Unlock the Power of Mycology: The Future of Nutrition, Health, and Environmental Safety

The fascinating field of mycology has a profound impact on human nutrition, health, and environmental safety. By cultivating edible and non-edible mushrooms, researchers can unlock new avenues for nutrition, pharmaceuticals, biopolymers, and biocomposites, while also utilizing agricultural residues more efficiently.

Cultivation of Mushrooms: A Challenge and an Opportunity

Domesticating and cultivating wild mushrooms poses a significant challenge in meeting the nutritional needs of humans and animals, while utilizing agrowastes effectively. However, the benefits are well worth the effort, as mycology can provide a sustainable source of nutrients, pharmaceuticals, and other valuable products.

The Importance of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi

Cultivating ectomycorrhizal fungi can have a dual benefit on nutrition and plant protection. This symbiotic relationship between fungi and plants can enhance plant growth, improve soil health, and increase crop yields.

Macrofungi: A Treasure Trove of Metabolites

Macrofungi are a rich source of various metabolites with nutritional, health, agricultural, and industrial significance. These metabolites include antioxidants, antimicrobials, and pigments, which can be used in a wide range of applications.

Macrofungal Bio Composites: A Sustainable Alternative

Macrofungal bio composites offer a sustainable alternative to animal-derived or plant-derived products, such as nanopapers, leather, and packaging materials. These composites can provide a dual benefit by serving as a source of nutrition and pharmaceuticals for humans and livestock alike.

Symbiotic Relationships between Macrofungi and Insects

Macrofungi have been found to interact with insects in a symbiotic relationship, providing delicious nutraceutical products. For instance, the relationship between Termitomyces and termites results in a valuable nutraceutical product. Additionally, macrofungi can control insects by infecting and producing pharmaceutically and metabolite-rich products, such as Cordyceps.

Macrofungi in Bioremediation and Biofertilization

Macrofungi have a strong potential to control pathogens like nematodes in soil, making them an effective tool for bioremediation. They can also serve as biofertilizers, providing essential nutrients to plants and promoting sustainable agriculture.

This book outlines the current advances in macrofungal technology, highlighting various facets of macrofungal cultivation, bioactive compounds, biocomposites, nutraceuticals, benefits of interaction with insects, application as biofertilizers, and ecosystem services like bioremediation.

Product Details:
Publisher: CRC Press
Language: English
ISBN: 9781032381671, 9781000996159