Picking Mushrooms: Friend Or Foe To Mycelium?

Mushroom picking is a popular pastime in many countries and is sometimes commercially important. However, it has led to concerns about over-harvesting and the potential damage it could cause to fungi populations. Several independent studies have found that areas with repeated trampling of the ground reduced fruiting body numbers. While picking mushrooms may not harm the underlying mycelium, it is still important to leave some behind to ensure the continuation of new generations and to be considerate of other pickers.

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Picking mushrooms does not impair future harvests

While it is true that uprooting plants often kills the entire plant, this is not the case with fungi. When you remove a mushroom, you are still leaving the bulk of the fungus in the ground. The mycelium will continue to produce mushrooms for the duration of the fruiting season, even if you pull up every single mushroom you find. In fact, leaving the stump of the mushroom's stipe behind can leave the fungus vulnerable to disease as it creates a large open wound exposed to the air.

However, it is important to note that any area that is heavily harvested year after year is much less likely to produce more mushrooms in the future. This is not because removing the mushrooms makes the existing mycelium less likely to produce mushrooms, but rather because of the continuation of new generations. As existing patches of mycelium run out of nutrients or die, those that were heavily harvested have fewer spores to continue their genetic lineages in the same area. Therefore, it is important to practice sustainable mushroom picking by leaving some mushrooms behind to release their spores.

Several studies have supported the idea that mushroom picking does not impair future harvests. For example, a 33-year study in Oregon showed no decrease in the production of fungi in any of the test plots, and a 30-year study in Switzerland showed the same result. Another study carried out in Switzerland from 1977-2003 found that long-term and systematic harvesting reduces neither the future yields of fruit bodies nor the species richness of wild forest fungi, regardless of whether the harvesting technique was picking or cutting.

The mushroom is temporary, the mycelium is forever

The idea that pulling up a mushroom kills the entire fungus is a misunderstanding. When you remove a mushroom, you are still leaving the bulk of the fungus, the mycelium, in the ground. The mycelium will continue to produce mushrooms for the duration of the fruiting season, even if you pick every mushroom you find. However, it is important to leave some mushrooms behind to allow for spore dispersal and to ensure the continuation of new generations of mycelium.

While picking mushrooms does not harm the mycelium, heavy harvesting in the same area year after year can lead to a decrease in mushroom production over time. This is because heavily harvested patches of mycelium have fewer spores to continue their genetic lineages in the same area. Therefore, it is essential to practice sustainable mushroom picking by leaving some mushrooms behind and not over-picking in any one area.

Additionally, it is important to consider the impact of trampling on mushroom harvesting. Several studies have shown that trampling can reduce fruiting body numbers and worsen conditions for the growth and development of mushrooms. As such, it is crucial for mushroom foragers to be mindful of their surroundings and try to leave no trace.

In conclusion, the mushroom is indeed temporary, and the mycelium is forever. Picking mushrooms does not harm the mycelium, but sustainable practices should be followed to ensure the long-term health and productivity of mushroom ecosystems.

The ecological purpose of mushrooms

Mushrooms are vital to ecosystems around the world. They have developed special methods of living: symbiosis, saprophytism, and parasitism. Most of the mushrooms growing on the forest floor are intimately linked to trees by symbiosis, which is called mycorrhiza. This association occurs between the root ends of a tree and the vegetative system of a mushroom, and there is an exchange of nutrients. The mushroom helps the tree extract minerals and water from the soil, and the tree supplies the mushroom with sugar compounds.

Saprophytism is another important living method for mushrooms, especially for species that grow on lawns, rotting wood, or excrement. Here, the mushroom's role is one of decomposition. It feeds itself by digesting organic matter and simultaneously returns nutrients to the soil.

Some mushrooms are parasites, and there are several kinds of parasitism. Some parasitic species attack a healthy host (tree, plant, or insect) and live on it without killing it, while others attack only unhealthy hosts, hastening their death. The parasitic species are generally microscopic mushrooms.

Mushrooms are also important for spreading their spores, which contain valuable genetic material. Leaving some mushrooms behind allows them to disperse their spores, ensuring the continuation of new generations.

While picking mushrooms does not appear to harm the underlying mycelium, over-harvesting in the same area year after year can reduce the likelihood of future mushroom growth. This is because heavily harvested patches of mycelium have fewer spores to continue their genetic lineages in the same area. Therefore, it is important to practice sustainable mushroom picking by focusing on mature mushrooms, leaving some behind, and using porous and open-air containers to collect them.

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Different types of mushrooms and their mycelium

There are differing opinions on whether picking mushrooms hurts the mycelium. Some sources claim that picking mushrooms does not hurt the mycelium, while others argue that it can cause damage. Ultimately, the impact of picking mushrooms on the mycelium may depend on the specific type of mushroom and the picking technique used. Here is some information about different types of mushrooms and their mycelium:

Chanterelles: Chanterelles are a type of wild mushroom that can be found and foraged. According to some foragers, the fruit bodies of chanterelles should be cut off where they join the ground to avoid damaging the delicate mycelium below. However, others argue that twisting and pulling the mushroom from the mycelium is a better method, as it prevents the residual stump from rotting and potentially infecting the mycelium. Practical experience shows that chanterelles, a type of mycorrhizal fungus, usually detach cleanly when pulled from their mycelial web.

Morels: Morels are another type of wild mushroom that can be foraged. The mycelium of morel mushrooms grows by "feeding on" nutrients in the ground. Leaving a few morels standing has no effect on the mycelium, and picking the mushrooms can even help spread their spores.

St. George's Mushrooms: St. George's mushrooms are a type of cultivated mushroom that can be grown in gardens. When harvesting St. George's mushrooms, it is important to carefully gather the mature, fully opened mushrooms without trampling the mycelium in the top layer of soil. Carrying the mushrooms with the gills down in an open-weave basket can help broadcast their spores over a wider area.

Shiitake Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms are commonly cultivated on logs and supplemented sawdust blocks. The yield of shiitake mushrooms can vary significantly depending on the strain selected, with some strains performing better than others in terms of yield.

Cordyceps Mushrooms: Cordyceps mushrooms have been studied for cultivation in jars. Similar to shiitake mushrooms, the yield of cordyceps can vary depending on the strain, with some strains producing higher yields than others.

Oyster Mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms are sensitive to oxygen levels and prefer lower levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in their environment. They grow well on straw and are one of the best species to cultivate on this substrate.

Foraging etiquette

When foraging for mushrooms, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the sustainability of the practice and to respect the natural environment. Here are some key points to consider:

Leave Some Mushrooms Behind

It is generally advised to leave a portion of the mushrooms you find behind. This is respectful to other foragers who may come across the patch, and it allows the remaining mushrooms to release their spores, ensuring future growth. The general rule of thumb is to take no more than 25-30% of a particular species from a given area. Leaving some mushrooms also helps maintain the ecological balance, as every mushroom left behind will produce spores for its entire natural existence.

Respect the Surroundings

When foraging, be mindful of your surroundings and try to leave no trace. Avoid trampling on small mushrooms or potential mushroom-growing areas, and be cautious of any microtrash you may leave behind. Always seek permission if foraging on private property, and be careful not to disturb any animals or damage fences.

Picking vs Cutting

There is an ongoing debate in the foraging community about whether it is better to pick or cut mushrooms. Some believe that cutting the mushrooms at ground level is less disruptive to the mycelium, while others argue that picking is just as effective and does not harm the underlying fungal system. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one, but it is recommended to pick from the stem to prevent messing up the mycelium network.

Spread the Spores

Mushrooms reproduce by releasing spores, so it is important to facilitate this process. You can do this by carrying your mushrooms in a porous, open-air container like a basket or mesh bag, which allows the spores to disperse as you walk. Some foragers also like to 'thump' or tap the mushrooms before picking them to release spores, although the effectiveness of this practice is debated.

Identification and Safety

Never eat a mushroom that you cannot identify. Always verify the species using multiple reputable sources or guidebooks, and if you are uncertain, leave it behind. Mushroom poisoning can be dangerous, and it is not worth the risk.

Keep Secret Spots Secret

When you find a great foraging spot, it can be tempting to share it with others. However, it is important to keep these spots secret to prevent over-foraging. Share only with close, trusted mushroom enthusiasts to help preserve the area.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your foraging practices are sustainable and respectful to the natural environment and other foragers.

Frequently asked questions