Fungal Species:  Hymenopellis radicata

Slime molds (Myxomycetes) causing a “disease” in crop plants and cultivated mushrooms

Slime molds are not true plant diseases but can harm crops by covering leaves and blocking sunlight and water loss. These organisms prefer wet, organic-rich environments and are particularly problematic in mushroom farming. Farmers can prevent problems by managing moisture, improving ventilation, and removing affected materials, with chemical sprays available as backup options when needed.

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Orthrus: a Pumilio-family gene involved in fruiting body and dark stipe development in Coprinopsis cinerea

Scientists studied a gene called ort2 in a common lab mushroom species to understand how mushrooms develop their fruiting bodies. They found that this gene is particularly important for developing dark stipes – elongated structures that mushrooms grow in darkness to push themselves toward light. By turning this gene off or increasing its activity, researchers could control how many dark stipes formed, suggesting this gene could have practical applications in mushroom farming.

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Orthrus: a Pumilio-family gene involved in fruiting body and dark stipe development in Coprinopsis cinerea

Scientists studied a gene called ort2 in mushrooms that controls how fruiting bodies develop, especially the long structures called dark stipes that form in darkness. They found that when this gene is active, mushrooms make more of these elongated forms, while disabling it prevents dark stipe formation. This discovery could help improve mushroom cultivation for species where these elongated forms are commercially valuable.

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Distribution and Origin of Major, Trace and Rare Earth Elements in Wild Edible Mushrooms: Urban vs. Forest Areas

This research examined how wild edible mushrooms accumulate different chemical elements when growing in city versus forest environments. The study analyzed 46 different elements in various mushroom species to understand if urban pollution affects their safety for consumption. The findings have several important implications for everyday life: • While mushrooms from both urban and forest areas were generally safe in terms of toxic metal content, excessive consumption could pose health risks • Location (city vs forest) was less important for mushroom safety than previously thought • Different mushroom species accumulate elements differently, regardless of where they grow • People should be cautious about consuming large amounts of wild mushrooms, even from seemingly pristine forest areas • Regular monitoring of wild mushroom chemical composition is important for food safety

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