2021-06-02
Shiitake substrate bags require browning, supported by coordinated temperature, humidity and light management.
1. Temperature management.
Begin browning once bags are fully colonized. Below a daily maximum of 12°C, stack in a crisscross pattern, 6–8 layers high and 4–6 rows per stack; cover with film, leave the bottom open for ventilation, add insulation at night and uncover on alternate days to stimulate browning. At 13–20°C, use six layers and 3–4 rows. At 21–25°C, use triangular stacks, 4–6 layers and 2–4 rows. Above 26°C, wet the floor, stand bags diagonally in a single layer and provide an elevated shade cover.
2. Humidity management.
Below 20°C, little intervention is generally needed. At higher temperatures, manage humidity to prevent overheating and excessive bag moisture loss, for example by wetting the floor or spraying the cover.
3. Ventilation management.
Ventilation removes CO₂ and supplies oxygen, evens stack temperatures and limits overheating, helps surface aerial mycelium flatten during browning, and manages moisture, especially above 20°C. Adjust coverings for airflow; about a week into browning, turn stacks and reposition bags once or twice with stronger ventilation and light exposure.
4. Light management.
Light is important for browning substrate bags. Turning stacks, changing bag positions or uncovering them exposes the bags to light; ordinary inspection also admits light, making this aspect of management relatively straightforward.
5. Checking browning.
Properly browned bags are brown and resilient, with substrate particles still visible. Tapping produces a hollow-wood sound and the substrate largely separates from the film. After cutting the film, the surface should feel rough, firm, dry and distinctly harder.
Hubei Changyin Edible Fungi Machinery Co., Ltd. supplies bag filling machines, clipping machines, dryers and other mushroom equipment to customers across China, supported by after-sales service.