Grow Pan Cyanescens: A Comprehensive Guide To Cultivation

Panaeolus cyanescens, also known as Pan cyan, is a type of mushroom that can be cultivated using similar methods to those used for Psilocybe cubensis. However, P. cyanescens is more vulnerable and requires more attention during preparation and maintenance of its growing conditions. The first step in cultivating P. cyanescens is to prepare a strong spawn, preferably rye inoculated with a strong single strain on agar. Once the spawn is fully colonized, the grower can prepare the substrate, which typically consists of straw, cow manure, vermiculite, and water. This mixture is then sterilized in a filter bag before being combined with the spawn. After colonization, the mycelium is placed in an incubator to develop, and finally, it is transferred to fruiting conditions to stimulate growth.

Prepare grain spawn and incubate at 80°F

Preparing Grain Spawn and Maintaining Optimal Incubation Conditions for Pan Cyanescens Cultivation:

Preparing grain spawn is a crucial step in cultivating Pan cyanescens, and maintaining the correct incubation temperature is vital for success. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare grain spawn and create optimal conditions for your Pan cyanescens culture:

Prepare Grain Spawn:

Start by acquiring sterile grain jars, preferably containing a mixture of rye berries and vermiculite, which provides the necessary nutrients for mycelium growth. Ensure the grain jars are properly sterilized by pressure cooking or autoclaving to eliminate any contaminants. The sterilization process typically involves placing the sealed grain jars in a pressure cooker or autoclave at 15 psi for 90 minutes. This step is critical to ensure a sterile environment for the mycelium to grow.

Once the grain jars are sterilized, it's time to inoculate them with the Pan cyanescens culture. Work in a sterile environment, ideally a laminar flow hood, to reduce the risk of introducing contaminants. Carefully open the grain jar and inoculate it with the mycelium culture, following the specific instructions provided with your culture. Typically, this involves using a sterile tool, such as a scalpel or inoculation loop, to transfer a small amount of mycelium onto the grain spawn. Seal the jar tightly after inoculation.

Incubate at 80°F:

Maintaining an incubation temperature of 80°F (26.7°C) is ideal for Pan cyanescens. This temperature range promotes optimal mycelium growth and colonization. Here's how to achieve and maintain the correct incubation temperature:

Use an incubator: Place the inoculated grain jars in an incubator set to 80°F. Incubators provide precise temperature control and help maintain stable conditions, which are crucial for mycelium growth. If you don't have access to an incubator, you can create a temperature-controlled environment using a heating mat or seedling heat mat placed inside an insulated container, such as a cooler, along with a temperature controller.

Monitor temperature regularly: Use a reliable thermometer to check the temperature inside your incubator or controlled environment. Ensure that the temperature remains as close to 80°F as possible. Minor fluctuations are normal, but try to minimize drastic temperature changes.

Maintain humidity: Pan cyanescens also requires humid conditions for optimal growth. Aim for a relative humidity of around 70-80% inside your incubator or controlled environment. You can achieve this by using humidification devices, such as ultrasonic humidifiers, or by placing water reservoirs inside the incubator.

Expect mycelium growth:

During incubation, the mycelium of Pan cyanescens will begin to grow and colonize the grain spawn. This process typically takes several weeks, depending on various factors such as strain vitality and environmental conditions. You'll start to see white, thread-like mycelium spreading throughout the grain spawn, indicating that colonization is occurring.

Maintain sterility:

Throughout the incubation period, maintain strict sterility protocols to prevent contamination. Work in a sterile environment when handling grain jars, and always use sterile tools and techniques. Contamination can hinder mycelium growth and ruin your culture, so take every precaution to ensure a sterile process.

By following these detailed instructions for preparing grain spawn and maintaining the correct incubation temperature, you'll create optimal conditions for cultivating Pan cyanescens. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key, as mycelium growth takes time and consistency.

Spawn colonized grain to pasteurized straw/dung at 75-80°F

The spawn stage is a critical phase in the mushroom cultivation process. It involves expanding a small, fully colonized mycelium culture into a larger substrate material, such as pasteurized straw or dung. This stage facilitates rapid and healthy mycelial expansion and lays the groundwork for a successful fruiting stage. Here are some detailed instructions for spawning colonized grain to pasteurized straw/dung at 75-80°F (24-27°C):

Preparing the Straw/Dung:

• Chop the straw or dung into small pieces, typically 1 to 3-inch (2.54 to 7.62 cm) lengths.
• (Optional) Wash the straw/dung with a small amount of dish soap in a large tote to reduce the bacterial load and the chances of contamination.
• Pasteurize the straw/dung to give the mushrooms an advantage over molds and bacteria. This can be done by soaking the straw/dung in hot water at a specific temperature range (65-82 °C or 140-167 °F) for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, you can use a lime solution (0.2% hydrated lime) for pasteurization.
• Drain and allow the straw/dung to cool completely. Make sure to maintain a clean environment during this process to avoid re-introducing contaminants.

Spawning Colonized Grain:

• Ensure that your colonized grain spawn is fresh and free from any signs of contamination.
• Mix the colonized grain spawn with the pasteurized straw/dung, aiming for a spawn-to-straw/dung ratio of at least 10%. A higher ratio will increase your chances of success and reduce the risk of contamination.
• Use a large tote or table to mix the spawn and straw/dung thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution.

Incubation:

• Stuff the straw/dung and spawn mixture into an appropriate fruiting container, such as poly tubing, 5-gallon buckets with holes drilled into the sides, laundry baskets, or plastic bags.
• Store the containers in a stable environment, preferably at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.
• Monitor the colonization process regularly. For oyster mushrooms, it typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for the containers to become fully colonized.
• Once the entire substrate is covered in a nice white mycelial growth, it's time to move on to the fruiting stage.

Remember, the spawn stage is crucial for the success of your mushroom cultivation. Proper execution will ensure robust and contaminant-free mycelial growth, leading to an abundant harvest.

After colonisation, add a thin casing layer

After colonisation, a thin casing layer of about 1/4 inch or less should be added. This layer is crucial for the growth of Panaeolus cyanescens. The casing layer should be composed of a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, and calcium carbonate powder or pickling lime. It is essential to maintain the right moisture level in the casing layer, as too much or too little water can hinder the growth of the mushrooms.

The process of adding the casing layer involves first preparing the mixture by combining dry ingredients and then adding water. The dry ingredients typically include peat moss, vermiculite, and calcium carbonate or pickling lime. These ingredients are mixed together, and then water is added to create a moist but not soggy mixture. This mixture is then sterilised through pressure cooking or another suitable method.

Once the casing layer mixture is ready, it is added to the colonised substrate in a thin, smooth, and even layer. The layer should be no more than 1/2 inch thick, and it is important to ensure that it is evenly distributed. After applying the casing layer, it is recommended to spray it heavily with water to maintain the necessary moisture level.

At this stage, it is beneficial to cover the casing layer for 12-24 hours to create a warm and humid environment. This step helps the mycelium poke through the casing, which is essential for the formation of pins. After this initial incubation period, the casing should be uncovered, and the growing conditions should be optimised.

The optimal temperature range for Panaeolus cyanescens is between 70-85°F, and it is crucial to maintain this temperature during the fruiting phase. Additionally, the humidity level should be high, and a humidifier can be used to create a fog-like environment. It is recommended to use a timer with the humidifier, setting it to run for 30 minutes and then turn off for 30 minutes, repeating this cycle throughout the day.

With the casing layer in place and the optimal environmental conditions maintained, the Panaeolus cyanescens will continue to grow and develop. The pins will begin to form within a week, and the mushrooms will mature over the next few days. It is important to monitor the moisture level and adjust it as needed to ensure the casing layer does not dry out.

Fruit at 75°F

Fruiting at 75°F

The ideal temperature for fruiting Panaeolus cyanescens is 75°F. This is the same temperature used for fruiting Psilocybe cubensis, so no changes to your equipment setup are required if you have previously grown Psilocybe cubensis.

The ideal relative humidity during fruiting is 85-92%, and the air temperature should be maintained at 75-84°F. A minimum of two fresh air exchanges per hour is recommended, and diffuse natural or fluorescent grow-lights should be used.

It is important to note that Panaeolus cyanescens is more vulnerable than Psilocybe cubensis. Deviating from the ideal conditions during the preparation and maintenance of the growing environment may result in a poor harvest or no harvest at all. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the temperature, humidity, and air circulation closely to ensure optimal conditions for fruiting Panaeolus cyanescens.

Additionally, the casing layer should be slightly drier than the substrate, and the mycelium should be clearly visible through the casing layer before placing the setup in fruiting conditions. After a week of maintaining fruiting conditions, the first pinheads will appear. At this stage, it is crucial to increase the fresh air circulation to a minimum of four to five times per day. The air humidity can also be slightly lowered to 90-95% relative humidity.

Rye is the best basis for spawn

Rye is the most common grain used for mushroom cultivation. This is due to its water-absorbing qualities, nutrient makeup, and the fact that mushrooms seem to like it.

Preparing the rye grain

Firstly, you'll need to rinse and clean the grains, removing any dust, wood chips, dead bugs, and other undesirables. Rinse the grain 4-5 times in cold water or until the water runs clear. Then, place the grains in a bucket or large bowl and cover them with water. You can also add a little coffee and gypsum at this stage – the coffee changes the pH and is thought to increase yield, while the gypsum helps prevent the grains from sticking together.

Let the grains soak for 12-24 hours. This will allow the grains to absorb water and will cause many contaminants to sprout, making them more susceptible to being killed through sterilisation.

Next, you'll need to cook the grains. Bring them to a boil in a large pot and let them simmer for 10-20 minutes. Cooking the grains will cause them to swell and absorb more water, as well as softening them up, which will allow for easier digestion by the mycelium. Be careful not to cook them for too long, as this can cause the grains to crack open, increasing the chances of contamination during incubation.

After cooking, drain the grains and let them steam dry. Spread them out in a thin layer over a screen or towel and let them dry for 1-2 hours. They should have no noticeable moisture on the outside, but be swollen with water on the inside.

Preparing the jars

Once the grains are dry, it's time to load them into your jars. Fill the jars up to about 2/3 or 3/4 full. The jar lids should have a breathable filter to allow for gas exchange during incubation. You can drill a small hole in the lid and pull a wad of synthetic pillow stuffing through, or drill a few holes in the lid and place a synthetic filter disc between the jar and the screw cap.

The final step in preparing your jars is to cover the lids with tinfoil to prevent water from the pressure cooker from spilling into the grain and changing the moisture content.

Sterilising the jars

Using a pressure cooker or autoclave, sterilise the grains at 15 PSI for at least 90 minutes. Make sure you use a good quality pressure canner that can reach at least 15 PSI and is large enough to fit your grain jars. Do not start the timer until the pressure inside the cooker has reached 15 PSI. Once the time is up, turn off the heat and let the cooker cool down for a few hours before handling.

Inoculation

After cooling, inspect the jars to ensure there are minimal broken grains and that the grains aren't stuck together. Now your grains are ready for inoculation with mushroom culture!

Frequently asked questions