🍄 How to Handle Mushroom Spawn Properly
Welcome to the Manas Agrotech Learning Page — everything you need to know about handling, storing, and using mushroom spawn for best results.
🧊 1️⃣ How to Store Mushroom Spawn
- Keep in a cool, dry place (ideally 15–20°C).
- Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes.
- Do not freeze the spawn.
- If possible, store in a clean, well-ventilated room.
⏳ 2️⃣ Shelf Life of Spawn
- Best used within 2–3 weeks from dispatch.
- Quality may reduce after this if not stored properly.
- Always check for white, healthy mycelium before use.
✅ 3️⃣ Do’s
- Wash hands or wear gloves before handling.
- Use spawn in clean, sterilized substrate only.
- Inoculate in a clean space (avoid fans or open windows).
- Seal bags or trays properly after mixing spawn.
❌ 4️⃣ Don’ts
- Don’t open spawn bag unless ready to use.
- Don’t touch mycelium directly with bare hands.
- Don’t keep spawn near chemical fumes, strong smells, or wet surfaces.
⚠️ 5️⃣ Contamination: What to Watch Out For
Contamination is when unwanted organisms (like green mold, black mold, bacteria) grow in the spawn or substrate.
Common signs:
- Green, black, pink, or slimy patches
- Unusual smell (sour or rotten)
- Wet or soggy texture
🚫 Contaminated spawn should not be used.
🎨 6️⃣ Pigmentation: What’s Normal?
Sometimes you may see:
- Slight yellowing due to heat (not dangerous)
- Rust spots on millet – usually harmless unless moldy
🔍 Always distinguish pigmentation from contamination:
- Pigmentation is surface-level discoloration
- Contamination grows and spreads
When in doubt, reach out to us.
📦 7️⃣ How to Use Spawn
- Use 1–1.5 kg spawn per 10 kg substrate (varies by mushroom type).
- Mix evenly and maintain cleanliness.
- Seal and incubate at ideal temperature/humidity depending on the mushroom species.