CULTURAL STUDIES ON THE MUSHROOM PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS.
Item
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Title
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CULTURAL STUDIES ON THE MUSHROOM PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS.
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Identifier
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AAI8312333
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identifier
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8312333
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Creator
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BADHAM, EDMOND RAGLAND.
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Contributor
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Dr. Dwight T. Kincaid
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Date
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1983
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Biology, Botany
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Abstract
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Growth and development of the mushroom Psilocybe cubensis was studied. Mathematical models were devised and were useful in describing morphogenesis. Many experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel in which the temperature, humidity, wind speed, and light were controlled. While growing in the wind tunnel the basidiocarps exhibited anemotropism. The stipe grew into the wind up to the time of spore formation then developed a negative geotropic curvature. A sporeless mutant was used to investigate anemotropism without the complication of negative geotropism. Based on studies of the mutant the evidence seems to indicate that anemotropism is caused by differential water loss (windward versus leeward) from the basidiocarp. This leads to an underdeveloped pileus on the windward side and most likely a concomitant reduction in growth factors produced by the pileus which control stipe elongation.;Studies of the microclimate in the natural habitat indicate that it is similar to conditions in the wind tunnel. This leads to speculation that anemotropism may have adaptive significance--in that it may be a means by which this mushroom places its cap in a favorable position for spore dispersal. It could also be a means of spacing the stipe of cespitose fruiting bodies. A previously unrecognized function of the veil may be to protect the unexpanded portion of the stipe from differential water loss prior to the negative geotropic curvature, which is necessary for efficient spore dispersal.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Biology
