Should shiitake logs be punctured with small holes?

Should shiitake logs be punctured with small holes?

Whether to puncture small holes and how to do it depends on specific circumstances:

1.For spring-planted, summer-overwintering shiitake logs: If tubercles form prematurely at the inoculation holes while the mycelium on the log back has not fully colonized it, this indicates that the log temperature is too high and the mycelium is oxygen-deficient. In this case, small holes should be punctured near the tubercles around the inoculation holes and near the uncolonized dark material on the back. This helps the mycelium fully colonize the log quickly, prevents the formation of large clumpy tubercles, and avoids damage to tubercles due to high temperatures (which can cause black water leakage).

2.If the temperature in the mycelium cultivation shed is low during the cultivation period, resulting in slow mycelium growth: Small holes can be punctured near the uncolonized dark material on the back. This increases oxygen supply and raises the log temperature, promoting faster mycelium colonization of the entire log.

3.For autumn-planted shiitake logs: If the temperature is relatively high before puncturing large holes, first puncturing small holes can enhance mycelium activity, make the logs harder, and promote uniform tubercle formation—all of which are beneficial for subsequent fruiting.

In summary, puncturing small holes in shiitake logs can increase oxygen supply, accelerate mycelium growth, and enhance mycelium activity. However, if the mycelium is growing normally and tubercles are forming evenly, there is no need for small holes, and you can directly puncture large holes.