Spawn Running

Sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus males captured during spawning run, single acute exposure ... 

Reduced spawn running period—Oil supplemented composts show increased mycelial activity and therefore higher temperatures during the spawn running period. As a result the colonization period is shortened by three to five days. 

CHAPTER VII SPAWNING AND SPAWN RUNNING IN BULK SUBSTRATES... 

The inoculation of compost or bulk substrates is called spawning. The colonization of these substrates by the mushroom mycelium is known as spawn running. At spawning and during spawn running there are several factors that must be considered if yields are to be maximized. These factors are ... 

Once colonization is complete, the substrate should be cased, or if casing is not used, it should be switched to a fruiting mode. If spawn running is continued beyond this point, valuable nutrients that could be utilized for production of fruitbodies will be consumed by further vegetative growth. If for some reason the cropping cycle must be delayed, the substrate should be cooled until a more opportune time. 

Fresh Air Exchanges Stacks in open air sufficient. (Recent innovations show that logs stacked in a vertical configuration and covered with straw and plastic to maintain even temperatures result in faster spawn running in an outdoor environment. Within a controlled greenhouse, the logs need not be covered. The contact between the log surfaces should be minimized to prevent competitor molds and lichens from forming). pH Optima 5-6. 

Spawn Running colonization of compost and bulk substrates. 

Molds present during spawn run. Improper Phase 1 or Phase 11. Review composting section. Check contamination section for identification and factors predisposing to mold growth. 

Inky Caps (Coprinus sp.) occur during spawn run. Residual ammonia in compost. Prolong Phase II conditioning until litmus paper test shows no change. 

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