Fenología y variables ambientales asociadas a la fructificación de hongos silvestres comestibles de los bosques andino-patagónicos en Argentina

Abstract

We assessed the environmental variables associated with fructification, phenology, abundance, frequency and relative productivity of lignicolous and terrestrial wild edible fungi from Nothofagus forests in the Andean-Patagonia region of Argentina. The study was carried out during autumn 2010, 2011 and 2012. The mycorrhizal species Cortinarius magellanicus and C. xiphidipus were associated with a deep litter layer, whereas the saprophytic Lycoperdon sp. showed lower litter depth values. All the terrestrial species developed under high canopy cover (above 75%). Lignicolous species such as Clitocybula dusenii and Aleurodiscus vitellinus were more frequently observed in open places, whereas Fistulina. antarctica, F. endoxantha and Grifola gargal seem to prefer high canopy cover. Fruiting of F. antarctica was associated with low wood degradation stage, vs. high wood degradation stage in the case of C. dusenii. F. antarctica, Ramaria patagonica, C. magellanicus and A. vitellinus were found to have longer fruiting periods, from mid-March to mid-April. The most productive species in terms of fresh weight were R. patagonica and F. antarctica. The information provided here is critical to establish guidelines for harvesting these species based on their availability, ensuring their sustainable use.