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fungi first to capture a twig, a blade of grass,
a chip of wood, a log or stump. Primary decomposers
are typically fast-growing,
sending out ropey strands of mycelium that
quickly attach to and decompose plant tissue.
Most of the decomposers degrade wood.
Hence, the majority of these saprophytes are
woodland species, such as Oyster mushrooms
(Pleurotus species), Shii take
(Lentinula edodes) and King Stropharia
(Stropharia rugoso-annulata). However,
each species has developed specific sets of
enzymes to break down lignin-cellulose, the
structural components of most plant cells.
Once the enzymes of one mushroom species
have broken down the lignin-cellulose to its
fullest potential, other saprophytes utilizing
their own repertoire of enzymes can reduce
this material even further.
THE ROLE OF MUSHROOMS IN NATURE 11
Figure 12. The cultivation of the Button Mushroom, a secondary decomposer, in caves near Paris in July of
1868. Note candle used for illumination. (From Robinson's Mushroom Culture, 1885, David Mc Kay Publishers,
Philadelphia).
Secondary Decomposers: These mushrooms
rely on the previous activity of other
fungi to partially break down a substrate to a
state wherein they can thrive. Secondary decomposers
typically grow from composted
material. The actions of other fungi, actinomycetes,
bacteria and yeasts all operate
within a compost. As plant residue is degraded
by these microorganisms, the mass,
structure and composition of the compost is
reduced. Heat, carbon dioxide, ammonia and
other gases are emitted as by-products of the
composting process. Once these microorganisms
(especially actinomycetes) have
completed their life cycles, the compost is
susceptible to invasion by a select secondary
decomposer. A classic example of a secondary
decomposer is the White Button
Mushroom, Agaricus brunnescens, the most
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