Module 6
ID to Family Part I & Mushroom Toxins
Homework
For homework for the next 4 Modules, or couple months, you are going to try and hone in your field ID skills. This module choose a family of fungi that has not been studied to study more in-depth. Look up all of the genera in that family and begin familiarizing yourself with the similarities.
In addition to the family research we will also look at mushroom toxins this module. We are going to put together a group slideshow on our research to make available to all of WVMS. Click on this link to access our group slide show on Google https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UvARK1AhLDx0UAGUnRdh85-vhNYnSsms0eDHkXqupMs/edit?usp=sharing You are tasked with selecting a mushroom toxin from the list below. Since the books on mushroom toxins are very expensive (>$100) you will do well to search your selected toxin online. Some papers will have a paywall, let Henry know, he may have it or be able to find it.
The results of your search should include the following:
The toxins chemical name and formula
The mushrooms that contain the toxin
The symptoms caused by the toxin
Timing of onset of symptoms and duration
Organs impacted
Treatment, if any
LD50
Make a one or two slide presentation on your selected toxin. The slide(s) should include the above information and photographs of the mushrooms that contain the toxin.
Pick your poison
α-amanitin
Gyromitrin→MMH (Monomethylhydrazine)
Orellanine
Muscimol / Ibotenic acid
Muscarine
Psilocybin and Psilocin
Russuphelins
GI irritants
Agaricus “barficus” group, A. xanthodermus &c
Puffballs, earthballs
Red and orange pored Boletes
Any mushroom consumed raw
Respiratory irritants
airborne spores
Dermatitis
Read this summary. https://namyco.org/mushroom_poisoning_syndromes.php
Adverse or idiosyncratic reactions to “good” mushrooms
Panic, fear of misidentification, even by an expert
Overindulgence
Allergic reaction, Chanterelle, Shiitake
Refs are probably cost prohibitive. Here is a list:
Mushrooms poisons and panaceas https://www.amazon.com/Mushrooms-Poisons-Panaceas-Naturalists-Mycologists/dp/0716726491/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AOISP74CF1R7&keywords=mushrooms+poisons+and+panaceas&qid=1656797434&sprefix=mushrooms+poison%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1
Toxic and Hallucinogenic Mushroom Poisoning https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-hallucinogenic-mushroom-poisoning-physicians/dp/0442245807/ref=sr_1_1?crid=K3DSZEFNA0TR&keywords=mushroom+poisoning&qid=1656797559&sprefix=mushroom+poisoning%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-1
Handbook of Mushroom Poisoning https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Mushroom-Poisoning-Diagnosis-Treatment/dp/0849301947/ref=sr_1_3?crid=K3DSZEFNA0TR&keywords=mushroom+poisoning&qid=1656797559&sprefix=mushroom+poisoning%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-3
Poisonous Mushrooms of Canada https://www.amazon.com/Poisonous-Mushrooms-Monograph-Research-Agriculture/dp/0889029776/ref=sr_1_2?crid=LHH5MSKE0FOQ&keywords=poisonous+mushrooms+canada&qid=1656797653&sprefix=poisonous+mushrooms+canada%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-2
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Finally, since we will be incorporating a microscope in every session, continue working on making cross sections of a mushroom and see if you can get more practice at it. If you are getting consistent sections, then start to practice looking at your specimens under the microscope and describing what you are seeing.
Optional: Purchase a microscope and all the accessories.
Foray
Plan a foray with your group. You can used Doodle to help quickly vote on the schedule that works for everyone.
1) Decide on a place and time to go.
2) Meet up and caravan to the location or meet at the location.
3) Follow all WVMS Foray Safety protocols and take the Safety Class if you have not done so.
4) Make sure you have a full tank of gas. Adhere to social distancing rules as per Oregon State Health Department
5) Bring: basket, field id cards, pen, small compartmentalized container, wax bags, your own lunch (no sharing), hand lens, or minimum 10x eye loupe, 6" scale in metric and English, compass/GPS, rain gear, first aid kit, watch and whistle.
6) Limit your forays to one hour.
Afterwards, go back to our own places to ID alone. Post-pandemic or when safe, plan on meeting together to discuss finds.
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Some suggested foray locations are: Hebo, Alsea Falls, Mary's Peak.
Group Discussion
During the pandemic we suggest using Google Meets or Zoom to have discussions. Find a day/time that works for everyone to discuss your finds. These discussions are an important part of the learning process. If your group is having issues, please reach out and invite a Mentor to your discussion and we will help point you in the right direction.
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After the pandemic or when it is safe, we highly suggest getting together for a group discussion and hands on learning event. Plan on a discussion that will last about 2-3 hours.
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On this foray you will be trying to ID mushrooms to the family and possibly genus in the field. Read the homework and bring a field guide*. Try practicing taking a spore print while on the foray. Bring a white index card, wax bag, and a knife to cut off the stipe. Don't forget to write down the habitat and weather conditions. Try and gather multiple specimens if you can. In the meetup afterwards, let each group member present their family presentations to the others. Make sure to take notes!
Resources
*Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest Steve Trudell
or
*All the Rain Promises and More David Arora
Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast Noah Siegel
iNaturalist.com
Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora
Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska edited by J. Pojar and A. Mackinnon
How to Identify Mushrooms to Genus III: Microscopic Features by David Largent, David Johnson and Roy Watling
Check out our Resources Page for resources on mushroom families.
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