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Truffle Hunting and Mushrooms Ecology in Forest Ecosystems
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Truffle Hunting and Mushrooms Ecology in Forest Ecosystems

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Ecology and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2023) | Viewed by 10371

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Slaven Zjalić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, University of Zadar, Zadar, Croatia
Interests: mushroom biotechnology; food safety; wood degradation
Dr. Ivan Širić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: food toxicology; mushrooms; trace elements; heavy metals and radionuclides; ecology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mushrooms are a distinct group of living organisms of considerable nutritional, pharmaceutical, and ecological value. They play an extremely important role in the unfolding of ecological processes in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in forests. By decomposing dead organic matter (including poorly degradable plant cell wall components), they enable the cycling of organic matter, without which no life would be possible. A very important role for the forest ecosystem is played by symbiotic fungi, especially mutualistic ones, which contribute to plant nutrition. In addition, mushrooms are capable of accumulating very high concentrations of toxic substances, which is why they are often used as biological indicators of the state of the ecosystem. Among forest mushrooms truffles, fruiting bodies of hypogeous mutualistic ascomycetes occupy a special place. There are several species of truffles, generally belonging to the genus Tuber, some of which are geographically widespread, while others are restricted to certain areas, with some available almost all year round and others only at certain times. Nevertheless, their availability does not meet market demand, and therefore, truffles are among the most expensive mushrooms. Local communities can benefit economically from the presence of truffles in their area, but uncontrolled hunting could cause ecological stress to the forest.The purpose of this Special Issue is to present the latest findings on truffles, truffle hunting, and mushrooms in general in the forest ecosystem. We invite all colleagues working in this field to present their work in this issue.

Potential topics include but are not limited to:

  • Truffles—distribution, ecology, genetics, taxonomy;
  • Mutualistic mushrooms—distribution, ecology, taxonomy;
  • Wood decaying and pathogenic mushrooms;
  • (Heavy) metal accumulation.

Dr. Slaven Zjalić
Dr. Ivan Širić
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • forests
  • symbiosis
  • truffles
  • mushrooms
  • bioaccumulation
  • bioindicators

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1860 KiB  
Article
High Species Diversity but Low Specificity to Ectomycorrhizal Tree Partners Exhibited by Native Truffle Species (Tuber spp., Pezizales) in Poland, Central Europe
by Robin Wilgan
Forests 2023, 14(12), 2407; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14122407 - 11 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1299
Abstract
Truffles represent one of the most expensive edible fungi. About two-thirds of all known truffle records originate from Europe. Historically, the Mediterranean region in Southern Europe is associated with truffle cultivation and it is widely regarded as a center of truffle distribution in [...] Read more.
Truffles represent one of the most expensive edible fungi. About two-thirds of all known truffle records originate from Europe. Historically, the Mediterranean region in Southern Europe is associated with truffle cultivation and it is widely regarded as a center of truffle distribution in Europe. On the contrary, little is known about truffles in the central and northern regions of Europe. Here, native truffle species in Poland, their symbiotic ectomycorrhizal (ECM) tree partners, and their continental-scale distribution were studied. Altogether, 16 truffle species were identified based on the sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rDNA, a barcode region for fungi. Truffle species were associated with deciduous tree species of Fagales (Fagaceae, Betulaceae, Juglandaceae), Malvales (Malvaceae), Malpighiales (Salicaceae), and coniferous trees of Pinales (Pinaceae). Fagales trees constituted 70% of ECM associations formed by truffle species. Three genera of the order Fagales, Quercus, Fagus, and Corylus formed 50% of all ECM associations. Coniferous trees of Pinales formed 16% of associations. Two other orders of deciduous trees, Malvales and Malpighiales, together formed 14% of ECM associations. All but three identified truffle species exhibited low specificity to their ECM tree partners. Two-thirds of truffle species formed ECM symbiosis with both coniferous and deciduous tree species, but the share of coniferous tree partners was considerably lower than that of deciduous trees, reaching up to 30% for T. anniae, T. puberulum, and T. borchii (clade/puberulum). All the identified truffles were noted in both Central Europe and the Mediterranean region. Among them, about 80% of truffle species were widely distributed across the continent and represented by similar or higher numbers of records in Northern Europe, i.e., above the 48th parallel north, than in Southern Europe. This study showed higher taxa richness of native truffle species in Poland, but low specificity to their ECM tree partners. However, further studies on the regional-scale distribution of truffles in Poland are needed to improve the knowledge of the patterns of truffle distribution in forest ecosystems and the potential productivity of edible truffle species with high economic value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Truffle Hunting and Mushrooms Ecology in Forest Ecosystems)
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14 pages, 3343 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Metal Elements and Biochemical Constituents of Wild Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) Mushrooms Collected from the Shivalik Foothills of the Himalayas, India
by Yasser S. Mostafa, Ivan Širić, Saad A. M. Alamri, Sulaiman A. Alrumman, Pankaj Kumar, Sami Abou Fayssal, Slaven Zjalić, Rattan Singh and Ebrahem M. Eid
Forests 2023, 14(11), 2247; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14112247 - 15 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1795
Abstract
Wild medicinal mushrooms are known to contain significant amounts of essential biochemical compounds with potential health benefits. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the metal elements and biochemical constituents of wild turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) mushrooms collected from the Shivalik foothills [...] Read more.
Wild medicinal mushrooms are known to contain significant amounts of essential biochemical compounds with potential health benefits. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the metal elements and biochemical constituents of wild turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) mushrooms collected from the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas, India. Mushroom samples were purposefully collected from eleven (11) sampling sites located in three (3) districts of North Indian states (Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand). The results of this study indicated that wild T. versicolor showed the presence of eight metal elements (Cd: 0.011–0.139, Cr: 0.225–0.680, Cu: 1.073–3.108, Fe: 4.273–8.467, Mn: 2.157–3.892, Zn: 3.069–4.478, Ni: 0.065–0.186, and Co: 0.035–0.120 mg/kg). The samples also showed a significant presence of total phenolics (51.81–70.13 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (9.02–14.01 mg QE/mg), lycopene (0.02–0.08 mg/g), and β-carotene (0.31–0.72 mg/g). The proximate analysis also showed that T. versicolor is a good source of carbohydrate (38.33%–41.94%), protein (8.12%–11.06%), fat (0.93%–1.26%), moisture (63.80%–70.64%), dietary fiber (9.59%–14.30%), and total ash (2.42%–3.48%). In addition, gas chromatography (GC-FID) analysis revealed the presence of the five most dominant fatty acids, including linoleic acid (18:2n6c), palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (18:1n9c), linolenic acid (18:3n3), and stearic acid (C18:0). Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were helpful in identifying variations and similarities among different constituents of T. versicolor at selected sampling sites. Due to its low metal element content and rich biochemical profile, T. versicolor was highlighted in this research for its significant potential as a functional food or nutraceutical ingredient. This work promotes its sustainable use in the healthcare and food industries and lays the groundwork for further research into its therapeutic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Truffle Hunting and Mushrooms Ecology in Forest Ecosystems)
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12 pages, 9531 KiB  
Article
Updating Ecology and Distribution of Wild Truffles in Morocco
by Fatima Henkrar, Chaimae Meyad, Marwa Oikrim, Nezha Bouhaddou and Lahsen Khabar
Forests 2023, 14(5), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14050952 - 5 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1901
Abstract
The distribution and abundance of the various truffle species are influenced by the climate, soil, and vegetation conditions. The setting of these characteristics is necessary for the potential species’ cultivation. Here, we describe the ecological characteristics of Moroccan truffles and desert truffles and [...] Read more.
The distribution and abundance of the various truffle species are influenced by the climate, soil, and vegetation conditions. The setting of these characteristics is necessary for the potential species’ cultivation. Here, we describe the ecological characteristics of Moroccan truffles and desert truffles and their associations with host plants. We also determine the climate and soil parameters relating to the geographic distribution and fructification of truffles and desert truffles. In contrast to truffles, which are found in sub-humid environments, desert truffles are found in semi-arid and arid regions of Morocco. The dissemination of desert truffles in the Mamora forest and oriental regions of Morocco is typically linked to the presence of Helianthemum sp., whereas the existence of truffles (Tuber spp.) in the Middle Atlas depends on the subsistence of Quercus ilex and Q. faginea. The truffles’ and desert truffles’ fructification depends mainly on the precipitation frequency. Terfezia arenaria and Tuber oligospermum, the two major desert truffles of Mamora forest, require an annual rainfall of 435 mm on average in slightly acidic soil. While the oriental and Highland desert truffles, namely Terfezia boudieri, T. claveryi, and Tirmania spp., require an annual precipitation average of 123 to 267 mm and a high CaCO3 content. Otherwise, there is Tuber aestivum, localized in humid regions with a rainfall rate of more than 650 mm, and found under calcareous soil rich in organic matter with the presence of potential host plants, such as oaks, cedars, and pines. Our findings open up the possibility of successful cultivation of truffles and desert truffles having an economic interest through understanding their ecological requirements in Morocco. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Truffle Hunting and Mushrooms Ecology in Forest Ecosystems)
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14 pages, 10645 KiB  
Article
Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Nickel Uptake by Five Wild Edible Saprotrophic Mushroom Species Collected from Croatia
by Ivan Širić, Katarina Rukavina, Boro Mioč, Valentino Držaić, Pankaj Kumar, Mostafa A. Taher and Ebrahem M. Eid
Forests 2023, 14(5), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14050879 - 25 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1830
Abstract
The current study investigates the bioaccumulation potential of the heavy metal nickel (Ni) in five edible saprotrophic mushroom species (Agaricus campestris L., Armillaria mellea (Vahl) P.Kumm., Clitocybe inversa (Sowerby) Vizzini, Clitocybe nebularis (Batsch), P.Kumm., and Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer) collected from seven [...] Read more.
The current study investigates the bioaccumulation potential of the heavy metal nickel (Ni) in five edible saprotrophic mushroom species (Agaricus campestris L., Armillaria mellea (Vahl) P.Kumm., Clitocybe inversa (Sowerby) Vizzini, Clitocybe nebularis (Batsch), P.Kumm., and Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer) collected from seven forest locations (Trakoscan, Medvednica, Petrova gora, Skrad, Krk, Labinstina, and Motovun) of Croatia. For this purpose, forest soil and mushroom samples (cap and stipe) were collected from January to December 2021 and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results showed that all soil samples showed an occurrence of Ni, ranging from 1.62 to 3.55 mg/Kg. On the other hand, the cap parts of all five mushroom species showed a higher Ni content as compared to those in the stipe parts. Overall, there is a substantial positive association between soil Ni availability and the mean Ni concentration (mg/Kg) in the cap and stipe parts of A. campestris (3.08 and 2.22), A. mellea (2.59 and 1.55), C. inversa (2.38 and 1.75), C. nebularis (2.56 and 1.91), and M. procera (2.94 and 1.94). Multivariate analyses using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed that the Skrad and Petrova gora locations had the highest Ni contents in the selected mushroom species. Moreover, the estimated daily intake of Ni from consuming these mushrooms was below the threshold limits as suggested by dietary intake modeling (DIM) and health risk index (HRI) values. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of examining the Ni bioaccumulation potential of wild edible mushrooms, as well as the health hazards associated with their consumption, which are useful for food safety rules and recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Truffle Hunting and Mushrooms Ecology in Forest Ecosystems)
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11 pages, 1433 KiB  
Article
Climatic Factors Affecting Wild Mushroom Foraging in Central Europe
by Petr Procházka, Jana Soukupová, Karel Tomšík, Jr., Kevin J. Mullen and Inna Čábelková
Forests 2023, 14(2), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14020382 - 14 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2792
Abstract
Wild mushroom foraging has a long tradition in Central European countries. Protein from wild mushrooms is an important part of Central European diets and has served historically as a meat protein substitute. In view of climate change, this protein source may become scarce. [...] Read more.
Wild mushroom foraging has a long tradition in Central European countries. Protein from wild mushrooms is an important part of Central European diets and has served historically as a meat protein substitute. In view of climate change, this protein source may become scarce. This study investigated the effects of temperature and precipitation on wild mushrooms using the Dickey–Fuller test and ordinary least squares method. The results from the Czech Republic show that when the precipitation change was increased by one unit, the change in the amount of foraged mushrooms went up by twenty-seven tons, while the factor of temperature was found to be statistically insignificant. This indicates that with a decline in precipitation, possibly due to climate change, there will be a decline in the amount of wild mushrooms foraged. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Truffle Hunting and Mushrooms Ecology in Forest Ecosystems)
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