Florida Oyster Liquid Culture Syringe

• Use potato dextrose agar (PDA) or malt extract agar (MEA) for initial culturing of the mycelium.
• Incubate Petri dishes at 24-27°C (75-80°F) in a dark environment until fully colonized.

• Grain spawn (oats, rye, millet, or sorghum) is recommended for inoculating the bulk substrate.
• Sterilize the grains and inoculate with the colonized agar from the Petri dishes.
• Incubate the grain spawn at 24-27°C (75-80°F) until fully colonized.

Pleurotus ostreatus can be grown on various substrates including straw, sawdust, coffee grounds, cardboard, and agricultural waste. These substrates need to be pasteurized or sterilized to avoid contamination and to provide a nutrient-rich environment for the fungus.

• Optimal temperature for mycelium growth: 20-24°C (68-75°F)
• Optimal temperature for fruiting: 15-20°C (59-68°F)

High humidity levels are essential for Pleurotus ostreatus, typically around 85-95% during the fruiting stage. This high humidity helps in maintaining the moisture content of the substrate and aids in the development of the fruiting bodies.

Pleurotus ostreatus requires light to grow properly. Indirect sunlight or artificial light that simulates natural light conditions (12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness) is ideal for fruiting.

Proper air exchange is necessary to provide fresh air and to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide, which can inhibit the growth of the fungus. Good ventilation also helps in maintaining appropriate humidity and temperature conditions.

The growth cycle of Pleurotus ostreatus from inoculation to harvest can take approximately 4 to 6 weeks. This includes the time for the mycelium to colonize the substrate and the subsequent development of fruiting bodies.

For cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus, the ideal pH range of the substrate is typically between 5.5 and 6.5. Maintaining this pH range helps optimize the conditions for the mycelium to thrive and produce fruiting bodies efficiently. Adjusting the pH of your substrate according to these guidelines can significantly impact the success of your Pleurotus cultivation.