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Mushroom cultivation => PF - Tek => Topic started by: shroomzilla on September 19, 2004, 12:45:47 PM

Title: incubation... light, no light, tight lids or not?
Post by: shroomzilla on September 19, 2004, 12:45:47 PM
Ive read a few different teks (pf, simple) and the instructions that came with a syringe. Either they dont have enough info on air and light, or they differ in opinions.

Im wondering if the jars need light while incubating (i read that they were to be in a dark area, but also that indirect light is good). I know sunlight is not good, i dont know why exactly tho, but i guess it doesnt matter.

And the next question is about jar lids. Tight or loose? Supposed to be relative to the water content of the jars? Or is it personal preference?

Thanks everyone
Title: incubation... light, no light, tight lids or not?
Post by: psilly on September 20, 2004, 03:31:57 AM
QuoteIm wondering if the jars need light while incubating (i read that they were to be in a dark area, but also that indirect light is good). I know sunlight is not good, i dont know why exactly tho, but i guess it doesnt matter.
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Less light is better for incubation.  Light can be a "trigger" for fruiting-- once your mushrooms enter fruiting mode, colonization can slow or stop altogether.  I lay a thin black towel over the top of my incubator, if you hold the towel up to a light you casn see a minute amount of light coming through but that's it.

QuoteAnd the next question is about jar lids. Tight or loose? Supposed to be relative to the water content of the jars? Or is it personal preference?
[snapback]392[/snapback]

Tight is better for keeping out contaminants.  The whole idea with PF-Tek is to give your mushroom spores an advantage over contaminants by allowing them to fully-colonize a sterile environment before being introduced to the not-so-sterile fruiting chamber.  If your lid is too loose, contaminants can enter the jars and cause your spores to lose their edge.
Title: incubation... light, no light, tight lids or not?
Post by: shroomzilla on September 20, 2004, 04:49:06 PM

Quote from: shroomzilla,Sep 19 2004, 03:45 PMAnd the next question is about jar lids. Tight or loose? Supposed to be relative to the water content of the jars? Or is it personal preference?
[snapback]392[/snapback]

Tight is better for keeping out contaminants.  The whole idea with PF-Tek is to give your mushroom spores an advantage over contaminants by allowing them to fully-colonize a sterile environment before being introduced to the not-so-sterile fruiting chamber.  If your lid is too loose, contaminants can enter the jars and cause your spores to lose their edge.
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k, so light isnt good until later...

But the jar shouldnt be completely airtight correct? there should be some airflow?Although I guess the lid is on upside down so it isnt fully airtight. havent had any luck yet, i think its mostly to do with my pressure cooking/boiling technique or lack of. i have tried about 6-8 jars so far and had no success, just a whispy white, with greenish mold in it :rolleyes: i read about contaminants and says that its over moisture, but i  dont think so.

anyways, so what about the jarlid? mycelium needs Oxygen, but how much? shouldnt there be enough in the jar already for it to get started?
Title: incubation... light, no light, tight lids or not?
Post by: anno on September 20, 2004, 10:19:27 PM
>But the jar shouldnt be completely airtight correct?
Correct.

> there should be some airflow?
Yes.

Read http://www.fungifun.org/gas_exchange/ (http://www.fungifun.org/gas_exchange/)
Title: incubation... light, no light, tight lids or not?
Post by: vapourboy on September 30, 2004, 07:59:30 AM
Look into using coffee filters or, even better, synthetic filter discs, so there can be some air exchange.

During the vegetative (mycelial) stage, the mushroom organism thrives in high CO2 environments, so minimal air exchange is required. However, no air exchange can be detrimental and invite bacterial contamination.