Integrated Crop Management News Agriculture and Natural Resources 10-4-2004 Stinkhorns spotted in fields Paula Flynn Iowa State University Follow this and additional works at: http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cropnews Part of the Agricultural Science Commons, Agriculture Commons, and the Plant Pathology Commons Recommended Citation Flynn, Paula, "Stinkhorns spotted in fields" (2004). Integrated Crop Management News. 1554. http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cropnews/1554 The Iowa State University Digital Repository provides access to Integrated Crop Management News for historical purposes only. Users are hereby notified that the content may be inaccurate, out of date, incomplete and/or may not meet the needs and requirements of the user. Users should make their own assessment of the information and whether it is suitable for their intended purpose. For current information on integrated crop management from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, please visit https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/. Stinkhorns spotted in fields Abstract John Holmes, extension field crop specialist, reported that farmers are finding lots of stinkhorn mushrooms in soybean fields as they harvest. These fungi do not cause disease to plants or animals, but instead live a harmless existence on dead organic matter such as crop debris. They also are commonly found on decaying mulch. A stinkhorn begins life as an egg-like structure. Keywords Plant Pathology Disciplines Agricultural Science | Agriculture | Plant Pathology This article is available at Iowa State University Digital Repository: http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cropnews/1554 Stinkhorns spotted in fields John Holmes, extension field crop specialist, reported that farmers are finding lots of stinkhorn mushrooms in soybean fields as they harvest. These fungi do not cause disease to plants or animals, but instead live a harmless existence on dead organic matter such as crop debris. They also are commonly found on decaying mulch. A stinkhorn begins life as an egg­like structure. As the fungus develops, it expands into a 4­ to 8­inch tall mushroom­like body with a stalk and a slimy cap. The common name stinkhorn describes the putrid smell of the fungus.The odor attracts insects that then disperse the spores of the fungus on their bodies. Common stinkhorns found in Iowa include Mutinus caninus and Phallus impudicus. Mutinus caninus is the stinkhorn mushroom that has been recently spotted in fields. It is about 4 inches tall and has a pinkish­red stalk with a dark slimy spore mass on the tip. Phallus impudicus is about 8 inches tall with a cream­colored stalk covered at the tip by slimy dark spores, with an open depression on the very top. Stinkhorn (Mutinus caninus). Enlarge [1] Stinkhorn fungi (Mutinus caninus) near Alleman, Iowa. Enlarge [2] Some people mistake stinkhorns for morel mushrooms. While morels are considered edible and choice, one would definitely not want to eat a stinkhorn mushroom. The aroma alone would likely keep most people at a distance. If you would like to learn more about common mushrooms in Iowa, pick up a copy of the bulletin Mushrooms and Other Related Fungi, available for $1.50 from Iowa State University Extension. Ask for NCR 129. This article originally appeared on page 127 of the IC­492(21) ­­ October 4, 2004 issue. Source URL: http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm//ipm/icm/2004/10­4­2004/stinkhorns.html Links: [1] http://www.ent.iastate.edu/imagegal/fungi/mutinus.html [2] http://www.ent.iastate.edu/imagegal/fungi/mutinus2.html.