“Zombie-ant fungi do not reanimate ant corpses.”
It’s the answer to a question that Professor David Hibbett likely thought he’d never be asked. But during the Q&A session hosted and filmed by WIRED magazine inside a Manhattan studio, the mycologist took it in stride, reassuring the world that the parasitic fungus that infects and kills other organisms does not, in fact, create an army of living-dead insects.

Sitting in front of a white backdrop and behind a tabletop bearing varieties of mushrooms, Hibbett fielded a series of fungi-related queries pulled from Twitter (now known as X). He identified the world’s largest known fungus (the 35-foot-long Phellinus ellipsoidius that is found in China), described his personal choice for the all-time creepiest mushroom (the appropriately named Bleeding Tooth Mushroom [Hydnellum peckii], which secretes blood-red droplets), and cleared up any confusion about whether there is such a thing as a carnivorous mushroom (indeed there is).

He also championed fungi as potential allies in the fight against environmental pollutants; revealed the hidden ways in which mushrooms communicate with each other; and extolled the joys of foraging.

The subject matter may have seemed humble, but the response to the video was not. Since it was posted on May 2, 2023, the WIRED piece has earned more than a million views and over 2,600 comments, many of them urging Hibbett to start his own mushroom-themed YouTube channel. “Everybody should be obsessed with mushrooms,” Hibbett gently noted at the conclusion of the video.

Please read the full article here.

Source: Clark University

The 20th ISMS International Congress on the Science and Cultivation of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms is gearing up to host a vibrant live event alongside the 26th North American Mushroom Conference in Las Vegas from today February 26th to 29th.

Under the theme 'Betting on a Winning Future', this year's gathering promises an insightful exploration of cutting-edge developments in the field.

Beyond the enriching educational sessions, distinguished keynote speakers and presentations, seize the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with like-minded professionals, fostering collaborations that transcend borders. Explore the latest advancements in mushroom cultivation and discover innovative tools and resources to optimize your operations.

So don't miss your chance to be part of this vibrant event!

To see the full programms during the above mentioned dates, please click here.

We at Mush Comb are thrilled to announce our participation in two major events in the mushroom sector: the 26th North American Mushroom Conference (NAMC) and the 20th Congress of the International Society for Mushroom Science (ISMS). As a key player in mushroom cultivation and processing technology, we are eager to connect, collaborate, and contribute to these prestigious gatherings.

The NAMC and ISMS Congress are renowned for uniting industry experts, researchers, and businesses in a forum dedicated to the advancement of mushroom science. As we prepare for these events, we are excited about the opportunity to share our insights, learn from our peers, and showcase the latest in mushroom cultivation technology.

Our participation this year is especially significant as we join forces with Mushroom Supply Inc. This collaboration unites our technological expertise with their extensive experience in providing top-quality mushroom growing supplies. Together, we aim to unveil innovative solutions that will revolutionize mushroom cultivation and processing.

At the 26th NAMC and 20th ISMS Congress, we will be presenting our latest products and sharing insights into current trends and future challenges in the mushroom industry. Expect engaging presentations, interactive discussions, and hands-on demonstrations of our state-of-the-art equipment.

We are particularly enthusiastic about the opportunities these events present for networking and forging new relationships within the industry.

Our team, along with our partners from Mushroom Supply Inc., will be on hand to engage with attendees, answer questions, and explore potential collaborations.

For more information about our participation in the 26th NAMC and 20th ISMS Congress, please visit Mushroom Supply Inc.'s website and Mushroom Conference website. We look forward to seeing you there and together shaping the future of the mushroom industry.

 It’s time North America unlocks unparalleled hygiene and yield in mushroom cultivation.

At @Ribbstyle, they are revolutionizing the industry with their airtight and vapourtight coatings, designed to significantly improve hygiene and prevent contamination in grower and distributor facilities throughout the mushroom and fruit industries.

This February 26th-29th, their team is attending the @American Mushroom Institute’s North American Mushroom Conference (NAMC) in Las Vegas to introduce their innovations to new partners, learn about market challenges, and build new long-term relationships.

Why Ribbstyle is a game-changer for your cultivation:

✔️ Tailored Solutions: Our coatings are not one-size-fits-all. They're specifically engineered to meet the unique needs of mushroom growers, enhancing safety and productivity.
✔️ Deep Dive Into Challenges: We're coming to learn and to listen, ready to understand the hurdles U.S. growers face and discuss how our targeted solutions can overcome them.
✔️ Industry Leaders: With Ribbstyle, you're partnering with pioneers in coating technology. Our focus on safety, sustainability, and efficiency in cultivation practices makes us the ultimate strategic allies.

If you're exploring ways to advance your operations and will be at NAMC, connect with Ribbstyle while they are at the conference.

Source: RibbStyle

On February 6th, 2024, Mush Comb was thrilled to participate in the 2024 South African Mushroom Farmers' Conference in Johannesburg. This marked a significant event for us, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in mushroom farming.

The conference kicked off with an opening by Ross Richardson, setting the stage for a series of insightful discussions. A highlight was the expert panel on composting, where participants shared practices and the latest research in mushroom substrate preparation.

We were particularly moved by the personal acknowledgements made to Dr. Martmarie, whose contributions to the South African mushroom industry were celebrated by several participants. Charles also took the stage, offering warm words in recognition of her impactful work.

The evening culminated in a special dinner, organized in honor of Dr. Martmarie, where SAMFA delivered a speech acknowledging her over 30 years of dedication to the industry.

The conference was an inspiring gathering of expertise and enthusiasm, driving us to pursue excellence with renewed enthusiasm. We are looking forward to future events where we can share our progress and learn from the best in the field.

Source: Mush Comb

Exciting News Alert! Another successful project in January! Our high-end mushroom machinery from Mush Comb B.V. is en route to our loyal customer Basciani Foods in Kennett Square USA.

Basciani Foods in Kennett Square, has been a valued partner, and we're thrilled to continue supporting their operations. In this delivery, they've added an extra compost hopper for a trailer with a conveyor, enhancing their mushroom production capabilities.

Innovation meets reliability, and we're proud to be a part of Basciani Foods' growth journey. A big shoutout to our dedicated team for ensuring smooth deliveries and exceeding customer expectations!

Thank you for choosing us for your mushroom machinery needs. Here's to more successful collaborations and growth in 2024!

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Another Transport for Mush Comb B.V. Machinery! Our mushroom machinery is en route to our new customer, Kitchen Pride, in America!

We're thrilled to welcome Kitchen Pride to the Mush Comb family, and we can't wait for them to experience the innovation and efficiency of our equipment. The delivery includes a Headfilling Machine Phase 2 with a conveyor and Single arm Winch, enhancing their mushroom production capabilities.

At Mush Comb B.V., we're dedicated to providing solutions for the mushroom industry, and this delivery is a testament to our commitment to excellence. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with Kitchen Pride and are excited to contribute to their success in the mushroom cultivation journey.

Stay tuned for updates as we track the journey of our machinery to its new home!

Phase 1: Making Fresh Compost
The process of mushroom farming starts with the creation of fresh compost. A balanced mixture of different raw materials, including hay, straw, and poultry manure, is used to create the compost. Proper moisture, temperature, and aeration are key to bringing about the desired chemical reactions within the compost.

Phase 2: Filling the Bunker and Tunnel
Once the compost is created, it is filled into the bunkers or tunnels where they undergo pasteurization and conditioning. The compost temperature is closely monitored in this phase to ensure that it remains within the ideal range between 56 and 60 degrees Celsius.

Phase 3: Mixing Spawn in the Compost
After the pasteurization and conditioning, the compost is ready for the addition of spawn. The spawn is mixed with the compost in one-fourth or one-third ratios to foster the spawn run phase. The spawn run typically takes around 2-3 weeks, where it colonizes the compost with mycelium.

Phase 4: Emptying the Tunnel and Filling the Growing Room
Once the spawn run phase is completed successfully, the next step is to empty the tunnel and transfer the mycelium-colonized compost to the grower room. The compost is evenly distributed and leveled out to prepare for the onset of mushroom growth.

Phase 5: Mushroom Development and Harvesting
During the next phase, the mushroom pins grow, rapidly turning into mature mushrooms. The mushrooms' development requires strict regulation of the temperature, humidity, and air ventilation to create a conducive environment for growth.
Once the mushrooms reach full maturity, they are carefully harvested by hand. The mushroom picking process requires a high degree of precision to ensure that only mature mushrooms are harvested.

Phase 6: Cook-out, Emptying, and Cleaning
After the harvest, an essential step in the mushroom farming process involves emptying the growing room and cleaning the equipment to ensure sanitation and prevent contamination. The mushrooms are then sent out for packaging, shipping, and sale.

In conclusion, mushroom farming is a complex process that requires attention to detail at every step. From fresh compost to harvesting and sanitation, each step plays a crucial role in producing high-quality mushrooms. By following these steps closely, mushroom cultivators can achieve optimal results and contribute to the ever-growing demand for fresh and delicious mushrooms.




Blog by Fred Musc