Professor Samantha Karunarathna Message

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.