Mushroom Growing Glossary
Quick-Reference Table of Common Acronyms & Slang
| Acronym/Slang | Full Term / Meaning | Category / Context |
| B&S | Break and Shake | Process Step (Accelerating colonization) |
| BE | Biological Efficiency | Metric (Measuring yield efficiency) |
| BRF | Brown Rice Flour | Substrate/Media (Ingredient for PF Tek) |
| Contam | Contamination | Problem (Unwanted microbial growth) |
| CVG | Coco Coir, Vermiculite, Gypsum | Substrate/Media (Common bulk substrate recipe) |
| FAE | Fresh Air Exchange | Environmental Control (Providing oxygen) |
| FC | Fruiting Chamber / Fruiting Conditions | Equipment / Environment (The space/conditions for growing mushrooms) |
| FH | Flow Hood (Laminar Flow Hood) | Equipment (For advanced sterile work) |
| G2G | Grain-to-Grain (Transfer) | Process Step (Expanding spawn) |
| GB | Glovebox | Equipment (For sterile work, often replaced by SAB) |
| GE | Gas Exchange | Environmental Control (Passive diffusion of gases) |
| GT | Golden Teacher | Organism/Strain (A popular variety of P. cubensis) |
| Hpoo | Horse Poo (Manure) | Substrate/Media (Ingredient for dung-loving species) |
| ISO | Isopropyl Alcohol | Supply (Disinfectant) |
| LC | Liquid Culture | Culture/Media (Mycelium in nutrient broth) |
| MEA | Malt Extract Agar | Culture/Media (Nutrient gel for mycelial work) |
| MSS | Multi-Spore Syringe | Inoculant (Spores suspended in water) |
| Myc | Mycelium | Organism Part (The vegetative body of the fungus) |
| Noc | Inoculate | Process Step (Introducing spores/mycelium to substrate) |
| PC | Pressure Cooker | Equipment (For sterilization) |
| PDA | Potato Dextrose Agar | Culture/Media (Nutrient gel for mycelial work) |
| PF Tek | Psilocybe Fanaticus Technique | Cultivation Technique (Beginner method using BRF cakes) |
| RH | Relative Humidity | Environmental Control (Measure of moisture in the air) |
| S2B | Spawn to Bulk | Process Step (Mixing spawn with bulk substrate) |
| SAB | Still Air Box | Equipment (For basic sterile work) |
| SGFC | Shotgun Fruiting Chamber | Equipment (A type of simple, passive fruiting chamber) |
| Sub | Substrate | Substrate/Media (The food source for mycelium) |
| Tek | Technique | General (A specific method or process) |
| Trich | Trichoderma (Green Mold) | Contaminant (A common, aggressive mold) |
| UB / UB Tek | Uncle Ben's (Ready Rice) | Cultivation Technique (Beginner method using pre-sterilized rice) |
| Verm | Vermiculite | Substrate/Media (Water-retaining mineral) |
| WBS | Wild Bird Seed | Substrate/Media (Common grain for spawn) |
Visual Guide to Key Morphological Features
- Pileus (Cap): The top structure.
- Gills (Lamellae): The spore-bearing plates under the cap.
- Stipe (Stem): The stalk supporting the cap.
- Annulus (Ring): The remnant of the partial veil on the stipe.
- Volva: The remnant of the universal veil at the base of the stipe.
- Mycelium: The thread-like network in the substrate from which the mushroom originates.
- Common Cap (Pileus) Shapes: A series of illustrations showing the diversity of cap shapes, which often change as the mushroom matures.Convex: Broadly rounded.Campanulate: Bell-shaped.Conical: Cone-shaped.Umbonate: With a central knob or bump (umbo).Infundibuliform: Funnel-shaped.Plane/Flat: Flattened out at maturity.Depressed: With a sunken center.
- Convex: Broadly rounded.
- Campanulate: Bell-shaped.
- Conical: Cone-shaped.
- Umbonate: With a central knob or bump (umbo).
- Infundibuliform: Funnel-shaped.
- Plane/Flat: Flattened out at maturity.
- Depressed: With a sunken center.
- Types of Gill (Lamellae) Attachment: A set of diagrams showing how the gills connect to the stipe, a critical feature for identification.Free: Gills are not attached to the stipe at all.Adnate: Gills are broadly attached to the stipe.Adnexed: Gills are narrowly attached to the stipe.Decurrent: Gills run down the length of the stipe.Sinuate: Gills are notched just before attaching to the stipe.Seceding: Gills that were attached pull away from the stipe as the cap expands.
- Free: Gills are not attached to the stipe at all.
- Adnate: Gills are broadly attached to the stipe.
- Adnexed: Gills are narrowly attached to the stipe.
- Decurrent: Gills run down the length of the stipe.
- Sinuate: Gills are notched just before attaching to the stipe.
- Seceding: Gills that were attached pull away from the stipe as the cap expands.
A
Abiotic Pertaining to non-living factors in an environment, such as temperature, humidity, light, and pH, that can influence fungal growth.
Aborts The common term for mushroom primordia that cease development before reaching maturity. These mushrooms often appear as small, stunted, and darkly colored pins. Aborting is typically caused by suboptimal or fluctuating environmental conditions, such as insufficient fresh air exchange, low humidity, or temperature shock. They are generally harvested to prevent them from rotting and becoming a vector for contamination.
Abstriction A method of asexual spore release where a spore is separated from its sporogenous filament by the formation of a septum (cross-wall) and then released.
Acidophilous (or Acidophilic) Describes organisms, including certain fungi and lichens, that thrive in acidic environments (low pH). This is relevant when preparing substrates, as some species prefer a specific pH range for optimal growth.
Actinomycetes A group of bacteria that exhibit fungus-like characteristics, such as forming filamentous hyphae. They can sometimes be mistaken for fungal mycelium but are prokaryotic. They play a role in the composting process.
Adnate A term describing gill attachment in which the entire width of the gill is broadly attached to the stem. This is an important morphological characteristic for mushroom identification.
Adnexed A term describing gill attachment in which the gills are narrowly attached to the stem.
Aerial Mycelium Mycelium that grows upward from the surface of the substrate or agar, often appearing fluffy or cottony. It can be an indicator of high humidity and low air exchange.
Agar A hydrocolloid polysaccharide extracted from the cell walls of red algae, primarily of the genera Gelidium and Gracilaria. In mycology, it is used as a gelling agent to create a solid or semi-solid medium in petri dishes for the cultivation of mycelium. Common formulations include Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Malt Extract Agar (MEA). Agar work is fundamental for isolating strains, germinating spores, cloning tissue, and maintaining a library of pure cultures.
Agaric A common term for a mushroom characterized by a fleshy fruiting body with a distinct cap (pileus), stem (stipe), and gills (lamellae) on the underside of the cap. This term generally refers to members of the order Agaricales.
Alkaline Having a pH greater than 7. Some cultivation processes involve adjusting substrate pH to be slightly alkaline using hydrated lime to inhibit competitors.
Allelopathy The chemical inhibition of one organism by another, due to the release of secondary metabolites into the environment. Some fungi exhibit allelopathic properties, suppressing the growth of competing bacteria or other fungi.
Anamorph The asexual, mitotic reproductive stage of a fungus, which produces asexual spores called conidia. This is also referred to as the "imperfect" stage. Many fungi can exist in both anamorphic and teleomorphic (sexual) states.
Anaerobic Describes a process or environment that lacks free oxygen. Anaerobic conditions in a substrate are generally undesirable for the cultivation of aerobic mushrooms, as they can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and lead to foul-smelling fermentation.
Anastomosis The fusion of hyphal branches from the same or different mycelial networks. This process is critical for forming a cohesive mycelial colony and is a prerequisite for sexual reproduction in many fungi, allowing for the exchange of genetic material and nuclei.
Annulus The ring-like or skirt-like structure found on the stipe of many mushrooms. It is the remnant of the partial veil, which connects the cap margin to the stipe in immature specimens and ruptures as the cap expands. The presence, position (e.g., superior, inferior), and texture (e.g., membranous, fleeting) of the annulus are key identification features.
Antheridium The male gametangium (sexual organ) found in some fungi, responsible for producing male gametes or nuclei.
Appendiculate Describes a cap margin that has fragments of the veil hanging from its edge. This is a common feature in some species of Amanita
Appressorium A specialized, flattened hyphal swelling that adheres firmly to the surface of a host or substrate. Pathogenic fungi use the appressorium to build up turgor pressure and mechanically penetrate the host's cuticle or cell wall with an infection peg.
Areolate Describes a surface, typically a mushroom cap, that has cracked or fissured into small patches or blocks, often due to dry weather or as a natural characteristic of the species. The color of the flesh visible in the cracks can be a useful diagnostic feature.
Arthroconidium An asexual spore formed by the fragmentation of a pre-existing hypha. The dimorphic fungus Coccidioides immitis produces arthroconidia.
Ascocarp The fruiting body of an ascomycete fungus, which contains the spore-producing asci. Types of ascocarps include the cup-shaped apothecium, the flask-shaped perithecium, and the closed cleistothecium.
Ascomycota (Ascomycetes) A major phylum of the kingdom Fungi, characterized by the production of sexual spores (ascospores) within a specialized sac-like cell called an ascus. This diverse group includes morels, truffles, yeasts, and many common molds.
Ascospore A sexual spore produced inside an ascus, typically following meiosis. Most asci contain eight ascospores.
Ascus (pl. Asci) The microscopic, sac-like reproductive structure characteristic of ascomycete fungi, in which ascospores are formed. The morphology of the ascus, such as whether its tip turns blue in iodine (amyloid), is an important microscopic feature.
Aseptic Technique A set of procedures and practices performed under sterile conditions to prevent contamination of cultures and substrates. This includes working in a clean environment (like a Still Air Box or in front of a Laminar Flow Hood), sterilizing tools with flame or alcohol, and minimizing exposure of sterile materials to open air. Mastery of aseptic technique is fundamental to successful mushroom cultivation.
Asexual Reproduction Reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes or meiosis. In fungi, this commonly occurs through the production of spores like conidia or through mycelial fragmentation.
Autoclave A pressure chamber used to carry out processes at elevated temperature and pressure. In mycology, it is used to sterilize substrate, grain, and equipment by subjecting them to pressurized steam at 121°C (250°F) and 15 PSI, which is sufficient to kill all microorganisms, including bacterial endospores. A home pressure cooker is a smaller-scale equivalent.
Axenic Describes a culture that contains only a single species of organism, free from all other contaminating organisms. Achieving an axenic culture is the primary goal of agar work.
B
Bacteria Unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms. In mushroom cultivation, bacteria are a common source of contamination, often causing grain spawn to appear overly wet, slimy, or to have a sour or fermented odor. Some bacteria, however, are beneficial and necessary for the fruiting of certain species, like Agaricus bisporus, where they are present in the casing soil.
Basal Mycelium The mycelial growth found at the very base of a mushroom's stipe. The presence, color (e.g., white, yellow), and texture of basal mycelium can be important identification characteristics.
Basidiocarp The fruiting body of a basidiomycete fungus, which bears the spore-producing basidia. This is the structure commonly recognized as a mushroom.
Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes) A major phylum of the kingdom Fungi, characterized by the production of sexual spores (basidiospores) on the outside of a specialized club-shaped cell called a basidium. This group includes most of the familiar mushrooms, such as agarics, boletes, puffballs, and polypores.
Basidiole A cell in the hymenium of a basidiomycete that resembles an immature basidium but does not produce spores.
Basidiospore A sexual, haploid reproductive spore borne on a basidium. Typically, four basidiospores are produced per basidium following meiosis.
Basidium (pl. Basidia) The microscopic, club-shaped reproductive cell characteristic of basidiomycete fungi, on which basidiospores are produced externally, usually on small prongs called sterigmata. The number of spores per basidium (typically four, but sometimes two) is a key microscopic feature.
Basionym The original, validly published scientific name for a species. Even if a species is later moved to a different genus, its basionym remains the foundational name in its taxonomic history.
BE (Biological Efficiency) An acronym for Biological Efficiency. It is a key performance metric in cultivation, defined as the ratio of the fresh weight of harvested mushrooms to the dry weight of the substrate, expressed as a percentage. For example, harvesting 1.5 lbs of fresh mushrooms from 1 lb of dry substrate equals 150% BE.
Binomial Nomenclature The formal system of naming species, where each name consists of two parts: the genus name (capitalized) and the species epithet (lowercase), e.g., Agaricus bisporus.
Biotrophic Describes a parasitic fungus that obtains nutrients from the living cells of its host without killing them.
Birthing A colloquial term for the process of removing a fully colonized substrate cake (e.g., a BRF cake) from its jar to place it into a fruiting chamber.
Blastic A mode of conidiogenesis (asexual spore formation) where the spore is already visibly enlarged before it is separated from the conidiogenous hypha by a septum. This is contrasted with thallic conidiogenesis.
Block (Substrate) A consolidated mass of substrate, typically contained within a specialized filter patch bag, that has been sterilized or pasteurized and inoculated with mushroom spawn. Once fully colonized, it is referred to as a "fruiting block."
Bolete A type of fleshy mushroom, a member of the order Boletales, characterized by having a surface of pores (the openings of tubes) on the underside of the cap instead of gills.
Boof A slang term originating from psychoactive substance communities that refers to the rectal administration of a drug or substance. Within the context of mushroom cultivation forums, it is often used humorously or as an in-joke.
Break and Shake (B&S) A technique used during the colonization of grain spawn in jars or bags. The container is shaken vigorously to break up the colonized grain and redistribute it throughout the uncolonized portions. This action dramatically speeds up the overall colonization time by creating many new points of growth.
Brown Rot A type of wood decay caused by fungi that selectively decompose cellulose and hemicellulose, leaving behind the brownish, brittle lignin. The wood often cracks into cubical pieces.
BRF (Brown Rice Flour) An acronym for Brown Rice Flour, a primary ingredient in the PF Tek.
Buffer A chemical substance that resists changes in pH when an acid or alkali is added. In cultivation, materials like calcium carbonate (limestone) or gypsum are used as buffers in casing layers and substrates to maintain a stable pH favorable for mycelial growth.
Bulk Substrate A large volume of medium, often less nutritious than grain spawn, that is inoculated with the spawn to produce the final crop of mushrooms. Common bulk substrates include pasteurized straw, coco coir and vermiculite mixtures (CVG), or supplemented hardwood sawdust. The process of mixing spawn into this is called "spawning to bulk" or S2B.
Butt Rot A type of decay in living trees that is concentrated at the base of the trunk (the "butt") and the major roots. The fungi responsible are often polypores, and their fruiting bodies appear on or near the base of the tree.
C
Caespitose Describes a growth habit where mushrooms grow in a dense cluster or tuft, but are not fused together at the base.
Cake A common term for a block of substrate, particularly one made using the PF Tek, which consists of brown rice flour, vermiculite, and water, formed in a jar.
Campanulate Bell-shaped; a term used to describe the shape of a mushroom cap.
Cap (Pileus) The uppermost part of the mushroom that supports the hymenium (spore-bearing surface). Its shape, color, texture, and size are critical features for identification.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) A gas produced by mycelium during respiration. During colonization, high levels of
CO2 are beneficial. However, during fruiting, high concentrations can lead to poor mushroom development, such as long stems and small caps ("legginess"). Therefore, adequate Fresh Air Exchange (FAE) is crucial in the fruiting stage to lower CO2 levels.
Carpophore An older term for the fungal fruiting body, synonymous with sporocarp.
Casing Layer A top layer of low-nutrient, moisture-retentive material applied to a colonized substrate. The casing does not provide significant nutrition but creates a humid microclimate at the substrate surface, protects the mycelium, and provides a physical cue that helps stimulate the formation of primordia (pinning). Common materials include peat moss, coco coir, and vermiculite, often buffered with lime.
Caulocystidium A cystidium located on the surface of the mushroom's stipe (stem).
Cellulose A complex polysaccharide that is the primary structural component of plant cell walls. Many saprotrophic fungi produce enzymes (cellulases) to break down cellulose for energy, which is the basis of growing mushrooms on materials like wood, cardboard, and straw.
Cheilocystidium A cystidium located on the edge of a mushroom gill. Their shape and size are often critical for microscopic identification.
Chitin A long-chain polymer that is the primary component of fungal cell walls, as well as the exoskeletons of arthropods. The presence of chitin is a key characteristic distinguishing fungi from plants (which have cellulose walls).
Chlamydospore A thick-walled, asexual resting spore formed from a hyphal cell. It functions as a survival structure, allowing the fungus to endure unfavorable conditions.
Chrysocystidium A type of cystidium that contains a distinctive yellowish, refractive body when viewed under a microscope, especially when mounted in alkali solutions like KOH.
Clamp Connection A microscopic, hook-like structure formed by growing hyphal cells in many Basidiomycetes. It is formed during cell division to ensure that sister nuclei are separated into the new daughter cells, thus maintaining the dikaryotic state. Their presence or absence can be a useful, though not always definitive, identifying feature.
Clavate Club-shaped; often used to describe a stipe that is thicker at the base.
Clean Room In a professional or laboratory context, a highly controlled environment with filtered air and strict protocols to minimize particulate contamination. For a home cultivator, this term is used more loosely to describe any space (e.g., a clean bathroom) prepared for aseptic work.
Cleistothecium A completely enclosed ascocarp with no special opening; spores are released only when the structure ruptures or decays.
Clone / Cloning The process of creating a genetically identical copy of a fungus. In practice, this is done by taking a sterile tissue sample from the interior of a desirable mushroom fruiting body and placing it on a sterile agar medium. The resulting mycelial growth is a monoculture with the exact same genetic traits as the parent mushroom, allowing for the consistent propagation of desired characteristics like yield, potency, or growth speed. This is a method of achieving genetic control.
Cobweb Mold (Dactylium spp. or similar) A common fungal contaminant that appears as a fine, greyish, web-like growth that can rapidly cover a casing layer or mushrooms. It thrives in high humidity and stagnant air and is distinct from the brighter white, more structured growth of mushroom mycelium.
Coenocytic Describes hyphae that lack septa (cross-walls), resulting in a continuous, multinucleate filament. This is characteristic of fungi in the phylum Mucoromycota (formerly Zygomycota).
Coir (Coco Coir) The fibrous material from the husk of a coconut, widely used in cultivation as a bulk substrate or casing material. It has excellent water retention properties and is naturally somewhat resistant to contamination. Often used in a mixture with vermiculite and gypsum (CVG).
Cold Shock The practice of exposing a fully colonized substrate to a period of lower temperatures to help stimulate primordia formation. This mimics the natural environmental cues that trigger fruiting for some species.
Colonization The vegetative growth phase where mycelium spreads throughout and consumes a substrate. During this period, also called the "spawn run" or "incubation," the substrate is typically kept in a dark, warm environment with high CO2 levels to promote rapid mycelial growth and outcompete any potential contaminants.
Columella A sterile central axis of tissue within a fruiting body, such as in a puffball or a secotioid fungus.
Compost A substrate created through controlled microbial decomposition (fermentation) of organic materials. In commercial cultivation of Agaricus bisporus, a complex, multi-phase composting process is used to create a substrate that is highly selective for the mushroom mycelium and suppressive of competitors.
Concolorous Having the same color. For example, a mushroom's gills may be concolorous with its cap surface.
Conidiophore A specialized, fertile hypha that bears conidia (asexual spores).
Conidium (pl. Conidia) An asexual, non-motile spore that is not formed inside a sporangium. They are produced for dispersal and are the primary reproductive units of many molds.
Contamination (Contam) The introduction and subsequent growth of any unwanted microorganism in a culture or substrate. Common contaminants include molds (e.g., Trichoderma, Penicillium, Aspergillus), bacteria, and yeasts. Preventing contamination through sterilization, pasteurization, and aseptic technique is the single most critical aspect of mushroom cultivation. The methods used to combat contamination exist on a "Sterility Spectrum," a hierarchy of techniques whose stringency is proportional to the contamination risk. At one end is Sterilization, the complete elimination of all life, including bacterial endospores, using an autoclave or pressure cooker. This is non-negotiable for highly nutritious media like grain spawn or agar, which would otherwise be rapidly consumed by competitors. At the other end is Pasteurization, a less intense heat treatment that kills most competitors but leaves some beneficial, thermophilic microorganisms intact. This method is suitable for less nutritious bulk substrates like straw or coco coir, where the residual microbiome can help suppress the growth of contaminants. The working environment must also match the task: highly sensitive work like transferring cultures on agar demands a
Laminar Flow Hood, which provides a continuous stream of HEPA-filtered sterile air. Less sensitive tasks, like inoculating grain, can be done in a
Still Air Box (SAB), which simply reduces airborne particle movement. The least sensitive tasks, like mixing spawn into a pasteurized bulk substrate, may only require a
Clean Room environment. Understanding this spectrum allows a cultivator to apply the appropriate level of control for each stage of the process, balancing effort against risk.
Convex A classic mushroom cap shape that is broadly rounded, like a shallow bowl turned upside down.
Cortina A cobweb-like partial veil found in many species of the genus Cortinarius (for which it is named) and others. In young mushrooms, it stretches from the stipe to the cap margin, protecting the gills. It is often ephemeral and may only be visible as fine, spore-dusted threads on the stipe of mature specimens.
Culture A living growth of mushroom mycelium maintained on a nutrient medium.
- Dish/Plate Culture: Mycelium grown on the surface of agar in a petri dish.
- Liquid Culture (LC): Mycelium grown suspended in a sterilized nutrient broth.
- Slant Culture: Mycelium grown on an angled agar surface in a test tube, used for long-term storage.
- Pure Culture: An axenic culture containing only one genetic strain of a single species.
Cutis A type of pileipellis (cap skin) where the hyphae are arranged horizontally, parallel to the cap surface. If gelatinized, it is termed an ixocutis.
CV / CVG Acronyms for common bulk substrate recipes. CV stands for Coco coir and Vermiculite. CVG stands for Coco coir, Vermiculite, and Gypsum. This mixture provides good moisture retention, aeration, and supplemental minerals.
Cystidium (pl. Cystidia) A large, sterile, morphologically distinct cell found on the surfaces of a mushroom's fruiting body, interspersed among the reproductive cells. Their location, shape, and size are critical for microscopic identification. Based on location, they are named:
- Cheilocystidia: On the gill edge.
- Pleurocystidia: On the gill face.
- Caulocystidia: On the stipe surface.
- Pileocystidia: On the cap surface.
D
Deciduous Refers to trees that shed their leaves annually. This is relevant as many wood-loving fungi have a preference for either deciduous (hardwood) or coniferous (softwood) trees.
Decurrent A type of gill attachment where the gills extend down the stipe. This is a key identifying feature for genera like Pleurotus (Oyster mushrooms) and Cantharellus (Chanterelles).
Dehydrator An appliance that uses controlled low heat and airflow to remove moisture from mushrooms, preserving them for long-term storage and preventing decomposition.
Dermatophyte A parasitic fungus that infects the keratinous tissues (skin, hair, nails) of animals and humans, causing conditions like ringworm.
Dextrinoid A chemical reaction observed under a microscope where a fungal structure (often a spore wall) stains reddish-brown in an iodine-based reagent like Melzer's Reagent. This reaction is an important taxonomic marker. Also called pseudoamyloid.
Dikaryotic A state in which a fungal cell (or mycelium) contains two genetically distinct haploid nuclei (n+n) that have not yet fused. This state is initiated by plasmogamy and is the dominant phase in the life cycle of many basidiomycetes. The dikaryotic mycelium is capable of producing fruiting bodies.
Dimorphic Describes fungi that can exist in two different morphological forms, typically a yeast-like form and a filamentous (mycelial) form. The transition is often triggered by environmental factors like temperature. Several human pathogenic fungi, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, are dimorphic.
Dimitic Describes a hyphal system composed of two types of hyphae: generative hyphae and either skeletal or binding hyphae. This structure provides rigidity and is common in tough, woody polypores.
Diploid A state in which a cell contains two complete sets of chromosomes (2n). In fungi, the diploid stage is typically very brief, occurring after karyogamy (nuclear fusion) and just before meiosis.
Disinfection The process of destroying or inhibiting the growth of most pathogenic microorganisms, but not necessarily all microbial life (like bacterial spores). Disinfection is less thorough than sterilization and is typically achieved with chemicals like isopropyl alcohol or bleach solutions.
Dolipore Septum A complex septal structure found in the hyphae of most Basidiomycetes. It has a barrel-shaped swelling around a central pore, which is often covered by membranous caps called parenthosomes.
Dormancy A period of reduced metabolic activity. In cultivation, this can refer to the resting period of mycelium between flushes or the period when trees are dormant in winter, which is the ideal time to cut logs for inoculation.
Dunk / Dunking The practice of submerging a substrate cake or block in water for several hours after a flush. This rehydrates the substrate, providing the necessary moisture for the mycelium to produce another crop of mushrooms.
E
Ectomycorrhiza A type of mycorrhizal association where the fungal hyphae form a dense sheath (the Hartig net) around the outside of a plant's rootlets but do not penetrate the root cells' walls. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for the health of many forest ecosystems. Many well-known mushrooms, including boletes, amanitas, and russulas, are ectomycorrhizal.
Effused-Reflexed A growth form, common in polypores and crust fungi, where the fruiting body is mostly flat against the substrate (resupinate) but has an upper edge that lifts away to form a small, shelf-like cap.
Endophyte A fungus that lives inside a plant's tissues without causing any apparent disease or harm. Many endophytes have a mutualistic relationship with their host plant.
Endospore A highly resistant, dormant structure formed inside the cells of certain bacteria to survive harsh conditions. In mycology, the term can also refer to the spores produced inside the spherules of Coccidioides immitis. The ability of sterilization to kill bacterial endospores is what makes it distinct from pasteurization.
Enzyme A protein that acts as a biological catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions. Fungi secrete a wide array of enzymes to break down complex organic polymers like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin into smaller molecules they can absorb for nutrition.
Epithelium A type of pileipellis (cap skin) where the surface is composed of swollen, isodiametric (roughly spherical) cells, resembling plant parenchyma.
Ergosterol The primary sterol found in the cell membranes of fungi, analogous to cholesterol in animal cells. It is a target for many antifungal drugs.
F
FAE (Fresh Air Exchange) An acronym for Fresh Air Exchange, a critical environmental parameter during fruiting. Fungi respire oxygen and produce carbon dioxide. FAE involves introducing fresh, oxygen-rich air into the fruiting chamber while removing stale, CO2-laden air. Insufficient FAE leads to high CO2 levels, causing mushrooms to develop long stems and small caps.
Fairy Ring A naturally occurring circle of mushrooms, formed by the outward growth of a single mycelial colony in the soil. The mushrooms fruit at the leading edge of the mycelial network.
False Gills Folds or ridges on the underside of a mushroom cap that resemble true gills but are not structurally distinct, separable blades. They are simply wrinkles of the hymenium-bearing surface. This feature is characteristic of chanterelles (Cantharellus spp.).
Fermentation In a general sense, the metabolic process of converting carbohydrates into alcohol or organic acids. In mushroom cultivation, it refers to the controlled decomposition of substrate materials during composting. Uncontrolled anaerobic fermentation in a substrate is undesirable and leads to contamination.
Field Capacity (FC) The optimal amount of water a substrate should hold after being saturated and allowed to drain freely. At field capacity, the substrate is maximally hydrated but not waterlogged, so that a firm squeeze produces only a few drops of water. Achieving proper field capacity is crucial for successful colonization and fruiting. Note that the acronym FC can also stand for Fruiting Chamber or Fruiting Conditions.
Filter Patch Bag A specialized autoclavable bag, typically made of polypropylene, with a microporous filter patch. This patch allows for gas exchange (GE) during colonization but prevents contaminants from entering. These bags are standard for producing grain spawn and substrate blocks at scale.
Fimbriate Describes a margin (e.g., of a gill or cap) that is finely fringed or torn.
Flush A crop or bloom of mushrooms that appear and mature from a substrate at roughly the same time. Cultivated mushrooms typically grow in these rhythmic cycles. After one flush is harvested, the mycelium will rest and then, if rehydrated, produce subsequent flushes until the substrate's nutrients are depleted.
Flow Hood (Laminar Flow Hood, FH) A piece of laboratory equipment that creates a sterile working environment by blowing a continuous, non-turbulent (laminar) stream of HEPA-filtered air across the work surface. This prevents airborne contaminants from settling on sterile media, making it essential for advanced mycology work like agar transfers, cloning, and liquid culture preparation.
Force Fruiting The practice of inducing a colonized substrate to fruit by "shocking" it with specific environmental triggers, such as a cold shock, physical agitation, or soaking in water. This is a standard technique for some species, like Shiitake.
Friable Easily crumbled or broken into small pieces. This term is often used to describe the texture of a universal veil or volva, particularly in some Amanita species.
Fruiting (Fructification) The reproductive stage of the fungal life cycle, where the mycelium produces a fruiting body (mushroom). This transition from vegetative growth (colonization) to reproductive growth is triggered by a specific set of environmental cues, typically including a drop in temperature, a decrease in CO2 levels (increased FAE), an increase in humidity, and exposure to light.
Fruiting Body (Sporocarp, Basidiocarp, Ascocarp) The complex, multicellular, spore-bearing structure of a fungus, which is the part commonly identified as a mushroom. Its sole purpose is to produce and disperse spores for reproduction.
Fruiting Chamber (FC) An enclosed space designed to maintain the optimal environmental conditions (high humidity, adequate fresh air exchange, appropriate temperature and light) required for mushrooms to fruit. Setups range from simple, manually-tended containers like a Shotgun Fruiting Chamber (SGFC) or Monotub, to larger, automated systems like a Martha tent or a commercial grow room.
Fungicide A chemical agent that kills fungi or inhibits their growth. Fungicides are generally avoided in mushroom cultivation as they would harm the target mycelium.
Fungus (pl. Fungi) A member of the kingdom Fungi, a group of eukaryotic organisms characterized by chitin in their cell walls, absorption of nutrients from their environment (osmotrophy), and reproduction via spores. The kingdom includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.
Furfuraceous Covered with fine, bran-like particles or scales.
Fusiform Spindle-shaped; tapering at both ends. A term used to describe the shape of spores or cystidia.
G
G1, G2, G3, etc. (Generation) A notation used to track the lineage of grain spawn. The initial spawn created from a culture (agar or liquid culture) is Generation 1 (G1). When a small amount of G1 spawn is used to inoculate new sterile grain (a G2G transfer), the resulting spawn is Generation 2 (G2), and so on. With each successive generation, the risk of senescence (cellular aging) and mutation increases, so cultivators typically limit expansion to G3 or G4 to maintain vigor.
G2G (Grain-to-Grain Transfer) An acronym for Grain-to-Grain transfer. This is a technique for rapidly and efficiently expanding a mycelial culture by using a small amount of fully colonized grain spawn to inoculate multiple new jars of sterilized grain. It is much faster than inoculating grain from spores or liquid culture.
Gametangium A specialized organ or cell in which gametes are formed.
Gas Exchange (GE) The passive diffusion of gases, primarily the intake of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide, between a mycelial culture and its environment. This is facilitated by filter patches on spawn bags or loosely fitted lids on jars. It is distinct from Fresh Air Exchange (FAE), which is the active introduction of air.
Generative Hyphae The fundamental hyphae in a basidiomycete's fruiting body. They are typically thin-walled, septate, and branched, and are "generative" because they can give rise to all other structures, including basidia and other hyphal types.
Genotype The specific genetic makeup of an organism. In cultivation, isolating a specific genotype through cloning allows for predictable and repeatable performance.
Germ Pore A small, specialized thin spot or pore in a spore's wall through which the germ tube emerges during germination.
Germination The initial stage of fungal growth, where a spore, under favorable conditions, breaks dormancy and produces a germ tube, which then develops into a hypha.
Gills (Lamellae) The blade-like structures on the underside of an agaric's cap that serve to vastly increase the surface area of the hymenium. The spore-producing basidia line the surfaces of the gills. Gill characteristics, such as their attachment to the stipe (e.g., adnate, decurrent, free), spacing, color, and edge texture, are critical for identification.
Glabrous Smooth; having a surface that is bald and lacks hairs or scales.
Glandular Dots Small, often dark-colored dots found on the stipe or cap of some mushrooms, particularly in the genus Suillus. They are formed by clusters of pigmented cells and can exude a sticky substance.
Gleba The fleshy, spore-bearing inner mass of a gasteromycete fungus, such as a puffball or stinkhorn. In puffballs, the gleba matures into a dry, powdery mass of spores. In stinkhorns, it is a foul-smelling, slimy gel that attracts insects for spore dispersal.
Glovebox (GB) A sealed container with a clear viewing panel and two built-in gloves that allows a person to manipulate items inside a sterile environment without introducing contaminants. While effective, they can be cumbersome and have largely been superseded by Still Air Boxes (SABs) or Laminar Flow Hoods in hobbyist cultivation.
Glutinous Having a very slimy, gelatinous coating.
Gnotobiotic An environment or culture in which all the forms of life are known. An axenic culture is a type of gnotobiotic system.
Grain Spawn Sterilized grain (such as rye, wheat, millet, or wild bird seed) that has been inoculated with and fully colonized by mushroom mycelium. It serves as a potent inoculant for bulk substrates.
Green Mold (Trichoderma spp.) One of the most common and feared contaminants in mushroom cultivation. It typically appears as a bright white, aggressive mycelial growth that quickly turns green as it produces spores. Trichoderma can outcompete and parasitize mushroom mycelium, leading to total crop loss.
Guttule A small, oil-like droplet found inside a fungal spore, visible under a microscope.
Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate, CaSO4) A mineral powder added to substrates and grain spawn. It acts as a pH buffer, provides calcium and sulfur, and prevents grain kernels from clumping together, which improves colonization.
H
Haploid A state in which a cell contains a single set of unpaired chromosomes (n). Fungal spores and the mycelium that germinates from them (monokaryotic mycelium) are typically haploid.
Hardwood Wood from deciduous, broad-leaved trees (e.g., oak, maple, beech). Many gourmet and medicinal mushrooms, such as Shiitake, Lion's Mane, and Oyster mushrooms, are wood-decomposers that grow best on hardwood sawdust or logs.
Haustorium A specialized hyphal tip of a parasitic fungus that penetrates the host's cell wall to absorb nutrients directly from the cell's cytoplasm without killing the cell immediately.
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filter A type of mechanical air filter that can trap at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter. HEPA filters are the critical component of laminar flow hoods, creating the sterile airflow necessary for mycology lab work.
Heterokaryotic A fungal cell or mycelium containing genetically different nuclei within a common cytoplasm. A dikaryotic mycelium is a specific type of heterokaryon with two compatible nuclei.
Heterothallic Describes fungal species that require two different, compatible mating types to come together for sexual reproduction to occur.
Holomorph The whole fungus, including all of its asexual (anamorph) and sexual (teleomorph) forms.
Homothallic Describes fungal species in which sexual reproduction can occur within a single individual, as it possesses all necessary genetic components. A single spore can give rise to a mycelium that is capable of fruiting.
Host-Specific Describes a parasitic or mycorrhizal fungus that can only associate with a single or very limited range of host species.
Humidity The concentration of water vapor present in the air. In cultivation, this is typically measured as Relative Humidity (RH), the ratio of the current amount of water vapor to the maximum amount the air could hold at that temperature, expressed as a percentage. Maintaining high RH (often 85-95%) is critical for initiating pinning and supporting healthy fruit body development.
Hyaline Transparent or colorless, like glass. A term used to describe microscopic structures like spores or hyphae.
Hydrated Lime (Calcium Hydroxide, Ca(OH)2) A caustic powder used to rapidly raise the pH of a substrate or water, making it alkaline. It is used in the cold water lime bath pasteurization technique to inhibit competitor organisms.
Hygrometer An instrument used to measure humidity. It is an essential tool for monitoring and controlling the environment inside a fruiting chamber.
Hygrophanous Describes a mushroom cap that changes color as it loses or absorbs moisture, often appearing darker and translucent when wet and fading to a lighter, opaque color as it dries. This can result in a two-toned appearance as the cap dries from the center outwards.
Hymenium The fertile, spore-bearing surface of a fungal fruiting body. It is composed of a dense layer of reproductive cells (asci or basidia) and sterile cells (cystidia, paraphyses). In agarics, it covers the gills; in boletes, it lines the tubes; in cup fungi, it is the inner surface of the cup.
Hymenophore The structure that supports the hymenium, such as the gills, tubes, or teeth of a mushroom.
Hypha (pl. Hyphae) A single, microscopic, thread-like filament that is the basic structural unit of a fungus. Hyphae grow at their tips and branch to form the mycelium.
Hyphal System A classification of the flesh (context) of fungal fruiting bodies, particularly in tough polypores, based on the types of hyphae present.
- Monomitic: Contains only generative hyphae. The flesh is typically soft.
- Dimitic: Contains generative hyphae plus either skeletal hyphae (for rigidity) or binding hyphae (for cohesion). The flesh is tough.
- Trimitic: Contains all three types: generative, skeletal, and binding hyphae. The flesh is typically very hard and woody.
I
Incubation The phase of cultivation following inoculation, during which the mycelium colonizes the substrate. This period is typically characterized by darkness, warm temperatures (specific to the species), and high carbon dioxide levels to encourage vegetative growth.
Inoculation The process of introducing spores or living mycelium (spawn) into a sterile or pasteurized medium (e.g., agar, grain, or bulk substrate) to initiate growth. This is the "planting" stage of cultivation and requires strict aseptic technique.
Inoperculate Describes an ascus that releases its spores through an apical pore or slit rather than a hinged lid (operculum).
In Vitro Latin for "in glass." In mycology, this refers to growing fungi under controlled laboratory conditions outside of their natural habitat, such as in a petri dish or test tube.
Isolate A pure culture of a fungus that has been separated (isolated) from a mixed population, such as from a multi-spore germination or a wild tissue sample. Isolating a single strain on agar is a key step in selecting for desirable traits.
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) A common disinfectant, typically used as a 70% aqueous solution, for sterilizing surfaces and tools in mycology work.
Ixocutis A type of pileipellis (cap skin) where the hyphae are arranged parallel to the surface and are embedded in a gelatinous matrix, resulting in a slimy or viscid cap texture.
K
Karyogamy The final step in the process of fungal sexual reproduction, involving the fusion of two haploid nuclei (which were brought together during plasmogamy) to form a single diploid nucleus (zygote). Meiosis follows shortly after.
KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) A strong alkaline chemical used in mycology for two main purposes: as a mounting medium for microscopy (a 2-5% solution helps to rehydrate and clarify tissues) and as a chemical spot test reagent (a 5-10% solution applied to a mushroom's surface can produce a characteristic color change useful for identification).
L
Laccate Having a shiny, varnished, or lacquered appearance. This is a key characteristic of mushrooms in the genus Ganoderma.
Lacerated Having a margin that appears torn or shredded.
Lamellae The scientific term for the gills of a mushroom.
Laminar Flow Hood See Flow Hood.
Latex The milky or colored fluid that is exuded from the cut or broken tissues of some mushrooms, most notably those in the genus Lactarius (the "milk caps"). The color of the latex and whether it changes color upon exposure to air are critical identification features.
LC (Liquid Culture) An acronym for Liquid Culture. A sterile nutrient broth that has been inoculated with and colonized by mycelium. LCs are used to expand a culture and can be drawn into a syringe for easy inoculation of many grain jars. This is a primary method for propagating a specific, isolated genotype.
Lignin A complex organic polymer that provides rigidity and structural support to wood and bark. White-rot fungi are notable for their ability to produce enzymes that degrade lignin.
Lignicolous Growing on wood.
Lime A general term for calcium-containing compounds. In cultivation, it usually refers to either calcium carbonate (CaCO3, e.g., limestone powder, crushed oyster shells), which is a gentle pH buffer, or hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2), which is more caustic and used to rapidly raise pH for pasteurization.
Line A term used, particularly in commercial cultivation, to refer to a specific mushroom isolate or strain that is maintained over time for production.
M
Macroscopic Visible to the naked eye, without the aid of a microscope. Refers to features like cap shape, color, and size.
Malt Extract Agar (MEA) A common, simple agar medium used for cultivating fungi. It typically consists of malt extract (as a nutrient source), agar (as a solidifying agent), and water.
Margin The outer edge of the mushroom cap. Its characteristics (e.g., striate, appendiculate, inrolled) are important for identification.
Martha Fruiting Chamber A popular style of medium-sized, automated fruiting chamber, often built using a tiered indoor greenhouse with a plastic cover. It is typically outfitted with a humidifier and a fan controlled by timers or sensors to maintain optimal fruiting conditions. The name originates from a Martha Stewart-brand closet organizer that was first adapted for this purpose.
Master's Mix A highly nutritious substrate blend, popularized by T.R. Davis, consisting of a 50:50 ratio of hardwood sawdust and soybean hulls by dry weight. It is known for producing high yields of many wood-loving gourmet mushrooms.
Mating Type The fungal equivalent of sexes. In heterothallic species, hyphae of two different but compatible mating types must fuse for sexual reproduction to occur.
Medicinal Mushroom A mushroom that is used for its health-promoting properties, which are attributed to its bioactive compounds. Examples include Reishi (
Ganoderma lucidum), Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus), and Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Meiosis The process of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms that reduces the number of chromosomes from diploid to haploid, leading to the formation of four daughter cells. In fungi, meiosis occurs within the basidium or ascus to produce basidiospores or ascospores.
Melzer's Reagent An iodine-based chemical reagent (containing iodine, potassium iodide, and chloral hydrate) used in microscopy to test for amyloid, dextrinoid, or inamyloid reactions in fungal tissues and spores. These reactions are crucial taxonomic indicators. Due to the controlled status of chloral hydrate, it is difficult for amateurs to obtain.
Mesophilic Describes organisms that grow best in moderate temperatures, typically between 20°C and 45°C. Most cultivated mushrooms are mesophilic.
Metabolism The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life.
Secondary metabolites are compounds produced by an organism that are not directly involved in growth or reproduction, such as pigments, antibiotics, or toxins. The yellowish liquid sometimes secreted by mycelium ("myc piss") is composed of secondary metabolites.
Metuloid A type of thick-walled, often encrusted cystidium, particularly a pleurocystidium, that projects significantly from the hymenium.
Microscopic Too small to be seen by the naked eye; requiring a microscope for observation. Refers to features like spores, basidia, and cystidia.
Monokaryotic A fungal hypha or mycelium that contains only one nucleus per cell (haploid). This is the state of mycelium that germinates from a single spore before it has fused with a compatible partner.
Monomitic Describes a hyphal system composed of only generative hyphae. Fungi with monomitic flesh are typically soft and fleshy.
Monotub A popular, simple, and effective type of fruiting chamber for home cultivation, made from a single large, clear plastic storage tub with a lid. Holes are typically drilled in the tub and stuffed with polyfil or covered with micropore tape to allow for gas exchange while maintaining humidity.
Morphology The study of the form and structure of organisms and their specific structural features.
MS / MSS (Multi-Spore / Multi-Spore Syringe) An acronym for Multi-Spore Syringe. This is a common method for starting a culture, where spores from a spore print are suspended in sterile water in a syringe. Inoculating with an MSS introduces thousands of genetically unique spores to the substrate. This creates a "genetic lottery": the spores germinate, their hyphae mate, and the resulting mycelium is a heterokaryon composed of countless competing genotypes. The performance of a multi-spore grow can be unpredictable. This stands in stark contrast to methods that offer genetic control, such as cloning. The typical progression for an advanced cultivator is to start with the MSS lottery, identify a high-performing mushroom from the resulting flush, and then
clone it to agar. This captures a single, proven genotype. This isolated culture can then be expanded into Liquid Culture (LC) or master grain jars and propagated indefinitely via Grain-to-Grain (G2G) transfers, ensuring every subsequent grow exhibits the same desirable traits. This workflow represents a fundamental journey in cultivation from chance to control.
Mycelium (pl. Mycelia; Myc) The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. The mycelium is the main body of the organism, responsible for nutrient absorption and growth, and is typically hidden within the substrate (e.g., soil, wood, or grain). The mushroom is merely the temporary reproductive fruit of this extensive network. The common shorthand is Myc.
Mycobiont The fungal partner in a symbiotic relationship, such as in a lichen or a mycorrhiza.
Mycology The scientific study of fungi.
Mycophagy The act of consuming fungi.
Mycophile A person who loves fungi; an amateur mushroom enthusiast or hunter.
Mycophobe A person who has an irrational fear of fungi.
Mycorrhiza (pl. Mycorrhizae) A symbiotic (usually mutualistic) association between a fungus and the roots of a plant. The fungus's mycelium extends the plant's root system, increasing its ability to absorb water and nutrients, and in return, the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis. This relationship is vital for the health of most terrestrial ecosystems.
Mycosis A disease caused by a fungal infection in an animal or human.
Mycotoxin A toxic secondary metabolite produced by a fungus.
Myxomycetes The scientific name for slime molds, which are no longer classified within the kingdom Fungi but are often studied by mycologists due to their historical classification and similar life cycle aspects.
N
Necrotrophic Describes a parasitic fungus that kills its host's cells and then feeds on the dead organic matter.
Nematophagous Fungus A carnivorous fungus that can trap and digest nematodes (roundworms).
Noc (Inoculate) A slang abbreviation for "inoculate" used in online forums.
O
Operculum A hinged lid or cap on an ascus or sporangium that opens to release spores.
Osmotrophic A mode of nutrition where an organism absorbs dissolved organic compounds directly from its environment through osmosis. This is the characteristic feeding method of all true fungi.
Ostiole A small pore-like opening through which spores are released from certain types of fruiting bodies, such as a perithecium or pycnidium.
Overlay A condition where dense, undifferentiated mycelium grows over the surface of the casing layer, forming a thick, matted, and often impermeable layer. Overlay can prevent pinning and is typically caused by a lack of fresh air exchange (high CO2), low humidity, or a casing layer that is too nutritious or has been colonized for too long.
Oyster Shells Crushed oyster shells, which are primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO3), are often added to substrates or casing layers to act as a slow-release pH buffer.
P
Parasite An organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host.
Paraphyses Sterile, filamentous hyphae that are packed between the asci in the hymenium of many ascomycetes. Their morphology can be useful for identification.
Partial Veil A layer of tissue in immature agarics that stretches from the stipe to the edge of the cap, covering and protecting the developing gills. As the cap expands, it ruptures, leaving behind an annulus (ring) on the stipe and/or veil remnants on the cap margin.
Pasteurization A process of moderate heat treatment (typically 60-80°C or 140-175°F) designed to reduce the population of competing microorganisms in a substrate without achieving full sterilization. This method is preferred for bulk substrates like straw or manure because it kills most harmful competitors while leaving some beneficial, heat-resistant microbes that can help suppress the growth of molds.
Pathogen An organism, such as a fungus, that can cause disease.
PC (Pressure Cooker) An acronym for Pressure Cooker, an essential piece of equipment for sterilizing media and grain.
PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) A common, rich agar medium used for cultivating fungi, made from potato infusion, dextrose (a sugar), and agar.
Peat (Peat Moss) Partially decomposed organic matter, primarily from sphagnum moss, accumulated in waterlogged, anaerobic conditions. It is highly acidic and has excellent water retention, making it a primary component of many casing layer recipes after being neutralized with lime.
Pellicle A thin skin or film, such as the skin-like surface of some mushroom caps.
Peridiole A small, seed-like structure containing basidiospores, found within the fruiting bodies of bird's nest fungi.
Peridium The outer protective wall or layer of a fruiting body, especially in gasteromycetes like puffballs.
Perithecium A flask-shaped or spherical ascocarp that releases its spores through a small pore (ostiole) at the top.
Perlite A form of amorphous volcanic glass that is heated to expand into a lightweight, highly porous material. In cultivation, it is used in the bottom of fruiting chambers (like the SGFC) to increase ambient humidity through evaporation from its vast surface area.
PF Tek An acronym for the Psilocybe Fanaticus Technique, a groundbreaking cultivation method for beginners developed by Robert McPherson (Psylocybe Fanaticus). It involves using jars filled with a substrate of brown rice flour (BRF), vermiculite, and water, which are then sterilized, inoculated with spores, and fruited as individual "cakes."
pH A logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. Monitoring and adjusting the pH of substrates and casing layers is important for optimizing growth and suppressing contaminants.
Photobiont The photosynthetic partner (an alga or cyanobacterium) in a lichen.
Phototrophic Describes an organism that can perform photosynthesis. While fungi are not phototrophic, some exhibit phototropism, which is growth in response to a light stimulus (e.g., growing towards light).
Pileipellis The microscopic outer layer or "skin" of the mushroom cap (pileus). The cellular structure of the pileipellis (e.g., a cutis, trichoderm, or epithelium) is a critical feature for microscopic identification and determines the macroscopic texture of the cap (e.g., smooth, velvety, or slimy).
Pileus The scientific name for the cap of a mushroom.
Pin / Pinhead / Pinning A "pin" or "pinhead" is the common term for a mushroom primordium, the very first visible stage of a developing mushroom, often no larger than the head of a pin. "Pinning" is the process of these primordia forming on the substrate surface, marking the transition from vegetative to fruiting growth.
Plasmogamy The fusion of the cytoplasm of two parent cells (e.g., from two compatible hyphae) without the fusion of their nuclei, bringing the two haploid nuclei together in the same cell to create a dikaryon.
Pleurocystidium A cystidium located on the face of a mushroom gill.
Polyfil (Polyester Fiberfill) A synthetic polyester fiber stuffing used as a filtering material in cultivation. It is commonly used to stuff holes in the lids of grain jars or in monotubs to allow for gas exchange while preventing the entry of contaminants.
Polypore A large group of fungi, members of the order Polyporales, characterized by a fruiting body with a porous hymenophore (pore surface) on the underside. They are typically tough, woody, or leathery in texture and grow on wood.
Pores The openings of the tubes on the underside of a bolete or polypore. The size, shape, and color of the pores are important identification features.
Primordium (pl. Primordia) The earliest stage of development of a fruiting body; the embryonic mushroom that forms on the mycelium. These structures are colloquially known as "pins."
Propagule Any part of an organism (e.g., a spore, a mycelial fragment) that can become detached and give rise to a new individual.
Protologue The original publication in which a new scientific name for an organism is formally described.
Psilocybin A naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in over 200 species of mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms". Upon ingestion, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects.
Pubescent Covered with fine, short, soft hairs.
Puffball A type of gasteromycete fungus with a spherical or pear-shaped fruiting body that does not have an open cap and gills. The spores are formed in the internal gleba, which becomes a powdery mass at maturity and is released through an apical pore or when the peridium ruptures.
Pure Culture A culture containing only a single strain of a single species, free from all other organisms. Pure cultures are the foundation of reliable and repeatable mushroom cultivation.
R
Relative Humidity (RH) See Humidity.
Resupinate A growth form, common in crust fungi and some polypores, where the fruiting body lies flat against the substrate with the hymenium facing outwards, lacking a stipe or a distinct cap.
Reticulate / Reticulation Having a net-like pattern of lines or ridges on a surface. This term is often used to describe the stipe of some boletes or the ornamentation on some spores.
Rhizoids Root-like hyphal structures that anchor the mycelium to the substrate.
Rhizomorphic A type of mycelial growth characterized by thick, rope-like or root-like strands called rhizomorphs. This growth is often faster and more aggressive than tomentose (fluffy) mycelium and is frequently considered an indicator of a healthy, productive culture.
Ring The common term for the annulus.
Ring Zone A faint zone or line on the stipe left behind by a collapsed or ephemeral partial veil or cortina.
S
S2B (Spawn to Bulk) An acronym for the process of "spawning to bulk," which involves mixing fully colonized grain spawn with a larger volume of pasteurized bulk substrate (like CVG) inside a fruiting container (like a monotub).
SAB (Still Air Box) An acronym for Still Air Box. A simple, homemade enclosure, typically a clear plastic tub with arm holes, used to create an environment with minimal air currents for performing sterile work like inoculations and agar transfers. The still air allows airborne contaminants to settle, reducing the chance of them falling into a sterile culture. It is a budget-friendly alternative to a laminar flow hood.
Saprobe / Saprophyte / Saprotroph An organism that obtains its nutrients by decomposing dead or decaying organic matter. Most cultivated gourmet mushrooms (e.g., Oyster, Shiitake) are saprobes.
Scabers Small, rough, projecting scales or tufts on a surface, particularly the stipe of mushrooms in the genus Leccinum.
Sclerotium (pl. Sclerotia) A hard, dense, dormant mass of mycelium that serves as a food reserve and survival structure, allowing the fungus to withstand unfavorable environmental conditions. Some fungi, like Psilocybe tampanensis and Morchella species, produce sclerotia, which are sometimes harvested themselves ("philosopher's stones" or "truffles").
Scrobiculate Marked with small pits or depressions, often used to describe the stipe of some Lactarius species.
Secondary Metabolite A compound produced by an organism that is not essential for its primary growth or reproduction but may serve other functions, such as defense (antibiotics, toxins) or signaling. The yellowish liquid ("myc piss") secreted by mycelium is composed of secondary metabolites.
Sectoring The phenomenon on an agar plate where a mycelial culture exhibits distinct morphological differences in different areas or "sectors." This often indicates the presence of multiple genetic strains originating from a multi-spore germination or a mutation. Isolating from a desirable sector is a method of strain selection.
Selective Medium A culture medium designed to support the growth of a particular organism while inhibiting the growth of others. For example, agar amended with an antibiotic is selective for fungi over bacteria.
Senescence The process of aging in a cell or culture, leading to a decline in vigor, growth rate, and reproductive capacity. Mycelial cultures can undergo senescence after too many successive transfers (generations).
Septate Having septa (cross-walls) that divide hyphae into individual cells.
Septum (pl. Septa) A cross-wall that divides a hypha into compartments or cells.
Serrate Having a toothed or saw-like edge, used to describe the margin of some mushroom gills.
Sessile Attached directly by the base, without a stalk or stipe. Many polypores have a sessile growth habit.
Setae (sing. Seta) Dark, thick-walled, spine-like cystidia found in the hymenium of some polypores and crust fungi.
Shotgun Fruiting Chamber (SGFC) A simple, popular type of fruiting chamber for beginners, made from a clear plastic tote with numerous small holes drilled on all six sides. A layer of damp perlite at the bottom provides humidity through evaporation, and the holes facilitate passive fresh air exchange.
Sinuate A type of gill attachment where the gills have a distinct notch just before they attach to the stipe.
Slant A test tube containing agar that was solidified at an angle to create a larger surface area for mycelial growth. Slants are a preferred method for the long-term storage of fungal cultures.
Slime Mold A broad term for a group of non-fungal eukaryotic organisms that have a plasmodial or amoeboid vegetative stage and produce spore-bearing fruiting bodies. See Myxomycetes.
Slime Veil A universal veil composed of a slimy or glutinous substance rather than a membranous tissue.
Soma The vegetative body of an organism, as distinct from its reproductive parts. In fungi, the mycelium is the soma.
Soredium (pl. Soredia) A microscopic, powdery vegetative propagule of a lichen, consisting of a few algal cells wrapped in fungal hyphae.
Spawn A medium, typically sterilized grain or sawdust, that has been fully colonized by mushroom mycelium and is used to inoculate a bulk substrate. Using spawn provides a vigorous and contamination-resistant head start for colonization of the final substrate.
Spawn Run The period of mycelial growth through a substrate after it has been inoculated with spawn; synonymous with colonization or incubation.
Spawning The act of mixing spawn into a bulk substrate.
Species The fundamental unit of taxonomic classification, generally defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. In mycology, species are increasingly defined by DNA sequence similarity (phylogenetic species concept) rather than just morphology.
Spore The microscopic reproductive unit of a fungus, analogous to a seed. Spores are produced in immense numbers and are dispersed to germinate and form new mycelia. They can be the product of sexual (e.g., basidiospores, ascospores) or asexual (e.g., conidia) reproduction.
Spore Print A mass deposit of spores collected by placing a mature mushroom cap, gills down, on a surface like paper or foil. The color of the spore print is a primary characteristic used for mushroom identification.
Spore Syringe A syringe containing fungal spores suspended in sterile water, used for inoculation. See
MSS (Multi-Spore Syringe).
Sporocarp A general term for a multicellular structure on which spore-producing structures are borne; a fruiting body.
Sporulate The act of a mushroom producing and releasing its spores. For cultivators, harvesting is often timed to occur just before or at the beginning of sporulation to maintain a clean growing area and maximize the quality of the fruiting body.
Stem (Stipe) The stalk that supports the cap of a mushroom.
Sterigmata (sing. Sterigma) Microscopic, prong-like projections on a basidium upon which basidiospores are formed.
Sterilization The process of eliminating all forms of microbial life, including transmissible agents like bacteria, fungi, and their highly resistant spores, from a surface, medium, or piece of equipment. In cultivation, this is typically achieved with pressurized steam in an autoclave or pressure cooker at 121°C (250°F) and 15 PSI. It is essential for preparing nutrient-rich media like grain and agar.
Stipe The scientific term for the stem or stalk of a mushroom.
Strain A genetic subtype within a species, possessing a unique set of characteristics. Cultivators select and propagate strains for desirable traits such as yield, growth rate, environmental tolerance, or morphology.
Striate Marked with fine parallel lines or grooves, often used to describe the margin of a mushroom cap.
Stroma (pl. Stromata) A dense, structural mass of vegetative mycelium in or on which fruiting bodies are formed. It can also refer to a non-fruiting, dense mycelial mat that forms on a substrate, often due to stress or unfavorable conditions.
Substrate (Sub) Any substance or material that mycelium uses as a source of nutrients and moisture to grow. The choice of substrate depends on the species being cultivated and can range from wood logs, sawdust, and straw to compost, coffee grounds, and grain. The common shorthand is Sub.
Supplementation The practice of adding nitrogen-rich materials (e.g., wheat bran, soybean hulls) to a primary substrate (e.g., sawdust) to increase its nutritional content and improve mushroom yields.
Symbiosis A close and long-term interaction between two different biological species. This can be mutualistic (both benefit), commensal (one benefits, one is unaffected), or parasitic (one benefits, one is harmed).
T
Tek An abbreviation for "technique," widely used in the cultivation community to refer to a specific method or set of instructions for a particular process (e.g., PF Tek, Monotub Tek).
Teleomorph The sexual reproductive stage of a fungus, which produces sexual spores (e.g., ascospores or basidiospores) through meiosis. This is also referred to as the "perfect" stage.
Terrarium A general term for an enclosed container for growing plants or small animals, sometimes used to refer to a mushroom fruiting chamber.
Thallic A mode of conidiogenesis where a cross-wall (septum) forms first, and the cell behind it then develops into a conidium.
Thallus The undifferentiated vegetative body of a fungus, i.e., the mycelium.
Thermophile An organism that thrives at relatively high temperatures, above 45°C. Some thermophilic fungi are important in the initial, high-temperature phases of composting.
Tissue Culture The process of cloning a mushroom by taking a sterile sample of its internal tissue and placing it on an agar medium to grow out a new mycelial culture. This is a primary method for preserving and propagating desirable genetics.
Tomentose Having a surface covered with a dense layer of soft, matted, woolly hairs. A term used to describe a type of mycelial growth that is fluffy or cottony in appearance, as opposed to rhizomorphic.
Trama The sterile, fleshy tissue of a fruiting body that supports the hymenium, such as the flesh inside a mushroom gill.
Trich (Trichoderma) The common slang term for Trichoderma mold, a pervasive and aggressive green mold contaminant.
Trichoderm A type of pileipellis where the outermost hyphae are arranged perpendicularly to the cap surface, like the pile of a carpet, often giving the cap a velvety texture.
Trimitic A hyphal system composed of all three types of hyphae: generative, skeletal, and binding. This results in a very tough, woody, or corky texture, typical of perennial polypores.
Truffle The edible, subterranean ascocarp (fruiting body) of a mycorrhizal fungus, most famously those in the genus Tuber. They are highly prized for their intense aroma and flavor.
Tubes The hollow, vertically oriented cylinders that make up the hymenophore of boletes and polypores. The inner surfaces are lined with the hymenium (basidia), and spores are released through the openings at the bottom, which are the pores.
Tyndallization (Fractional Sterilization) A sterilization method that does not require a pressure cooker. The medium is heated to boiling temperature (100°C) for a period (e.g., 30 minutes) on three successive days. The heat kills vegetative cells, and the resting periods in between allow heat-resistant spores to germinate, making them vulnerable to the next heating cycle. It is less reliable than pressure sterilization.
U
UB / UB Tek An acronym for Uncle Ben's, a brand of pre-cooked, sterilized, microwaveable rice packets. UB Tek refers to a popular beginner cultivation technique that leverages these packets by inoculating them directly with spores or liquid culture, bypassing the need for the grower to prepare and sterilize their own grain.
Umbonate Describes a mushroom cap that has a raised, knob-like bump (an umbo) in the center.
Universal Veil A layer of tissue that completely encloses the immature fruiting body of certain mushrooms (e.g., Amanita species). As the mushroom grows and expands, the universal veil ruptures, leaving remnants such as a volva at the base of the stipe and/or warts or patches on the surface of the cap.
V
Veil A general term for a membranous tissue that covers or protects parts of a developing mushroom. See Partial Veil and Universal Veil.
Vermiculite (Verm) A silicate mineral that is expanded by heat to form a lightweight, highly absorbent, and porous material. It is used in cultivation to improve the water retention and aeration of substrates (like in BRF cakes) and casing layers. The common shorthand is verm
Verticillium (Dry Bubble Disease) A type of fungal disease that can infect mushroom crops, caused by species of Verticillium. It can cause malformed, dry, and leathery mushrooms or brown spots.
Viscid Having a sticky or slimy surface, often due to a gelatinous pileipellis.
Volva A cup-like or sac-like structure at the base of the stipe of some mushrooms, which is the remnant of the universal veil. The presence and type of volva (e.g., saccate, friable) are critical identification features, especially for the genus Amanita
W
Warts Remnants of the universal veil that remain on the cap surface as distinct, pyramid-shaped or rounded flecks of tissue.
WBS (Wild Bird Seed) An acronym for Wild Bird Seed, a common and inexpensive grain mixture (often based on millet) used to create grain spawn.
White Rot A type of wood decay caused by fungi that can decompose both lignin and cellulose, leaving the wood with a pale, stringy, or fibrous appearance.
X
Xerocomoid A term describing the tube layer of some boletes (e.g., in the genus Xerocomus) that is not easily separable from the cap flesh, unlike in a typical Boletus.
Xerophilic Describes an organism that can grow and reproduce in conditions with very low water availability.
Y
Yeast A general term for unicellular fungi that reproduce primarily by budding. Yeasts are not a formal taxonomic group but a morphological description. They can be a form of contamination in mushroom cultivation, often appearing as slimy or shiny patches on agar or grain.
Yield The total mass of fresh mushrooms harvested from a substrate over its entire productive life (all flushes). It is a key metric for assessing the success and efficiency of a cultivation project.
Z
Zonate Marked with concentric bands of different colors or textures, often used to describe a mushroom cap or the appearance of a culture on an agar plate.
Zoospore A motile, asexual spore that uses a flagellum for locomotion in water. This is characteristic of fungi in the phylum Chytridiomycota.
Zygospore A thick-walled, sexual resting spore formed from the fusion of two similar gametangia, characteristic of fungi formerly in the phylum Zygomycota.
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