Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

1. What color of light has the most positive effect on mushroom formation?
2. what happens if a mushroom is exposed to no light, or too much light?
3. what nutrients or fertilizers are the best at boosting mushroom growth?
4. can mushrooms be grafted like other plants?

Sounds like you are interested in factors that influence mushroom growth.

For general background, you should look up "mushrooms" in an online source such as Wikipedia.

Since mushrooms get their nutrients from organic material in the soil (like decaying wood), and don't make their own food by photosynthesis, they don't need light and can grow in total darkness.

I think you can quickly find information on how to grow edible mushrooms. If this is your interest, then I suggest you construct a web search and see if that sparks your interest.

Good luck--

Thanks for the response and ideas.

Hi,
I just wanted to add that, although some mushrooms grow in total darkness (for example, the common white-button mushrooms sold in most grocery stores), most species of fungus will produce more mushrooms (the fruiting bodies of the fungus) in lighted conditions. This will all become clear as soon as you read up a little bit on fungi and mushrooms.
Good luck!
Chris