to spread wherever moisture and nutrients are available, adding new hyphae to expand the network - kind of like roots to for plants. These can penetrate soil and wood easily.

Stage 4 - Primordia | "Pinning"

Mushroom Stage Image
When the right conditions descend on a mature colony, fruiting is triggered and "primordia" are formed, reaching out from the mycelial web. FAE - Frequent Air Exchange is a major trigger for this process to commence.

Stage 5 - Mushrooms Emerge

Mushroom Stage Image
As the primordia mature they'll begin to take shape as mushrooms with distinct stem and cap. The veil will release, revealing the gills underneath as they unfurl and reach peak maturity. This can be a very fast process.

Stage 6 - The Cycle Repeats

Mushroom Stage Image
Mushrooms want their genes to go forth and prosper for generations too! Sporulation - the release of spores - is how they do this. After a life of stewardship to the woods, mushrooms pass with dignity if not consumed and send forth a new generation in the wind to live wherever they might land. So long as conditions are right!

What Did You Learn?

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