| Abstract Detail
Economic Botany Section Conrad, Anna O. [1], Horton, Thomas R. [2]. An Initial Survey of Fungi in the Cloud Forests of Honduras with a Focus on Edibles. The primary objective of this study was to determine if edible fungi suitable as low impact secondary forest products for the local economy occur in Cuscuco National Park, Honduras. A secondary objective was to initiate a long-term biodiversity survey of fungi in the park. The forest is dominated by Pinus oocarpa Schiede ex Schtdl. with Liquidambar styraciflua L. in one of the southern most native pine stands in the world. Fruiting bodies were collected and morphologically identified in late June 2008 on various trails around the Base Camp (1590 meters), near the village of Buenos Aires. Dried specimens were returned to Syracuse, NY where they were further identified using molecular techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, RFLP, direct sequencing of the nrDNA ITS region and BLAST search in GenBank). Of the 31 specimens collected, 25 yielded high quality sequences. Fourteen were identified to species, 9 to genus, and two to order. Multiple collections were included of two Suillus spp., a Russula, and a species in Boletales. Two species are believed to be edible: Boletus pinophilus in the porcini group and Auricularia or tree ears. In addition, discussions with local residents with picture keys as a guide suggest the women are harvesting a Cantherellus sp. or chanterelles (local name = choras) and a Pleurotus sp. or oyster mushroom for the kitchen. Porcini will be explored as a possible cash crop for sustainable economic development. The data collected will serve as a baseline for future studies on fungal biodiversity in Honduras, part of a larger biodiversity assessment by Operation Wallacea and as a source of information for future development of a sustainable edible fungi industry.
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1 - SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Environmental Forest Biology, 1 Forestry Dr., Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
2 - SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Environmental Forest Biology, 350 Illick Hall, 1 Forestry Dr., Syracuse, NY, 13210, United States
Keywords:
edible fungi
Honduras
Operation Wallacea.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for BSA Sections
Session: P1
Location: Event Tent/Cliff Lodge
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2009
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: P1EB003
Abstract ID:602 |
