Mycelium, or mycelia, in plural basically makes up the vegetative mass of branched, tubular filaments of typical fungi. A 2017 study showed that mycelium has a mechanical network structure, controlled by filament elasticity and branched network density.
This group is an essential part of the ecosystem by encouraging the decomposition and regeneration process. It works by breaking down and absorbing the surrounding organic matter into nutrients. These are further absorbed and used as nourishment.
While mycelium has plenty of benefits, it can also be a disadvantage as its water resistance decreases over time and they eventually become vulnerable to humidity and mold.
A study was conducted to test the safety index of mycelium. Experts stated that even though most mycelium is edible and safe to consume, you should never eat anything moldy, including mushrooms without being absolutely certain that they are safe for humans to eat.
Commercially, mycelium is also grown under controlled environments for the purpose of consumption.
How Do You Kill Mycelium?
Mycelium thrives in a temperature of between 18-30 degrees Celcius. A 2013 study suggested that the effects of temperature and pH on mycelium growth highly matter. You can kill the living mycelium cells by heating the molded products or treating them with fungicide.
In theory, if given the right environment, mycelium can spread through the ground soil and grow infinitely. Another observation concluded that applying UV light can stop fruiting body formation by killing up to 100% of the fungal mycelium on plants.
This results in better plant growth. Many gardeners also treat the soil with salt as excess sodium can prevent mycelium re-growth.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Kill Mycelium
A 2005 study microscopically investigated the effect of hydrogen peroxide on the growth of mycelial fungi. It was observed that hydrogen peroxide is lethal to all of the experimental fungi.
If you want to grow mushrooms but keep encountering some unwanted fungi and molds, you can treat your fruiting chamber with the organic chemical, hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide can get rid of mold without affecting the growing mushroom spores. Moreover, it will benefit the growing tissue as it gives water and oxygen as a by-product. This will ultimately result in a healthy and fast-growing mushroom culture.
What You Need
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Water
How to Use
Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Spritz onto the roots of your plants or the soil. You can also spray this solution in any place which is affected by mold and mildew mycelia.
Hydrogen peroxide can kill them by decomposing their vital components which make up the structure such as DNA and essential protein. You need to ensure to spray evenly until the soil is moist but not soaked. Leave the solution to dry for about 3-4 hours.
Precautions to Follow
It is important to use hydrogen peroxide cautiously as too much of it can do more harm than good. It may damage the growing culture along with the unwanted mycelium. It is always better to add hydrogen peroxide to water rather than using the undiluted solution.
Sunlight and heat readily break down hydrogen peroxide so use it in a well-ventilated area that does not have direct sunlight. When storing your solution, you want to keep it in a dark container in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Additionally, whenever you are handling hydrogen peroxide, put on your safety gear such as goggles, mask, and gloves. This will prevent any burns and irritation to your nose, eyes, throat, and skin.
Why Is Hydrogen Peroxide Effective Against Mycelium?
Hydrogen peroxide works efficiently as a fungicide. When you spray it on the targeted area, it will get rid of mycelium gnat eggs and larvae. The solution will also benefit the soil of your plants by adding water and oxygen compounds.
A June 2010 study experimented with the effects of varying hydrogen peroxide concentrations on mycelial growth. Hydrogen peroxide proved to be a cost-effective, efficient chemical to kill the unwanted mycelium. The mycelial growth rate decreased with each increment in hydrogen peroxide concentrations.
The mycelium works mainly by absorbing nutrients and water. This helps to manufacture food for the fungus by growing a fruiting body.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a fungicide to kill fungus or mycelium on any surface level. However, you should note to never use it for internal body parts. The solution directly targets the fungi’s DNA and essential proteins.
Apart from hydrogen peroxide, you should also dislodge the main factors creating a good environment for mycelium growth. These include temperature, pH, cultural media, nitrogen, and carbon sources.
What Does Hydrogen Peroxide Do To Mycelium?
Hydrogen peroxide is a brilliant way to control fungi and bacteria in your gardens. This is because hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill spores, mold, or mildew. The mycelium which is the vegetative mass of the fungus is spared so it can still produce fruit bodies.
Regardless, hydrogen peroxide should still be used with caution. The stronger concentrations can kill mycelium on the spot so it is highly recommended to go for the diluted lower-strength concentrations. This will merely control fungal bursts without causing harm.
What Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration Works Best Against Mycelium?
Hydrogen peroxide is a multipurpose disinfectant. Its uses range from household needs to industrial requirements. Therefore, it is available in the market in multiple concentrations.
The ideal concentration to use against mycelium is 3% hydrogen peroxide. This will be effective against mycelium without causing any damage. Hydrogen peroxide also comes in strengths of 6%, 10%, 35%, and up to 90%. The higher concentrations are restricted for industrial purposes and are not regarded as safe for home use.
The Takeaway
Hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic organic chemical to use against mycelium. If you are on the lookout for a budget-friendly multipurpose disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide solution is your go-to!
Before treating your affected area, remove the other favorable factors which encourage mycelium growth. Monitor the pH, temperature, water, and other organic matter, With a simple method without needing fancy commercial fungicides, you can use this to safely get rid of unwanted mycelium.
So, order your set today!
