Investigating Fungi Which Cause Rot and Decay

 

John Johnson

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 1990, Volume 11

Abstract

The fungi which cause rot and decay in our forests are vital members of the ecosystem. By decomposing the hard woody stems of trees they help recycle important nutrients, minerals, and carbohydrates. Unlike many organisms which are easy to see, the fungi are often hidden under bark or within living stems and their presence is not obvious. This laboratory exercise provides instructors with information about where to find and how to visualize and manipulate fungi which cause rot and decay, while discovering how ubiquitous and important they are.

Keywords:  fungi, isolation, visualization, recycling

University of New Brunswick (1989)