Bulletin Autumn 1977

haunting mankind for a long time. With more research done along the line already explored, it may become an instrument of salvation to the developing countries. It is gratifying to note that two sessions of panel discussion will be open to the public. This will give local mushroom growers a chance to bring their problems to the experts for advice. This earthly approach coupled with the expertise from various participants will surely make the 3-week training course a model of regional cooperation and a truly international event of lasting impact. On behalf of the Chinese University I would like to extend our warm welcome to you all. Now I have the honour to declare the Regional Training Course on Cultivation of Edible Fungi (Mushrooms) open. Thank you. Message f r om UNESCO Dr. E. J. DaSitva, UNESCO, Paris Headquarters Vice-Chancellor Dr. Li, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a great pleasure for me to be present at the opening of this UNEP/UNESCO/ICRO Training Course on the Cultivation of Edible Fungi and to transmit to you, the organizers and participants, the best wishes of Mr. M 'Bar, Director-General of Unesco, and Dr. Tolbu, Executive Director of the United Nations Environmental Programme, for success in your work. Organized within the framework of Unesco's programme for the promotion of research in applied microbiology and co-sponsored by UNEP and the International Cell Research Organization (ICRO), this activity carried out in close co-operation with the UNEP/UNESCO/ICRO Panel on Microbiology, is of special interest for the developing countries in the programme for Regional Co-operation in Basic Sciences in Southeast Asia in which Hong Kong participates. Developing countries located in sub-tropical and tropical regions have a high potential for the utilization of micro-organisms in producing local food products through fermentation and protein from natural products like molasses and starchy substrates. The use of paddy straw, cotton waste and other similar materials for the cultivation of edible mushrooms, and especially Volvariella volvacea aids in combatting the deterioration of the environment. Further, the bioconversion of such wastes, coming as an important application from basic research, is an important means to counteract world hunger and malnutrition. Edible mushrooms cultivated on biodegradable wastes can make a very important contribution to increasing food protein, a subject which you, Mr. Vice-Chancellor, pre-pointed in your remarks some minutes ago. Mushroom cultivation has evolved from a hobby in horticultural craft into an established scientific process that has potential for food protein in village technologies at rural economies especially in the developing countries. Traditionally based on the deployment of a horse-manure-straw into substrate, mushroom cultivation is an apt and ready example of the recycling of unattractive waste into palatable proteinaceous food within consumer purchasing power. The techniques evolved in mushroom cultivation are familiar to those employed in other industrial