Japanese National Visits the College of Agriculture Farm and Hydroponics Garden

A Japanese national, Yuko Tsutsumi, who is currently residing in Dumaguete City and has an interest in cultivating mushrooms, recently visited the Foundation University Agriculture Mushroom Farm and hydroponics garden to observe local techniques and gain insights into small-scale mushroom production.

College of Agriculture Dean Jobert Kleine Koerkamp introduced her to the university’s cultivation methods and walked her through the steps involved in mushroom production.

Laboratory in-charge Klinshe Patrimonio spoke at length about the slow and careful steps involved in the process, from preparing the substrate to the first signs of pinheads, which is an unpredictable and fragile stage in the life of oyster mushrooms. Ms. Tsutsumi shared insights into the materials she had been using, prompting an exchange of knowledge and technique.

The university’s oyster mushroom farm utilizes rice straw as the primary substrate. This is a low-cost, cellulose-rich growing medium that is sourced locally. Compared to sawdust blocks, which are more expensive and often require additional supplementation, rice straw offers a simpler and more accessible alternative for small-scale growers. Its accessibility and effectiveness make it a practical choice for sustaining oyster mushroom production, particularly with small-scale and backyard operations that rely on readily available agricultural byproducts.

Ms. Tsutsumi expressed particular interest in the visual and textural qualities of the yellow and white oyster mushrooms cultivated on-site. Her time at the farm provided her with a close look at local methods and offered new possibilities for her own efforts in mushroom cultivation.

Although protocols are in place to avoid contamination, the College of Agriculture farm and laboratory is open to anyone interested in learning about the methods and techniques involved in mushroom cultivation. Contact the College of Agriculture for more information.