The economic potential of mushrooms in an artificial Pinus nigra forest

Abstract

Mushroom community in artificial Pinus nigra forest in Amiata mount (Tuscany, Italy) was described. 3220 fruit bodies belonging to 106 different species were found during five surveys from autumn 2014 to spring 2015. The biodiversity indices and the dominance–diversity curves indicate a discrete fungal diversity with the dominance of few species. Edible mushrooms such as Hydnum repandum, Lactarius deliciosus, L. sanguifluus, Suillus granulatus S. luteus and truffles (Tuber aestivum, T. borchii and T. macrosporum) were found in the study area. These fungi are traditionally harvested and are an important complementary economical source for local population. Considering the economic importance of these non-wood forest products, forest management should play major attention to their safeguard.