Enthusiasm for Fungi

In October, more than 1,300 visitors came to the ÖBG to marvel at a colourful array of 150 fungal fruiting bodies, learn all about fungi, gain insights into fungal research at the University of Bayreuth, and exchange ideas about fungi.

Tips on finding, identifying, and preparing edible fungi were provided by Stefan Niclas, a ranger in the Northern Upper Palatinate Forest Nature Park, in a talk aimed especially at those interested in the culinary qualities of edible fungi. Children and their parents were invited to delve into the enchanting world of “Fascinating Filaments” with fun activities led by experiential educator Isabel Löwentraut. Additionally, a comprehensive collection of specialised literature curated by Roland Kastner, a fungi enthusiast and ÖBG gardener, was available for browsing and self-study.

The two fungi walks around the open grounds of the ÖBG with freelance fungi expert Wolfgang Fischer were also very popular, as he led participants in discovering the biodiversity of fungi on site and explained their ecological roles. Equally well-received was the information booth and workshop on “Fungi Cultivation” by David Naubert, a fungi cultivation expert and geoecology student, where visitors learned how to grow edible fungi (such as oyster mushrooms, shiitake, and lion’s mane) in their own gardens and homes.

As a glimpse into current fungal research at the University of Bayreuth, the technique of inoculating wooden plugs to introduce and preserve rare wood-decaying fungi on logs was demonstrated. This technique is part of a research project at the Chair of Fungal Ecology in collaboration with the Bavarian Forest National Park. Another fascinating research area at the University of Bayreuth, the interaction between fungi and most land plants, known as mycorrhiza, was showcased, with visitors able to observe it through microscopes.

A New Format with Great Commitment

The Bayreuth Fungi Days were organised with great dedication by early-career researchers Andreas Wild (Chair of Agroecology), Dr. Franziska Zahn (Chair of Fungal Ecology), and geoecology master’s student Tim Eberling, in close cooperation with the ÖBG. The event was financially supported by the Rainer Markgraf Foundation. A highlight of the Bayreuth Fungi Days was also the Sunday Café hosted by the Friends of the ÖBG, where fungi enthusiasts could enjoy a break with coffee, tea, and cake.

The first Bayreuth Fungi Days were a great success, and a follow-up event with new ideas and fresh fungi is already planned for next year.