Electrical activity of fungi: Spikes detection and complexity analysis

Oyster fungi Pleurotus djamor generate actin potential like spikes of electrical potential. The trains of spikes might manifest propagation of growing mycelium in a substrate, transportation of nutrients and metabolites and communication processes in the mycelium network. The spiking activity of the mycelium networks is highly variable compared to neural activity and therefore can not be analysed by standard tools from neuroscience. We propose original techniques for detecting and classifying the spiking activity of fungi. Using these techniques, we analyse the information-theoretic complexity of the fungal electrical activity. The results can pave ways for future research on sensorial fusion and decision making of fungi.

Automated summary

The study found that oyster fungi generate electrical potential spikes similar to action potential of neurons, which may play a role in the propagation of growing mycelium, transportation of nutrients, and communication processes in the mycelium network. Comparing and analyzing the electrical activity of oyster fungi with neural activity, the study explores new techniques for detecting and classifying fungal spiking activity.