Black fungus, also known as wood ear or cloud ear, is a unique organism that serves both as a food and a traditional medicinal ingredient. It is rich in protein, essential trace elements, and offers a refreshing, crisp texture with a pleasant taste. Known for its ability to clear heat, nourish yin, strengthen the body, and promote blood circulation, it has become an essential dietary choice for workers in high-dust environments such as textile factories, mining operations, hair salons, sanitation teams, and even frontline educators. As awareness of its health benefits grows, so does the market demand, making it a promising crop for agricultural development.
After a period of low market activity, black fungus saw a significant price increase in 2006, with cultivated varieties reaching 50 yuan per kilogram, and premium quality ones selling for up to 70 yuan. By 2007, the market continued to thrive, not only domestically but also internationally. With rising consumer demand, the black fungus industry presents vast opportunities for growth and development, offering strong potential for future production.
**I. Seasonal Cultivation Planning**
Black fungus is a type of woody rot fungus that thrives in medium to high temperatures. The mycelium grows best between 6°C and 35°C, ideally at 22°C to 28°C. For fruiting body formation, the optimal temperature range is 15°C to 35°C, with the ideal being 20°C to 28°C.
Based on these conditions, experts recommend scheduling the cultivation of black fungus in northern regions like Shandong, Hebei, Shanxi, and Henan during August to October. However, local factors such as geography, temperature variations, cultivation techniques, and management practices should be considered when determining the exact timing. Flexibility is key, and rigid adherence to general guidelines is discouraged.
To ensure successful cultivation, the preparation of mushroom bags should typically begin 45 days before planned fruiting. This allows enough time for the material to fully colonize. However, this timeline may vary depending on the base material, formulation, culture temperature, and strain characteristics. It’s better to be slightly early than late.
**II. Strain Selection**
In regions with a long history of black fungus cultivation, local farmers often have their own preferred strains that are well-suited to the environment. In areas where black fungus is newly introduced or not traditionally grown, it's crucial to consult local experts and choose strains that are either locally adapted or from similar climatic zones. Conducting trial tests and comparisons can help identify the most suitable strains for each region.
In recent years, strains such as "Agri-Science No. 108" and "Fuyou No. 1" have shown excellent performance in Shandong, making them popular choices among growers.
**III. Formula Preparation**
**Formula One:**
- 220 kg of hardwood sawdust
- 30 kg of wheat bran
- 1.5 kg of sucrose
- 5 kg of superphosphate
- 3 kg of gypsum powder
- 0.8 kg of urea
- 0.5 kg of potassium dihydrogen phosphate
- 1 bag of "Success" protective agent
- 1 bag of 3D edible fungus nutrient essence (mixed type)
**Formula Two:**
- 160 kg of crushed wood chips
- 60 kg of cottonseed hulls
- 30 kg of wheat bran
- 1.5 kg of sucrose
- 5 kg of superphosphate
- 3 kg of gypsum powder
- 0.6 kg of urea
- 0.5 kg of potassium dihydrogen phosphate
- 1 bag of "Success" protective agent
- 1 bag of 3D edible fungus nutrient essence (filling type)
**IV. Base Material Processing**
Once the raw materials—such as mold-free broad-leaved sawdust—are selected and the formula is prepared, the three-dimensional nutrient essence should be dissolved in water and evenly sprayed onto the mixture. The materials should then be thoroughly mixed to ensure even distribution.
Depending on the texture of the materials and the ambient temperature, the mixture should be stacked for 2–4 days to allow proper hydration and softening. This step helps prevent the wood chips from piercing the plastic bags during the bagging process. Under appropriate moisture and temperature conditions, some spores will begin to germinate, which enhances the sterilization effect.
After the mixing is complete, the material should be spread out and allowed to cool down before being placed into bags. The moisture content should be adjusted to around 63%, and the pH level should be maintained between 7 and 7.5. The material temperature should be below 28°C or at normal room temperature before bagging.
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