Written By Mitchell Yu
How to mushrooms reproduce? the definitive guide for the novice grower.
Mushrooms typically reproduce via spores of the fungus (mycelium) that grow and expand to form new colonies, or by producing spores that can disperse and form new colonies elsewhere. Some mushrooms also reproduce sexually by producing “seeds” (spores) that are carried by wind or other means to new locations where they can germinate and grow into new colonies. Additionally, some mushrooms can also reproduce asexually by budding, where a small fragment of the parent fungus grows into a new individual.
Mushrooms belong to the kingdom Fungi, which is a separate and distinct group from plants, animals, and bacteria. Fungi have evolved unique mechanisms for reproduction, including both sexual and asexual methods.
Asexual reproduction in mushrooms can occur through fragmentation of the mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus that spreads underground and absorbs nutrients. As the mycelium expands, it can break into fragments, each of which can grow into a new individual. Some mushrooms also reproduce asexually through budding, where a small outgrowth from the parent fungus grows into a new individual mushroom, i.e fruiting body.
Sexual reproduction in mushrooms involves the formation of “seeds” known as spores, which are produced in structures called fruiting bodies. The spores are typically dispersed by wind, water, or other means to new locations where they can germinate and grow into new colonies.
Fungi have a unique and complex life cycle, which includes a haploid and a diploid phase. During the haploid phase, the fungus produces haploid spores, which are formed by the fusion of gametes. During the diploid phase, the diploid mycelium is formed by the fusion of two haploid nuclei. This life cycle allows for genetic recombination, enabling the fungus to adapt to changing environmental conditions and resist diseases. In the video above, we can see how the spores get dispersed into the environment further propagating the mushrooms “reach” and continuing the life cycle of the Fungi.
In summary, mushrooms reproduce through a combination of asexual and sexual mechanisms, which allows them to rapidly colonize new areas and adapt to changing conditions. The importance of the fruiting body is key to their sexual/asexual reproduction. This is the reason mushrooms tend to grow, when the mycelium has reached max colonization/exploration of the nutritious substrate, it then responds by signaling the mycelium to form fruiting bodies, these fruiting bodies are sensitive the the slightest amount of oxygen. Once the mycelium detects traces of oxygen it will tend to grow towards the source and form the part that we love to eat, the MUSHROOM! It is fascinating to think of how wonderful and complex fungi are! They’re able to adapt to their conditions and thrive. Life will always find a way.
