Since this year doesn’t appear to be very productive for morel mushrooms, here are some fun facts on another type of fungi:
The name fairy ring comes from an old folk tale. People once believed that mushrooms growing in a circle followed the path made by fairies dancing in a ring. Fairy rings are found on open, grassy places and in forests.
In grass, the best known fairy ring fungus has the scientific name Marasmius oreades. The body of this fungus, its mycelium, is underground. It grows outward in a circle. As it grows, the mycelium uses up all of the nutrients in the soil, starving the grass. This is the reason a fairy ring has dead grass over the growing edge of the mycelium. Umbrella-shaped fruiting bodies, called mushrooms, spring up from just behind the outer edge of the mycelium.
Large rings are created when the older mycelium in the center finally exhausts the soil nutrients and dies. On the death of the central mycelium, the nutrients are returned to the soil and grass can grow again.
The living edge of the mycelium continues to grow outward. As it grows, it secretes chemicals into the ground ahead. These chemicals break down the organic matter, releasing nutrients so that the mycelium will have food when it reaches this area. For a brief time, the grass at the outer edge of the ring also benefits. The extra nutrients make the grass darker green, taller and thicker than the rest of the lawn or pasture. This lush grass dies when the mycelium grows under it and steals the nutrients.
Fairy rings made by Marasmius oreades are called “free” rings. They will continue to grow outward until a barrier is reached. Sometimes the barrier is another fairy ring. Rings can grow into each other’s territory and die as each reaches the other “dead zone.”
If there are no barriers, free rings can grow outward at up to 8 inches per year. They can reach a diameter of more than 30 feet. One ring formed in France by the fungus Clitorybe geotropa is almost a half mile in diameter. This ring is thought to be 700 years old.
Mycorrhizal fungi, which live in symbiotic partnership with trees, also form fairy rings. Their rings are called “tethered” rings. A tether is like a leash. The fungus and its mycorrhizal partner tree need each other to survive. The mycelium of these fungi always remains joined to the trees roots. Roots are the “tether” that keeps the fairy rings of mycorrhiqal fungi from growing too far from the tree.
During periods of unfavorable conditions, low temperatures and drought, mushroom production and fungal activity stops and may not be resumed for month or years.
Fairy rings are very difficult to control with fungicides since the soil in the infected area is almost impervious to water. Some success has been achieved by aerating the soil and drenching the infected area with fungicide. A new fungicide Prostar from Agr Evo USA Company has shown good control of fairy ring.
If you see little short guys holding hands going in a circle, don’t plan on finding any mushrooms, Happy hunting!
Kenny Bayless can be reached by e-mail at kwbayless@aol.com.
Sports
REDNECK QUAKER: ‘Fairy rings’ are more fungus than fantasy
- Sports
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Score: Post 346 runner #6 Jacob Johnson scores after a collision with the Pate catcher in the fourth inning Sunday afternoon.
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Post 346 rebounds to win Terre Haute Invitational
It’s an interesting dance that Wayne Newton Post 346 and Evansville Pate Post 265 have developed in American Legion baseball’s Terre Haute Invitational, and the last waltz was saved for the host team Sunday.
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DeNato proves IU can pitch too
Joey DeNato dispelled the notion that College World Series newcomer Indiana is all about offense.
The junior left-hander threw a four-hitter and the Hoosiers looked mighty comfortable at TD Ameritrade Park while beating Louisville 2-0 on Saturday night. -
Metro roundup: Givens, Mundy win two-man golf tournament
Scott Givens and Tim Mundy maintained their first-day lead to win the Show-Me’s Two-Man golf tournament concluded Sunday at Rea Park
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Goatee, Bertoli ran away with Spring Athlete of the Year
When honoring athletes after a season of excellence, the phrase “what might have been” doesn’t usually come up.
But in the case of Terre Haute South’s Jackson Bertoli and Terre Haute North’s TaPring Goatee – the Tribune-Star’s Athletes of the Year for spring sports – there’s an air of unfinished business despite obvious recent successes.
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TODD GOLDEN: Golf ... the beast within?
Like many sports fans, my interest in professional golf is confined to the four major tournaments. Many prefer the Masters, some like the back-to-roots British Open, but I’ve always liked the U.S. Open the best.
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Evansville Pate defeats Post 346 in tournament
Post 346 (7-2) will play Evansville Pate again today at 2:30 p.m. at North and the winner advances to the championship game.
- METRO ROUNDUP: Good week for Brown on golf course
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Sliders’ frustration against Rex continues
The Springfield Sliders probably curse the departure of the Dubois County Bombers from the Prospect League more than most.
What do the Bombers, who now ply their trade in the Ohio Valley League, have to do with the Sliders, or for that matter, the Terre Haute Rex?
When the Bombers left the Prospect League it created a situation where the Prospect League’s West Division teams — the Rex and Sliders both being members — had one less opponent to play in intradivision play.
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Super Bowl champion gives back to kids
If they were quiet, several dozen youngsters were promised Friday, they could pass around a real Super Bowl ring after its owner was finished speaking to them.
The response was near silence, and before long Steve Weatherford’s treasured jewelry was circulating throughout the cafeteria at Terre Haute North High School.
It’s hard to imagine, however, what kind of din would have prompted Weatherford to leave the ring on his finger, because he could relate to the most impish of his listeners. -
Metro roundup: Trio announced for Valley Hall of Fame induction
Dr. David “Pudge” Bennett, Nick Mourouzis and Dick Ranard will be inducted into the Wabash Valley Football Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame at a banquet Friday in Hulman Center.
The ninth annual WVFCA All-Star Game will be June 22 at Memorial Stadium. The all-star teams report to practice Sunday.
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Post 346 rebounds to win Terre Haute Invitational
- Local Interest
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Score: Post 346 runner #6 Jacob Johnson scores after a collision with the Pate catcher in the fourth inning Sunday afternoon.
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Post 346 rebounds to win Terre Haute Invitational
It’s an interesting dance that Wayne Newton Post 346 and Evansville Pate Post 265 have developed in American Legion baseball’s Terre Haute Invitational, and the last waltz was saved for the host team Sunday.
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METRO ROUNDUP: Wayne Newton 2-1 on young season
Wayne Newton Post 346 improved to 2-1 in American Legion baseball with a late 8-3 victory over Effingham on Thursday night.
Craig Peters was winning pitcher for Post 346 and T.J. Decker and Cody Thornton led a 16-hit attack with three hits each. -
Rex looking to return to pitching dominance Sunday against Springfield
During a 7-1 start and franchise-best seven-game winning streak, Terre Haute Rex pitching was the catalyst. Through eight games, the Rex led the Prospect League with an earned-run average of 1.11.
Even after giving up 10 runs Friday night in a 10-6 loss to the Quincy Gems, the Rex (7-2) are still the league leader in ERA at 2.09. -
FROM TERRE HAUTE TO THE MAJOR LEAGUES: Former Scamore hurlers doing well in White Sox system
Brian Omogrosso was promoted to Chicago and appeared in 11 games. The big right-hander compiled a 5.14 earned-run average in 14 innings of relief. He struck out 14 and walked seven.
- COLLEGE REPORT: Wabash College All-American relay team has TH flavor
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Post 346 rebounds to win Terre Haute Invitational
- High School
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Goatee, Bertoli ran away with Spring Athlete of the Year
When honoring athletes after a season of excellence, the phrase “what might have been” doesn’t usually come up.
But in the case of Terre Haute South’s Jackson Bertoli and Terre Haute North’s TaPring Goatee – the Tribune-Star’s Athletes of the Year for spring sports – there’s an air of unfinished business despite obvious recent successes.
- Post 346 opens tournament with two victories
- North boys move up to 13th in golf state finals
- Big hill to climb for North golf
- Top of her game
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- College
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Indiana starting pitcher Joey DeNato (23) celebrates throwing out Louisville's Coco Johnson (20) at first for the second out in the bottom of the ninth inning in an NCAA College World Series game in Omaha, Neb., Saturday, June 15, 2013 (AP Photo/The World-Herald, Ryan Soderlin) MAGS OUT; ALL NEBRASKA LOCAL BROADCAST TV OUT
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DeNato proves IU can pitch too
Joey DeNato dispelled the notion that College World Series newcomer Indiana is all about offense.
The junior left-hander threw a four-hitter and the Hoosiers looked mighty comfortable at TD Ameritrade Park while beating Louisville 2-0 on Saturday night. -
Etherington, Moore happy to be with ISU basketball
Not even two weeks into their college experience, Indiana State freshmen men’s basketball players Alex Etherington and Demetrius Moore stood sentinel as 115 kids ran around them collecting basketballs and getting autographs at the Greg Lansing Basketball Camp on Thursday.
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ISU's Johnson invited to World University Games
Indiana State senior Felisha Johnson will be traveling the world this summer after being named to represent the United States in the women’s shot put at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia.
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FROM THE PRESS BOX: Close, but no cigar, theme for ISU sports in 2012-13
When I covered my first event of Indiana State’s 2012-13 season — ISU’s opening football game at Indiana — I was the first one in the press box at IU’s Memorial Stadium. I’m never the first one in the press box.
Maybe the prospect of ISU’s season had me so pumped that I decided to get it started close to three hours early? (Or more truthfully, maybe I was over-vigilent about predicted traffic horrors on the Indiana 46 bypass that never came to pass.) -
Q&A: ISU football coach Mike Sanford ready for fall
It’s hard to believe, but Mike Sanford has already been Indiana State’s football coach for six months.
Time flies, but Sanford’s task of preparing for his first season in charge of the Sycamores comes with few breaks.
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DeNato proves IU can pitch too
- Sports Columns
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TODD GOLDEN: Golf ... the beast within?
Like many sports fans, my interest in professional golf is confined to the four major tournaments. Many prefer the Masters, some like the back-to-roots British Open, but I’ve always liked the U.S. Open the best.
- Trackside: Midgets could be on rise in Wabash Valley
- RAMBLIN’ RECK: South grad helps VU to national golf title
- FROM THE PRESS BOX: Close, but no cigar, theme for ISU sports in 2012-13
- TRACKSIDE: Bad weather gives time to reflect
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TODD GOLDEN: Golf ... the beast within?
- Pro Sports
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Colts not standing pat in looking toward 2013 season
Indianapolis Colts second-year general manager Ryan Grigson has quickly earned a reputation as someone who isn’t afraid to shake things up a bit.
- Deacon Jones of famed Fearsome Foursome dead at 74
- Seeking elite status
- Luck having fun with his first OTAs
- Colts hoping for more high marks on draft picks
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Colts not standing pat in looking toward 2013 season
- Terre Haute Rex
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Tribune-Star/Jim Avelis Good hands: Terre Haute Rex shortstop Nick Johnson fields a groundball for an out in their game with Springfield Friday night at Warn Field.
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Sliders’ frustration against Rex continues
The Springfield Sliders probably curse the departure of the Dubois County Bombers from the Prospect League more than most.
What do the Bombers, who now ply their trade in the Ohio Valley League, have to do with the Sliders, or for that matter, the Terre Haute Rex?
When the Bombers left the Prospect League it created a situation where the Prospect League’s West Division teams — the Rex and Sliders both being members — had one less opponent to play in intradivision play.
- Sanchez stays hot to lead Rex to victory
- Rex fall at home to Sliders
- Rex looking to return to pitching dominance Sunday against Springfield
- Terre Haute Rex win franchise-record seventh straight game
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Sliders’ frustration against Rex continues
- Colts
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Colts not standing pat in looking toward 2013 season
Indianapolis Colts second-year general manager Ryan Grigson has quickly earned a reputation as someone who isn’t afraid to shake things up a bit.
- Landry believes he'll acclimate to Colts system
- Colts in harmony with new coordinator Hamilton
- Pagano amazed by collection of veterans
- Opening Day: Terre Haute Rex host Quincy
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Colts not standing pat in looking toward 2013 season
- Auto Racing
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Winner's kiss: Tony Kanaan of KV Racing Technology kisses the yard of bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday. Kanaan won his first Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday and kissed the bricks as part of a tradition at the Motor Speedway.
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Kanaan can: Tony Kanaan finally wins Indy 500, ends heartbreak
Tony Kanaan had been so close so many times in the Indianapolis 500 until Sunday. Now he’s a winner.
- Crowd, competitors erupt in celebration for Brazilian driver
- Rookies fare well in 97th running of the Indy 500
- Top guns, again
- Looking for Indy breakthrough, Kanaan enjoying role as team mentor
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Kanaan can: Tony Kanaan finally wins Indy 500, ends heartbreak
NBA Finals: Who gets the last big run?
Final Round Highlights
Rose on his late father: 'My dad was inspiration the whole day'
LeBron, D-Wade on being tested by Spurs
Julien: We know what we have to do
Quenneville: We have to be desperate
Highlights: Michigan
Spoelstra on Game 5 loss to Spurs
Putin Insists He Didn't Steal Super Bowl Ring
Phil on his 'heartbreaking' loss
Bruins overcome slow start, win in OT
U.S. Open Round 3 Highlights
Patriots owner claims Russian president Vladimir Putin pocketed his 2005 Super Bowl ring
Phil: Sunday Could Be 'Something Special'
LeBron stresses urgency for up and down Heat
Security Changes at NFL Games
Wade, Bosh pleased with Game 4 performance
James: I played till the tank was empty
Parker's health ok after loss
Spoelstra confident after Game 4 win
Caught on Tape: Davie Teacher Accused of Beating Autistic Child
See Lindsay Lohan in Rehab
"Stay Classy" Campaign Aims to Curb Binge Drinking
Lil Wayne's New Music Video Has Some People Outraged
Gaga Ditches Her Crazy Couture
Sesame Street Tackling Tough Topic Parents in Jail
Miss Utah Fumbles Interview Question
Deranged man claims Newark-bound flight was poisoned
Cameron Diaz and Kate Upton Show Off Their Amazing Bikini Bodies
NBA FINALS: Spurs Win Game 5, Lead Series
Exclusive Clip: Jodi Arias: 'Dirty Little Secret'
Amphibious bus filled with tourists sinks
Best Bikini Abs
Historic Ruling Set in Affirmative Action Case
Mix-Up at Daytime Emmy Awards
Colorado Springs Wildfire 65% Contained
Kim K. Is a New Mommy!
Sarah Silverman Roasts Mel Brooks at AFI Tribute
Moderate Cleric Wins Iranian Election
Obama on Fatherhood: 'Best Job I've Got'
