Celebrate UK Fungus Day at The James Hutton Institute

This event offers foragers the chance to learn more about where to find them, to view fungi under a microscope, discover how simple it can be to grow edible mushrooms and to learn about the potential of medicinal species. There will also be the chance to look at some unique items, such as sustainable packaging, that can be made from mushrooms and mycelium, the vegetative part of a mushroom, and to go on a short foray around the Hutton campus.

Hutton research scientist, Dr Gill Banks, who is also a member of the Tayside and Fife Fungal Group, said, “I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge of fungi and speaking about my fungi-related research and its potential for more sustainable living. They feed us, heal us, can be used to build homes and clean up our planet. Come and see what some of these ‘fun guys’ can do.”

Current fungi research projects at the Hutton include:

• a study of Epichloë, a fungus that lives inside the tissues of certain plant species, and that offers a surprising range of benefits, from natural pest protection to increased drought resistance. Could a Hidden Fungus Be the Future of UK Farming? – James Hutton Institute
• a project exploring the power of fungi to combat agricultural pollution with scientists developing water filters using a variety of fungi strains. Researchers to harness the power of fungi for water filters – James Hutton Institute

• The Fight Against Blight campaign, which looks at Phytophthoram, a fungus-like organism, rather than a true fungus, and which causes potato blight. Researchers at Hutton are  able to identify the genotypes of each outbreak and keep the potato industry well-informed on emerging threats and best practice for late blight management. Fight Against Blight | Potatoes in Practice

“I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge of fungi and speaking about my fungi-related research and its potential for more sustainable living.”

Dr Gill Banks, Research Technician