02 Microscopic world of mushroom identification

In the wild, many mushroom species look extremely similar, but their edible and toxicity can vary greatly.Taking the genus Amanita as an example, some deadly poisonous mushrooms are almost indistinguishable from edible species in macroscopic manner.Micro features provide an undisputed basis for identification, especially for those species with similar appearances.

I once encountered a typical case in the Pacific Northwest of the United States: two experienced collectors have a disagreement over whether a white mushroom is edible.Macroscopic, it looks like an edible Amanita lanei, but spore analysis under microscope shows that it is actually a fatal angel mushroom (Amanita bisporigera).This example vividly illustrates how microscopic identification saves lives.

Fungal taxonomy is increasingly dependent on microscopic features.Spore morphology, cystic structure and mycelial characteristics provide reliable taxonomic data that are relatively stable and not affected by environmental factors.

Composite optical microscopes are the core tool, and the magnification should be in the range of 400-1000 times.For beginners, I recommend entry-level biomicroscopes, which cost between $300-500 to meet basic needs.More professional research may require more than $2,000 models, equipped with oil mirrors and more advanced optical systems.

Expert recommendation: Find models with ABE condenser and mechanical stage, which are extremely important when observing tiny structures.

Quick Tips: You don't need to buy all professional equipment at the beginning, and the basic configuration is enough to identify most common mushrooms.

Spore printing not only provides spore color information, but also obtains a large number of spores for microscopy observation.Traditional improvements include:

1. Choose a mature but not fully expanded cover

2. Use half-white and half-black paper to facilitate observation of spores of various colors

3. Cover the glass bowl to prevent air drying, but leave small gaps to allow moderate air circulation

4. Leave it at room temperature for 6-24 hours, the specific time depends on the mushroom type

Practical skills: For species that are difficult to produce spores, try to increase humidity in the container, or place the bacterial cap on aluminum foil instead of paper to facilitate subsequent collection of spores.

Spore color is an important indicator of mushroom classification:

Experts recommend: Observe the spore color under natural light, artificial light sources may change color perception.

When sampling from spore printing, gently dip the spores using a wet dissection needle tip.If sampling directly from the bacterial folds, carefully scrape a small amount of spores without destroying the bacterial fold structure.For porous bacteria, samples were taken from the wells of the tube.

1. Add a small drop of distilled water or 5% KOH solution in the center of the slide

2. Gently disperse the spore sample in the droplets

3. Slowly lower the coverslip at an angle of about 45 degrees to avoid bubbles

4. Use a tissue to suck off excess liquid

Common errors: Using too many samples can lead to too thick cell layers and difficult to focus.Sparse samples usually provide clearer observations.

1. Use a low-power mirror (100x) to locate the sample and general structure first

2. Switch to high power mirror (400x) to observe details

3. Use an oil mirror (1000x) to observe the fine structures such as spore surface patterns and other aspects.

20-30 mature spores were measured using a calibrated eyepiece microscope, and length and width were recorded.Calculate the mean and range to exclude spores that are significantly immature or deformed.

Professional Tips: The size of the spore also varies within the same species. Measurement of multiple spores can obtain more accurate data.

The cystic body is a specialized cell on the edges or sides of the bacterial frills, with extremely diverse morphology:

Practical application: The identification of the genus Psilocybe is extremely dependent on the characteristics of the capsule, and correct identification may be related to legal and safety issues.

Preparing thin sections of bacterial folds requires practice and patience:

1. Cut a small piece of bacteria with a sharp blade

2. Place it on the slide and gently separate it with a dissection needle

3. Add appropriate medium (water or KOH)

4. Cover the coverslip and press gently to make the sample thin.

Experts recommend: Use double-sided blades to prepare thinner slices to improve observation quality.

Cloned combination is a characteristic structure of certain bacidioids, manifested as a small loop at the junction of cells.Its presence or absence is an important classification feature.

Observation techniques: Tear extremely thin tissue sheets from the inside of the cap or stalk and place them in KOH solution to observe.

Melzer reagent (potassium iodide-iodine solution) is used to detect starch reaction:

The identification of the genus Russula and Lactarius relies heavily on the Melzer response.For example, most species of the genus Russula spores react in starchy, while the spores of Lactarius are usually non-starchy.

Safety Tips: Melzer reagent is toxic, wear gloves during operation and perform in a well-ventilated place.

Cut the slices from the edge of the cap and try to include the surface layer and a small amount of underlying tissue.For the colloidal layer, KOH may be required to help clean.

1. Clean the slides and coverslips

2. Select the right medium (water, KOH or other)

3. Sample and distribute appropriately

4. Carefully cover the coverslip

5. Remove bubbles (tap the coverslip)

6. Suck off excess liquid

7. Seal from the edge (for long-term storage)

Expert tips: For difficult-to-dye structures, try to clean them with KOH first, and then apply a dye.

1. Calibrate the micrometer before each use

2. Measure spores in multiple fields of view

3. Record maximum, minimum and average values

4. Pay attention to measurement conditions (media, magnification)

Create standardized record forms, including:

The price of modern microscope cameras has dropped significantly, and smartphone adapters can also achieve good results.Key shooting skills:

Image analysis software was used to measure spore sizes and observe records using database management.Platforms such as iNaturalist and Mushroom Observer can share discoveries and communicate with experts.

Provides amazing surface details, but are expensive and requires professional preparation.A university or research institution may provide paid services.

Specific fluorescent dyes can highlight structures that are difficult to observe on conventional microscopy.

Improve the contrast of transparent structures and observe live samples without staining.

For example, distinguishing edible Morels (morels) from toxic Gyromitra species, microscopic characteristics provide decisive evidence.

Microscopic features are an essential component in describing new fungal species.Hobbyists are also likely to discover new species through careful microscopic observations.

Some toxic mushrooms have unique microscopic characteristics, such as the spore characteristics of Galerina are significantly different from those of Psilocybe.

1. Start with common types with obvious microscopic characteristics

2. Gradually challenge more complex identification cases

3. Participate in microscopic seminars of local fungi societies

4. Interact with experienced mycologists

Spend at least a few hours a week to practice microscopy, continuously record observations, and compare them with known samples.

Most common edible mushrooms can be safely identified through macro characteristics.Microscopy is a tool to improve skills and understanding, not an entry-level requirement.

A microscope priced at $200-500 is enough for most amateur needs.The second-hand market may also find good quality equipment.

A local fungal society, community college or nature center may provide opportunities for microscopy use.

There are already a large number of high-quality microscopic photos on the Internet that can be used for learning and comparison.

1. Basic Equipment: Invest in a quality microscope and basic accessories

2. Start with simplicity: Choose common species with obvious spores for the first attempt

3. System Learning: Mastering spore printing production and basic production techniques

4. Record practice: Record each observation in detail and establish a personal database

5. Join the community: Interact with other enthusiasts, participate in workshops and forays

The microscopic world provides a unique perspective on understanding mushrooms.By mastering these skills, you can not only improve identification accuracy, but also explore the mysteries of the fungal kingdom in depth.Remember, professional skills come from continuous practice – start your micro-exploration journey today.