Course CodeBHT310Fee CodeS2Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested. Ever wanted to grow mushrooms and didn’t know where to start? Learn about the most commonly grown mushrooms are Agaricus spp. (the champignon) Explore different types of mushroom Understand their growing methods and conditions Identify the different markets possibilities and formulate marketing strategies for mushrooms. Our staff have been teaching this course and gathering information on mushroom cultivation for over 25 years. When you study this course you will have support from a team of academics that have access to information and experience that is not readily accessible elsewhere. Lesson Structure There are 8 lessons in this course: Introduction How Fungi are Named: Review of the system of plant identification Characteristics of all Fungi Three Fungi Kingdoms: Zygomycota, Basidiomycota and Ascomycota Agaricus campestris and Agaricus bisporus Review of significant edible fungi including; Coprinus fimetaris, Flammulina velutipes, Letinus erodes, Pleurotus, Stropharia, Volvariella,Auricularia auricula Synonymous Names Distinguishing edible fungi, Mushroom structure, tell tale characteristics of the genus Agaricus, etc. History of Mushroom Cultivation Commonly Cultivated Edible Fungi Agaricus bisporus, Agaricus bitorquis Coprinus fimetarius Flammulina velutipes Kuehneromyces mutabilis Lentinus edodes Shiitake. Pholiota nameko Pleurotus spp "Oyster Mushroom" Stropharia rugosa annulata Volvariella volvaceae Edible Straw Mushroom. Auricularia spp Tremella fuciformis Tuber spp. Tricholoma matsutake Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) Grifola frondosa (Hen of the woods, Maitake) Resources, information/contacts Mushroom Culture Options for obtaining Spawn Steps in Growing Agaricus species: Preparation, spawning, casing, harvest What to Grow Mushrooms in; growing medium Growing media for different edible fungi: Agaricus, Auricularia, Coprinus, Flammulina, Letinus, Pleurotus, Volvariella, etc Understanding Soil and Compost, components and characteristics Acidity and Alkalinity Making Compost Making Mushroom Compost, and mushroom compost formulations Moisture Level in Compost Cultivation of Agaricus bitorquis Cultivation of Coprinus fimetarius Spawn Production and Spawning Finding Spawn Supplies Overview of Spawn and Spawning Obtaining Smaller Quantities of Spawn The Process of Spawning Spawn Production; typical rye grain method Storing spawn Problems with Spawn Using Spawn Comparing temperature conditions for spawning and fruiting in most commonly cultivated edible mushroom species Cultivation of Pleurotus Cultivation of Stropharia Making and Casing Beds Growing Methods; Caves, bags, houses, outdoor ridge beds, troughs, etc Casing; biological process, characteristics of casing material, procedure Techniques; spawned casing, ruffling, scratching Review Auricularia and Volvariella Growing Conditions for Mushrooms Fungi Nutrition: carbon, nitrogen, essential elements, vitamins and growth factors Casing to Harvest of Agaricus Growing Indoors Components of a Built System and Determining Your Needs Factors Influencing Fungal Growth Environmental Control, equipment to measure and control the environment Siting a Growing House Managing the Growing House or Room, cleanliness, heating, cooling, humidity, etc Review of Tuber (Truffle) and Tremella Pests, Diseases and Growing Mushrooms Outside Overview of Pests, Diseases and Environmental Disorders Prevention of Problems Review of Bacterial and Fungal Diseases and their Control Review of Insect Pests, Mites, Nematodes and their Control Weed Moulds Safe, Natural Sprays Summary of Problems found on Agaricus bisporus and other edible fungi covered in this course Cultivation of Flammulina velutipes and Kuehneromyces mutabilis Harvesting, Storing and Using Mushrooms Harvesting Buttons, Cups and Flats on Agaricus bisporus Fruiting patterns for Agaricus bisporus and other edible mushrooms Cool Storage of Mushrooms Freezing Mushrooms Dry Freezing Mushrooms Drying Mushrooms Canning Mushrooms Harvesting Agaricus; method of picking Handling Agaricus after harvest Controlled Atmosphere Storage Cultivation of Lentinus (Shitake), Pholiota, Tricholoma Marketing of Mushrooms and Special Assignment Review of Marketing options for mushrooms Fresh Mushroom Sales Processed Mushroom Sales Production and Marketing of Shitake, Oyster Mushroom and Straw Mushroom Research and Determination of Marketing Opportunities and Strategies in Your Region Aims Classify different varieties of fungi which are commonly eaten Determine the techniques used in the culture of edible mushrooms Describe growing methods for different edible mushroom species Explain the harvesting of a mushroom crop Explain the post-harvest treatment of a mushroom crop Explain marketing strategies for mushrooms What You Will Do Compare the scientific with common definitions for a Mushroom Explain the classification, to genus level, of ten different commercially grown edible fungi Produce a labeled illustration of the morphological characteristics which are common to different edible fungi of the genus Agaricus Compare the physical characteristics of different commercially cultivated edible fungi Distinguish edible Agaricus mushrooms from similar, inedible fungal fruiting bodies Compile a resource file of sources of information regarding edible fungi, including: *Publication *Suppliers *Industry associations/services Determine the preferred conditions for growing two different specified mushroom genra Describe the stages in the growing of Agaricus mushrooms Develop criteria for selecting growing media, for different genra of edible fungi; including Agaricus Describe an appropriate compost for growing of Agaricus bisporus Explain how spawn is produced for different genra of edible fungi Explain the use of casing in mushroom production Compare different methods of growing edible fungi, in your country, including where appropriate: *Outdoor beds *In Caves *In buildings *In trays *In bags *In troughs Describe different pests and diseases of mushrooms Describe appropriate control methods for different pests and diseases of mushrooms Analyse hygiene and exclusion regimes used in mushroom production Prepare a production plan, based on supplied specifications, for Agaricus bisporus, including: *Materials required *Equipment required *Work schedule *Cost estimates Grow a crop of Agaricus bisporus Identify the stages at which Agaricus mushrooms can be harvested Explain how mushrooms are harvested Develop guidelines to minimise damage to two different types (i.e. genra) of mushrooms during and immediately after harvest Describe ways to extend the shelf life of two different mushrooms crops Explain different techniques for processing mushrooms Produce dried mushrooms from fresh ones Analyse industry guidelines for the post-harvest handling of a specified mushroom variety Determine the different ways mushrooms are packed for retailing Outline industry generic marketing strategies for mushrooms Suggest strategies for marketing a separately identified mushroom product (e.g. branded, regional) Growing Mushrooms Commercial mushroom production of Agaricus bisporus (Common mushroom) has been a small but significant part of the horticulture industry for a long time. In times past mushrooms were mainly grown out of doors on compost heaped into beds in dark places (e.g. disused railway tunnels or caves). Mushroom production has become increasingly sophisticated; the science and techniques applied to growing mushrooms have improved and resulted in greater productivity. Today generally requires a high level of investment in insulated buildings and temperature control equipment, humidity and ventilation equipment, among other technologies. With sophisticated, highly controlled growing environments, pests, diseases and other disorders are controlled in the large scale mushroom growing operations, giving a much higher quality product, and less risk than was seen earlier. While Agaricus remains the most widely cultivated mushroom, a greater diversity of mushrooms have been grown over recent years. Straw mushrooms, Oyster mushrooms and many others are becoming increasingly popular, both in the gourmet food industry, and more widely. The demand for mushrooms has expanded greatly throughout much of the world over recent decades. Frequently Asked Questions Q. Will this course help me grow different types of mushrooms? A. Yes. If you learn about Agaricus spp., you have a foundation that can be applied to growing a range of other mushroom species. Sections of the course also outline other species. The school has also collected some unique resources on mushroom culture over more than 20 years including rare books that are now out of print. Students who have interests in specific types of mushrooms beyond Agaricus, can be provided with extra information on their specific area of interest, on request. Q. What equipment do I need? A. The course can be completed without any substantial extra cost. Availability of equipment and spore to grow mushrooms on a small or large scale can sometimes be a problem - but it is always possible to improvise with guidance from your tutors. Q. How easy is it to set up and grow mushrooms on a small scale for my own use? A. If you know and understand mushroom culture, it can be relatively easy in most places. On a small scale, it can often be more viable to grow mushrooms using proprietary kits. Q. How easy is it to grow mushrooms on a larger commercial scale? A. No more difficult than other commercial crops. Production tends to be more intensive though. You don't need to spend so much on land, but you often need to spend more on other things (e.g. buildings, environmental controls and high quality compost). WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS COURSE? The hobbyist Small production grower Those starting a small business Those working or looking to work in this field HOW TO ENROL Click box below on left hand side -follow instructions. IF YOU NEED ADVICE - click here to use our FREE ADVISORY SERVICE