Search results for "mushroom"
showing 10 items of 112 documents
Taxonomic identity, geographic distribution and commercial exploitation of the culinary-medicinal mushroom Pleurotus nebrodensis
This work provides an updated overview of an investigation carried out in Europe and elsewhere on the culinary-medicinal mushroom Pleurotus nebrodensis. In particular, the taxonomic identitiy of P. nebrodensis and other related oyster mushrooms with entirely white to cream basidiomata that grow on different plants of the family Apiaceae, is clarified. The differences in the cultivation techniques, the quality of product sold and the sales price in Europe and Asia are also highlighted. Taking also into consideration the importance of P. nebrodensis from the medicinal point of view, it appears appropriate to proceed with a verification of the commercial strains currently available in the inte…
Pleurotus species suitable for commercial mushroom production in warm climates
2012
The genus Pleurotus in Italy
2015
On the basis of personal observations, herbarium specimens and, data reported in the literature the authors report morphological, ecological and distributive data on Pleurotus taxa from Italy. New descriptions are here provided based on the most distinctive-discriminating eco-morphological characters of twelve Pleurotus taxa.
Medicinal Mushrooms as Part of the "Third Mission" Activities of Univesities - A Science to Business Initiative Related to Mycotherapy
2021
In Italy, the National Agency for the Evaluation of the University System and Research (ANVUR) carries out a systematic evaluation of the "Third Mission" activities of universities and research bodies. In this perspective, universities already engaged in research on medicinal mushrooms and on their potential applications in the industrial sector set the frame for collaboration with large, well-reputed private companies. In Italy, one of the major problems of mycotherapy is related to lack of certification and the dubious origin/identity of mushroom extracts used by the industry. Hence, products deriving from medicinal mushrooms that are in trade do not often meet the required quality criter…
A Mushroom Bodies inspired spiking network for classification and sequence learning
2015
Sequence learning is a complex capability shown by living beings, able to extract information from the environment. Looking into the insect world, there are several examples where the presentation time of specific stimuli is considered to select the proper behavioural response. On the basis of previously developed neural models for sequence learning, inspired by the Drosophila melanogaster, a new formalization of key brain structures involved in the process is here provided. The input classification is performed through resonant neurons, stimulated by the complex dynamics generated in a lattice of recurrent spiking neurons modelling the Mushroom Bodies neuropile in the insect brain. The net…
EVALUATION OF BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL LOAD IN FRESH, FROZEN AND DRIED FOOD MUSHROOMS
2015
The analysis carried out by Doores et al. (1) and Venturini et al. (2) on the total bacterial load tested in wild and cultivated fresh mushrooms highlight values ranging between 3.7 and 9.3 log ufc/g. Due to the absence of pathogens, the microbiological quality of mushrooms analysed by the above-mentioned authors has been considered good. On the basis of data reported in literature we have also extended the observations with frozen and dried mushrooms in order to evaluate the mesophilous bacterial and fungal load. In particular the presence/absence of Escherichia coli (Migula,1895) Castellani & Chalmers, 1919, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes (Murray et al.1926) Pirie 1940 was…
Polymorphism of ITS1 and ITS2 regions within and between three distant population of Schizophyllum commune
2017
Schizophyllum commune is one of the most widely distributed fungi and can be isolated from all continents, except for Antarctica. It has an important role as wood decomposer since it is mostly found on fallen branches and timber of deciduous trees, but it can also colonize softwood as well as grass silage. As an edible and medicinal mushroom, it has been shown to have various biological functions including anti-tumor, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. Investigation of molecular diversity of this cosmopolitan species is important since it can make us understand what genetic traits are important in maintaining the global success of this species. In this study we analyzed polymorph…
Building the jigsaw puzzle of the critically endangered Pleurotus nebrodensis: historical collection sites and an emended description
2011
Historical collection sites of the critically endangered Pleurotus nebrodensis were retraced in Sicily (southern Italy) using recently rediscovered documents and through interviews with local people. These localities were visited in 2009 and checked for the presence of this rare mushroom, confirming a continuing decline in fruiting. An emended description of the taxon is provided based on observations on abundant recently collected material. The need for more incisive action to safeguard this valuable mushroom by the University of Palermo, Regional Park of Madonie Administration and policy makers is emphasized.