Host Defense harvestsВ during this peak stage of growth to capture an abundant constituentВ profile including polysaccharides (beta glucans, arabinoxylanes),В glycoproteins, ergosterols, triterpenoids and other myco-nutrients. primordia formation: The mushroom organism produces an amazingВ array of enzymes and optimizes the constituents of both theВ mycelium and the developing fruitbody.hyphal knot: Mycelium condenses into hyphal knots, which thenВ develop into вЂњprimordiaвЂќ or baby mushrooms.In this sense, the mycelium is the immune systemВ of the mushroom. During thisВ stage of growth, mycelium expands at an exponential rate.В In its environment, mycelium encounters many competitors andВ predators which it repels with an amazing array of protective enzymesВ and compounds.

mycelial expansion: Developing mycelium breaks down organicВ matter and absorbs nutrients from its surroundings.Compatible hyphae mate to create fertile mycelium. spore germination: Fine fungal filaments known as hyphae growВ from the spores.inoculation: Spores alight upon a growth medium (or substrate).В If conditions are favorable, spores will germinate.Fruitbodies form only at the completion ofВ the mushroom life cycle and for most species, occur but for a few days,В then disappear. The mushroom cultivator follows the pathВ of the mushroom life cycle. The mushroom life cycle remains largely invisible to most mushroomВ hunters not so to cultivators.

Hyphal knots to primordia