Michael Davis
Mushrooms are fascinating organisms that exhibit a wide range of colours and physical characteristics. While most people admire their beauty, some mushrooms can be deadly. One intriguing aspect of mushrooms is their ability to change colour when damaged or injured. This phenomenon, known as bruising or bleeding, is utilized in mushroom identification. Additionally, certain environmental factors, such as lighting intensity and chemical interactions, can cause mushrooms to melt. This colour-changing ability of mushrooms is a result of chemical reactions involving oxygen and specific compounds in the cell walls of mushrooms. While the exact purpose of these colour changes is not fully understood, one hypothesis suggests that it may serve as a protective mechanism against predators.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms that change colour when damaged or injured | Psilocybe (magic mushrooms), Boletales, Bolete, Gyroporus cyanescens, Saffron milky caps |
| Colour change caused by | Oxygen in the air reacting with certain compounds in the cell walls of the mushroom |
| Colours | Dark blue, blue/green, red, pinkish, brown, black |
| Parts of the mushroom that change colour | Stem, cap, gills, spores, pores |
| Cause of melting | Reproduction, deliquescence, i.e., enzymes within the cap that digest the cap itself |
| Mushrooms that melt | Shaggy manes, common inky-cap, Coprinopsis atramentaria, Corpinopsis comatus (lawyer's wig) |
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What You'll Learn
Light intensity
Shaggy mane mushrooms, also known as Coprinus comatus or lawyer's wigs, are characterised by their tight, white, cone-shaped caps when young. They are known to melt and liquefy, producing a dark black liquid that can be used as ink. This process, called deliquescence, is a natural part of their life cycle, aiding in spore dispersal.
When it comes to light intensity, shaggy mane mushrooms are typically found in lawns, roadsides, or among leaf litter in the woods. They often grow in clusters, sometimes in lines or "fairy rings." While light exposure is necessary for their growth, excessive or intense light conditions can cause stress in mushrooms, potentially influencing their melting behaviour.
Mushrooms, in general, are sensitive to their environment, and changes in light intensity can impact their growth and development. High light intensity can affect the rate of photosynthesis and influence the production of certain compounds within the mushrooms. In some cases, intense light conditions can lead to increased stress levels in mushrooms, making them more susceptible to melting or other physiological changes.
Therefore, while light intensity alone may not be the direct cause of mushrooms melting, it can be a contributing factor by influencing their overall health and growth patterns. Maintaining appropriate light conditions is crucial for optimal mushroom growth and development, which in turn can help regulate their natural melting behaviour associated with spore dispersal.
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Toxins in the tank
While there could be several reasons for mushrooms melting, one of the reasons could be toxins in the tank. One of the users on a forum mentions that they are confused about why their mushrooms are melting and wonders if there could be a toxin in the tank. The user also mentions that they recently added some cheap carbon since their large toadstool was shedding. The next day, a diatom bloom appeared, and the user had to deal with it for a month. The mushrooms eventually melted and the water was rancid.
Another user on the forum responds to the above query, stating that they do not think that the power outage could have killed the mushrooms. They also ask if the use of a poly filter could have hurt them. The user suggests that the cause could be a bacterial infection, a cracked heater, metal falling in the tank, or rusted magnets.
One of the reasons for mushrooms melting could be light shock. A user on a forum mentions that they recently set up their tank with LEDs and wonders if the light intensity is too high. Another user responds, agreeing that it could be light shock and suggests trying optics on 1/3 of the tank to observe how the corals respond. The user also mentions that it could be a stress-induced pathogen, similar to brown-jelly disease. The user also suggests changing the activated carbon and running a UV light, if available.
Mushrooms have a peculiar habit of multiplying to a large number and then melting away over the course of a week. It is important to note that the user mentions that their tank setup includes LEDs, which could be a factor in the light shock hypothesis.
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Bacterial infections
Mushrooms are highly susceptible to bacterial infections, which can cause discolouration and other physical deformities. Bacterial blotch, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas tolaasii, is a common bacterial infection that affects mushrooms. It causes the formation of lesions on mushroom tissue that are pale yellow initially but later turn into a golden yellow or rich chocolate brown colour. The underlying mushroom tissue may appear to be water-soaked and grey or yellow-grey. Blotches usually appear when the mushrooms are in the early button stage, but they can appear on mushrooms of any age, even on harvested refrigerated mushrooms or mushrooms over-wrapped with a watertight film. If moisture conditions favour the disease, the spots enlarge and coalesce, sometimes covering the entire mushroom cap.
Bacterial blotch can develop on the outer surface of a mushroom, on the cap or stem, or both, at any stage of mushroom growth or development. The bacteria are spread by airborne soil particles and reproduce in moist conditions, such as when water condenses or remains on the mushroom surface for several hours. To control bacterial blotch, it is necessary to lower the humidity and apply a 150 ppm chlorine solution to the irrigation water. Additionally, it is important to induce the caps of the mushrooms to dry after irrigation by raising the ambient temperature a few degrees, lowering humidity to below 85%, and maintaining or increasing total airflow by 10-15%.
Another environmental situation where bacterial blotch is challenging to control is when external air temperatures are moderate (59-72°F) day and night, and the air is full of water vapour. In such cases, the condenser of the air conditioner may not turn on since the air temperature in a growing room is specified by the grower. As a result, the moisture in the outside air is not condensed on the cooling coils. To address this issue, placing an electric light close to the air temperature sensor will trick the control system into registering that the incoming air is too warm, causing the condenser to operate and remove excessive water from the incoming air.
Mushrooms are also vulnerable to other bacterial infections, such as soft rot caused by bacteria that spread through tissues damaged by gnats. Additionally, cobweb mould (Hypomyces rosellus) is a harmful fungus that can contaminate mushroom cultures, especially in environments with still air, very little oxygen, and high humidity. It can be challenging to detect due to its grey, white, and fluffy appearance, resembling mycelium. However, it spreads rapidly and can cover an entire jar or monotub in 24 to 48 hours. To prevent cobweb mould, growers must lower the humidity in their grow chambers and monotubs through careful attention to substrate hydration and improved Fresh Air Exchange (FAE). Early detection and treatment with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution are also crucial for controlling this contamination.
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Physical damage
When a mushroom is physically damaged, the cell walls are broken, exposing certain compounds to oxygen in the air, which causes a chemical reaction and changes their colour. This reaction can vary depending on the type of mushroom and the specific compounds present in its cell walls. For example, in Gyroporus cyanescens mushrooms, the variegatic acid is converted to the blue-coloured molecule quinone methide when exposed to air.
Psilocybe mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are another example of fungi that exhibit a colour change when physically damaged. When these mushrooms are cut or bruised, they instantly develop a blue colour. This colour change is caused by a cascade reaction starting with psilocybin, a psychotropic compound produced by the mushrooms. An oxidising laccase creates psilocyl radicals, which then combine to form C-5 coupled subunits and further polymerise via C-7.
While the exact reason for the blue colour in Psilocybe mushrooms has been identified, the purpose of these pigments remains a mystery. One hypothesis suggests that the blue colour may serve a protective role, acting as a repellent against predators. The compounds produced during the reaction may create reactive oxygen species, which are toxic to insects that might otherwise feed on the mushrooms.
In addition to colour changes, physical damage can also lead to melting in mushrooms. This could be due to a stress-induced pathogen, similar to brown-jelly disease. Mushrooms have a unique habit of rapidly populating and then dying off over a short period of time, often melting away in the process. This melting can be influenced by various factors, such as light intensity and water quality, which can affect the health and stability of the mushrooms.
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Chemical reactions
Mushrooms exhibit a wide range of colours, from red, purple, blue, green, and yellow to black and white. While the vibrant hues of mushrooms may capture our aesthetic fascination, there are several chemical reactions and ecological factors that influence their coloration.
One factor that contributes to the colour variation in mushrooms is the presence of specific pigments. For instance, the red hue of the scarlet cup mushroom (Sarcoscypha coccinea) is attributed to its pigment composition. Similarly, the red liquid oozing from Hydnellum peckii, a type of fungus found in North America, Europe, Iran, and South Korea, is a result of guttation, where water is forced into the roots through osmosis when the surrounding soil becomes very wet. This process creates pressure, forcing the coloured liquid to the surface due to the presence of a pigment within the fungus.
Climate also plays a significant role in the colour of mushrooms. Research conducted by Franz Krah and Dr. Claus Bässler revealed a correlation between climatic conditions and fungal coloration. Their study analysed the distribution of 3054 species of fungi across Europe, taking into account the lightness of their coloration and the prevailing climate in their habitats. They found that colder climates tend to have darker mushrooms, possibly due to the ability of darker colours to absorb heat faster, which could enhance reproduction by utilising solar energy. This phenomenon is observed in cold-blooded animals and may also apply to fungi.
Additionally, the colour of mushrooms can be influenced by their life cycle stage and reproductive strategies. Young mushrooms may exhibit different colours compared to mature ones, such as the Hydnellum peckii, which turns beige in adulthood. Some mushrooms also change colour as they age, like the Amanita muscaria, which can vary from red to orange, yellow, or white. The colour variability in mushrooms might serve as a warning to potential predators, indicating the presence of unpalatable or toxic compounds. This is similar to the bright colours of the stinkhorn mushroom, which attracts flies to consume its spore mass and facilitate dispersal.
Furthermore, the colour of mushrooms can be influenced by their habitat and the presence of certain compounds. For example, the lobster mushroom derives its distinctive red colour from the parasitic fungus Hypomyces lactifluorum, which deforms the Russula or Lactarius mushroom. In addition, chemical tests are employed for the identification of certain genera of mushrooms, indicating that chemical reactions play a role in determining their colour and other characteristics.
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Frequently asked questions
Melt mushrooms, also known as shaggy manes, are mushrooms that appear to "melt" from their edges, dripping off as a dark black liquid. This phenomenon is called deliquescence and is caused by enzymes within the cap that digest the cap itself.
Mushrooms melt as a way to reproduce and generate spores that can disperse to grow new fungi. The cap of the mushroom opens up and appears to melt, releasing the spores.
Certain mushrooms, such as Boletales and Psilocybe, change colour when damaged or injured due to a chemical reaction. When the cell walls of these mushrooms are exposed to oxygen, certain compounds react and change colour. This can range from dark blue to reddish tints.
No, it is important to properly identify the species before consuming any wild mushrooms. Many blue-bruising boletes are toxic, and some can cause hallucinations. It is recommended to avoid consuming any wild mushrooms unless you are certain of their identity.
Yes, changes in water parameters, such as salinity and nutrient levels, can affect the health of mushrooms and potentially cause them to melt. However, it is important to monitor the parameters and make gradual adjustments to maintain the optimal environment for mushroom growth.
