Successful trial cultivation of black termite mushroom

In October 2022, the Provincial Center for Science and Technology Development and Testing (Department of Science and Technology) conducted a pilot planting of a commercial black termite mushroom model. The experimental planting process showed that this mushroom species is quite suitable for the climate in Lai Chau.

We had the opportunity to "witness" the black termite mushroom model at the Provincial Center for Testing and Development of Science and Technology. 800 bags of mushrooms were neatly arranged in layers on iron shelves. Each bag grew a large, plump mushroom. Mr. Dang Nam Binh (a technical officer of the Center) said: Before implementing the model, the Center sent staff to study experiences in other places and when they came back, they analyzed and evaluated that the mushroom species was quite suitable for growing in Lai Chau . Therefore, the Center started to test growing this mushroom species. The main raw material is sawdust from acacia trees, carefully selected, not contaminated with mold, the sawdust is moistened with lime water and incubated for 4 days. Before making the growing medium, the sawdust is steamed to sterilize.
Before planting, the center sterilizes the planting room by spraying formalin and then closing the door for 24 hours, then opening the door to let the smell evaporate before planting. The center uses granular black termite mushroom seeds, imported from the Mushroom Research and Development Center of the Agricultural Genetics Institute. The black termite mushroom mycelium house is guaranteed to be clean, airy, with humidity from 70 - 80%, and temperature from 25 - 30 degrees Celsius. During the mycelium cultivation process, staff regularly check the growth and development of the black termite mycelium periodically. If any infected mushroom spawn bag is found, it must be immediately removed from the incubation area to avoid spreading to other bags.

Mr. Dang Nam Binh (left) introduces the process of growing black termite mushrooms.

Mr. Binh shared more: After the black termite mycelium covers the substrate for 35 days, the black termite mycelium begins to mature. Small brown or black buttons appear on the surface of the substrate. At this time, the mushroom spawn bags are covered with sand so that the spawn bags develop fruiting bodies. Choose clean, yellow sand that has been sterilized by steaming, and cover the surface of the spawn bag with a layer of about 2-3cm. Maintain the misting watering regime on the surface of the bag, the air humidity in the mushroom house is on average 70-80%, the light is diffused and well ventilated, and the concentration. The mushroom growing cycle is organic (about 4 months). After more than a month of spawn implantation, it will be harvested, each bag yields about 300 grams/day. Growing and caring for black termite mushrooms requires strict techniques from the mushroom spawn processing stage to the cultivation stage to ensure complete cleanliness.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tuan - Deputy Director of the Center said: In 2022, the center received funding support from the Department of Science and Technology to test the cultivation of black termite mushrooms. During the experimental cultivation process, we found that black termite mushrooms can grow well in Lai Chau. Because Lai Chau has a relatively cool climate and fresh air. However, growing black termite mushrooms requires high investment costs and requires quite strict requirements, from the selection of raw materials, substrates to seed selection. The care process must follow strict regulations, in which the highest requirements are temperature and humidity. In addition, black termite mushrooms also have a different requirement compared to other common mushrooms, which is to cover the substrate with a layer of sand or soil for stable yield. The price of dried black termite mushrooms ranges from 5-7 million VND/kg.
The implementation of the organic black termite mushroom cultivation model contributes to providing new valuable products, serving the increasing demand of consumers. This is considered a potential model that can be replicated to help people in the province have more jobs and increase income.

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