DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY 

Report on Field trip to Mushroom cultivation unit

Organised by : Government Degree College, Rampachodavaram

Date: 24-10-2025

Introduction :

As part of the practical learning component for III Year B.Sc. Botany (Honours) students, a field visit was organized to the Mushroom Cultivation Unit at Usirijonnalu Village on 24th October 2025. The visit was conducted under the guidance of Principal – Dr. K. Vasudha, and the team was accompanied by Faculty Coordinator Y.Bindu Madhavi ( lecturer in Botany).

Objectives of the visit :

• The objectives of the visit was to provide practical exposure with
• Laboratory equipment of mushroom cultivation.
• Techniques of sterilization, spawning, Bedding and Repropagation.
• Maintainance, propagation and marketing.

Activities and Learning outcomes

During the visit, students gained valuable hands-on experience in the live cultivation process of mushrooms, observing the following key stages:

• Sterilization of the substrate to remove contaminants.
• Preparation of bedding and inoculation with spawn.
• Incubation period of about 21 days in dark room conditions, followed by transfer to a lighted room for fruiting.
• During observation, a few weed molds and bacterial infections were noted in certain bags, showing yellowish-orange spoilage, which helped students understand the importance of hygiene and contamination control in mushroom production.
• Growth and spread of mycelium, and subsequent propagation and harvesting.
• Insights into marketing and distribution of cultivated mushrooms.

Conclusion :

The students also had the opportunity to interact with Mr. M. Satyanarayana, the cultivation unit Head, who explained the practical aspects of maintenance and disease management. He also provided some information on startups and Business management tricks.

This field visit provided students with comprehensive practical exposure to the scientific, technological, and commercial aspects of mushroom cultivation, strengthening their understanding of applied mycology and sustainable agricultural practices.

Sterilization of substrate (paddy stalk)

Spawn packets

Bedding units in dark room

Contamination of bag

Weed molds in mushroom Bag

Fresh mushrooms

Packaging of mushroom