Fungi composting

Although very good rates of biodegradation have been claimed in composting tests it is stated that biodegradation will only occur where there is sufficient moisture and concentration of soil bacteria and fungi and somewhat elevated temperatures. 

Douds DD Jr, Galvez L, Franke-Snyder M, Reider C, Drinkwater LE (1997) Effect of compost addition and crop rotation point upon VAM fungi. Agric Ecosys Environ 65 257-266... 

Composting is a biological process mediated by microbes belonging to the kingdom Protest, which includes bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, and virus particles (Table 12.2). Microbes can be classified into metabolic types based on the carbon and energy sources utilized by the cell. Autotrophs use carbon dioxide as a... 

Chang Y, Hudson HJ (1967) The fungi of wheat straw compost. I. Ecological studies. Trans Br Mycol Soc 50 649-666... 

Unbelievable as it may sound, a single teaspoonful of fertile soil can contain more bacteria and fungi than the number of humans living on the planet. These microorganisms, which are invisible to the naked eye, break down compost, manure, and other organic materials that are added to the soil, to provide a steady supply of nutrients for plants to take up. Their activities also help to... 

Granit,T., Chen, Y., and Hadar, Y. (2007). Humic acids bleaching by white-rot fungi isolated from biosolids compost. Soil Biol. Biochem. 36,1040-1046. 

Kane, E. B. and T. J. Mullins. Thermophilic Fungi in a Municipal Waste Compost System. Mycologia. 65 1087-1100. 

Basil is rarely troubled by pests or diseases. Protect plants with row covers when temperatures drop below 40°F or dark spots caused by cold injury may appear on leaves. Fungi may also cause dark spots on foliage. Remove spotted leaves and spray foliage with compost tea or sulfur if problem is severe. If leaves are mottled yellow with tumed-down edges, plants may have cucumber mosaic virus. Destroy infected plants. See the Herbs entry beginning on page 116 for other problems. 

Leaves with powdery white growth on upper surface. Cause Powdery mildew. This symptom is caused by a number of fungi, each of which attacks only specific plants. Thin plants to increase air movement and reduce moisture around leaves. Spray plants with compost tea, sulfur, or bordeaux mix to prevent the spread of mild infections. 

---