{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1813737,
        "msgid": "itera-develops-mushroom-biodiversity-research-center-in-sumatera-1781941824",
        "date": "2026-06-20 14:17:38",
        "title": "Itera develops mushroom biodiversity research center in Sumatera",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_EN",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Agriculture",
        "summary": "The Sumatera Institute of Technology (Itera) has inaugurated a mushroom garden in Lampung to serve as a hub for education, research, and the conservation of Indonesia's fungal biodiversity. The facility houses dozens of fungi species collected from across Sumatera, highlighting their ecological roles as decomposers and in symbiotic plant relationships. The initiative aims to raise public awareness of fungi as a vital yet often overlooked component of the nation's biological resources.",
        "content": "<p>Sumatera Institute of Technology (Itera) has developed a mushroom\ngarden as part of its botanical garden area in Lampung to support\neducation, research, and conservation of Indonesia\u2019s biodiversity.<\/p>\n<p>Itera\u2019s Rector Prof.\u00a0Dr.\u00a0I Nyoman Pugeg Aryantha said the mushroom\ngarden is an innovation aimed at introducing fungi to the public while\nsupporting biodiversity conservation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe existence of this garden is one of Itera\u2019s flagship innovations\nin introducing fungi to the public while supporting the preservation of\nIndonesia\u2019s biodiversity,\u201d Aryantha said during the inauguration of the\nItera Mushroom Garden in Lampung on Friday (June 19).<\/p>\n<p>He explained the campus\u2019 facility is designed not only as a\ncollection area, but also as an educational space highlighting the\necological importance of fungi in tropical forest ecosystems.<\/p>\n<p>Fungi, he said, are often overlooked despite their vital role as\ndecomposers that break down decaying wood and leaf litter, returning\nnutrients to the soil and supporting the sustainability of plants and\nwildlife.<\/p>\n<p>Related news: New morel mushroom species discovered on Mount\nRinjani<\/p>\n<p>The Itera Mushroom Garden currently hosts dozens of fungi species\ncollected from across Sumatera, particularly Lampung.<\/p>\n<p>Species include edible wood ear mushrooms, Ganoderma used in\ntraditional medicine, and the unusual king alfred\u2019s cake, also known as\ncoal fungus which can be used as a fire starter when dried.<\/p>\n<p>The collections grow on natural substrates, such as decaying wood and\nleaf litter, allowing visitors to study their habitats and\ncharacteristics directly. Fungi also plays an important role in\nsymbiotic relationships with plants through mycorrhizae.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis relationship helps plant roots absorb water and nutrients more\nefficiently, thereby supporting forest ecosystem productivity and\nhealth,\u201d Aryantha said.<\/p>\n<p>He added the Itera Mushroom Garden is expected to become an\neducational platform to raise public awareness of fungi as a key part of\nIndonesia\u2019s biological resources.<\/p>\n<p>Related news: PLN Indonesia Power helping disabled become\nindependent<\/p>\n<p>Translator: Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/itera-develops-mushroom-biodiversity-research-center-in-sumatera-1781941824",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}