Modified Use of Spored Oil for Profitable Production of Mushrooms

Modified Use of Spored Oil for Profitable Production of Mushrooms

Summary

This project continued to look at growing mushrooms in a woodlot using spore-infused oil used to lubricate a chainsaw. The project had a promising start on all treatments (good spore germination and colonization of log ends) that later resulted in growth of other fungi. Aspergillus became very noticable on a large number of the “oyster spore infused oil” logs. As a result only the positive controls (each used one of several spawn methods) produced mushrooms.

Here are general observations:

1.) Despite the protection offered by lumber end wax and freezer paper, excessive drying in the summer months was a severe impediment to success. Thus a post consumer plastic will be used either as a substitute treatment or as an additional treatment.

2.) Colonization was too slow with the spore infused oil treatments to prevent other fungi from getting established. Using a layer of paper (where it does not interfere with other enhancements) may speed up colonization. A number of post consumer papers are available that have been used to grow oyster and shiitake mushrooms. Newspaper is the most readily available.

Tours

Dave McGill of The West Virginia University Extension Service conducted a small tour in September 2012 through the Woodland Stewarts program. Another tour has been mentioned as a possibility for May.

Collaborators: