‘Fungal Foraging for Beginners’ by Biodiversity Club & PG Department of Botany
The presence of diverse fungal communities within the campus environment indicates a healthy and well-balanced ecosystem that contributes to soil fertility, plant health and overall ecological resilience. Fungi fulfill essential roles such as decomposition, nutrient cycling and symbiotic relationships with plants, influencing overall ecosystem health. In an effort to understand the fungal diversity within the campus of KAHM Unity Women’s College, Manjeri, a systematic survey ‘Fungal Foraging for Beginners’ conducted by Biodiversity Club in association with PG Department of Botany, on 08 July 2024. The event coordinated by Deepa P., Surya E.V. and Ayisha Febin P.N. of PG Department of Botany.
The primary objective of the event was to engage students in hands-on research and deepen their understanding of Mycology. The programme commenced with an introductory workshop on fungal identification techniques, led by Deepa P., Assistant Professor Adhoc, PG Department of Botany. Following this, participating students were divided into teams and assigned specific areas of the campus to survey. Each team was equipped with necessary tools such as camera and collection tools and kits. Over the course of the programme, participants conducted regular field expeditions to collect fungal specimens. They meticulously documented the location, habitat and physical characteristics of each specimen using photography and detailed notes. Forty-one species were carefully handled and stored at Department of Botany to ensure the preservation for further study and analysis. In conclusion, the fungal hunting programme proved to be a successful initiative in fostering hands-on learning and research among students. It not only contributed to scientific knowledge about local fungal biodiversity but also promoted environmental awareness within the college community. Moving forward, the insights gained from this programme will serve as a foundation for future studies and conservation efforts related to fungi and their ecosystems.
