In commercial shiitake cultivation, choosing the right sealing method can directly influence your productivity, contamination control, and labor costs. One of the most widely used techniques in small and mid-scale farms—especially in Asia—is the neck insertion sealing method, also known as the “Wokou” method.
This article provides a practical, detailed breakdown of the neck insertion sealing process, how to maintain hygiene, and how to select the right equipment to match your production scale.
Neck insertion sealing is a traditional but effective method used in mushroom bagging. After the substrate is filled into the plastic cultivation bag, the top part is squeezed into a narrow “neck.” A plastic or bamboo breathing stick is then inserted into this neck, and covered with sterilized cotton or non-woven fabric.
This simple process creates a breathable yet contamination-resistant seal, turning each bag into a miniature, controlled environment for shiitake mycelium to grow.
Shiitake mushrooms are known to be sensitive to oxygen and moisture levels during the spawn run stage. This sealing method is preferred because it:
Provides excellent air exchange, helping mycelium to colonize faster
Is cost-effective, especially when using reusable sticks
Offers flexibility for various production scales and farm sizes
Allows growers to easily monitor and replace the cotton layer if needed
These features make neck insertion sealing the top choice for shiitake farms producing between 1,000 to 10,000 bags per day.
Compress the Bag Neck
After filling the bag with substrate and tapping it to remove excess air, compress the top 5–7 cm to form a tight, narrow neck.
Insert the Breathing Stick
Use a smooth, sterilized stick (plastic is preferred for reusability) to penetrate the neck. Make sure it fits snugly without tearing the bag.
Cover the Stick with Filter Material
Wrap the top with sterilized cotton, gauze, or non-woven fabric. This protects the entry point from dust and airborne spores.
Check Seal Strength
The stick should be tight enough to hold the neck in shape but not so tight that it damages the bag or restricts airflow.
Move to Sterilization or Inoculation
Once sealed, the bag is ready for sterilization and later inoculation with shiitake spawn.
To maintain a clean and productive grow space, consider these sealing hygiene tips:
Use sterile tools: Boil or disinfect sticks before use.
Avoid loose-fitting sticks: Gaps around the neck can become contamination points.
Replace cotton regularly: Especially if bags are stored for several weeks.
Ensure proper humidity: Dry air can shrink the cotton and reduce its sealing efficiency.
When done correctly, neck insertion sealing has a lower contamination rate than twist-and-tie or fold-seal methods used in less controlled environments.
Depending on your production capacity, there are three common equipment types to consider:
Best for farms producing under 2,000 bags/day
Involves hand-packing substrate, compressing the neck, and inserting sticks manually
Requires minimal investment, but is labor-intensive
Suitable for 2,000–8,000 bags/day
Fills and compacts substrate automatically; operator inserts stick and adds cotton
Balances labor savings with hands-on control
Designed for large farms with 10,000+ bags/day
Some models can align and insert sticks automatically
Best when paired with sterilization tunnels and auto inoculation units
If you’re currently sealing bags by hand but looking to scale up, semi-automatic equipment is often the best place to start.
Consider investing in automated or semi-automated sealing equipment if:
You’re consistently falling behind on daily bag quotas
You experience more than 5% contamination per cycle
You want to reduce reliance on seasonal labor
You’re planning to expand exports or enter premium markets
Efficient sealing is not just about saving time—it also raises quality and yield stability.
Neck insertion sealing remains one of the most reliable and affordable options for shiitake growers across Asia, Europe, and beyond. When paired with basic equipment and strong hygiene protocols, it can support both small-scale experimentation and professional production.
At Satrise, we supply both manual and semi-automatic bagging machines specifically designed for use with the neck insertion method. We also provide breathing sticks, cotton filters, and bag molds tailored to different bag sizes and mushroom types.
📞 Need help optimizing your shiitake production?
Visit Satrise to request a consultation or equipment quote today. Our team is ready to help you grow smarter—bag by bag.
Is one professional company integrating consulting, planning, design, construction, technical services and investment in the mushroom factory.
We has technical department, R&D department, investment department, engineering department, purchasing department, design department, quality control department, finance department and marketing department. It has dozens of OEM production workshops. Satrise’s products include bag filling line, bottle filling line, bed planting production line, sterilization equipment, boiler equipment, purification equipment, liquid spawn production equipment, environmental control equipment and various consumable products.
Over the years, Satrise people have actively explored the international marke and have provided mushroom production line and technical supportsuccessively for more than 100 countries and regions, such as Russia, the United States, Canada, South Korea, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, and so on. Its products have been widely recognized by customers.
Please Leave your message you want to know! We will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours!
Product Category