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Large-Scale Field Cultivation of Morchella and Relevance of Basic Knowledge for Its Steady Production

Summary

Morels are valuable mushrooms worth hundreds of dollars per kilogram. China dramatically expanded morel farming from 2012 to 2022, but many farmers struggle with unstable harvests and profits. Scientists have discovered that successful morel cultivation requires careful attention to species selection, proper nutrition techniques, and understanding the complex mating systems of morel fungi. Better training and scientific knowledge could help make morel farming more reliable and profitable worldwide.

Background

Morels are highly prized edible and medicinal mushrooms with significant global commercial value. China achieved artificial cultivation at the beginning of the 21st century and initiated large-scale commercial production in 2012, expanding rapidly. However, the massive industrial scale has created challenges in maintaining steady economic profits and production stability.

Objective

This review examines current morel cultivation technologies, the industrial status of morel cultivation in China, and the relevance of basic biological research to addressing challenges in large-scale morel production. It discusses strain selection, species recognition, life cycle characteristics, and microbial interactions essential for sustainable industry development.

Results

China’s morel cultivation expanded from 200 hectares in 2012 to 16,466 hectares by 2021-2022, with yields up to 1500 g/m². However, only 30% of farmers achieve stable profitability, with 70% experiencing unstable production. Key cultivated species include M. sextelata (83.78%), M. eximia (10.8%), and M. importuna (5.4%). Studies revealed heterothallic life cycles, spatial heterogeneity of mating types, and the importance of mitospores and sclerotia in production.

Conclusion

Successful morel cultivation depends critically on understanding basic biological principles including species selection, nutrient distribution, mating type structure, and strain management. The industry requires improved spawn technology standardization, technical personnel training, and deeper knowledge of morel biology to achieve steady global development and sustainable profitability.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 37623626
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