Mushroom Log Inoculation and cultivation

Our ancestors have used mushrooms as medicine for thousands of years. The Greek physician
Hippocrates, 450 BCE, classified the amadou mushroom (Fomes fomentarius) as a potent anti-inflammatory and for cauterizing wounds. Although mushrooms have long been used by various cultures, only recently has modern science rediscovered what the ancients knew long ago—that mushrooms can be deep reservoirs of powerful medicines (Stamets & Zwickey, 2014).

Indeed, it is well established that both the human population and Mother Earth could benefit from the existence of mushrooms which could one day save the world. From fulfilling our macro-nutrient needs to increasing our immune system in order to fight off viruses & diseases (Stamets, 2009; 2012).

Some mushrooms, however, are now under clinical trials due to their mind altering effects which has the potential to cure a number of mental health disorders such as depression, addiction, and anxiety with many more results soon to come. And as long as there are organizations who are allowed to study any psychedelics with medicinal uses, then it could very possibly be that they have been part of our evolution for thousands of years (Jr, 2017; Mcrae, 2017; Thomas, Malcolm & Lastra, 2017).

The benefits of mycelium to our planet

Mycelium is the roots of white fuzzy threads or network where mushrooms spawn. Paul Stamets has briefly explained on Fungi the impact mycelium has on our ecology

Four components of mycorestoration are described in detail:

• Mycofiltration: the filtration of biological and chemical pathogens as well as controlling erosion
• Mycoforestry and mycogardening: the use of mycelium for companion cultivation for the benefit and protection of plants.
• Mycoremediation: the use of mycelium for decomposing toxic wastes and pollutants.
• Mycopesticides: the use of mycelium for attracting and controlling insect populations. (Stamets, 2005)

Purchase Plug Spawns

These hardwood dowels, or “plug spawn”, have been inoculated with a single species of fungi. Plug spawn is used to inoculate a fresh cut log to encourage the growth and fruiting of a specific species of edible and/or medicinal mushroom. Plug spawn can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 months before use.

Log Preparation

• Harvest logs (4-8 inches diameter; 3-4 feet long) preferably in fall, winter, or spring before tree buds break. Avoid additional damage to bark while cutting.
• Allow logs to rest for 2-8 weeks prior to inoculating. Place logs on raised pallets or other wood during the resting period to prevent rot, especially if using alder.
• When the logs are ready, drill inoculation holes with a 5/16 ” drill bit to a depth of 1¼”. You can purchase a depth setter for your drill bit to make this process easier and more consistent.
• Drill approximately fifty holes per log. Holes should be drilled 2-3 inches apart. Stagger rows 3 inches apart so that the holes form a diamond pattern. Use a closer spacing for Lion’s mane.
• Remove plugs from refrigerator 24 hrs before use. Hammer plugs into each hole with a rubber mallet.
• Melt bees wax or soy wax in a crockpot or double boiler. Using a small paintbrush, apply the wax over each plug site to prevent them from drying out during the incubation period.
• Seal the ends of the logs with wax and any areas where the the bark has been damaged. Alternately, the ends of the logs can be dipped in melted wax if the container is large enough.
  

Log Incubation period

• Place the inoculated logs outdoors in a moist, shady place, sheltered from wind. Stack logs off the ground in a criss-cross pattern or lean vertically. Keep 2-3 inches of space between logs to allow for air flow. To encourage mycelial colonization, logs must be kept moist with sprinklers or rain. Logs should be watered 1-2 times a week for 5-10 minutes during the dry season. In drier regions logs can be covered with shade cloth or burlap to help retain moisture.
  
• Full colonization of the logs will take between 6 months to 2 years depending on species, log size, and wood type before fruiting can be induced.

Log Fruiting Cycle

After the incubation period, logs can be soaked to force a fruiting.

Soaking Method

• Immerse log in chlorine-free cold water for 12 hours or until logs are fully saturated.
• Stack logs off the ground in a shady area.
• If outdoor humidity levels are low, plastic sheeting can be used as a tent to increase humidity. Avoid logs having contact with the plastic.
  
• When the logs are done fruiting, allow them to rest 8-10 weeks before forcing them to fruit again.

Click the following link for suggestions on burying Nameko, Maitake, and Reishi logs after incubation.

Burying Techniques

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References

Ballroom, Jr. (2017). Psychedelic Science 2017, Psilocybin Mushrooms and The Mycology of Consciousness. Retrieved 01/16/2019 from http://psychedelicscience.org/conference/interdisciplinary/psilocybin-mushrooms-and-the-mycology-of-consciousness

Mcrae, M. (2017). Science Alert, Research Shows Magic Mushrooms Can Offer Real Benefits in Depression Therapy. Retrieved 01/16/2019 from https://www.sciencealert.com/therapy-for-depression-gets-a-significant-boost-when-combined-with-psilocybin

Stamets, P. (2005). Mycellium running. Berkeley, California,: Ten Speed Press.

Stamets, P. (2009). Fungi Perfecti, The Search for Agarikon. Retrieved 01/16/2019 from http://www.fungi.com/blog/items/the-search-for-agarikon.html

Stamets, P. (2012). The Blog, Agarikon: Ancient Mushroom for Modern Medicine. Retrieved 01/16/2019 from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-stamets/agarikon-mushroom_b_1861947.html

Stamets, P., & Zwickey, H. (2014). Medicinal Mushrooms: Ancient Remedies Meet Modern Science. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 13(1), 46-7. Retrieved 01/16/2019 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684114/pdf/46-47.pdf

Thomas, K., Malcolm, B. and Lastra, D. (2017). Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy: A Review of a Novel Treatment for Psychiatric Disorders. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. [online] 59(5), pp.446-455. Available at https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2017.1320734 [Accessed 16 Jan. 2019]