Michael Davis
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, which are thread-like microorganisms that feed on organic materials. Fungi cause decay in wood, and the presence of mushrooms is a positive indicator of this decay. Fungi secrete enzymes that break down complex molecules in wood, resulting in abnormal coloration and physical changes such as depressions and cracking. Wood that is too wet or too dry is not conducive to fungal decay. Interestingly, some mushrooms grow on the decaying remains of other mushrooms. In addition to their role in nature, mushrooms like the oyster mushroom have been found to decompose plastic, offering an innovative solution to plastic pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fungi type | White-rot, brown-rot, soft-rot |
| Temperature | Decay is slow at temperatures below 10°C and above 35°C, stopping at 2°C and 38°C |
| Moisture content | Serious decay occurs when moisture content is above the fiber saturation point (average 30%) |
| Appearance | Localized depressions, cracking, abnormal coloration, loss of luster |
| Wood type | Living and dead trees, especially Oaks and Maples |
| Prevention | Water submersion, deep burial, keeping wood dry |
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What You'll Learn
- Mushrooms grow from decaying trees, especially oaks and maples
- Fungi require little oxygen, but water is key to controlling decay
- Wood must be dry to prevent mushroom growth
- Mushrooms can grow on the decaying remains of another mushroom
- Plastic-eating mushrooms provide an organic solution to plastic pollution
Mushrooms grow from decaying trees, especially oaks and maples
Mushrooms are the result of fungal decay, which occurs when fungi secrete enzymes that break down the complex molecules that make up wood. Decay fungi require very little oxygen, but their growth can be prevented by excluding water. Therefore, wood that is kept dry will never decay.
Fungi cause damage to wood, resulting in abnormal coloration and physical changes such as depressions, cracking, and a loss of luster. This damage can lead to structural failure, which is a serious concern for buildings and trees.
Trees, especially oaks and maples, are susceptible to fungal decay, which can cause the tree to rot and eventually fail. Mushrooms that grow on trees are often saprotrophic, feeding on dead or decaying wood. Some common mushrooms that grow on oaks and maples include:
- Maitake: These mushrooms are a parasite of trees, typically found on white and red oak, but also on maple. They cause butt rot in the host tree and are commonly found on stumps, downed trees, and living trees. Maitake mushrooms are edible and highly regarded by foragers.
- Lions Mane: This mushroom is commonly found on dying oak trees and can also grow on standing trees. It is part of the Hericium genus, which includes other edible mushrooms that grow on oak trees.
- Reishi: While reishi mushrooms are typically found on hardwoods like elm, beech, and maple, some species prefer conifers. They have distinctive scallop-shaped shiny caps with tree-like rings that fade from red to brown in the center to yellow or white at the edges as they mature.
- Pheasant's Back: These mushrooms are parasitic on old dying trees, but they are also saprotrophic, decaying the wood when the tree dies. They can be found on oak, maple, and other types of trees.
- Oyster Mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms grow on a variety of trees, including maple, willow, and oak. They are typically found in the fall, especially after the first frost, but some species prefer warmer temperatures and are found in summer.
- Shiitake: Shiitake mushrooms are native to Southeast Asia and grow on decaying wood from a variety of deciduous trees, including maple, beech, and oak. They are sought-after culinary and medicinal mushrooms and are the third most cultivated mushroom species in the world.
By understanding the relationship between mushrooms and decaying trees, particularly oaks and maples, foragers and arborists can identify and utilize these fungi, while also being mindful of the potential risks associated with tree decay and failure.
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Fungi require little oxygen, but water is key to controlling decay
Fungi are microscopic, thread-like microorganisms that feed on wood or other organic materials. They are essential for the recycling of nutrients in the ecosystem. Fungi require very little oxygen to survive and thrive. In fact, it is nearly impossible to control decay by limiting oxygen. However, water plays a crucial role in the growth and spread of fungi.
Water is essential for the survival of fungi. Fungi secrete enzymes that break down complex organic compounds, and these chemical reactions require water to occur. By controlling the presence and availability of water, we can manage the growth and spread of fungi. For example, fully air-dried wood has a moisture content of less than 20%, which provides a reasonable safeguard against fungal damage. Keeping wood dry is an effective way to prevent fungal decay.
On the other hand, excessive moisture can also inhibit fungal growth. When wood is water-soaked, the supply of air to the interior may be insufficient for typical decay fungi to develop. This is why wooden structures submerged underwater or buried beneath the water table are often spared from fungal decay.
The temperature also plays a role in fungal growth. Decay typically progresses slowly at temperatures below 10°C and above 35°C, and it essentially stops when temperatures drop below 2°C or rise above 38°C. Therefore, maintaining suitable temperatures, in addition to controlling moisture levels, can help prevent fungal decay.
Understanding the factors that influence fungal growth, particularly the availability of water and temperature control, is crucial for managing and preventing decay in wooden structures and preserving valuable resources.
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Wood must be dry to prevent mushroom growth
Mushrooms are the reproductive parts of fungi, which are microscopic, thread-like microorganisms that obtain their nutrients from wood or other organic materials. Fungi cause serious damage to wood, sometimes resulting in structural failure. Therefore, it is important to prevent mushroom growth on wood.
Mushrooms require moisture to grow. They spread through spores, which can travel through air or water droplets, and will grow in almost any space once the conditions are right. Their spores can be found in potting soil or mulch, which can then cause mushrooms to grow in potted plants and vegetable gardens. Mushrooms can also grow on wooden structures in the home when those structures are subjected to continuous moisture.
To prevent mushroom growth on wood, the wood must be kept dry. Water submersion or deep burial can exclude oxygen sufficiently to prevent decay fungi from attacking wood. Wood that is fully air-dried will usually have a moisture content of less than 20% and should be safe from fungus damage. By keeping the wood dry, you can prevent the spread of existing mushrooms and stop the growth of new ones.
In addition to keeping wood dry, there are several other ways to prevent mushroom growth. Mushrooms can be removed by picking them or spraying them with a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water. Commercial fungicide can also be used to kill mushrooms and affect their mycelium.
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Mushrooms can grow on the decaying remains of another mushroom
Fungi are microscopic, thread-like microorganisms that obtain their nutrients from organic materials such as wood. They can also grow on decaying flesh, like the Schizophyllum commune, which has been known to grow inside human bodies. While there might not be a specific type of fungus that grows on decaying flesh, some target bones, and one particular species, known as "Ghoul Fungus", grows in the ground where dead bodies have been buried.
Additionally, moulds, which are a type of fungus, have been found on corpses. Fungi thrive in environments with low oxygen levels and moisture content above the fibre saturation point (around 30%). Water submersion or deep burial can prevent oxygen from reaching the fungi and thus inhibit their growth. Wood that is fully air-dried usually has a moisture content of less than 20% and is resistant to fungal decay. Similarly, wood kept dry or submerged in water will not decay.
Fungal decay can cause structural failure and abnormal coloration in wood, with localized depressions, sunken areas, and cracking in cubical patterns. White- and brown-rot fungi are the most destructive types, breaking down the components of the wood cell wall. White-rot fungi cause the wood to lose its colour and become a fibrous, whitish mass. They retain their outward dimensions and often feel spongy.
Therefore, mushrooms can indeed grow on the decaying remains of another mushroom, as fungi can grow on organic matter, including other fungi.
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Plastic-eating mushrooms provide an organic solution to plastic pollution
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, with millions of tonnes of plastic waste accumulating in oceans, land, and landfills annually. The quest for sustainable solutions has become more urgent than ever. In this context, certain mushrooms' ability to "eat" plastic has emerged as a promising discovery for reducing pollution.
In 2011, researchers at Yale University discovered the first fungus with a voracious appetite for plastic in the rainforests of Ecuador. This fungus, Pestalotiopsis, can survive and decompose synthetic polymer polyester polyurethane (PUR) in both anaerobic (oxygen-free) and aerobic (oxygenated) environments. It breaks down plastic into biomass and other organic compounds, reducing the weight of plastic waste by 40-60% in just a few weeks. Pestalotiopsis' ability to thrive in anaerobic conditions makes it ideal for use in modern landfills, which are typically dry and oxygen-poor. Additionally, its ability to decompose PUR in liquid suspensions indicates its potential for removing plastic from the ocean, especially from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Beyond Pestalotiopsis, other plastic-eating fungi have been identified, such as Pestalotiopsis microspora and Aspergillus tubingensis. These species show promise for breaking down plastics and reducing pollution, but further research is needed for large-scale application. One innovative at-home recycling system, the "Fungi Mutarium," utilizes oyster mushrooms to decompose plastic. The common edible oyster mushroom is particularly notable because it can decompose plastic while remaining edible itself. This feature enhances its potential for at-home recycling systems.
The discovery of plastic-eating mushrooms has led to new possibilities for waste management. Mushrooms could be used in landfill bioremediation to treat plastic waste, reducing volume and environmental contamination risks. They can also be integrated into wastewater treatment systems to degrade microplastics and reduce plastic pollution in waterways. Additionally, mushrooms can be used in products to reduce plastic consumption. For example, Evocative Design creates biodegradable flip-flops and an organic, fire-resistant board called Greensulate, made with oyster mushroom spores.
While plastic-eating mushrooms offer an organic solution to plastic pollution, it is essential to continue exploring natural remedies while also implementing plastic reduction, reuse, and recycling strategies. With increased collaboration between scientists, governments, and businesses, we can strive for a future where plastics no longer burden our planet.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, which are thread-like microorganisms that feed on organic materials such as wood. Fungi cause decay by secreting enzymes that break down complex molecules in the organic material. Therefore, to decay mushrooms, you need to create an environment conducive to fungal growth. This typically involves moisture and mild temperatures.
Some common mushrooms that contribute to wood decay include Chicken of the Woods, Honey Mushrooms, Oyster Mushrooms, and Artist's Conk. Additionally, certain mushrooms specifically target the roots and butts of trees, such as the Shoe-string root rot fungus, which is commonly found on Maples and Tulip trees.
Yes, mushrooms can provide an organic solution to environmental concerns. For example, certain species like the Pestalotiopsis genus and the common oyster mushroom can decompose plastic. This capability offers an innovative approach to recycling and addressing the growing problem of plastic pollution.
