Apparatus for cultivating mushrooms and / or plants and method for producing mycelium mats

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for cultivating mushrooms and / or plants, comprising at least one conveying unit which has a conveying device, movable in or opposite a conveying direction, for substrate for cultivating mushrooms and / or plants, wherein the conveying device can be penetrated by parts of mushrooms and / or plants which grow during cultivation, and a receiving space for substrate for cultivating mushrooms and / or plants, in which receiving space the substrate is enclosed, wherein the receiving space is delimited on one side or both sides by the conveying device and is not formed in the conveying device or is not part of the conveying device. The invention also relates to a method for producing mycelium mats, which can be continuously run and is carried out in particular using an apparatus according to the invention.

Description

[0001] Device for cultivating fungi and / or plants and method for producing mycelium mats

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for cultivating fungi and / or plants, comprising at least one conveyor unit which has a conveyor device for substrate for cultivating fungi and / or plants which can be moved along or opposite to a conveying direction, wherein the conveyor device is permeable to components of fungi and / or plants growing during cultivation, and a receiving space for substrate for cultivating fungi and / or plants, in which the substrate is enclosed, wherein the receiving space is delimited on one or both sides by the conveyor device and is not formed in the conveyor device or is part of the conveyor device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing mycelium mats which can be carried out continuously and is carried out in particular using a device according to the invention.

[0003] The production of novel leather substitutes from fungal mycelium is proving difficult to scale to produce larger, continuous mats. Due to the required sterility of the systems and the handling of conventional box cultivation systems, on average only l-2m 2 large mats are produced. The present invention represents a scalable, completely new way of producing fungal mycelium mats using biogenic plant residue bulk materials.

[0004] In addition to the established production of mushroom fruiting bodies for human consumption, techniques have been developed in recent years that utilize the fine, tightly interwoven fungal mycelium to produce mushroom materials as insulation and packaging materials, or as mushroom mycelium mats. When producing materials with defined properties from mushrooms, one faces the challenge of artificially influencing the mushroom mass as it builds up or acts as a cross-linker in such a way that materials with desired properties, quantities, and qualities, as well as defined dimensions, are obtained.

[0005] The conventional production of fungal materials usually takes place in a flat, box-like growth device, usually discontinuously and in batches. The boxes, which contain a substrate made of plant-based, cellulose-containing material (e.g., sawdust), are inoculated with a fungal mycelium suspension and then cultivated for 2-3 weeks to obtain a mycelium-rich body. Examples of this can be found in GB2604866 A (mycelium materials in containers), US2017 / 0000040A1 (mushroom material composites), US8227233B2 (mycelium foams) US2020 / 0120880A1 (mycelium materials), US2019 / 0390399A1 (flexible mycelium foams), WQ2018 / 014004A1 (mycelium materials), US20200255794A1 (mycelium insulation material), US20190390156A (mycelium foam), US20220217923A1 (Mycotecture), KR101619664B1 (mycelium insulation material), US10604734BB (mycelium insulation material), DE102021107059B3 (Mycelium isolation material).

[0006] US 2016 / 0302365A1 describes a rolled mat-like substrate that can be overgrown with fungi and processed into other products.

[0007] WO 2022 / 195129A1 discloses a method for cultivating and transporting plants / fungi along a conveyor belt. These plants / fungi are held in place by the conveyor belt and are at least temporarily supplied with water / nutrient solutions via a corresponding unit. The belt has niches / passages to allow roots / hyphae to grow through them at specific points. While the niches or passages incorporated into the belt can accommodate nutrient medium and thus serve particularly well for cultivating isolated plants, they cannot produce a homogeneous and continuous mycelium mat.

[0008] The production of "mushroom leather" is not yet continuous and is carried out in batches up to a material piece size of a maximum of approx. 1-2 m 2so that the boxes remain manageable. Cultivation often takes place in shelving systems to achieve higher quantities with minimal space requirements. However, this results in high personnel costs and an increased risk of contamination. Due to the low level of automation and the high manual effort, it is difficult to achieve consistent quality with the required cost efficiency.

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device and a method for the continuous cultivation of fungi and / or plants. The device should ensure as consistent cultivation conditions as possible for the fungi and / or plants, thus enabling continuous growth, particularly of homogeneous and continuous mycelium mats.

[0010] This object is achieved with respect to a device having the features of patent claim 1, and with respect to a method having the features of patent claim 19. The respective dependent patent claims represent advantageous developments.The present invention thus relates, in a first aspect, to a device for cultivating fungi and / or plants, which comprises at least one conveyor unit which has or is formed from a conveyor device for substrate for cultivating fungi, plants and / or insects which is movable along or opposite to a conveying direction, wherein the conveyor device is permeable to components of fungi and / or plants growing during cultivation, and a receiving space for substrate for cultivating fungi and / or plants, in which the substrate is enclosed, wherein the receiving space is delimited on one or both sides by the conveyor device and is not formed in the conveyor device or is a component of the conveyor device.

[0011] The extraction can be carried out continuously or discontinuously during cultivation.

[0012] According to the present invention, a receiving space for substrate for cultivating fungi and / or plants is provided, in which the substrate is enclosed. The receiving space is bounded on one or both sides by the conveyor device, but is not a component of the conveyor device itself. In this respect, the present invention differs from the invention known from WO 2022 / 195129 A1, which provides recesses in the conveyor belt for receiving substrate.

[0013] The device according to the invention enables, in particular, the continuous growth of mycelium materials in a closed, continuous conveyor belt system with apparatus and sensor technology solutions for continuous operation for the production of mycelium mats as a leather alternative with the option of in-situ manipulation of the mycelium mass.

[0014] Here, substrate that is preferably already colonized with fungi is placed into a filling and portioning unit (filling system) and distributed by carriers in a "wire conveyor hose" with a coupled conveyor belt system. The fungal mycelium grows flatly through the wire mesh into the regulated interior (temperature, humidity, O2, etc.) of the system. The outer shell is closed off from the environment but can be opened / moved. The interior can be accessed through a lock for manipulation using applied substances, etc. There is also a spray system for applying liquids in various forms (e.g., spraying, atomizing, dripping, spreading). The fungal mycelium can thus be processed / manipulated in situ during growth in order to adjust desired properties.

[0015] The conveyor belt system preferably runs in a circular pattern, initially ensuring that the cavity is evenly filled with mushroom-infused substrate and subjecting the growing mycelium to mechanical stimulation. The coupled liquid / spray system allows for even application of additives.

[0016] Several modules can be connected in series and operated in a revolver system.

[0017] Compared to the production of mycelium materials in containers, the described system enables a homogeneous substrate distribution, a flat substrate surface, and a homogeneous water distribution in the substrate. It also offers a higher degree of automation, easier substrate feeding, and simpler in situ manipulation with good space utilization. Gravitropism can be specifically adjusted. Temperature gradients in the substrate can be avoided. Growth impulses or physical induction can be achieved through movement. Large formats are easily handled, and the system offers good scalability. The device according to the invention enables simple substrate feeding, homogeneous substrate distribution, and a flat substrate surface. Long belts, which can theoretically be endless, can be used. This results in better material properties in the produced mycelium mats.The system also enables a sterilization process within the system; it represents a self-sufficient, self-contained system ("stand-alone device").

[0018] One of the biggest advantages is the easy scalability of the plant technology, as well as the growth stimulation through chemo-physical impulses during cultivation.

[0019] Furthermore, the system can also be used to cultivate fungal fruiting bodies (edible mushrooms) and, if equipped with appropriate light sources, even plants. Furthermore, the cultivation and rearing of insects is also possible.

[0020] A preferred embodiment provides for the conveyor to be flat, in particular as a permeable conveyor belt, for example, a mesh. This allows the developing and growing fruiting bodies or mycelium mats to grow unhindered through the conveyor.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment, the device according to one of the two preceding claims is characterized in that the conveyor belt has, at regular or irregular intervals, driving elements which project into the receiving space

[0022] Further advantageous is the device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device is designed to be circumferential and encloses an interior space.

[0023] The aforementioned embodiment can, for example, provide that the conveyor device has two deflections, for example deflection rollers or deflection gears, and is guided in a rotating manner by means of these.

[0024] In this preferred embodiment, it can be provided, for example, that the conveyor device is guided in a straight line between the two deflections, wherein the straight line guidance is preferably vertical in the operating state.

[0025] For example, the device according to the invention can have at least one sensor unit for determining at least one physical variable, for example temperature, air humidity, brightness, air pressure and / or CO2 content of the atmosphere, which is preferably arranged in the interior in the operating state and / or at least one device for supplying water, nutrients, solutions, solids, substrates, fibers, light and / or for regulating the temperature.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device according to the invention has a wall. The conveyor device is arranged at a distance from the wall, with the receiving space being formed as an intermediate space between the wall and the conveyor device, which is arranged at a distance from the wall.

[0027] The device can further comprise mechanical elements facing the receiving space, such as rollers, knobs, brushes, knives, or combinations of these elements. These elements can exert a mechanical influence on the substrate during conveyance, providing a growth stimulus for fungi, plants, and / or insects to be cultivated. For example, these elements can be arranged on the wall and protrude into the receiving space. It is also possible to arrange these elements in the interior of the device and exert a mechanical influence on the conveying device from this side.

[0028] According to the aforementioned embodiment, the receiving space for the substrate is thus formed between the conveyor device and the wall. For example, the substrate can be guided through the receiving space with the aid of the aforementioned advantageous entrainment elements. During operation of the device, a relative movement of the conveyor device, including any entrainment elements present, occurs relative to the wall.

[0029] In this case, the distance between the wall and the conveyor device can be constant and preferably between 0.1 and 120 mm, more preferably between 20 and 80 mm, in particular between 30 and 50 mm. The receiving space thus formed is dimensioned accordingly.

[0030] According to a further preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention additionally has a filling compartment in which the distance between the wall and the conveying device is greater than in the region of the receiving space, wherein the filling compartment is preferably arranged above the region of the receiving space in the operating state. Substrate can, for example, be introduced loosely into the filling compartment and conveyed into or through the receiving space by means of the conveying device. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the device is modular and has a receiving unit which has a receiving recess for the conveying unit. The receiving unit has a wall which in particular delimits the receiving recess for the conveying unit. The conveying unit can thus be reversibly inserted into the receiving unit.When the conveyor unit is inserted into the receiving unit, the receiving space is formed by the wall that limits the receiving recess of the receiving unit and the conveyor device.

[0031] In the aforementioned embodiment, it is further advantageous if the receiving unit and the conveying unit each have a base, wherein the base of the receiving unit and / or the conveying unit is preferably designed to be mobile.

[0032] For example, it may also be possible for the conveyor unit to have a front panel and / or rear panel which delimits the receiving space and, if applicable, the filling compartment and which, in particular, terminates seamlessly with the receiving recess of the receiving unit.

[0033] In addition, the receiving unit can have a filling opening on its upper side for supplying substrate, which opens in particular into the filling compartment.

[0034] Furthermore, it can be provided that the conveyor unit and / or the receiving unit has at least one lock, via which in particular the interior of the conveyor unit can be reached.

[0035] It is also possible for the device according to the invention to have a condensate drain, which is preferably arranged on the receiving unit, in particular on the bottom side of the receiving unit.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a method for cultivating fungi, plants, and / or insects, in which substrate (S) inoculated or mixed with fungi, seeds, seedlings, or insect eggs or larvae is conveyed discontinuously or continuously in a device according to the invention as described above, and the fungi, plants, and / or insects are cultivated during this process. According to the invention, in particular mycelium mats, but also other components of fungi, in particular fungal fruiting bodies of edible mushrooms, can be cultivated in this way. The invention thus enables targeted manipulation or adjustment of material properties of fungi or plants to be cultivated under constant growth conditions. The substrate can be conveyed continuously or discontinuously during the cultivation period.

[0037] In particular, the method according to the invention can provide that the substrate is continuously conveyed in the conveying direction during cultivation by means of the conveying device through the receiving space and, if applicable, the filling compartment and that growing mycelia, seedlings and plants grow through the permeable conveying device.

[0038] The addition of substrate or nutrient solution can be carried out discontinuously or continuously. The removal of the product can also be carried out discontinuously or continuously.

[0039] During cultivation, the substrate is preferably conveyed by means of the conveying device through the receiving space and, if applicable, the filling compartment in the conveying direction and growing mycelia, seedlings and plants can grow through the permeable conveying device.

[0040] For example, the conveyor unit is inserted into the receiving recess of the receiving unit and the substrate inoculated with fungi or mixed with seeds, seedlings, insect eggs or larvae is placed into the filling compartment via the filling opening and conveyed into the receiving space by moving the movable conveyor in the conveying direction.

[0041] For the particularly preferred case in which a mycelium mat is produced during the process, it is further advantageous that the substrate inoculated with fungi is placed in the device and cultivated there, during cultivation is conveyed by means of the conveying device through the receiving space and, if applicable, the filling compartment in the conveying direction and growing mycelia grow through the permeable conveying device, so that a mycelium mat or fruiting body is formed on the side of the conveying device facing away from the receiving space and, if applicable, the filling compartment.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, it is provided that the conveyor unit is inserted into the receiving recess of the receiving unit and the substrate is placed into the filling compartment via the filling opening and is conveyed into the receiving space by movement of the movable conveyor device in the conveying direction.

[0043] In particular, after completion of the cultivation, the conveyor unit is removed from the receiving unit and the mycelium mat is detached from the conveyor unit. In a preferred embodiment, this can be accomplished by removing the conveyor unit from the receiving unit and detaching the mycelium mat from the conveyor device of the conveyor unit.

[0044] Preferred substrates are selected from the group consisting of organic substrates, such as sawdust, wood chips, green waste, leaves, straw and inorganic substrates, such as carbon (activated carbon), mineral granules, synthetic polymers, etc., which are used with or without nutrient solution addition, as well as combinations thereof.

[0045] In addition, it is advantageous if the cultivation is carried out in at least two stages, with a first stage being cultivated at 20 to 30°C and a relative humidity of 80 to 100% over a period of 10 to 14 days and a second stage being cultivated at 20 to 30°C and a relative humidity of 50 to 70% over a period of 7 to 14 days.

[0046] The two stages can be realized by air-conditioning the entire device accordingly and carrying out the stages one after the other.

[0047] It is also possible to create corresponding zones within the device within which the aforementioned climatic conditions of the respective stages prevail or are set.

[0048] Particularly preferred fungi suitable for the purposes of the method according to the invention are selected from the group consisting of Ganoderma sp. (preferably Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma tsugae, Ganoderma applanatum, Ganoderma resinaceum, Ganoderma steyaertanum and Ganoderma oregonense), Trametes sp. (preferably Trametes versicolor, Trametes pubescens), Schizophyllum sp. (preferably Schizophyllum commune), Polyporus sp. (preferably Polyporous squamosus), Pleurotus sp. (preferably Pleurotus ostreatus), Fomnes sp. (preferably Fomes fomentarius), Polyporaceae sp., Basidiomycota sp., and combinations thereof.

[0049] The present invention will be explained in more detail in the following, without limiting the invention to the preferred embodiments shown.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a device for cultivating fungi and / or plants, which in the exemplary case of Figure 1 is used for cultivating fungi and for producing mycelium mats M.

[0051] The device has a conveyor unit 10 which has a conveyor device 11 and, in the case of Figure 1, is formed by a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt 11 has carrier elements 13, for example webs, with which the substrate can be conveyed in the direction of rotation D. The conveyor belt 11 is guided in a continuous rotation via two deflection rollers 15a and 15b over the two deflections 15a, 15b. The conveyor belt 11 with the two deflections 15a, 15b is delimited on the outside by a wall 21 which, in the case of Figure 1, is arranged in front of the conveyor belt 11 at approximately the same distance as the carrier elements 13 projecting therefrom. A receiving space 12 for substrate S is thus formed between the wall 21 and the conveyor belt 11. The substrate can thus be guided through the receiving space 12 by the conveyor belt 11, in particular by the carrier elements 13.The conveyor belt is designed to be permeable to growing mycelium and can, for example, be in the form of a grid. When cultivating the substrate S, which has previously been inoculated with fungi (see explanations further below), a forming mycelium layer or mat M can thus be cultivated through the grid-like conveyor belt 11 to the interior space 14. In this way, however, plants or fruiting bodies of edible mushrooms can also thrive. The distance between the wall 21 and the conveyor belt 11 is uniform or constant in the lower part of the device. In a filling compartment 22, which is shown above in the exemplary case in Figure 1, the wall 21 is at a greater distance from the conveyor belt 11. In this area, the wall 21 is perforated, for example at the top, and has a filling opening 24.The substrate S can be fed into the device via the filling opening 24, for example by means of a filling funnel 24a that can be reversibly inserted into the filling compartment 22 or is permanently attached. The filling funnel 24a can, for example, be designed such that the bottom edge of the funnel 24a is arranged at a distance that corresponds to the distance between the wall 21 and the conveyor belt 11 in the lower part of the device. If substrate S is filled into the device via the funnel 24a, the substrate is guided towards the lower part by the entrainment elements 13 as the conveyor belt 11 moves in the conveying direction D. The substrate can thus be continuously conveyed and cultivated in a circuit. On the bottom side, the device can have a closable or open drain 25 for condensate, so that it can be ensured that the substrate in the bottom area of ​​the device does not become excessively moistened oris soaked. In addition, the device can have a lock 26 through which the interior 14 of the conveyor unit 10 can be reached. Sensor units 16a can also be present in the interior 14, with which, for example, temperature, humidity, brightness, air pressure and / or CCh content of the atmosphere contained in the device can be monitored. It is also possible to arrange a device 16b for supplying, for example, water, nutrients, solutions, solids, substrates, fibers, light and / or for regulating the temperature. The forming mycelium mats IVI can be harvested after completion of the continuous cultivation by detaching them from the conveyor belt.

[0052] Figure 2 shows a device according to the present invention in modular design. For the sake of clarity, not all of the reference numerals in Figure 1 have been shown in Figure 2. Only the conveyor belt 11 with the existing carrier elements 13 is shown in detail. Figure 2 shows the conveyor unit 10 from two perspectives, as shown in a) and b). The base 17 on the underside of the conveyor unit 10 can be seen, which can also have rollers, for example, so that the conveyor unit C can be moved without difficulty. The front and rear of the conveyor unit are delimited by a panel 18 and 19, respectively, into which an opening or lock 26 can be made, through which the interior 14 (see Figure 1) can be reached.

[0053] Figure 3 shows the modular interaction of the conveyor unit 10, as shown in Figure 2, and a receiving unit 20. The receiving unit 20 also has a base 27, a filling opening 24 arranged at the top, and a receiving opening 23 for receiving the conveyor unit 10. The receiving opening 23 is delimited on the inside by a wall 21 which, as shown in Figure 1, delimits the receiving space 12 that forms when the conveyor unit 10 is inserted into the receiving unit 20. Figure 3b shows the device according to the invention, in which the conveyor unit 10 is received in the receiving unit.

[0054] In an exemplary process, the production of mycelium material begins with the cultivation of a starter culture, followed by the initial inoculation and cultivation of treated (e.g., ground, sterilized / pasterized) main substrates, and the maturation process of the mycelium product, whereby the latter step can be carried out in a device according to the invention. The process ends with the harvest of a usable material.

[0055] Substrate S (bulk substrate such as sawdust, wood chips, leaves, straw, etc.) through which fungi are growing is filled into the sterile device 10 through the access opening (24). The substrate-fungus mixture (S) is conveyed into the receiving space 12 via a conveyor belt 11 with flights 13 and simultaneously compacted. The process belt is moved in the conveying direction D via deflections 15a, 15b. The conveyor belt is approximately 60 cm wide and approximately 300 cm long. The conveyor belt 11 is permeable for growth. The growth of the target organism initially occurs on the inside of the belt in the created cultivation space (interior 14), which is equipped with sensors 16a and can be controlled by means of corresponding devices 16b (e.g. temperature, humidity, sterile air supply). By adapting the device, growth on both sides is possible. Excess condensate on the process side can be drained off (25).The device features a lock 26, which allows sterile manipulation (mechanical, chemical) or the application of desired substances in liquid or solid form. The device can be sterilized using superheated steam.

[0056] After introducing the substrate-fungus mixture and forming a compact substrate-fungus layer (no cavities) or looser (cavities) layer of defined / adjustable layer thickness, cultivation takes place at 25°C and almost 100% humidity for 10-14 days with or without the introduced / sprayed matrix. The humidity is then reduced (targeted, even drying of the substrate) to approximately 60% relative humidity for 7-14 days. During growth, a belt movement exerts a mechanical stimulus on the growing tissue. This can also be specifically increased using devices such as rollers, knobs, brushes, knives, etc. Finally, the grown mycelium mat is harvested by removing and opening the device, for example, by removing the conveyor device 10 from the receiving device 20, as shown in Fig. 3, followed by detaching the mycelium mat.

[0057] The used substrate can be re-added to the process after grinding and sterilization. If harvesting is carried out under sterile conditions, this final step can be omitted.

[0058] Alternatively, the substrate can also be harvested as a cohesive composite, removed between the carriers and used as packaging / insulation material.

[0059] By using suitable fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, Ganoderma lucidum ...) and extending the cultivation time, fruiting bodies can be grown.

[0060] The mycelium materials have potential uses, including as raw materials in the textile and fashion industries, but can also be used as biogenic insulation, packaging, and insulating materials, or as composite materials for molding elements. Food production is also possible.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for the cultivation of fungi, plants and / or insects, comprising at least one conveyor unit (10) which has a conveyor device (11) for substrate (S) for the cultivation of fungi, plants and / or insects, which can be moved along or opposite to a conveying direction (D), wherein the conveyor device (11) is permeable to components of fungi and / or plants growing during cultivation, and a receiving space (12) for substrate (S) for the cultivation of fungi and / or plants, in which the substrate (S) is enclosed, wherein the receiving space (12) is delimited on one or both sides by the conveyor device (11) and is not formed in the conveyor device (11) or is not a component of the conveyor device.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor device (11) is flat, in particular designed as a permeable conveyor belt, for example as a grid.

3. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor belt has driving elements (13) at regular or irregular intervals which project into the receiving space (12).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device (11) is designed to be circumferential and encloses an interior space (14).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one sensor unit (16a) for determining at least one physical variable, for example temperature, air humidity, brightness, air pressure and / or CCh content of the atmosphere which, in the operating state, is preferably arranged in the interior (14) and / or has at least one device (16b) for supplying water, nutrients, solutions, solids, substrates, fibers, light and / or for regulating the temperature.

6. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the conveyor device (10) has two deflections (15a, 15b), for example deflection rollers or deflection gears, and is guided in a rotating manner by means of these.

7. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the conveyor device (10) is guided in a straight line between the two deflections (15a, 15b), the straight line guidance being preferably vertical in the operating state.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a wall (21) and the conveyor device (11) is arranged at a distance from the wall (21), wherein the receiving space (12) is designed as an intermediate space between the wall (21) and the conveyor device (10) arranged at a distance from the wall (21).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that rollers, knobs, brushes, knives or combinations of these elements are present facing the receiving space (12), with which the substrate (2) and / or the conveyor device (11) can be acted upon mechanically, wherein the rollers, knobs, brushes, knives or combinations of these elements are arranged in particular on the wall (21) or in the interior (14).

10. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the distance between the wall (21) and the conveyor device (11) is constant and preferably between 0.1 and 120 mm, more preferably between 20 and 80 mm, in particular between 30 and 50 mm.

11. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that it has a filling compartment (22) in which the distance of the wall (21) from the conveying device (11) is greater than in the region of the receiving space (12), wherein the filling compartment (22) is preferably arranged above the region of the receiving space (12) in the operating state.

12. Device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the wall (21) is part of a receiving unit (20) which has a receiving recess (23) for the conveyor unit (10).

13. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is of modular design, wherein the conveyor unit (10) and the receiving unit (20) can be reversibly separated from one another or joined together to form the device.

14. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving unit (20) and the conveying unit (10) each have a base (17, 27), wherein the base (17, 27) of the receiving unit (20) and / or of the conveying unit (10) is preferably designed to be mobile.

15. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the conveyor unit (10) has a front panel (18) and / or rear panel (19) which delimits the receiving space (12) and optionally the filling compartment (22) and which in particular terminates in a coherent manner with the receiving recess (23) of the receiving unit (20).

16. Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the receiving unit (20) has on its upper side a filling opening (24) for supplying substrate (S).

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor unit (10) and / or the receiving unit (20) has at least one lock (26) via which in particular the interior (14) of the conveyor unit (10) can be reached.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a condensate discharge (25) which is preferably arranged on the receiving unit (20), in particular on the bottom side in the receiving unit (20).

19. A method for cultivating fungi, plants and / or insects, in which substrate (S) inoculated or mixed with fungi, seeds, seedlings or insect eggs or larvae is conveyed discontinuously or continuously in a device according to one of claims 1 to 18 and the fungi, plants and / or insects are cultivated during this process.

20. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the substrate (S) is conveyed during cultivation by means of the conveying device (11) through the receiving space (12) and optionally the filling compartment (22) in the conveying direction (D) and growing mycelia, seedlings, plants grow through the permeable conveying device (11).

21. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the conveyor unit (10) is inserted into the receiving recess (23) of the receiving unit (20) and the substrate (S) inoculated with fungi or mixed with seeds, seedlings, insect eggs or larvae is placed into the filling compartment (22) via the filling opening (24) and is conveyed into the receiving space (12) by movement of the movable conveyor device (11) in the conveying direction (D).

22. Method according to one of claims 19 to 21, in which mycelium mats (M) are cultivated, wherein the substrate (S) inoculated with fungi is placed in the device according to one of claims 1 to 18 and cultivated there, is conveyed during cultivation by means of the conveyor device (11) through the receiving space (12) and optionally the filling compartment (22) in the conveying direction (D) and growing mycelia grow through the permeable conveyor device (11), so that a mycelium mat is formed on the side of the conveyor device (11) facing away from the receiving space (12).

23. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that after completion of the cultivation, the conveyor unit (10) is removed from the receiving unit (20) and the mycelium mat (M) is detached from the conveyor unit.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the substrate is selected from the group consisting of organic substrates, such as sawdust, wood chips, green waste, leaves, straw and inorganic substrates, such as carbon (activated carbon), mineral granules, synthetic polymers, etc., which are used with or without nutrient solution addition, as well as combinations thereof.

25. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that the cultivation is carried out in at least two stages, wherein in a first stage a cultivation is carried out at 20 to 30°C and a relative humidity of 80 to 100% over a period of 10 to 14 days and in a second stage a cultivation is carried out at 20 to 30°C and a relative humidity of 50 to 70% over a period of 7 to 14 days.

26. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that the fungi are selected from the group consisting of Ganoderma sp. (preferably Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma tsugae, Ganoderma applanatum, Ganoderma resinaceum, Ganoderma steyaertanum and Ganoderma oregonense), Trametes sp. (preferably Trametes versicolor, Trametes pubescens), Schizophyllum sp. (preferably Schizophyllum commune), Polyporus sp. (preferably Polyporous squamosus), Pleurotus sp. (preferably Pleurotus ostreatus), Fomnes sp. (preferably Fomes fomentarius), Polyporaceae sp., Basidiomycota sp., and combinations thereof.

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