Coprinus comatus

Fischer B, Yawalkar N, Brander KA, Kchler WJ, Helbling A Coprinus comatus (shaggy cap) is a potential source of aeroallergen that may provoke atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immimol 1999 104 836-841. 

Brander KA, Borbely P, Crameri R, PichlerWJ, Helbling A IgE-binding, proliferative responses and skin test reactivity to Cop c 1, the first recombinant allergen from the basidiomycete Coprinus comatus. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999 104 630-636. 

A novel antifungal protein, designated chrysancorin, was isolated from the seeds of Chrysanthemum coronarium var. spatiosum LH Bailey [259]. It inhibits the activity of human immunodeficiency virus-reverse transcriptase (HIV-RT). The protein also possesses antifungal activity towards Botrytis cinerea, Mycosphaerella arachidicola and Physalospora piricola, but not against Rhizoctonum solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Coprinus comatus and a variety of bacteria tested. 

Figure 135 Three pinheads of Coprinus comatus forming on cased section of compost. Note mycelial knot in upper center.

Figure 146 Fully mature Coprinus comatus fruiting in a tray of compost.

Fruiting Substrate Composted wheat straw enriched with horse and/or chicken manure, adjusted to 70% moisture content. Also, pasteurized chopped wheat straw supports fruitings of this species. Garcha et al. (1979) reported that composts having The distinct scent of ammonia after Phase II supported the greatest fruitings of Coprinus comatus. 

Coprinus comatus is edible and choice. However, the crops are difficult to keep because of the early onset of deliquescence. By submerging mushrooms in water, deliquescence is slowed and mushrooms remain in good condition for several days after picking. 

History, Use and/or Medical Implications Coprinus species are noted for both their edibility and toxicity. Coprinus comatus, the Shaggy Mane, is a popular edible and choice species that is cultivated. (See the growing parameter outline for that species). Coprinus atrementarius has been reported by Atkins (1973) to be a competitor to the commercial cultivation Agaricus, occurring in under-composted straw/manure. This species also causes severe nausea and other unpleasant symptoms if alcohol is consumed within twenty fours of ingestion. Jonsson et al. (1979) reported marked reduction in sperm counts in rats treated with coprine, the same compound responsible for the above described symptoms. 

The related fungus Coprinus comatus (the sha y ink cap or Lawyers wig ) is said not to interact with alcohol, nor is there anything to suggest that it ever occurs with the common field mushroom (Agaricus campestris) or the cultivated variety (Agaricus bisporis) ... 

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