It’s known that a tip-high gradient of Ca2+
plays a regulatory role in mycelial tip growth in fungi and so I wondered
whether potassium would have the same direct results. Unfortunately, as stated
in my previous blog post, I found that this was not the case—either because
something went wrong during the process of my experiment or whether there is a
scientific explanation. As I had predicted after seeing my results, according
to “The Effect of Cations on the Growth of Fungi” by E.B.G. Jones and D.H.
Jennings, “Sodium stimulates dry weight production at low concentrations but
inhibits is at high concentrations.” This statement fits very well with my
results as the set of plates that was inserted with a low concentration of
potassium bicarbonate exhibited some growth as compared to the plate that was
given an excess of the very cation. Consequently, in my opinion, it seems that
the reason the set of plates with the greater amount of potassium bicarbonate
did not grow at all is because if I had inserted too much of the substance into
my agar mix.
While researching for this very explanation, I
came across several other published papers concerning potassium bicarbonate and
mycelium. More-so-than serving as a growth stimulator like Ca2+, it seems to be
that KHCO3 is a very effective natural fungicide. It has been found that increased
concentrations of potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) can act as an alternative to
synthetic fungicides. Thus, it was concluded that potassium bicarbonate was an
alternative chemical agent for controlling in particular, a natural antagonist:
R. solani AG 4 HG-I and S. sclerotiorum.
If I were a researcher at Ecovative that had
the goal of researching about potassium bicarbonate and mycelium growth, I
would continue to experiment with these two substances, trying to find the
ideal percentage of the cation. This is what many scientists like my mentor do,
in hopes of bettering their mushroom product for their consumers. However, I do
not believe I will be continuing on with this project as my mentor has notified
me that mold had started to form on the different plates as a result of my long
stay away from the lab.
Good sleuthing, Christi! I am impressed that you found a potential explanation to your work.
ReplyDeleteI found it a little challenging following your chemical references. Please refer to the same chemical identifiers in your writing. For example, use KHCO3 instead of just "potassium" in the beginning of your post.
Is there an issue with your absence from lab? Please let me know if we should do something about your internship.
Looking forward to the next update!!