Characterization and Domestication of Wild Edible Mushrooms from Selected Indigenous Forests in Burundi

Abstract

In Burundi, minimum work has been done to comprehensively identify and commercialize high yielding local mushrooms. The previous studies carried out on mushroom cultivation have focused on exotic strains. This is the first study undertaken on domestication of wild edible mushrooms from Burundi indigenous forests. Nine samples were collected from four protected areas and characterized using phenotypic and molecular markers. Germoplasm isolation through tissue culture techniques, spawn production and cultivation studies were also undertaken. Mushroom samples were identified as  Pleurotus citrinopileatus,  Lentinus squarrosulus,  Hypholoma fasciculare,  Laetiporus sulfureus,  Macrolepiota dolichaula,  Trametes polyzona,  Amanita zambiana,  Lactarius delicious  and  Amanita verna.  Spawn production was successful in six of the nine collected species. Fruiting body production was successful for  Pleurotus citrinopileatus,  Lentinus squarrosulus,  Hypholoma fasciculare  and  Trametes polyzona. Mushroom yield and biological efficiency of domesticated species varied among species and ranged from 15.3 to 30.6% and 41.2% to 81%, respectively.  Macrolepiota dolichaula  and  Laetiporus sulfureus  remained at the secondary mycelium stage while  Amanita zambiana,  Lactarius delicious  and  Amanita verna  did not develop even the mother spawn. Burundi indigenous forests harbour wild edible mushrooms with potential for domestication. More research should be conducted to domesticate them for food and nutritional security.

 Keywords:  Domestication; wild edible mushrooms; germplasm; spawn; Burundi indigenous