In 2020, we read Dr. Gábor Jancsó’s (who taught us mycotoxicology during our mushroom inspector training) call for research, in which he, in collaboration with the PTE Faculty of Pharmacy’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, aimed to use analytical methods to put an end to the speculations about whether any of the toxins found in the yew tree (Taxus baccata) could be detected in Laetiporus sulphureus (Chicken of the Wood) growing on the tree.

Since it is quite rare to encounter Chicken of the Wood on this tree species, we were very excited when we finally spotted it today on an old yew tree (Taxus baccata) at the Sárvár Arboretum. I quickly got in touch with Gábor to ask if the research was still of interest, and if necessary, we could speak with the arboretum’s management about the permissions. Unfortunately, Gábor delivered some bad news: he explained that, due to various mundane laboratory logistical issues, the possibility of conducting the research had fallen through. However, they had already received samples from sources other than ours.