In April 1992 Stalker was enthusing about the monster organism found under a forest in Michigan.
The Armillaria bulbosa was identified in a mixed oak forest near Crystal Falls, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Genetic testing on sample mushrooms gathered throughout the area determined that all were produced by a single supporting mycelium that extended over more than 15 hectares (37 acres).
Meanwhile closer to home a delegate at the Mushroom Growers Association at Stratford-on-Avon that year was not impressed by the special rate for B&B plus coffee and lunch at £60. Wonder what that would cost now?
Looking at April 2002 Sylvan were hosting farmwalks and their 737 strain was performing wonders. Italspawn and the Italian mushroom industry were highlighted. The dung fly was identified as a new pest for the mushroom industry, scientific name sphaerocerid fly. Managing pests seemed to be the theme of the month with an article by Stephen Jess and Mairead Kilpatrick on Integrated Pest Management.
To April 2012 and the contraction in the Irish mushroom industry was being discussed, with one correspondent noting that the number of units in the industry in Tipperary had shrunk considerably - as was the case all over Ireland. Top Irish food writer John McKenna was plugging Cork outfit Ballyhoura Mushrooms, who were and still are doing exciting things with exotic varieties.
Fuel prices were a matter of concern back then too! And China was the destination of choice for all business concerns - interesting how those sentiments have altered too over the past decade.
