Description
The Shiitake Growers Handbook is a comprehensive guide to cultivating shiitake mushrooms, covering both the science and practical techniques for growers, from hobbyists to commercial producers. It details substrate preparation, spawn production, and log and sawdust inoculation methods, as well as information on diseases, pests, marketing, and the biology of shiitake. The book combines scientific principles with detailed instructions for both traditional log and modern sawdust-based cultivation.
Key topics covered
- Shiitake biology: Includes understandable descriptions of the underlying scientific principles of shiitake growth.
- Log cultivation: Covers the selection, preparation, and inoculation of logs, and how to get them to fruit.
- Sawdust cultivation: Details new methods for growing shiitake on sawdust substrates.
- Pest and disease control: Provides effective methods for managing common issues.
- Spawn production: Explains how to produce your own spawn for inoculation.
- Marketing and health benefits: Includes information on the market and the health properties of shiitake mushrooms.
- Bibliography: Features a comprehensive list of references for further reading.
