Forest Type and Site Conditions Influence the Diversity and Biomass of Edible Macrofungal Species in Ethiopia

Summary

This research examined how different types of forests in Ethiopia affect the diversity and quantity of edible mushrooms that grow there. The study found that while natural forests have more different kinds of mushrooms, plantation forests actually produce a larger quantity of edible mushrooms. This has important implications for both forest conservation and local communities. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides opportunities for rural communities to generate additional income through mushroom harvesting • Helps identify which forest types are best for producing edible mushrooms • Contributes to food security by identifying valuable wild food sources • Supports forest conservation efforts by showing the economic value of maintaining diverse forest types • Helps forest managers make better decisions about balancing timber production with mushroom harvesting

Background

Ethiopian forests were once densely covered with natural high forests but have experienced deforestation and degradation due to human activities. These forests contain valuable non-timber forest products (NTFPs) including wild edible mushrooms. While over 2000 fungi are known to produce edible sporocarps that can provide nutrition and income, wild mushrooms remain one of the most neglected NTFP resources in Ethiopia with limited documentation and research.

Objective

The study aimed to assess mushroom production levels in natural and plantation forests and analyze the influence of climate and environmental variables on mushroom production. Specific objectives were to analyze the richness and production of sporocarps according to forest types, and to assess the influence of edaphoclimatic variables on taxa composition.

Results

The study identified 64 edible fungal species belonging to 31 genera and 21 families. Natural forests contained 40 species while plantation forests had 16 species, with 8 species common to both. Saprotrophs were dominant (92.19%) followed by ectomycorrhizal fungi (6.25%). Sporocarp production was significantly higher in plantation forests (2097.57 kg ha−1 yr–1) compared to natural forests (731.18 kg ha−1 yr–1). Environmental variables including organic matter, phosphorus, nitrogen, and minimum daily temperature significantly influenced fungal community composition.

Conclusion

While natural forests showed higher species richness, plantation forests demonstrated higher sporocarp production. Each forest type harbored distinct fungal communities, with some valuable species present in both systems. Environmental variables significantly affected species composition and production. A mosaic landscape mixing natural and plantation forests could optimize both timber and mushroom production while contributing to forest conservation.
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