Unwanted Mushroom in Mushroom Production (Images): InkCap and Remedy

Introduction: Mushroom InkCap

The Unwanted Mushroom is a species of mushroom which can be considered as a pest of commercially grown mushroom. This is also known as Ink-Cap or inkycap. This, actually, is not a pest of the mushroom. Although, we can say it weed of mushroom crop. They can affect the growth of cultivated mushroom by competiting with them for food and nutrition.

Name	Ink Cap, Inky Cap, Ink Capus, Unwanted Mushroom.
Type	Mushroom Species, Harmful to commercial species of mushrooms.
Species of	Mushroom, Coprinus comatus.
Major Problem of	Commercial and con-commercial mushroom growing units.
Appearance	All mushroom growing areas.

INDEX

S. N.	HEADING(S)	REMARK(S)
1.	Identification
2.	Cause(s)
3.	Control, Management Practices
4.	Frequently Asked Questions
5.	Image Gallery
6.	Recent Posts
7.	Other Posts

1. Identification

After completing all the initial steps, prepared paddy straws (bundle or small cuttings) are spawned with mushroom seed or mushroom spawn. The bundles or bags of spawned paddy straw are then kept inside mushroom production chamber.

12 – 15 days after spawning, unwanted species of mushroom can be seen growing on the surface of mushroom beds. Identification points of these species of mushroom are as follows:

Colour: Colour of the unwanted mushroom is white.
Appearance: It is beak shaped.
Stipe: Mushroom stipe is thin and small. Stipe becomes elongated within few days (2-4 days). Now mushroom opens with black spores.

In this post we are going to share the images of unwanted mushroom in mushroom production units.

Also Read: Cultivation of Paddy Straw Mushroom

2. Cause(s)

2.1 Temperature

Temperature is one of the major cause. High temperature causes this problem. Temperature more than 32℃ creates ideal condition for the harmful species of mushroom.

2.2 Cultivation Practice

Treating Paddy Straw: Paddy straw should be treated very well to kill micro-organisms. The harmful micro-organisms survive if straw is not treated according to recommendation. Generally, two methods 1. Hot water treatment and, 2. Chemical treatment using formalin, are recommended.

2.3 Seeding Material

Seeding materials i.e., unhealthy spawn are also a source of harmful fungus.

Also Read: Cultivation of Easily Grown Oyster Mushroom in Paddy/Millets/Wheat Straw and Saw Dust: Low Cost Production Technology.

3. Control, Management Practices

3.1 Controlling Room Temperature

Spawning should be stopped with increased room temperature. Spawning should be done if the temperature of mushroom chamber is controllable.

Spawning in summer season, i.e., April, May and June, Should be stopped. Although, it can be done with controlled room temperature.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Question 01. Why is it called InkCap?

Answer: It is called inkCap due to its colour.

Questions 02. What are the other species of mushrooms affected by Inkcap?

Answer: All species of mushrooms, cultivated commercially, are affected by this species of harmful mushroom.

Question 03. How hot water treatment is done?

Answer: Heat the water till boiling point. Place all the bundles or chaffed paddy straws inside a water tank (cement water tank). Now pore the water into tank over the paddy straw. It should be done in evening because the overnight soaking is necessary.

Question 04. How to treat paddy straw using formalin?

Answer: Use 2% of formalin. For example- 20 ml of formalin should be used for 1 litre of water. Normal water should be used (no hot water treatment is needed). Overnight soaking is required.