The Fungus Among Us

The realm of things that are alive is separated into various kingdoms. There are several different ways to do this, but a common way is to group life forms into kingdoms of Bacteria, Protozoa (Amoebas), Chromista (algae), Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants) and Fungi.

The realm of things that are alive is separated into various kingdoms. There are several different ways to do this, but a common way is to group life forms into kingdoms of Bacteria, Protozoa (Amoebas), Chromista (algae), Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants) and Fungi.

Members of the Plantae kingdom are the plants that gardeners grow. These beloved members of their kingdom supply us members of Animalia (people are members of the animal kingdom) with treasures of fibers, foods, flowers, and flavors. But they are not alone. The neighboring kingdom of Fungi includes both enemies and allies including molds, mildews, mushrooms, yeasts, and mycorrhiza.

In general, fungi prefer dark, wet, undisturbed environments. While members of the plant kingdom use cellulose to build cell walls, fungi use chitin, which is the same substance found in lobster shells, insect carapaces, and octopus beaks. They often reproduce by releasing spores, which are tiny groups of cells that float through the air in the hopes of landing in a hospitable area to form a new colony. Spores from common local fungi are often already present in gardens, and they are just awaiting proper conditions to begin growth. These spores often require near continuous available moisture, and as a result overly humid or wet gardens have a greater tendency to have fungal problems. Humidity above 70% is ideal for fungal growth, although outbreaks can occur at lower levels. Air circulation can have a strong influence on fugal growth, since poor air movement can create “pockets” of high humidity air around plant material that encourages detrimental fungal growth. Since fungi do not use chlorophyll, they have no light requirements, and in fact often prefer darker areas. Wet plant refuse in a pile is an open invitation for an opportunistic fungal colony, so garden waste should be dealt with and not allowed to collect in damp conditions. Fungal outbreaks can start with as little as 24 hours of appropriate conditions.

Stem Rot is a fungus that can develop on and kill off overwatered seedlings. Once contracted, it is usually fatal, but can be avoided by proper watering. Root Rot is also caused by overwatering plants, but again can usually be avoided with proper watering and root aeration. Gray Mold attacks areas of poor air circulation, and can usually be avoided with some combination of proper ventilation, trimming areas of dense growth, and trying the plant open to allow for internal airflow. Powdery Mildew is another moist garden fungal menace, common to appear, but with several treatment options including milk and other homemade remedies. Verticillium Wilt is a destructive fungus that invades and grows inside infected plants, an almost always fatal and untreatable arrangement. Dutch Elm disease is another terminal fungal ailment . Prevention is easier than treatment, so keeping humidity under control, removing decomposing plant material, and the elimination of standing water are the best methods to avoid an initial outbreak. Once a colony has become established, in most cases it must be treated. Correction of environmental issues, removal of colonized plant material, chemical fungicides, and biological fungicides are all options for treatment.

Yeast is a fungus commonly used to make bread rise, and creates the alcohol in wine and beer. Edible mushrooms can be grown at home using logs inoculated with the proper mushroom spores. However some mushrooms can be toxic, so make sure of the identity of any mushroom considered for consumption.

Fungi assist in plant decomposition and the conversion of waste plant material into compost. They break down large and woody plant material into forms more accessible to further decomposition by bacteria.

Some fungi are so helpful they are intentionally added to gardens. Mycorrhiza are often added to plant root systems to improve nutrient uptake, and some are even used as biological pesticides. For example, entomopathogenic fungi such as Purpureocillium lilacinum have been used to combat parasitic nematodes by infecting their eggs.

If using mycorrhizal inoculants, apply at the beginning of the season to establish the colonies early. Once established, the infected roots should serve as a host to allow the fungus to spread throughout the root system. Much like a small colony of mold will take over an entire loaf of bread, in a healthy root system mycorrhiza will spread to fill the available space. Plant improvements from inoculate use are particularly pronounced when used early in poor or sterile mediums. In soil that already contains high levels beneficial fungi, adding more spores has a less pronounced effect.

Speaking of the interaction between animals (us) and fungi, the hallucinogenic psilocybin mushroom is another fungus occasionally consumed for it's effects.

While the dangers of eating a non-identified wild mushroom are very real. They can be safely grown at home as a hobby using a prefabricated kit such as the ones offered from Back to Roots who sell small mushroom kits made from recycled coffee grounds. Several online merchants sell spores and other equipment needed for more the adventuresome hobbyist, but a small kit is a fun way to try out the experience to see if it suits you.

There are good fungi, and then there are some unpleasant ones. Like with everything else, make friends with the good, and avoid the bad where you can.

Peace, love, and puka shells,

Grubbycup