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Mycology Research Project

Mycology Research Project

Soil Restoration Course

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About
About

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Project Rational

Fungi play critical roles in the functioning of healthy ecosystems

driving nutrient cycling

providing food for a variety of wildlife

maintaining the health of plants and

sequestering carbon into soils.

However, fungi are one of the least studied groups of organisms in Australia.

The total estimated number of fungi occurring in Australia is at around 250,000 species with only about 5% described so far. Fungi are often not considered in fauna and flora surveys, and mycology as a degree has not been provided in Australian universities since the 70s. Yet fungi are primary indicators of ecosystem health and offer tremendous solutions to pollution clean-up, ecological restoration, food security and climate change.

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Citizen Scientist Training

study, research and contribute data on the taxonomy and ecosystem function of fungi

raise awareness about the benefits of mycology (the studying of fungi)

make this science easily accessible to the Queensland community

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Field and laboratory skills

surveying

collection of species

isolation

identification

cultivation

data collection and recording

experimental applications of beneficial fungi in the field and nurseries

product development using fungi

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Fungal study techniques

microscopy

isolation of fungi from decaying wood and plants

culturing techniques

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Gills of button mushroom viewed through a digital microscope

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Experimental methodologies

hypothesis testing

experimental design

data gathering, recording and presentation methods

data assessment and statistical analysis

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Trials and documentation

microcosms, Petri dishes and terrariums

nursery pots

field studies

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Project Outcomes

Improved awareness of citizen science in mycological studies

Easily accessible communication and education about fungi

Growing citizen scientist community through collaboration and education

Engaging scientists with citizen scientists during training in gathering data using scientific methods

Applying scientific methodologies and equipment to the study of fungi

Understanding the role of fungi in land restoration, plant health, cropping systems and revegetation efforts

Providing methodologies and expertise in citizen mycology developing DIY mycology projects

Anticipated discovery of new species of fungi during forays

Isolating and cultivating native species of plant-beneficial fungi for use in nurseries and land restoration

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Where and When

All activities take place at Woodfordia and other selected scheduled for the Saturday of the last weekend of each month and include

Educational presentations by professional mycologists

Fungal forays

Recording of data in the field

Botanical photography

Specimen identification, preparation for submission to the Qld Herbarium

Recording collection details and submission to iNaturalist

Isolation and cultivation of fungi

Project Rational

Citizen Scientist Training

Field and laboratory skills

Fungal study techniques

Experimental methodologies

Trials and documentation

Project Outcomes

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