B-Hood Myco-Tropic Innovations (BMTI)
Dr. Aseni Ediriweera established B-Hood Myco-Tropic Innovations (BMTI) in Matara, Sri Lanka, in 2023, building on the legacy of Mr. Sunil Ediriweera’s B-Hood English Institute, which he founded in 1973. The institution promotes several fields of mushroom study that fall under the umbrella of Mycology. The institution’s main areas of study are mushroom identification (including wild species) using taxonomy and phylogeny, ecological studies, spawn production, and mushroom domestication / farming. BMTI is Sri Lanka’s first and only mushroom-focused institution, complete with mycological laboratories, a fungarium, and a cultivation facility.
Dr. Aseni Ediriweera
Fun Mushroom Facts
- Mushrooms are made up of around 90% water.
- Mushrooms have their own immune system.
- Earth was covered by giant mushrooms before trees overtook the land.
- The mushroom is a very nutritious food. Differing species can be a good source of vitamin B along with essential minerals such as copper and potassium. While fat, carbohydrates and salt content is very low.
- There are a few mushroom varieties found in the wild that are highly poisonous. A number of these look like common edible species, therefore it can be risky collecting them.
Message from Professor Samantha Karunarathna
As an experienced researcher and a veteran in Mycology, I am confident that B-Hood Myco-Tropic Innovations, spearheaded by my former student Dr. Aseni Ediriweera, is a game-changer in mycological studies and the mushroom industry in Sri Lanka. Given the country's diverse mushroom species, this venture has the potential to fill the void in mushroom science studies and investigations in Sri Lanka.
BMTI, Paves the path for innovations in mushroom science, including laboratory experiments for the identification of wild mushrooms and their preservation in a fungarium, high-quality seed production under laboratory conditions for existing and new species, adaptation of wild mushrooms for different substrates and environments, commercial production of edible and medicinal mushrooms and value addition to mushrooms and spent mushroom substrates (SMS). Value addition to mushrooms and SMS are recognized as significant novel avenues for generating foreign exchange and redefining agricultural entrepreneurship, which is crucial to rejuvenating countries like Sri Lanka. The potential of BMTI to generate foreign exchange through these avenues is an exciting prospect for the future of mycology in Sri Lanka. Thus, I strongly believe BMTI is an excellent launch to link with anyone wishing to move ahead with academic and venture thoughts on mushrooms.
Our Mission
create novel nutritional and therapeutic applications, and encourage sustainable practices
and economic growth in the local and international mushroom industry.
Our Mushrooms
Indian milky mushrooms
Pleurotus sp. ( Oyster mushrooms )
Lanka Brown (Macrocybe gigantea)
Reishii mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum)
Our Team
Dr. Aseni Ediriweera
Mr. Sunil Ediriweera
Prof. Samantha Karunarathna
