ISMSNEWS
Mushrooms, research here, there and everywhere
S
ince my studies, I have been fascinated by mushrooms. Research into the basics of fruit body formation, molecular developmental biology, is scarce, and remaining true to this subject has resulted in relatively short periods of employment in many locations; Utrecht, South-Korea, Japan and China. Seems great, as ‘international research’ stands in good stead. However, without a sound platform ‘international’ quickly turns into ‘frag- mented’ and ‘research’ into ‘searching for loose nuggets of information’. How ‘international’ or ‘fragmented’ is the molecular developmental biology of mushrooms? To start with, there are huge differences in the general perception people have of mushrooms. In Europe neutral, in Asia mainly positive. In Europe, ’common’ mushrooms are grown, in Asia exotic varieties predominate. This influences the desira- bility, and consequently the resources made available for research. The result is a huge variation of the preference models for research. Furthermore, developmental biology of mushrooms at molecu- lar level is a new discipline. Only thanks to recent technological advances in genetic transformation systems and sequencing has it become possible to apply this type of research to mushrooms. In traditional dominant model organisms for example, it has only been possible to efficiently eliminate target genes since five years. That is a very short time to consolidate a model. Moreover, these models have been integrated into research performed in the west. Worth mentioning too is a sharp increase in Asia in mushroom develop- mental biology, while in the west the reverse trend is apparent. This combination has favoured the selection of different model organisms, supported by the increasing linking of research to its
immediate societal importance.
The lack of an academic-focussed background and language barriers also hamper globalisation. A great deal of emerging research into mushroom developmental biology takes place in agricultural insti- tutes that study biodiversity, breeding, cultiva- tion and disease management. All of a sudden, university departments are expected to work in accordance with international academic ways of thinking at molecular level. This transition - and the English language - presents a tough challenge for Asia. Consequently, many inter- esting new developments are confined to local publications, where insufficient knowledge of
Asian languages forms an obstacle to the west. The importance of mushroom-forming moulds will continue to augment as more knowledge is unlocked, and this makes for excit- ing future perspectives. A lack of unity continues to restrict further advances on the current status. Implementing technology cur- rently available for non-mushroom forming moulds, and quickly disseminating progression made nationally and internationally could help improve the situation. I would therefore like to advocate the foundation of structured communities for the various strains of mushrooms. These groups could then organise their own satellite meetings, actively assist Asian colleagues, and build bridges between agricultural and academic research. This will stimulate knowledge exchange and promote future forms of collaboration. I hope that others will rally in support of these ideas, with possibly an important role for the ISMS.
Arend van Peer
NEWS Karmelita joins Spyra
Daniel Karmelita has joined the Polish spawn producer Spyra recently, as Key Accountmanager.
“As a result of the dynamic growth of our company and due to the increasing demand for the best quality service, we are delighted that we have recently welcomed Daniel Karmelita to our team”, says Szymon Spyra, director of the spawn company. As the Key Accountmanager, Karmelita (35) will provide Spyra’s key custom- ers with ‘the highest standards of service’, not only in Poland but also within the entire CEE region.
Spyra: “What Daniel brings into our team is a broad managerial experience gained at numer- ous international companies, commitment, goal orientation and vast knowledge of mushroom cultivation process management.” After some years in the Polish meat industry, Karmelita worked at Monaghan Mushrooms, Suff olk Mushrooms and Adelaide Mushrooms. Before joining Spyra, he worked as Technical Consultant for Amycel Poland for 2,5 years. Daniel Karmel- ita can be reached by phone: +48 788 872 887
Photo: Spyra MUSHROOM BUSINESS 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
