Mushroom Spawn Sourcing Quiz Quiz

Explore the basics of mushroom spawn procurement in horticulture with this easy quiz. Learn about source selection, types, storage, and key quality factors for beginner growers.

1. Understanding Mushroom Spawn Sources

   Which is the most common and reliable source of mushroom spawn for small-scale growers starting cultivation?

   1. Wild mushroom patches
   2. Compost piles
   3. Certified agricultural laboratories
   4. Grocery store mushrooms

   Explanation: Certified agricultural laboratories provide quality-controlled spawn, reducing risks of contamination and ensuring correct species. Wild mushroom patches may carry disease or incorrect species. Grocery store mushrooms are not suitable for spawn production. Compost piles can contain unwanted microbes and generally do not yield true-to-type spawn.

2. Types of Mushroom Spawn

   Which type of mushroom spawn is best suited for easier handling and distribution on a small scale?

   1. Liquid culture
   2. Log spawn
   3. Grain spawn
   4. Wood chip mulch

   Explanation: Grain spawn is commonly preferred for small operations because it distributes easily and colonizes substrates quickly. Log spawn is used mainly with logs and is harder to handle in small containers. Liquid cultures are not considered 'spawn' until inoculated into a solid carrier. Wood chip mulch is not a controlled type of spawn.

3. Quality Indicators for Purchased Spawn

   When purchasing mushroom spawn, what is a primary quality factor to check before use?

   1. Sour odor
   2. Very dry substrate
   3. Absence of visible contamination
   4. Bright color packaging

   Explanation: Spawn should be free from contamination, such as discoloration or off-odors, indicating problems. Packaging color is not related to spawn quality. Sour odors can indicate bacterial contamination. Very dry substrate may suggest the spawn is no longer viable.

4. Storage of Mushroom Spawn

   What is the recommended condition for storing mushroom spawn if it cannot be used immediately?

   1. Refrigerated at 2–4°C
   2. Stored at room temperature
   3. Frozen solid
   4. Left outdoors in the sun

   Explanation: Refrigerating spawn at 2–4°C helps maintain viability without promoting contamination. Sun exposure can kill or weaken the mycelium. Freezing can damage most spawn types. Room temperature shortens viable storage time and may allow spoilage.

5. Legal and Ethical Considerations

   Why is it important to use legally acquired and certified spawn rather than collecting wild spawn?

   1. Because wild spawn is always poisonous
   2. To avoid contamination and ensure correct species
   3. Legal spawn is cheaper than wild spawn
   4. Certified spawn always grows faster

   Explanation: Legally acquired and certified spawn reduces contamination risk and assures species identity. Wild spawn can introduce pests or the wrong fungi but is not always poisonous. Certified spawn may not always grow faster, and price depends on many factors.