Studying Fungus

The Science of Mycology

Mycology, the study of fungus, is a fairly new science that is rapidly growing. TomVolk describes mycology as, "the study of all aspects of fungi -- from their taxonomy (identification), morphology, life cycle, physiology, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, ecology, relationships with other organisms, human uses, such as mushroom cultivation and industrial mycology, and problems that they cause humans, such as with plant pathology and human disease."

With interest in mushrooms and mycology spreading, there are many organizations available for membership and to access information on this prolific topic. The International Mycological Association, a non-profit organization that encourages all branches of mycology, is one such organization. The International Society for Mushroom Science, a non-political and non-profit organization, publishes quarterly newsletters. This group primarily supports the cultivation of edible and medicinal mushrooms, as well as provides an exchange of information between mycologist and mushroom growers.