GordoTEK guide

Once the GordoTEK all-in-one kit is received from Mycotrop and the spawn has fully colonized, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Substrate and Spawn

Pour the sterilized substrate into the tote. Evenly sprinkle the colonized grain spawn over the substrate. Use a sterile tool to mix the grain spawn with the substrate, ensuring even distribution. If a sterile tool is not available, sanitize gloves with alcohol before mixing the grain and substrate by hand.

2. Set up the Incubation Environment

Pan Cyans thrive in warmer temperatures and high humidity. Prepare a second tote of identical size and fill it halfway with warm water. Place an aquarium heater in the water, set to 82°F (28°C). Place the first tote (with the inoculated substrate and lid still on) inside this water-filled tote to create a warm, humid environment.

3. Incubation Period

Allow the substrate to colonize for 6 to 8 days without opening the lid. Periodically check the water temperature to ensure it remains in the low 80s°F using a thermometer.

4. Apply the Casing Layer

After full colonization (usually after 6 to 8 days), prepare a casing mix and sprinkle it evenly over the substrate. Heavily spray the casing layer with water to maintain moisture levels.

5. Transition to Fruiting Conditions

From this point, fruiting conditions should be established. Ensure proper fresh air exchange without allowing the substrate to dry out. Mount the provided screen over the tote and spray both the casing layer and the screen to maintain high humidity. Water the setup three times a day: in the morning, late afternoon, and at night. Additionally, spray the underside of the tote lid and position it at an angle, allowing two corners to remain exposed to the air. Rotate the lid during each watering session to maintain moisture and encourage fresh air exchange.

6. Monitoring Growth and Maintenance

If gaps form between the substrate and the tote, pour a small amount of water into the gap. After each flush, water the surface of the substrate slowly with about 1/2 cup of water. If excess water accumulates, tilt the tote to drain it. Between flushes, use tweezers to clean the substrate surface, removing any debris, stumps, or aborted pins.

7. Managing Flushes

The headspace between the substrate and the screen (approximately 8 cm or 3.2 inches) should provide enough room for fruiting bodies to grow. Even if fruit bodies reach the screen, they will continue to develop normally. No artificial lighting is required, as indirect sunlight is sufficient for growth.

8. Harvesting

The best time to harvest is when some of the caps begin to drop spores. This is visible when black spore dust accumulates on the caps below. Harvest the entire flush with scissors or leave a few less mature fruit bodies to grow for another day. Mature fruit bodies will have higher total alkaloid content, while younger ones may be slightly more potent by weight.

9. Additional Notes

This method is easily reproducible and flexible. While one large tote is convenient, it carries the risk of contamination affecting the entire grow. Using smaller trays allows for easier management, as contaminated trays can be discarded without impacting the rest of the grow. Smaller trays can be floated in the warm water bath to maintain ideal conditions.

Our kits are designed for your convenience. The kit comes with 3 bags, now numbered as follows:

Bag 1 - Substrate

Bag 2 - Spawn bag/grain bag

Bag 3 - Topsoil

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this method work for species other than Pan Cyan?

A: Yes, the method works for most species, including cubes and natalensis. Cubes and natalensis require less heat and fresh air, so the aquarium heater may not be necessary if the room temperature is above 70°F. The casing layer and manure in the substrate are optional for cubes and natalensis, though both can improve yield.

Q: Can misting be automated?

A: Yes, some growers have successfully automated misting by using a reptile mister that runs for short intervals every hour. The duration may vary based on ambient humidity and the equipment used.

Q: Can Pan Cyans be grown without manure?

A: While it is possible to use a coir/vermiculite/gypsum (CVG) substrate without manure, yields may be lower. Using manure is recommended for optimal results with Pan Cyans, though it is optional for cubes and natalensis.

Q: What is the ideal spawn-to-substrate ratio?

A: Higher spawn ratios result in faster colonization and more flushes. Ratios between 1:1 and 1:10 can be effective, with a 1:2 to 1:3 ratio being ideal for Pan Cyans. For shallow substrates, evenly sprinkle grain spawn over the substrate and mix thoroughly.

Q: Why are my pins aborting?

A: Pins are most likely aborting due to insufficient air exchange or inadequate misting. Ensure proper airflow by rotating the tote lid and increase misting, especially when pins are present. Maintain moisture levels by spraying heavily at least twice daily.