Scientists present new findings and applications to the world of fungi in Panama August 13, 2023 - World Nation News
Little is known about the vast universe of fungi that play an essential role in the balance of Panama City, Panama/nature. According to the scientific literature, only a few 120,000 types of fungi out of 1.5 million to 3.5 million species present worldwide meanwhile panama they have registered 3,300 species of fungi of more than 60,000 It is estimated that it is present in the country.
That is to say it is only known between 4% and 5% of Panama’s fungal biodiversity Highlights Dr. Luis Mejia, president of the Latin American Association of Mycology and researcher at Panama’s Institute of Scientific Research and High Technology Services (Indicasat AIP), who has 25 years of experience in studying the properties and potential applications of fungi . ,
"Fungi are sources of new drugs, the first antibiotic, for example, came from a fungus; Its constituents also provide a solution to the problems of soil pollution and thanks to the yeast of the fungus, we can have bread or beer. There are many examples of the fungi we use, but we only know a small percentage of this great resource that is worth continuing to study.“, explains Dr. Mejia, during the XI Latin American Congress of Mycology, which was held in Panama this week, with the participation of 325 people, including scientific researchers and students from 35 countries.
It was the first time that Panama hosted the congress event organized by the Latin American Association of Mycology and Indicasat AIP.
Dr. Mejia explains that one of the objectives of the Congress was Present the latest research results on the properties and applications of fungi, During the program he addressed topics such as diversity of fungi in different ecosystems, new species identified, edible fungi, fungi of importance in traditional use in native communities, genetics and chemical analysis of fungi, fungi providing protection to crops or soil Did. Used for agricultural activity, fungi that affect products such as cocoa, coffee and cashew, solution of diseases with compounds produced by fungi, “mycotourism” or fungus tourism, a relatively new activity that is just beginning to be exploited ; In addition to the need to start preserving mushrooms, an approach that has been gaining strength in recent years.
In total, exhibitors at the congress presented information on about 300 scientific papers on fungi during the talks, with 40 to 50 presentations each day, including results from countries’ projects, in addition to summaries of projects displayed in the scientific poster section. Like Germany, Belgium, Thailand and almost all of Latin America, Dr. Mejia details.
The titles of the presentations and the details of the experts who will present the presentations are given in the digital program available at the address: congresolatinoamericanodemicología.com.
The possibilities offered by fungi are enormous, even more so if only a small percentage of these species have been studied, affirms the Panamanian researcher: “We are sure that in this congress such The events will help more researchers and students to continue studying fungi, their molecules, components and their many applications”.
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