Emily Johnson
Mushroom hunting is a popular activity in Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, and the U.S. It is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be dangerous, as some mushrooms are poisonous. To avoid poisoning, hunters must be able to identify mushrooms correctly, which can be challenging due to the lack of distinguishing features on some mushrooms. Hunters should also be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming wild mushrooms, such as toxin content and misidentification. To stay safe, hunters can join a mycological society, consult field guides, and learn about the characteristics of both edible and poisonous mushrooms. When collecting mushrooms, hunters should use baskets or porous cloth bags instead of plastic bags, which can cause spoilage. They should also try to identify mushrooms without picking them and leave a portion of the patch untouched to support mycological diversity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | A firm container such as a basket or a porous cloth bag that allows spores to disperse. |
| Mushroom placement | Lighter mushrooms should be stored above heavier ones. |
| Mushroom separation | Wax paper or waxed paper should be used to separate species. |
| Mushroom orientation | Taller mushrooms must be stored upright as the negative gravitropism of fungi tends to orient the gills downward. |
| Mushroom type | Some mushrooms, such as chanterelles, detach cleanly from their mycelium, while others bring a large clod of mycelium with them. |
| Picking technique | One school of thought suggests cutting off the fruit bodies where they join the ground to avoid damaging the delicate mycelium. The other school of thought prefers to twist and pull the mushroom from the mycelium. |
| Mushroom picking location | A topographic map can help identify the right location for mushroom picking as specific species grow at specific elevations. |
| Mushroom picking permission | A permit may be required to pick mushrooms on government land or U.S. Forest Service land. |
| Mushroom identification | Field guides, spore prints, and microscopic examination can help identify mushrooms. |
| Mushroom storage | Mushrooms should be stored in a cool place, protected from direct sunlight, and not in plastic bags as they can cause rot. |
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Baskets or cloth bags
When collecting mushrooms, it is important to use a firm container such as a basket or a cloth bag. These are preferable to plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause rot. Cloth bags are porous and allow spores to disperse as you move.
When placing the mushrooms in your basket or bag, ensure that the gills or pores are facing down. This is because the negative gravitropism of fungi tends to orient the gills downward, so taller mushrooms must be stored upright.
If you are collecting multiple species of mushrooms, it is important to separate them using waxed paper. Waxed paper is preferable to plastic bags, which, as mentioned, can cause rot.
It is also important to keep the mushrooms out of direct sunlight and reasonably cool.
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Microscopes
When it comes to examining mushrooms under a microscope, there are several considerations and techniques to be aware of. Firstly, it is important to have the right equipment. While toy microscopes may be adequate for observing animal and plant structures, mycology, the study of fungi, requires a more advanced instrument due to the small size of fungal structures. A microscope capable of 1000x magnification with an oil immersion lens is suitable for examining mushrooms and their spores. Such a microscope should also have features like a fine-focus knob, an electric light source, and an eyepiece with an ocular micrometer for measurements.
It is worth noting that older compound microscopes from reputable manufacturers can often be a good choice and may be more affordable than newer models. Additionally, there are options for purchasing refurbished microscopes from specialist dealers. If you have a budget of $400-800, you can either opt for a new generic microscope or a used scope from a high-quality manufacturer. When buying new, it is recommended to purchase from a reputable dealer and ensure the microscope has a warranty.
To identify mushrooms using a microscope, the spores are the most important feature. Their colour, shape, size, attachment, and reaction to chemical tests are all factors in identification. One method for preparing spores for microscopic examination involves placing the cap of a mushroom, underside down, on a microscope slide and covering it to protect it from drafts. After letting it sit overnight, the spores can be viewed at low power and then examined at higher power to observe their individual shapes.
Additionally, a thin section of the mushroom gills can be placed on a slide with a drop of water and a coverslip to observe the knobs to which the spores attach. For other types of mushrooms, creating a section from the hymenium, the spore-bearing tissue, is recommended. This can involve slicing a thin, cross-section from the pore surface of a young specimen. In some cases, a "'squash mount' technique is used, where gentle pressure is applied to the coverslip with a pencil eraser.
To enhance the visibility of spores and fungal structures, mounting media and stains are used. KOH, for example, can be used as a mounting medium and can elicit colour reactions that aid in identification. Phloxine, a red stain, is also useful for enhancing visibility. Melzer's reagent, which contains chloral hydrate, iodine, and potassium iodide, is employed to determine whether spores and tissues are amyloid, inamyloid, or dextrinoid. However, due to the presence of controlled substances, obtaining Melzer's reagent can be challenging.
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Topographic maps
Google Maps has a topographic layer that can be used to identify the right zone for mushroom hunting. However, getting a signal in remote locations can be challenging. The U.S. Forest Service provides free, printable PDF topographic maps on their website, which can be downloaded and printed before heading out into the woods. These maps are based on U.S. Geological Survey data and can be a valuable resource for mushroom hunters.
In addition to topographic maps, there are several other tools and techniques that can aid in mushroom hunting. Field guides, for example, can provide valuable information on the different types of mushrooms and their characteristics. Consulting experts, such as mycologists, and joining local mycological societies can also enhance your knowledge and skills in mushroom identification and collection.
It is important to note that mushroom hunting can be risky, especially if you plan to consume your findings. Proper training and advice from experts are highly recommended to avoid accidental poisoning. Some key characteristics to look for when identifying mushrooms include their smell, shape, texture, and the presence of tap roots. Additionally, spore prints and microscopy can be used to differentiate between similar-looking species.
When collecting mushrooms, it is best to use a basket or a porous cloth bag that allows spores to disperse. Plastic bags should be avoided, as they can trap moisture and cause the mushrooms to rot. Proper storage techniques, such as those recommended by David Arora, include using waxed paper to separate different mushroom species and storing taller mushrooms upright to accommodate their natural negative gravitropism.
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Field guides
- Purchase a field guide specific to your region: While a general book on mycology will provide an overview of mushroom picking, a field guide tailored to your local area will offer valuable location-specific tips. Look for guides that provide detailed information on the morphological characteristics of mushroom caps, gills, and stems, which are crucial for accurate identification.
- Avoid relying solely on photos: Comparing your mushroom finds to photos in a field guide or online can often lead to misidentification. Instead, use the detailed identification keys provided in the guide, which focus on specific characteristics. Be prepared to consult multiple guides or web resources, as some mushrooms may be challenging to identify.
- Learn about dangerous mushrooms: Familiarize yourself with both poisonous and difficult-to-identify species in your region. Field guides will provide information on toxic species like amanita, galerina, entoloma, and cortinarius, helping you steer clear of potential hazards.
- Utilize spore prints: Spore prints are a common identification technique used by mycologists and mushroom hunters. By placing the mushroom cap on a piece of paper, you can observe the colour and pattern of the spores, which can aid in species identification.
- Consider joining a mycological society: Local mycological societies offer a wealth of knowledge and experience. They often organize forays to local parks, providing opportunities to learn from seasoned mushroom pickers. These societies may also host dinners, lectures, and workshops, enhancing your understanding of mushroom identification and collection.
- Take detailed notes and photos: When collecting mushrooms, take notes on the characteristics of the mushroom, its habitat, and any distinct smells. Photograph the mushrooms from various angles, including the side profile, top, and underside. These notes and photos will aid in identification and can be cross-referenced with your field guide.
- Be cautious and seek expert advice: Mushroom identification can be complex, and there are risks involved, especially if you plan to consume your finds. Consider seeking advice from expert mycologists or joining a mycological society to ensure a safer and more informative mushroom hunting experience.
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Spore prints
To make a spore print, you will need a mushroom, a surface to collect the spores, and a container to create a humid environment. The mushroom should be placed on the surface with the cap down and the gills or pores facing downward so that the spores will fall onto the surface. The surface can be a piece of aluminium foil, white paper, black paper, glass, or an index card. It is recommended to have both black and white paper to capture the colour of the spores accurately. The container, such as a paper cup or bowl, is then placed over the mushroom cap to create a humid environment that encourages spore release.
After 2-24 hours, depending on the humidity and freshness of the mushroom, the spores will have fallen onto the surface, creating a spore print pattern. This print can be preserved by spraying it with an artist fixative or hair spray. To study the spores under a microscope, use a needle or scalpel to scrape some of the spores from the print onto a microscope slide. Place a drop of water on the spores and cover them with a coverslip.
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Frequently asked questions
A basket or porous cloth bag is recommended for collecting mushrooms. This is because mushrooms need to breathe and spores need to disperse. Wax paper or small paper bags can also be used to wrap individual mushrooms. Plastic bags should be avoided as they can cause mushrooms to spoil and rot.
There are two schools of thought on this. One is to cut the fruit bodies where they join the ground to avoid damaging the mycelium. The other is to twist and pull the mushroom from the mycelium. Some claim that the latter stops the residual stump from rotting and infecting the mycelium. However, a 35-year study from Germany concluded that it makes little difference to the fungus whether you cut or pull.
It is recommended to check if you need a permit, especially if you are hunting on government land. You should also get proper training and advice from expert mycologists, and familiarize yourself with both poisonous and difficult-to-identify species.
