Brown plaster mold

Papulaspora byssina, anamorfic или Athelia coprophila, teleomorfic

The reasons for the appearance of brown plaster mold are similar to the ones of the white plaster mold. Its presence indicates improper preparation of phase 1 compost, the presence of excessively moist, stuck together clumps of compost and its high pH level (perhaps due to insufficient amount of gypsum). Moreover, a disturbance in the process of compost pasteurization and conditioning, and improper hygiene at spawning can lead to an infection of a batch of compost with brown plaster mold.

Unlike the white plaster mold, the spots of the brown plaster mold mycelium become a granular mass of hazel color that looks much like fine sand. The «sand» feels like talc to the touch.

The development of the brown plaster moldon the casing layer

Brown plaster mold on a casing layer area that is infected with nematodes
The measures taken on order to avoid the appearance of brown plaster mold are similar to the ones for white plaster mold.

Some mushroom growers sprinkle the mold nidus with superphosphate in order to create an acid medium in the substrate.