Spore prints

Spore Prints and Preparation, 248 Stropharia (Psilocybe) cubensis (San Isidro), 250 Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Caps), 253 Panaeolus subbalteatus (benanosis), 256 Psilocybe cyanescens (Wavy Caps, Blue Halos), 257 Psilocybe baeocystis, 258 Pilocybe stuntzii, 260... 

Notes made about the mushrooms habitat often give valuable clues to identification of psilocybian mushrooms, as does a "spore print. This can be made by placing one specimen s cap on a sheet of white paper and, if possible, another on black paper. These mushroom caps should then be covered by a glass and left alone for several hours, until it becomes clear whether or not they are dark purple-brown. The remainder of the collection should be refrigerated (but not frozen) as soon as possible, because mushrooms deteriorate fairly rapidly in heat. They can be preserved in the vegetable bin of a refrigerator weU over a week. 

The stem of A. pantherina bears a large, lacy ring, or "collar. Appearing at its base is this species most important distinguishing feature—two or three layers or hoops of tissue attached to the stem (other remnants of the veil, left over from when the stem expands). The Panther Cap, like the Fly Agaric, can be found throughout woodlands—under trees or near stumps. The spores of both are white, so a "spore print should be taken on dark paper. 

Fig 34. Mushrooms are now ready to pick or to take spore prints from. 

FOR THIS PART OF SPORE PRINT TAKING WEAR YOUR BREATHING MASK... 

One controversial issue in the literature concerns the toxicity of one species Panaeolus foenisecii (Pers. Fr.) Kuhn. This species has previously been classified as Psilocybe as well as Psathyrella, and has been described as Panaeolina in contrast to Panaeolus, because it is a species that does not grow on dung, fruits only after the hay harvest, and develops spores that are purplish-brown and abrasive. Other Panaeolus species, however, have black spore prints when placed on white paper underneath a glass vessel to prevent dehydration. But, even the spores oiPanaeolus foenscecii (Pers..-Fr.) Kuhn.do not all ripen at the same time, which can cause the gills to appear mottled. 

A spore print is a collection of spores on a flat surface. It can serve several purposes. It can be used to assist identification of the specimen by observing its color or if made on a glass slide, by studying the shapes of the spores under a microscope. Mycological... 

Figure24a Taking a spore print on typing paper.

Figure 24b Taking a spore print on a sterile petri dish and on glass microscope slides.

This chapter discusses what genes are and what they do. it addresses the reiationship between an individual s set of genes and the characteristics of that individual. The implications of genetics for the grower or breeder of mushroom strains are examined and an improved, easy technique for generating cultures from spore prints will be presented. 

---