Mushrooms' Intricate Circulation: A Natural Wonder

Mushrooms, a type of fungus, have been used by humans for thousands of years, depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe, and represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs in the Americas. Today, mushrooms are cultivated for food and medicine, and some types, like psilocybin mushrooms, are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. Fungi, including mushrooms, play a crucial role in nature by breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients. This process of decomposition is made possible by enzymes that fungi secrete, which break down complex molecules into forms that can be absorbed by the fungal cells. Water is essential for this process, and fungi are adept at transporting water to areas where it is scarce, ensuring their growth and survival.

The role of water in mushroom circulation

Water is essential for mushrooms at all stages of their life. Mushrooms are composed of around 90% water. Water acts as a solvent and a transport medium for nutrients that are crucial for fungal growth. It also plays a key role in fungal metabolism and mycelium expansion.

The process of preparing the substrate, or food source for mushroom mycelium, involves ensuring optimal moisture content. The availability of water in the environment influences the expansion of mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus. Different species of fungi have evolved mechanisms to manage hydration in various environments. For instance, xerophilic fungi can absorb and retain moisture from seemingly dry substrates, while hydrophilic fungi prefer moist environments and often exhibit faster growth rates in such conditions.

The water potential of the substrate and fungal tissues determines the flow of water. Water moves from an area of high water potential to an area of low water potential when unobstructed. When the substrate is too dry, fungi redistribute water by transporting it from moist to arid areas through hydraulic redistribution. This process ensures the secretion of enzymes that break down the substrate, allowing the fungi to obtain nutrients.

Additionally, the structure of mushroom cell walls and the concentration of solutes inside the cells influence water uptake. Maintaining the right balance of water content is vital for the structural integrity and metabolic functions of mushrooms. Water transport within mushrooms involves both passive diffusion and active transport mechanisms.

The importance of substrate selection

Different mushroom strains have been developed to consume certain substrates, so it is important to match the strain with the appropriate substrate. For example, the shiitake mushroom strain LE-46 performed best on logs, while strain 3782 thrived on supplemented sawdust blocks.

A wide variety of substrates can be used, including logs, stumps, woodchips, straw, sawdust, coffee grounds, grain hulls, and other carbon-rich materials. Some mushroom species are very particular about the type of substrate used, while others are more flexible. For instance, oyster mushrooms grow well on straw, which can be treated through fermentation, pasteurization, or a lime soak.

When selecting a substrate, it is essential to consider the nutrient availability and the growth of ambient bacteria and fungi. Coffee grounds, for example, have readily available nutrients, so they should be inoculated the same day they are used or frozen to prevent the growth of unwanted organisms. Mixing coffee grounds with sawdust can increase aeration and provide a suitable environment for mushroom growth.

In addition to the type of substrate, the preparation of the substrate is also critical. This includes ensuring optimal moisture content, removing contaminants, and sometimes placing the substrate into a bag. Mixing substrates can also be done to create a high-nutrient and cost-effective food source for the mycelium.

How fungi obtain nutrition

Fungi are heterotrophs, meaning they cannot produce their own food and rely on other organisms for nutrition. They are also non-photosynthetic, lacking the green pigment chlorophyll, and therefore unable to make their own food from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide as plants do.

Fungi feed by absorbing organic compounds from their environment. They secrete digestive enzymes that break down organic matter, which is then absorbed as nutrients into the fungal cells. This process is called saprotrophy, where the fungi obtain their nutrients from non-living organic matter, usually dead and decaying plants and animals. Examples of saprotrophic fungi include shiitake and oyster mushrooms. These fungi recycle organic materials back into the surrounding environment, making them the primary decomposers in forests.

Fungi absorb nutrients from their environment through mycelia, which have a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, allowing for efficient absorption. The mycelium is a network of branching filaments called hyphae, which can either colonize the roots of a host plant by growing directly into the root cells or by growing around the root cells. This symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant is called a mycorrhiza.

Some fungi are parasites, living in or on other organisms and obtaining their nutrients from their host. Parasitic fungi also use enzymes to break down living tissue, which can cause illness in the host.

In addition to organic matter, fungi also need water for all stages of life. They transport water from moist to arid areas by hydraulic redistribution when the substrate is too dry. Water is necessary for the enzymes secreted by fungi to break down the substrate.

The effects of magic mushrooms on the human body

Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are naturally occurring psychedelic drugs that contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin. When consumed, psilocybin is converted by the body into psilocin, the chemical responsible for its psychoactive properties. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 15 to 45 minutes and can last approximately four to six hours. The duration of the effects depends on the method of consumption, with mushrooms consumed as part of a soup or tea acting faster than those eaten directly.

Magic mushrooms can induce hallucinations and distort an individual's senses, causing them to see or hear things that are not there or mixing up their senses, such as believing they can see music or hear colours. The mushrooms can also induce euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, and short-term psychosis. Additionally, the risk of a ""bad trip"" is associated with magic mushrooms, particularly at high doses or when consumed by individuals experiencing stress or anxiety. A bad trip may include frightening experiences such as paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self, which can lead to risk-taking behaviours and, in rare cases, traumatic injuries or death.

The strength of magic mushrooms can vary significantly, and the effects can differ depending on the dose, type of mushroom, and individual factors such as mental health, setting, quantity, and expectations. While current research suggests that psilocybin is not addictive, regular use may lead to increased tolerance, and cross-tolerance with other drugs such as LSD and mescaline. Mixing magic mushrooms with other substances, such as cannabis, amphetamines, or alcohol, can elevate the risk of serious side effects and adverse events.

There is increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of magic mushrooms and psilocybin, with clinical trials showing promising results. However, at present, there are no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin. Additionally, the similarity in appearance between magic mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms poses a risk of accidental ingestion, which can result in poisoning or even death. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution and seek proper guidance before consuming any type of mushroom.

Cultivating mushrooms at home

Mushrooms can be grown at home with relative ease. The process is simple and does not require a lot of fuss. The first step is to decide on the species of mushroom you want to cultivate. Oyster mushrooms are the easiest species to grow and are recommended for beginners.

Next, you need to purchase spawn (mushroom seedings) from a local or online supplier. You will also need to select a growing substrate, such as compost, straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds. The substrate should be treated to ensure it is clean and free of contaminants. Common treatments include pasteurization, sterilization, lime bath, peroxide bath, and cold fermentation.

Once you have your spawn and substrate, it's time to inoculate the substrate with the spawn. Place your chosen substrate into a tub or pan and mix in the spawn. Raise the temperature to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. After 2-4 weeks, the spawn will have taken root in the substrate, forming a white fuzzy substance called mycelium.

At this point, you can drop the temperature to 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the mixture with about an inch of potting soil and spray it with water until damp. You can also place a damp towel on top to retain moisture. Keep the mixture moist and cool, and small mushrooms should start to grow in about three weeks.

To promote fruiting, control the temperature, light, humidity, and airflow according to the recommended conditions for your chosen species. Harvest your mushrooms just before the spores are released for the best results.

With patience and attention to detail, anyone can successfully cultivate mushrooms at home. Each species has unique requirements, so be sure to research the specific needs of your chosen mushroom variety.

Frequently asked questions