Fungi and light

[Stevie1630]

Should fungi incubated in light conditions have a higher growth rate than fungi incubated in dark conditions or should light not have an effect at all?

[Buenchico]

Since fungi don't photosynthesize (because they don't contain chlorophyl), light is unlikely to have much effect on growth rate. I hesitate, however, to say that it has no effect at all because I've just been reading about growing mushrooms (see site below) and it seems that, for most (but not all) varieties, some light is necessary to stimulate growth. Perhaps someone out there can explain the role of light in mushroom/fungi development?

Chris

[mastadon]

mushrooms don't really use light 'to' grow, but light affects the direction in which they grow. don't really know why, but if you want nice straight mushies a light is a must.

[Buenchico]

Oops! I've just noticed that I forgot to include the link! It wasn't particularly important anyway but, for the sake of completeness, this is what I meant to include:
http://www.gardenguides.com/articles/mushroom.htm

Chris