A Method for Citizen Scientists to Catalogue Worldwide Chlorociboria spp. Distribution

Abstract

Abstract:The blue-green pigment known as xylindein that is produced by species in the Chlorociboria genus is under heavy investigation for its potential in textile dyes, wood dyes, and solar cells. Xylindein has not yet been synthesized, and while its production can be stimulated under laboratory conditions, it is also plentiful in downed, decayed wood in forested lands. Unfortunately, little is known about the wood preference and forest type preference for this genus, especially outside New Zealand. To map the genus would be a massive undertaking, and herein a method by which citizen scientists could contribute to the distribution map of Chlorociboria species is proposed. The initial trial of this method found untrained participants successfully identified Chlorociboria stained wood in each instance, regardless of forest type. This simple, easy identification and classification system should be well received by citizen-scientists and is the first step towards a global understanding of how xylindein production might be managed for across various ecosystems.

Exploratory Sampling of Spalting Fungi in the Southern Peruvian Amazon Forest

“…This method has been previously applied with a high degree of success for finding wood colonized with Chlorociboria spp. [71].…”

“…Slants rather than Petri dishes were used to reduce the probabilities of contaminants in the cultures. This decision was made by previous experience while collecting samples in a similar environment by the same team [71,72].…”

“…As the purpose of the culturing was to propagate unknown fungal species, only a visual evaluation could be used to determine if the fungus growing on the plate was the one of interest. This was done through color matching (e.g., the pigmentation the fungus made in wood had to be similar to the one the culture was making on the plate) [71] or confirmation of zone line production.…”