Psylocybin Fungus Abort Causes and Effective Prevention Methods.

Psilocybin mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular, both in terms of research into their therapeutic potential and in home cultivation. However, many novice growers encounter a problem called "aborts" - that is, mushrooms that stop growing and do not reach full maturity. In this article, you will learn what abortas are, how to recognize them and what to do to minimize their occurrence.

What are psilocybin mushroom aborts?

Abortus are small, underdeveloped fungi that stop growing, usually at an early stage. Their distinctive features include dark hats - often black or bluish. Although they never mature and produce spores, they are not a complete failure. Understanding why abortions occur can help prevent further crop losses.

How do you recognize abortions?

Recognizing abortions is not difficult when you know what to look for. Typical signs are:

Stopping the growth of fruiting bodies for several days,

The darkening of the hats, which can range from dark blue to black,

Small, undeveloped fruiting bodies that look "distorted".

If you notice such changes, it is worth considering the reasons that may lead to abortions.

Causes of abortions

There are several main reasons why mushrooms stop growing. They are all related to the conditions surrounding the mycelium:

Insufficient air exchange

Fungi, like other organisms, need adequate oxygen levels for proper growth. Too high a concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) can stunt the growth of fruiting bodies, leading to abortions. To avoid this, ensure proper ventilation and keep CO2 levels below 1,000 ppm.

Sudden changes in temperature

Temperature stability is crucial during fruiting. Psilocybin mycelium grows best at 21-24°C. Sudden drops or increases in temperature can stress the mycelium, resulting in a halt in fruiting body growth.

Genetic changes and strain mutations

Some fungal strains may be more prone to genetic mutations, which in turn leads to a higher incidence of abortions. If you observe this problem with several crop cycles, it is worth considering changing to a more stable strain.

Lack of nutrients

When the mycelium exhausts the nutrients available in the substrate, the fruiting bodies may stop growing. To prevent this, use a well-balanced substrate rich in nutrients to support the entire growing cycle.

Overgrowth of mycelium (overlay)

Overgrowth of mycelium, called overlay, can prevent fruiting bodies from developing properly. To avoid this, ensure adequate humidity (about 90%) and air exchange to prevent mycelial overgrowth on the substrate surface.

How to deal with abortions?

When you notice abortions, it is worth removing them as soon as possible. Leaving them in the set can lead to decomposition, which increases the risk of contamination of the entire crop. Use sterile tools to remove them to minimize the risk of infection.

Are abortives safe for consumption?

Although abortus do not reach full maturity, they often contain higher concentrations of psilocybin per unit weight than fully developed mushrooms. If they are fresh and have not begun to decompose, they can be more potent in terms of psychoactive effects. However, be sure to avoid abortas that bear signs of mold or decay.

Temperature shock - how to get another shot?

If your crop has produced mostly abortus, you can try the temperature shock technique. Lowering the temperature to 4-7°C for 12-24 hours can stimulate the mycelium to fruit again. This method works by inducing a controlled stress that activates the mycelium to produce new fruiting bodies.

Summary

Abortions in the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms can be frustrating, but they provide valuable lessons. The key to avoiding this problem is to control environmental conditions - adequate air exchange, stable temperature and a well-balanced substrate. With these measures, you can minimize the risk of abortions and enjoy a healthy, abundant crop.