III. Cultivation methods of maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Abstract

Artificial culture of maitake (Grifola frondosa) in Japan has a short 15‐year history. Mass production of artificially cultured mushrooms was started only about 10 years ago after the elucidation of its biology. Three artificial cultivation methods have been established: 1. Bottle culture: This method is suitable for year‐round culture and can be mechanized with minimum labor requirements. The size of the harvested mushroom is small because of the small bottles used (800–1000 ml). 2. Bag culture: This method is used most frequently in Japan. Sawdust is mixed with rice and wheat brans. After the moisture of the mixture is adjusted, the mixture is packed in a polypropylene bag and is molded into a square‐shaped culture bed. 3. Outdoor bed culture: This method was first attempted in Japan under natural climatic conditions. This method requires about 6 months from inoculation to fruiting body formation.