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Known scientifically as Pleurotus pulmonarius, this mushroom—also called "Small Oyster Mushroom" or "MSG Mushroom" 

for its rich umami—boasts small, clustered fruiting bodies (3–5cm caps, 4–6cm stems) with a crisp, sweet taste, perfect for 

versatile cooking.

Cultivation Background

Originating from India, its "parent strain" (Phoenix Tail Mushroom) reached China in the 1980s. In the 1990s, early harvesting

 of immature Phoenix Tail Mushrooms led to the trade name "Pleurotus geesteranus." Southern China pioneered large-scale 

cultivation, with many former King Oyster Mushroom factories switching to it. Yields now average 300g per harvest, though

 market fluctuations have impacted small growers.

Key Varieties & Methods

• Varieties: "Tai Xiu" (traditional) and "Jin Xiu" (factory-farmed, dominant).

• Cultivation:

• Traditional: Seasonal bag cultivation with solid spawn; 2–3 month culture cycle, 3+ month fruiting, 6–7 harvest waves (focus on 1–3).

• Factory: Year-round, liquid spawn; 50–60 day cycle, burst fruiting (7-day harvest window). A "spawn center + cultivation base" model

  thrives in the south: growers source mature spawn, use cold stimulation for quick fruiting (1 harvest), leveraging local labor. With 7 fruiting rooms (192㎡ each holding 2,000 bags), daily harvests are achievable.

Growth Conditions

• Temp: Mycelium thrives at 22–26℃; primordia need 11–14℃ for uniform growth.

• Light: Avoid direct light during mycelium stage; fruiting bodies need prolonged light.

• Humidity: 62–64% (medium) + 65–75% (air) for mycelium; 85–90% for bud induction.

• Air: Oxygen boosts mycelium; late fruiting needs ample ventilation (high CO₂ elongates stems).

• pH: Slightly acidic (6.0–6.4 post-sterilization).

Seasonal Notes

Southern China grows it year-round via contracts (7-day rotations). Northern oyster mushroom cultivation in March–April depresses prices in Zhangzhou; prices rebound post-May Day, but northern off-season summer growth now caps prices.

A versatile, efficient crop blending tradition and technology!