Agaricus urinascens – mycolab.ai

Mechanisms and impacts of Agaricus urinascens fairy rings on plant diversity and microbial communities in a montane Mediterranean grassland

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Fairy rings created by the mushroom Agaricus urinascens dramatically transform Mediterranean grasslands. These fungal rings create zones of dead plants and altered soil conditions, killing vegetation and reducing plant species diversity by 40% at the fungal front. The fungi coat their mycelium with calcium oxalate crystals and create water-repellent soil conditions that essentially drown plants by preventing water absorption, ultimately favoring fast-growing grasses over diverse wildflower communities.

Mushroom and cereal β-D-glucan solid state NMR and FTIR datasets

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This research provides a large database of spectroscopic measurements from β-D-glucans extracted from various mushrooms and cereal grains. The data includes detailed chemical fingerprints obtained through two analytical techniques (NMR and infrared spectroscopy) that can help researchers understand the structure and properties of these beneficial compounds. The dataset is freely available for other scientists to analyze and use for developing new methods or understanding how different mushroom and cereal sources vary in their chemical composition.

Mechanisms and impacts of Agaricus urinascens fairy rings on plant diversity and microbial communities in a montane Mediterranean grassland

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Fairy ring fungi create circular patterns in grasslands by forming dense underground networks that dramatically change soil properties and plant communities. The study found that these fungal rings reduce plant diversity by 40% at their advancing edge while boosting grass growth inside the ring, creating a stark ecological shift. The fungi produce calcium oxalate crystals that make soil very water-repellent, causing nearby plants to dry out and die. This research shows how a single fungus species can reshape entire ecosystems through physical and chemical changes in the soil.

Fungal Species: Agaricus urinascens

Mechanisms and impacts of Agaricus urinascens fairy rings on plant diversity and microbial communities in a montane Mediterranean grassland

Mushroom and cereal β-D-glucan solid state NMR and FTIR datasets

Mechanisms and impacts of Agaricus urinascens fairy rings on plant diversity and microbial communities in a montane Mediterranean grassland