The Humongous Fungus - Dr. Myron Smith

The biggest organism on Earth, by area, is a fungus. Specifically, it's Armillaria solidipes, aka the Honey Fungus. It’s edible, glows in the dark, is UV resistant, and is technically parasitic. Thriving in the Blue Mountains of Oregon, this tremendous individual covers approximately 3.7 sq miles, and could be over 8,000 years old. In today’s episode, we speak with an expert on this fungal genus to help us understand how this individual could be so successful. Prepare for some extraordinary biological factoids and possibly, to have a new favorite mushroom.

Dr. Myron Smith is a professor of biology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Dr. Smith obtained a Bachelor’s degree, specializing in botany, followed by a masters and Ph.D in genetics within the Biotechnology Program at the University of Toronto. His research encompasses genetics, molecular biology, microbiology and general biology. This research spans questions of basic biological interest and has biotechnology applications in diverse areas that include health, agrifood, environment, and biofuels.

Topics Covered: 

• Armillaria colonies and the conditions needed to grow to tremendous sizes
• Ecosystem impact from these fungi, specifically in old growth forests 
• Rhizomorphic structure, function and evolution in this genus
• The impressive age of The Humongous Fungus, estimated to be up to 4,000 years
• DNA and genome sequencing to identify field colonies of Armillaria spp.
• Technologies for viewing subterranean fungi  
• Melanized plate formation upon individual Armillaria spp. Encountering
• Electroconductivity of fungi and Armillaria spp.

Show notes

Myron’s Website: https://myronlsmith.wordpress.com/about/

Taxonomy: https://openjournals.wsu.edu/index.php/pnwfungi/article/view/1075

Articles mentioned: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uPfchquHlRvSJrmhaKMJWnYOgATj20c0?usp=sharing


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