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Roostre
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Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria 7
#27270941 - 03/26/21 08:57 PM (2 years, 9 months ago) |
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Hi all,
Lurker here for the last several months- my obsession with this hobby started last season, hunting cyanescens in the PNW, which was a great time- and fairly new poster. If this topic doesn’t belong in Advanced Mycology feel free to move it- I am not an advanced mycologist after all- but I read the guidelines thread and based on other threads here it seems to be the best fit. Pls correct if not.
Also, apologies in advance for a long winded post- I’ve got the noob enthusiasm and pandemic time on my hands so I’ve fallen deep into the shroomhole and can’t get up.
Anyway:
From reading a number of threads here and on related forums, the general consensus I’ve gathered about psilocybe azurescens is that fruiting is dependent on an adequate amount of nitrogen being present in the substrate and/or casing layer- wood chips alone, even when partially decomposed (i.e., less rich in simple carbohydrates) generally have too high of a carbon:nitrogen ratio to produce fruits and it doesn’t seem many have had success fruiting off the same sort of substrate as is possible with ps. cyanescens, etc, especially not indoors. As I understand it, this fixed nitrogen that seems to be necessary for fruiting is produced by actinobacteria (i.e., actinomycetes) that are able to fix gaseous nitrogen into a biologically reactive form that can be used by other organisms, especially to produce necessary enzymes to grow and consume other nutrient sources.
I’m not sure it’s been established exactly why these conditions are necessary- my guess would be that it has something to do with the volume of enzyme production that producing fruits requires- or why exactly azurescens in particular have this requirement, whereas other woodloving psilocybes seem less particular (although I have some theories on this- more on that later), but these questions are less central to this post.
What I’m interested in, and haven’t seen much if any discussion about yet, is what role plant rhizomes, or plants with rhizomatic root systems etc, may potentially play in this process in nature, and if this in part explains why azurescens only appear to grow in the wild from the roots of dune grasses- particularly Ammophila arenaria (European beach grass).
There are a few reasons I’m drawn to this question:
1) In my own hunting for cyanescens I’ve found that they fruit very commonly in the presence of plants, and often invasive species/weeds that notoriously spread through rhizomes. (This also seems to be the case with, for example, ps. ovoideocystidiata, which are often found feeding from decaying Japanese knotweed- an infamously invasive species that can spread through rhizomes up to forty feet.) My first significant cyan find (pics at the bottom) was around the base of a sword fern, with a large number of fruits densely clumped together appearing to grow straight from the fern’s root system. I haven’t found this in any other patch, but throughout this whole area there were mushrooms at the base of a network of ferns in an area maybe 20 x 50 feet, mulched with shredded alder. This got me wondering if something about the ferns’ roots played a part in successful wild fruiting.
2) In trying to understand what exactly about dune grass could be so conducive to mushroom growth, I learned that that species- also very much infamous for its aggressive, invasive growth- also benefits from a rhizomatic root system, spreading rapidly and densely through soil that is otherwise very nutrient-poor. (It is mostly sand after all.)
3) Having read that rhizomes typically play host to a high density of nitrogen-fixing bacteria- part of what makes them so helpful for plant growth, so much so that many of these plants can regrow just from one chunk of rhizome- I did some further digging and found this paper, unrelated to mushroom cultivation, which finds A. arenaria to have an especially high concentration of actinobacteria in its rhizomes- part of what helps it survive in otherwise barren sandy soil, often to a degree unmatched by its native competitors: https://academic.oup.com/femsec/article/49/3/469/585355
4) I've also read on here that one of the reasons alder is such a great food source for woodlovers is that it has a slightly higher level of nitrogen (0.4% vs 0.2% or less in other woods I believe) as a result of a similar relationship with actinobacteria.
This combination of findings has led me to believe that the tendency for azurescens to only produce fruit in substrates more nitrogen-rich than those required for other woodlovers is an evolutionary characteristic derived from their seemingly symbiotic and almost mycorrhizal relationship with this particular grass. Indeed, while I’m not familiar enough with truly mycorrhizal species to make a direct comparison, it does seem that this type of exchange- mushroom mycelium consuming nitrogen produced within the roots/rhizomes, made with the help of actinobacteria, and potentially also exchanging other nutrients with the plant (carbon perhaps?) resembles those symbiotic relationships, even if it is not a necessary component for their growth. (Unless it is!)
If the theory about the origins of azurescens is true- I believe it was Stamets who said he thinks they may have begun as a variant of cyanescens that was transported down the Columbia River by loggers, and potentially deposited along the coast- this explanation would be consistent, as since at least the 1800s A. arenaria has been by far the most prevalent species to be found at the very edge of the coast, and its lignin-rich roots would be a natural substrate for a wood loving psilocybe of that family. And because there is so little else in terms of nutrients, especially the crucial sources of fixed nitrogen, it would make sense that the mushroom evolved in such a way that only those specimens which reproduced in the unusually (for the habitat) nitrogen-rich substrate of these grass roots would survive- thus encoding this adaptation to a degree that later generations would not readily reproduce without a similar environment.
I’m not sure what practical benefit this finding, if true, would yield, since it appears experienced cultivators of these species (thinking especially of waylitjim) have already managed to find more than suitable replacement sources of fixed nitrogen (and actinomycetes) in the substrate/casing layer by using natural or nutrient-enhanced soil. But from a purely theoretical standpoint, especially with how little we still really know about these species and their origins, I think it’s fun to look deeper into what exactly makes them tick and why.
This is all of course just spitballing, and noob spitballing at that, so please only take it as such. But I’m curious what those who have studied and know far more about this species and its relatives might think!
Thanks for reading- here is some shroom pr0n as compensation. I’ll start with the cyan find I mentioned earlier, along with a late-season azure (12/30 I believe, first proper chance to hunt down there- can’t wait for next year!)

They are right up in there.

The closer you look, the more appear...

This bb was perched regally atop a small raised bump out in the grass. One of my favorite finds.
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Rumblestrip


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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria *DELETED* [Re: Roostre]
#27271274 - 03/27/21 06:07 AM (2 years, 9 months ago) |
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Post deleted by Rumblestrip
Reason for deletion: Wasting my time.
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Macrolepiota
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Rumblestrip] 1
#27271971 - 03/27/21 02:53 PM (2 years, 9 months ago) |
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Beautiful azure pic you've got there. Ever since I saw pics from Anno's patch a long time ago, I was struck by their aesthetic. Recently I started working on starting my own patches, along with cyans and ovoids, so I hope I'll be able to take photos like that one day as well. 
Anyway, I just wanted to say that planting clover on top of azure substrate could also be an interesting experiment. Don't know if this is common elsewhere, but here people sometimes plant clover on whole fields, due to their nitrogen fixating ability. The following year the soil is enriched with nitrogen which leads to greater yields with cultures which are planted afterwards.
I was thinking about planting wild strawberries on top of woodlover substrates, but I might try clover as well.
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Wrightii
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Macrolepiota]
#27272192 - 03/27/21 05:42 PM (2 years, 9 months ago) |
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Nice read! It makes me wonder about some things. I have to say I'm no expert whatsoever and feel free to prove me wrong. Just some nice assuming and gossip. For example the following: Who/what it is Azuresence has the actual symbiotic relation with? If it would be the actinobacteria -the nitrogen provider- wouldn’t we also expect to find the mushroom growing near other plants that have high numbers of actinobacteria in their root nodules? Or does Azuresence form a rhizomorph with the plant itself and is the presence of actinobacteria just a “secondary” relation to the fungus, as it provides the plant that provides the fungus. Is there even such a thing as symbiosis between fungi and bacteria in soils? There must be right? feels like it atleast.
Also; do you think pseudo-acacia (nitrogen fixating Fabaceae tree) wood chips would make a good/better spawn then? As you mention nitrogen richer trees seem favourable. I have these ones growing all around here so might be worth giving a try
Quote:
Macrolepiota said:
Anyway, I just wanted to say that planting clover on top of azure substrate could also be an interesting experiment. Don't know if this is common elsewhere, but here people sometimes plant clover on whole fields, due to their nitrogen fixating ability. The following year the soil is enriched with nitrogen which leads to greater yields with cultures which are planted afterwards.
Indeed! Trying something "intercropping" like with nitrogen fixating vegetables (most beans for example) might also be nice getting that shade, humidity, beans ánd mushrooms omg. And maybe even a better understanding about this fungi and its relationships.
Cheers!
Edited by Wrightii (03/27/21 05:43 PM)
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obtuse
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Wrightii] 1
#27280859 - 04/24/21 09:41 PM (2 years, 8 months ago) |
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Given that Psilocybe azurescens and Psilocybe subaeruginosa are very closely related and P. subaeruginosa is able to fruit under artificial conditions, if done properly, I suspect there is no symbiosis.
This has certainly been something I have considered in the past, but I no longer feel that this is the case.
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Jake McBaked
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Roostre]
#27282812 - 04/26/21 02:57 PM (2 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
Roostre said:
1) In my own hunting for cyanescens I’ve found that they fruit very commonly in the presence of plants, and often invasive species/weeds that notoriously spread through rhizomes. (This also seems to be the case with, for example, ps. ovoideocystidiata, which are often found feeding from decaying Japanese knotweed- an infamously invasive species that can spread through rhizomes up to forty feet.) My first significant cyan find (pics at the bottom) was around the base of a sword fern, with a large number of fruits densely clumped together appearing to grow straight from the fern’s root system. I haven’t found this in any other patch, but throughout this whole area there were mushrooms at the base of a network of ferns in an area maybe 20 x 50 feet, mulched with shredded alder. This got me wondering if something about the ferns’ roots played a part in successful wild fruiting.
I have always assumed the correlation of cyans/ovoids/azures I have found growing in close proximity to plants would be the result of microclimates created by brush: creating a humidity pocket and even directing rain into concentrated areas through the leaves/branches.
This write up is great, thank you for the post and subsequent discussion!
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djbabyjesus


Registered: 11/13/13
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Roostre]
#27805207 - 06/04/22 04:02 AM (1 year, 7 months ago) |
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Hey I read though your thread and I'm working on something similar I think you would be interested in. The Great Substrate Debate--Wood Lovers Paralysis
The nitrogen fixing bacteria produces auxins. Sterile environment = no auxin producing Bacteria.
From Auxin and Plant-Microbe Interactions:
"Microbial synthesis of the phytohormone auxin has been known for a long time. This property is best documented for bacteria that interact with plants because bacterial auxin can cause interference with the many plant developmental processes regulated by auxin. Auxin biosynthesis in bacteria can occur via multiple pathways as has been observed in plants. There is also increasing evidence that indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the major naturally occurring auxin, is a signaling molecule in microorganisms because IAA affects gene expression in some microorganisms. Therefore, IAA can act as a reciprocal signaling molecule in microbe-plant interactions. Interest in microbial synthesis of auxin is also increasing in yet another recently discovered property of auxin in Arabidopsis. Down-regulation of auxin signaling is part of the plant defense system against phytopathogenic bacteria. Exogenous application of auxin, e.g., produced by the pathogen, enhances susceptibility to the bacterial pathogen."
From Microbial Phosphorus Solubilization and Its Potential for Use in Sustainable Agriculture
"How do bacteria use phosphorus?
Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria may also aid the growth of plants by stimulating the efficiency of biological nitrogen fixation, synthesizing phytohormones and enhancing the availability of some trace elements such as zinc and iron"
In theory you could replace the bacteria with corresponding hormones and have more control over the architecture of the mushroom. It could solve the indoor azure growing issues related to sterile environments.
Edited by djbabyjesus (06/04/22 04:44 AM)
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Ferather
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Roostre]
#28030844 - 11/03/22 09:01 AM (1 year, 2 months ago) |
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You might find the posts in my journal helpful for this topic, although there is a lot to read and understand, then experiment with. Low nitrogen can trigger fruiting, so a low nutrient casing would be suggested, with Azures so on.
https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/23981895 https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/25150722
Nitrogen fixating blue-green algae is a good start.
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In the second link you can see the phenotype of Azures with added nitrogen, and information on rhizomorphs. Based on gathered information on rhizomorphs, formation is triggered by low nutrients.
Edited by Ferather (11/03/22 09:13 AM)
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Mr Piggy
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Ferather]
#28031737 - 11/03/22 07:53 PM (1 year, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Ferather said: You might find the posts in my journal helpful for this topic, although there is a lot to read and understand, then experiment with. Low nitrogen can trigger fruiting, so a low nutrient casing would be suggested, with Azures so on.
https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/23981895 https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/25150722
Nitrogen fixating blue-green algae is a good start.
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In the second link you can see the phenotype of Azures with added nitrogen, and information on rhizomorphs. Based on gathered information on rhizomorphs, formation is triggered by low nutrients.
This member was just banned for spreading misinformation, then permabanned when he circumvented that ban with a puppet account.
He has never once actually grown wood loving actives and any information he shares about them is completely made up drivel.
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Edited by Mr Piggy (11/04/22 12:29 PM)
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how412dc
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Mr Piggy]
#28048241 - 11/13/22 07:09 AM (1 year, 2 months ago) |
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So I have a patch of Azies 2 years old on beech chipping, the climate here is the same as the Pacific NW, reading about nitrogen is it worth getting a high nitrogen content fertiliser over the patch?
Also it's really warm this year, if I put ice on the patch for a few days will this work to get fruiting?
The micelium has ripped through about 15kg of beech chips now and looks really healthy.
Thanks in advance.
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Mr Piggy
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: how412dc]
#28049504 - 11/13/22 06:31 PM (1 year, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
how412dc said: So I have a patch of Azies 2 years old on beech chipping, the climate here is the same as the Pacific NW, reading about nitrogen is it worth getting a high nitrogen content fertiliser over the patch?
Also it's really warm this year, if I put ice on the patch for a few days will this work to get fruiting?
The micelium has ripped through about 15kg of beech chips now and looks really healthy.
Thanks in advance.
No, adding nitrogen to woodlovers is an unfounded myth. Feather was banned for his inability to quit spreading that misinformation.
Ice will probably not induce fruiting.
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Roostre
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Mr Piggy]
#28058598 - 11/18/22 04:48 PM (1 year, 2 months ago) |
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Mr Piggy - thanks for moderating/fact-checking on that.
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Roostre
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Roostre]
#28220552 - 03/08/23 10:52 AM (10 months, 15 days ago) |
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A couple of additional data points I've found interesting on this subject.
- Over in the Official Woodlover thread, one plant species that seems to be helping a lot with artificially cultivated outdoor beds is ryegrass. I did some reading on that species and found it's become popular with farmers as a means of preventing soil erosion, due to its massive and rapid-growing root system - similar to how and why Ammophila arenaria was introduced on the coasts. Those root systems keep showing up.
- On a related topic, I've found the (more recent?) genetic theory that the "cyanescens clade" of PNW wood lovers (e.g., ps. cyanescens, azurescens, allenii... possibly also baeocystis and stuntzii?) are not originally native to the PNW, but rather are likely genetic offshoots of ps. subaeruginosa, to be pretty compelling and relevant, certainly more so than Stamets' hypothesis. With the obvious caveat that huge amounts of indigenous culture and tradition were erased by European colonization, I've always thought it sort of interesting and strange that there does not seem to be any recorded history of PNW tribes using of any of these mushrooms, unlike ps. cubensis and its related species. It would not shock me to learn that these mushrooms, one of which very notoriously prefers to grow in European-introduced dune grass (and the rest of which show a strong affinity for other introduced invasive species like blackberry, Scotch broom, Japanese knotweed, and English ivy- all of which rapidly spread through their root systems) did not arrive in North America until the Europeans brought their spores along, either in their current form or as the progenitor species, ps. subaeruginosa. (I've actually found azurescens growing near Scotch broom nearly as often as in dune grass.)
- I also found this post that fleshes out the role of soil microbes in the nitrogen cycle. https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/9825325#9825325
Quote:
Big L said: "2. Soil: Symbiotic N2-fixation
Note: if high N concentration in soil, nodulation inhibited.
Symbiotic relationship between members of bacterial genera Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Sinorhizobium, Azorhizobium, and Mesorhizobium with leguminous plants is of extreme importance in maintaining soil fertility.
Those bacteria invade roots of plants, leading to formation of nodules, within which bacteria fix N2.
[...]
Specific association of plant and microbe:
(a) Plant secretes amino acids and flavanoids that attract bacteria.
(b) Flavanoid stimulates bacteria to produce sugar-rich messenger-Nod factor that induces root cells to divide and form nodules. Binding of bacteria to receptors (lectins) on plant root hairs and by bacterial rhicadhesin proteins.
(c) Activity of plant growth substances, leading to curling and branching of rootlets (Shepherd's crook).
(d) Bacteria prod root hairs to form tunnel-like infection threads, and carbohydrates on bacteria enable Rhizobium to pass through the tunnels into root cells.
[...]
Cyanobacteria and actinomycetes also enter into symbiotic relationship with non-leguminous plants, resulting in formation of nodules and N2 fixation.
Frankia alni infects alder trees.
Nitrogen fixers are important because don't have to add as much fertilizer to leguminous crops.
Have isolated strains of Rhizobia that are capable of high rates of N2 fixation."
One note that seems to come up around this sort of theoretical discussion, usually from more experienced cultivators, is the question "how does any of this help with growing woodlovers?" Ultimately it may not, as I see this as more about trying to understand the biological processes we are already using and/or taking advantage of in nature, than about trying to reinvent the wheel. The most successful wood lover cultivation methods are simple, but also seem consistent with this "theory" - for example, outdoor beds which make contact with living soil seem by far the most effective. And it seems a number of growers have also had a lot of success introducing plants with complex, microbe-friendly root systems like ryegrass, clover, and even dune grass (in part of Tweeq's epic grow) into their cultivated patches. So, no, this doesn't really tell us anything new, but I do find it interesting and also can't help but wonder if any of this information could eventually be used to optimize indoor cultivation.
For one thing, it seems to suggest that simply introducing nitrogen into the soil/substrate may not be as effective as integrating plants whose roots are actively fixing and exchanging nitrogen. Obviously plants bring a ton of other benefits, such as microclimates (discussed by an earlier poster here) and moisture retention, so isolating that contribution would be difficult. But it might be interesting to see if, for example, biotic potting soil, which contains those microbes but not in the context of plant roots, is really any better than potting soil with fertilizer added.
And if it turns out that increasing access to fixed nitrogen helps with spore creation - as indoor-cultivated specimens still seem to be more likely to be sterile? - that could also be useful in making it easier to generate woodlover prints for the rest of the community year-round.
IDK, at the end of the day it seems like the safest bet is planting some plants, as many an outdoor cultivator has known for a while.
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Mr Piggy
Big Dick Retard



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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Roostre]
#28221281 - 03/08/23 06:34 PM (10 months, 15 days ago) |
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Quote:
Roostre said: A couple of additional data points I've found interesting on this subject.
- Over in the Official Woodlover thread, one plant species that seems to be helping a lot with artificially cultivated outdoor beds is ryegrass. I did some reading on that species and found it's become popular with farmers as a means of preventing soil erosion, due to its massive and rapid-growing root system - similar to how and why Ammophila arenaria was introduced on the coasts. Those root systems keep showing up.
- On a related topic, I've found the (more recent?) genetic theory that the "cyanescens clade" of PNW wood lovers (e.g., ps. cyanescens, azurescens, allenii... possibly also baeocystis and stuntzii?) are not originally native to the PNW, but rather are likely genetic offshoots of ps. subaeruginosa, to be pretty compelling and relevant, certainly more so than Stamets' hypothesis. With the obvious caveat that huge amounts of indigenous culture and tradition were erased by European colonization, I've always thought it sort of interesting and strange that there does not seem to be any recorded history of PNW tribes using of any of these mushrooms, unlike ps. cubensis and its related species. It would not shock me to learn that these mushrooms, one of which very notoriously prefers to grow in European-introduced dune grass (and the rest of which show a strong affinity for other introduced invasive species like blackberry, Scotch broom, Japanese knotweed, and English ivy- all of which rapidly spread through their root systems) did not arrive in North America until the Europeans brought their spores along, either in their current form or as the progenitor species, ps. subaeruginosa. (I've actually found azurescens growing near Scotch broom nearly as often as in dune grass.)
The possibility exists for cyans and azzies to have come from aus, but stentzii and baeos are not that closely related. As far as rye grass, it provides shade and assists in moisture retention without overcrowding the mushrooms. There is no other association going on.
When you mention active woodlover's affinity for invasive plants you have left out their affinity for native species as well. I have found azzies and cyans growing all up and down red alders (Alnus rubra). While I have found both azzies and cyans growing on scotch broom, I have not found them growing on it outside of the dune grass habitat, or nearby a chip bed with an established patch. The mushrooms will leap from ideal habitat (European dune grass) onto another nearby suitable habitat(scotch broom), but they are not present in an independent stand of that suitable habitat, otherwise we'd be picking azzies from scotch broom all along the columbia by portland instead of driving to the coast.
I'm also wondering where you get the idea they have a strong affinity for english ivy, that one is new to me.
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Roostre
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Mr Piggy]
#28221450 - 03/08/23 08:33 PM (10 months, 15 days ago) |
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Thanks for the thoughtful reply here.
Quote:
Mr Piggy said: The possibility exists for cyans and azzies to have come from aus, but stentzii and baeos are not that closely related.
Good point and I probably should have left them out.
Quote:
Mr Piggy said: As far as rye grass, it provides shade and assists in moisture retention without overcrowding the mushrooms. There is no other association going on.
Does the mycelium actively avoid the roots of the grass? I ask because the way I've seen mycelium happily climb up, for example, roots of moss, or fruit from the base of sword ferns, makes it hard to believe they aren't getting any nutrients from the plant if there is at least some degree of colonization going on. It would be interesting if the roots are just serving a mechanical role- helping with moisture retention as you say, and giving the mycelium an easy way to climb to the surface. Either way I agree it would be very difficult at best to isolate any sort of microbial relationship's contribution to fruiting considering how heavily those other factors play into it. And frankly, attempting almost anything resembling a controlled test with woodlovers at this point would be a huge undertaking if possible at all. Part of why I hope work like holofractal's been doing can keep pushing the envelope and shorten the fruiting timeline (esp in a more controlled environment).
Quote:
Mr Piggy said: When you mention active woodlover's affinity for invasive plants you have left out their affinity for native species as well. I have found azzies and cyans growing all up and down red alders (Alnus rubra).
That's true and the alder thing is interesting. I had seen very few examples or accounts of wild cyan finds until pretty recently (I think it was natedogg97 who was just destroying it this season with the alder forest/blackberry finds). I would love to hear about more. Mainly it just sucks to wade into that habitat if you can find them in public chip beds, but I would definitely do it if I had more reason to believe the hauls were there.
I need to read more about subs and their native woodland environment/fruiting habits there. If they're found in much greater abundance naturally than cyans are (in non-disturbed habitat) here, maybe that would strengthen the argument for that being a more probable pre-woodchip habitat of origin. But maybe not. Lots of factors going on there and I don't know what at this point besides the genetic relationship could serve as hard evidence.
Quote:
Mr Piggy said: While I have found both azzies and cyans growing on scotch broom, I have not found them growing on it outside of the dune grass habitat, or nearby a chip bed with an established patch. The mushrooms will leap from ideal habitat (European dune grass) onto another nearby suitable habitat(scotch broom), but they are not present in an independent stand of that suitable habitat, otherwise we'd be picking azzies from scotch broom all along the columbia by portland instead of driving to the coast.
Also a fair point. The mouth of the Columbia is such an interesting environment and (mini?) biome. I remember the first time I got to Fort Stevens I was struck by how different the air and humidity felt, and was not surprised to see significantly more mushrooms of all kinds down there even though the season had been winding down for a while everywhere else. It seems there could be a lot of factors that make that particular habitat so ideal for azurescens- it makes me wonder if they would treat the dune grass any different from the other lignin-rich food sources they like if it were planted in any abundance away from the coast.
Quote:
Mr Piggy said: I'm also wondering where you get the idea they have a strong affinity for english ivy, that one is new to me.
I've seen a few different suburban chip bed environments with thick clusters of cyans growing a foot or two into ivy bordering the exposed chips. I've always felt like there are probaly more that I've passed up because looking through it sucks. But "strong affinity" is probably too strong an assessment. I think you have at least a few thousand more hours of hunting under your belt than I and if you haven't found any noteworthy evidence of that, it was probably just incidental.
Edited by Roostre (03/08/23 08:35 PM)
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cybesa
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Re: Azurescens, plant rhizomes, and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Re: Roostre]
#28552845 - 11/22/23 01:18 PM (2 months, 4 days ago) |
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I have to revive this thread because this is some of the most amazing woodlover discussion I have seen on here. So do we know the final results for now for woodlovers' affinity to plants with lots of rhizomes? And with nitrogen?
-------------------- Be yourself. Don't hurt other beings, or expect hurt yourself. Love others, and expect love yourself.
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