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Abstract: First of all I must correct the misconception that most people have regarding our climatic conditions. In Johannesburg, where the majority of growers are located, we have a. very temperate climate, and for seven eighths of the year we experience little difficulty in maintaining temperatures oŁ sixty to sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit in our cropping sheds,. provided reasonable insulation is employed & normal heating is available during the Winter. The temperature in my sheds never drops below fifty five degrees F. or rises above sixty eight. A more serious problem is that of Humidity, for at least half the year, that is during our Autumn & Winter when we have no rain & the relative humidity remains in the neighbourhood of 30 to 40%, This is also obtained during rainless periods during the Spring & Summer, when the weather can become very dry. During such times if one is not equipped with air conditioning or humidifying plants, it becomes necessary to conduct frequent watering by not very observant, not very careful black labour. Hazards are increased greatly, in damage to the growing mushrooms, to the compost, and in the warm weather the wet mushroom derives every encouragement in developing Verticillium & other parasitic infections.
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