MUSHROOM PRODUCTION BHT310

CONTENT

There are seven lessons as follows:

1.  Introduction

• Review of the system of plant identification, distinguishing edible fungi, information/contacts,
• Classify different varieties of fungi which are commonly eaten.

2.  Mushroom Culture

Determine the techniques used in the culture of edible mushrooms.

3.  Spawn Production & Spawning

• Determine the techniques used in the culture of edible mushrooms.

4.  Making & Casing Beds

• Determine the techniques used in the culture of edible mushrooms

5.  Growing Conditions for Mushrooms

• Determine the techniques used in the culture of edible mushrooms.

6.  Growing Mushrooms Outside (Pest and Disease Management)

• Determine the techniques used in the culture of edible mushrooms.

7.  Harvesting, Storing & Using Mushrooms

• Explain the harvesting of a mushroom crop.
• Explain the post-harvest treatment of a mushroom crop

8.  Special Assignment - Marketing of Mushrooms

Duration:  100 hours

COURSE AIMS

On successful completion of the course you should be able to do the following: 

WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS COURSE

  Here are just some of things you may be doing:

• 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)

Here is a comprehensive 8 lesson course covering how to grow mushrooms on either a small or large scale. Emphasis is placed on the Agaricus species (the Champignon), though other commercially important edible fungi are also considered. Growing, harvesting, marketing, storage, pest and diseases and even ways of cooking and using mushrooms are covered.