Temperature is one of the most critical and determining factors in the entire life cycle of fungi, acting as an invisible director orchestrating the metabolic, enzymatic, and developmental processes of these fascinating life forms. For the mycologist, mycologist, or simple mushroom forager, understanding the intricate relationships between thermal gradients and the different growth stages is not a mere option, but a fundamental necessity for successful cultivation, for correctly identifying species in their habitat, or simply for appreciating the complex biology of the fungal kingdom. This article aims to explore in great detail, supported by scientific data, tables, and field observations, the fundamental role of temperature in each developmental stage, from spore germination to fruiting body senescence, providing a technical reference guide for all those working in the field.
Welcome to this in-depth technical study dedicated to one of the most fascinating and sometimes overlooked aspects of mycoculture: the influence of light on mushroom fruiting. For decades, the common belief among many growers was that mushrooms, lacking chlorophyll and not dependent on photosynthesis, were organisms indifferent to light. The reality, as we will discover in this treatise, is quite different and incredibly complex. Light is not a simple secondary environmental factor: it acts as a precise regulatory signal, a conductor coordinating the physiological processes that lead from the vegetative phase of the mycelium to the magnificent formation of the fruiting bodies.
In the vast landscape of mycoculture, the choice of inoculation substrate is a crucial decision that can determine the success or failure of an entire crop. Among the various available options, cereals have emerged as the preferred propagation medium due to their chemical composition, physical structure, and ability to support mycelial growth. This article aims to conduct an in-depth and detailed analysis of three cereals widely used in mycoculture: rice, rye, and barley. This focus is on their carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio, a key parameter that directly influences mycelial development, colonization rate, and final crop yield.
