Mycology Jargon

The world of mushroom growing can be complicated and overwhelming at times. However, with a little knowledge and preparation, it is easier than you think! We encourage everyone to research different growing methods so that you can find the one that works best for you. To help you get started, the list below explains the most commonly used difficult words when growing mushrooms. Good luck!

Mycelium : This is the vegetative part of the mushroom, consisting of fine white threads (hyphae). The mycelium grows through the substrate and feeds the mushroom.

Image 1, White mycelium on sterilized rye

Substrate : The medium in which the mycelium grows. Common substrates include grain, sawdust, coffee grounds, wood chips, or coconut fiber. The substrate provides nutrients to the mycelium.

Spores : Microscopic reproductive cells of a mushroom, similar to plant seeds. Spores are often collected and used to grow new mushrooms.

Image 2, Spores seen through a microscope

Spore print : An impression of the spores of a mushroom on paper or foil. This is done by placing the cap of a ripe mushroom on a surface and allowing the spores to fall.

Image 3, Golden Teacher Spore print on glass

Spore syringe : A syringe filled with water and mushroom spores. This is used to inoculate substrates with spores to grow mycelium.

Image 4, Spore spray with visible ''clumps'' of spores

Inoculate (grafting) : The process of introducing spores or mycelium into a substrate so that it can begin to grow. This can be done via a spore syringe or a piece of mycelium.

LC (Liquid Culture) : A liquid culture of mycelium growing in a nutrient-rich liquid (usually water with honey or sugar). This is often used to quickly and effectively inoculate substrate.

Image 5, Jar filled with liquid culture. The mycelium floats in a sugar water solution

Fruiting : This is the stage where the mushrooms begin to form and grow from the mycelium. It is the final stage where the fruiting body (the mushroom itself) forms.

Image 6, Golden Teachers Fruiting on bulk substrate

Bulk Growing : A method of using a large amount of substrate to grow a larger harvest of mushrooms. Typically, bins or bags are used to fill the substrate.

Image 7, A large amount of mushrooms growing on the Bulk Substrate

Casing Layer : A non-nutrient layer (such as vermiculite or coco fiber) applied on top of the colonized substrate. This layer helps retain moisture and encourages mushroom formation.

Colonization : The phase in which the mycelium completely overgrows the substrate and prepares it for the fruiting phase.

Image 8, White mycelium growing through straw substrate

Pinning : The moment when small mushrooms (called pins) first become visible on the mycelium. This marks the beginning of fruiting.

Image 9, Golden Teachers pins on a block of straw substrate

Flush : A wave or cycle of mushrooms that emerge and can be harvested at the same time. After the first flush, the substrate can sometimes produce mushrooms several times.

Sterilizing : The process of killing all bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms present in the substrate to prevent contamination. This is often done with a pressure cooker.

Image 10, Jars of Grain Spawn being sterilized in a pressure cooker

Pasteurization : A less intense form of sterilization, in which the substrate is heated at 60 to 80°C for 1 to 2 hours. It kills most harmful microorganisms, but leaves some beneficial bacteria intact.

Contamination : Unwanted fungi, bacteria or other micro-organisms that can attack the mycelium and ruin the culture. Often visible as green, black or red mold on the substrate.

Image 11, In a jar of Grain Spawn, green mold can be seen at the top next to the white mycelium

Fruiting Chamber : An enclosed environment in which moisture and temperature are controlled to promote mushroom growth. This may be a simple plastic container with air holes or a more complex system with ventilation.

Image 12, A Monotub Fruiting Chamber

RH (Relative Humidity) : The amount of moisture in the air in a fruiting chamber. Mushrooms need high humidity (80-95%) to grow well.

Fanning : The process of blowing air into the fruiting chamber to reduce CO2 and increase oxygen. This simulates fresh air and aids in the fruiting of mushrooms.

Misting : Spraying water droplets into the fruit chamber to keep humidity high. This is often done with a spray bottle.

Image 13, Mushrooms on a substrate block being misted

Spawn : The substrate that is fully colonized by mycelium and ready to be mixed with bulk substrate. Often grain or sawdust is used as spawn.

Grain Spawn : Grain (such as rye, barley, or wheat) that has been colonized by mycelium. This is often used as a base to inoculate larger substrate for bulk growing.

Image 14, Two Jars of SpaceJars Grain Spawn

Monotub : A popular DIY growing method that uses a large plastic tub with air holes to grow mushrooms. This tub can double as a fruiting chamber and is ideal for bulk growers.

Image 15, Empty Monotub without substrate

Sterile Technique : A set of methods and procedures to prevent contamination while working with spores, mycelium, or substrate. This may include wearing gloves, masks, and working in a sterile environment.

Fruiting Temperature : The ideal temperature for growing mushrooms, usually between 18-24°C depending on the species.

BRF (Brown Rice Flour) : A common ingredient in mushroom cultivation, BRF is mixed with vermiculite to create a nutrient-rich substrate that is good for mushrooms such as Psilocybe cubensis.

Shroom : Colloquial name for mushrooms, especially in the context of psychoactive species such as Psilocybe cubensis.

Tek : Short for "technique". In the growing community, it refers to specific growing methods or guides, such as the "PF Tek" for growing mushrooms.

Overlay : A thick layer of mycelium that completely covers the substrate without pins appearing. This can delay or prevent fruiting.

Vermiculite : A mineral used to moisten the substrate or as part of the casing layer. It holds moisture well and helps the mushrooms grow.