Biodiversity: Bat-killing fungus traced to Europe

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

White nose syndrome has spread west as far as Missouri.

Canadian research offers more clues to the origins of deadly disease

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Researchers are closer to pinpointing the origins of a deadly disease that has killed almost 7 million bats in the eastern and central U.S.

White nose syndrome, which affects hibernating bats, likely results from a fungus native to Europe, Canadian researchers reported this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Previous research had also suggested a European origin for the disease. The fungus is know to exist in European bat habitat, but the bats have apparently developed some genetic immunity. (more…)

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Morning photo: Just a few more mushrooms

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

‘A treacherous, mutable tribe …’

Looking almost alien, a clump of Clavaria purpurea grows in typical pine habitat near Montezuma. Purple fairy club, as it's commonly known, is listed as an edible mushroom by Caps and Stems. Click on the image to learn more.

Hydnellum suaveolens growing mycorrhizally with a spruce tree in the Straight Creek drainage.

SUMMIT COUNTY — Weather conditions this summer have been favorable for the growth of mushrooms that don’t appear every year. So far, there hasn’t been much research into what global warming could mean for fungi, but mycologist Jack States, author of the definitive field guide to mushrooms of the Southwest, warned that the recent fungal invasion into bat caves could be one early warning sign.

Caves are known for maintaining stable temperatures and humidity levels, so when fungi start to move into zones like this, it could be a sign that external conditions are changing to the point that it’s affecting those heretofore stable environments. Fungi, he warned, are a treacherous and mutable tribe, and the decomposers always have the last say. More after the break … (more…)

Filed under: mushrooms and fungi, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Daily photo: Symbiosis

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

Mycology revealing new links between fungi, plants and animals

During the annual North American Mycological Association foray at Winter Park, a few specimens were harvested for display, including this immature Leccinum growing in symbiosis with a young conifer seedling. The roots of the tree were enmeshed with the mycelium of the mushroom, showing how the two species rely on eather other. The mushroom helps the tree roots absorb nutrients from the soil. In return, the tree shares some of its excess carbohydrates. The link between fungi and trees is still being explored, but we know that in some cases it's a critical relationship without which the trees might not be able to survive. Click on the image to learn more.

SUMMIT COUNTY — Our morning photo series returns with yet another look at some of Colorado’s fungi. I know I’ve posted a lot of mushroom pictures the past few weeks, but the season is short, so I’m using this window of opportunity to share what I’ve learned about our humble mushrooms. Plus, they’re so varied and delightful in all their forms that it’s hard not to stop and take pictures.

If you want to learn more, there are several mushroom events coming up this weekend, when you can go into the field with experts and learn where to find edibles in the high country forests. click here to find out more, and check the rest of our daily photo series for some Summit County mushroom information. (more…)

Filed under: mushrooms and fungi | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

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