Mycelium

Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus or fungal-like bacterial colony, consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. The mass of hyphae is sometimes called shiro, especially within the fairy ring fungi. Fungal colonies composed of mycelium are found in and on soil and many other substrates. A typical single spore germinates into a homokaryotic mycelium, which cannot reproduce sexually; when two compatible homokaryotic mycelia join and form a dikaryotic mycelium, that mycelium may form fruiting bodies such as mushrooms.

Structure and growth

Mycelium is vital in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems for their role in the decomposition of plant material. They contribute to the organic fraction of soil, and their growth releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Ectomycorrhizal extramatrical mycelium, as well as the mycelium of Arbuscular mycorrhiza, increase the efficiency of water and nutrient absorption of most plants and confers resistance to some plant pathogens. Mycelium is an important food source for many soil invertebrates.

Uses

Mycelium is used in various ways, in industry and by hobbyists, in the production of fermented foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals, and as a means of controlling pests.

See also

• Hypha
• Mushroom cultivation
• Mycorrhiza
• Mycotoxin
• Pathogen

External links

• Mycelium at MushroomExpert.com

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