#39 STS Lab Note: Cordyceps Militaris – Beginners Cultivation Guide

Cordyceps militaris requires specific light exposure and high-protein substrates to trigger the production of cordycepin and successful stroma development. Navigate the specialized process of growing parasitic fungi on nutrient-rich substrates. This guide simplifies the complex requirements for light, temperature, and nutrition to ensure successful Cordyceps cultivation for beginners.

Summary

Introductory Guide to Cultivating Cordyceps Militaris

Cordyceps, a distinctive and prized medicinal fungus, has recently garnered attention for both its health-promoting properties and its economic potential for cultivators. Historically endemic to the mountainous terrains of Tibet and China, particularly the Cordyceps Sinensis variety, these fungi have been integral to traditional medicine for millennia. Recent advancements in the field of mycology have now made it possible to cultivate Cordyceps Militaris, a related strain, either domestically or on a commercial scale. This development has transformed Cordyceps from a scarce and costly resource into a more widely available commodity.

In the secluded realms of the Himalayas, a unique species known as Cordyceps Sinensis engages in a fascinating parasitic relationship with the Himalayan Ghost Moth. It infiltrates the moth’s larvae during their subterranean hibernation, only to re-emerge triumphantly with the onset of spring. Efforts to artificially cultivate the fruiting bodies of C. Sinensis have so far proven futile, although a commercially viable strain, CS4, has been developed. This strain is capable of being grown through submerged fermentation techniques, producing a mycelium that retains many of the wild characteristics of the natural fruiting bodies. Despite these advancements, the unique qualities of Cordyceps Sinensis, coupled with its exorbitant market price—often surging to thousands of dollars per ounce—have led to its severe overharvesting. The species, found exclusively in the Tibetan Plateau and neighboring areas such as Bhutan and Nepal at elevations exceeding 4000 meters, now faces a dire survival predicament.

In contrast, another variety of Cordyceps, known as the Orange Caterpillar Fungus or Cordyceps Militaris, presents a more sustainable option. This fungus boasts a broad global presence, thriving from sea level to elevations of up to 2000 meters. It primarily colonizes the larvae and pupae of various lepidopterans. Due to advancements in cultivation techniques and the optimization of basal medium components, the fruiting bodies of Cordyceps Militaris have been improved to grow larger and to develop a polysaccharide profile similar to that of Cordyceps Sinensis. This enhancement makes Cordyceps Militaris a more accessible and environmentally friendly alternative.

Growing Cordyceps, whether at home or commercially, offers a satisfying venture but demands a good understanding, patience, and meticulous attention to detail. In this guide for beginners, we’ll take you through the fundamental steps of cultivating Cordyceps. We’ll cover topics such as preparing the liquid culture, setting up the basal substrate, and provide detailed, step-by-step instructions. Additionally, we’ll highlight frequent errors to steer clear of during the process.

Introduction to Cordyceps Cultivation

Cultivation frequently takes place in grow bottles since these containers effectively replicate the protective shell of insects, thereby maintaining moisture efficiently.

Cordyceps cultivation is notably resource-efficient as the enclosed bottles naturally retain moisture, eliminating the need for Smart Humidification. This process requires only minimal lighting (less than 400 lux) to be successful. Additionally, cordyceps thrive at a standard room temperature, optimally around 18°C, making them ideal for indoor cultivation.

Cordyceps Liquid Culture and Basal Substrate

Liquid Culture:

The subsequent phase involves transplanting the mycelium onto a foundational substrate, such as a mixture of grain or Brown Rice. This substrate offers the essential nutrients required for the development of fruiting bodies.

Basal Substrate

Cordyceps represent a distinctive group of fungi that uniquely parasitize insects, with a preference for caterpillars. In their natural environments, these fungi infect their hosts, consume their internal tissues, and ultimately give rise to a fruiting body that protrudes from the host’s head. Recent advancements in cultivation technology have enabled the growth of Cordyceps using grain-based substrates, rendering the process more ethical and efficient for commercial production.

The cultivation process starts by adding precise portions of rice or samp into the bottle, aiming to achieve consistent results. Specifically, each 750ml cultivation bottle is carefully filled with 60g of either brown rice or samp. Following this, 80ml of basal media is meticulously measured and added to ensure the optimal moisture content lies between 60-65%. This precise combination is crucial for fostering the ideal conditions for growth. Due to the raised moisture levels and the compact design of the bottles, sterilization is efficiently accomplished within just 60 minutes. This can be carried out using common kitchen devices such as a standard household pressure cooker or an Instant Pot, ensuring a convenient and effective sterilization process. After the sterilization phase, each bottle is inoculated with 5ml of liquid culture. The bottles are then stored in complete darkness to promote uninterrupted growth until the substrate is fully colonized. This stage is essential for the successful propagation of the cultures.

Basal Media

The basal media we advise for use with Whole Brown Rice or Samp is:

1. 1000ml water
2. 21 gram Brown Sugar (unlike other mushrooms Cordyceps require Sucrose)
3. 17 gram Dextrose (aka Glucose in South Africa)
4. 5 gram Peptone (a protein source for mycelium)
5. 5 gram Yeast Extract (supplies vital Vitamin B12)
6. 1.2 gram Epsom Salts (supply sulphate)
7. 1.2 gram MKP (aka Monopotassium Phosphate, optional)
8. 1 gram Calcium Carbonate (regulates pH in substrates and prevents formation of excessive acids)

Another basal media media that may be easier is thanks to Jeff Manganaro’s Egg Tek:

1. 3 whole eggs blended well (shells included)
2. 1 Tablespoon malt extract
3. 1 Tablespoon yeast
4. Add dry ingredients to blended eggs add water to bring to 500ml blend again

Step-by-Step Guide for Cultivating Cordyceps

1. Start by preparing a sterile environment and equipment for the liquid culture.
2. Inoculate the liquid culture with Cordyceps mycelium and incubate at the optimal temperature for colonisation – 22 to 25 degrees Celsius.
3. Prepare Basal Substrate, and sterilize.
4. Once the mycelium liquid culture has grown, transfer it to the basal substrate and incubate in dark until fully colonized.
5. Create a fruiting chamber with controlled lighting (<400Lux for 14 hours) and temperature (<20 °C) for fruiting body formation.
6. Harvest the mature fruiting bodies and dry them for storage or consumption.
7. Repeat the process to continue cultivating Cordyceps for a sustainable supply.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cordyceps Cultivation

1. Using contaminated equipment or substrate, which can introduce harmful bacteria or fungi.
2. Neglecting proper hygiene practices, leading to contamination and poor growth.
3. Failing to monitor and adjust temperature and humidity levels, affecting fruiting body formation. The cordyceps first has to colonize the substrate in the dark, then exposed to fruiting conditions with a 14-16 hour light cycle, on pinning the light cycle reduced to 12 hours.
4. Over colonising the substrate. If left too long in the dark then a thick mycelium layer will form on substrate surface, the cordyceps will then not fruit, or have a extremely low yield.
5. Harvesting fruiting bodies too early or too late, resulting in lower quality and potency. When the tips get a white sheen it is time to harvest as now sporulating.
6. Skipping steps or rushing the cultivation process, leading to subpar results and wasted resources.

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