EXCERCISES

12 Decide if the sentences are true or false. Correct the false ones.

1. Mushrooms release oxygen.
☐ T ☐ F
2. Mushrooms belong to the Plant Kingdom.
☐ T ☐ F
3. Saprophytes live on dead or decaying organic matter.
☐ T ☐ F
4. Hyphae are filaments hidden in the soil.
☐ T ☐ F
5. Mushrooms contain a modest amount of vitamins and minerals.
☐ T ☐ F
6. All truffles are prized as a food delicacy.
☐ T ☐ F

13 Role-play an interview between a journalist and a farmer who owns a truffle orchard by following these prompts.

14 Listen to a recording about how to start a mushroom farm and complete the sentences.

1. Mushrooms and other fungi, like ................................................., can be cultivated.
2. The environments where mushrooms are grown must be ................................................. and sterilised.
3. The yearly production of mushrooms may be up to ................................................. pounds in 100 sq ft.
4. Small local growers sell mushrooms at the farmers’ ................................................. or to local restaurants.
5. It is essential to control ................................................., light and humidity.
6. The substrate is made of ................................................. or wood chips.
7. The incubation phase should be at about ................................................. Celsius.
8. In the fruiting room, mushrooms need ................................................. and a lot of natural light.


GLOSSARY

birch : betulla
decaying : in decomposizione
hypha : ifa
mycelium : micelio
oyster mushroom : gelone
paddy-straw mushroom : fungo di paglia
prized : prezioso
relief : sollievo
to send off : emettere
truffle : tartufo