Kerala - Pathanamthitta   

National workshop on biodiversity of fungi

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Department of Botany at St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry, is organising a National workshop on ‘biodiversity of fungi with special reference to mushrooms’ at the college auditorium from October 28 to 30.

According to Dr. K. Danielkutty, head of the botany department, the seminar will be organised in association with Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Mahatma Gandhi University and the University Grants Commission.

Scientific sessions including plant pathology, fungal taxonomy, fungal diversity, mushroom diversity and cultivation of edible mushrooms will be held at the seminar.

Dr. Danielkutty said fungi played a crucial role in carbon recycling and convert dead organic matter into useful nutrients in the ecosystem. Fungal pathogens are the most serious cause of crop loss and the workshop highlight the latest trends in this area.

He said most vascular plants could not grow without the symbiotic fungal associations or mycorrhizae. Fungi provide numerous antibiotics such as penicillin, griesofulvin, anti-rejection drugs in organ transplant surgery.

Mushroom production can play an important role in managing farm organic wastes. They are low in protein, but are a good source (especially for vegetarians) of Vitamin B12 and Zinc, essential for creating red blood cells and helps against anxiety, fatigue, stress and depression.

However, non-organic mushrooms have some of the highest residues of fungicides and pesticides of any food.

Dr. C. Mohanan from the Kerala Forest Research Institute at Peechi; Dr. P. Manimohan from Calicut University; Dr. Mani Varghese, former Professor at Aluva Union Christian College; Dr. T. Muthukumar from Bharathiyar University; Alex John from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Thelliyoor; and Dr. Jasy Thomas of St. Thomas College; will lead the technical sessions at the seminar.

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