Climatic and Socioeconomic Aspects of Mushrooms: The Case of Spain

Abstract

Fungi are some of the most diverse organisms on earth and since prehistoric times have played an important role in human society. In recent years they have become a strategic asset not only in the conservation and management of ecosystems but also as a resource for halting the exodus from rural areas in peripheral Mediterranean regions, such as inland eastern Spain. In view of this important ecological and socioeconomic role, in this paper we present a geographical analysis of edible fungi, paying particular attention to the Spanish case. To this end we carried out a bibliographic review of the climatic factors affecting the fruiting of these fungi and the socioeconomic aspects of their commercial exploitation. We also performed an online search for mycotourism-related activities and explored the statistical data on the cultivation of edible mushrooms and its economic impact. Our main findings include a synthesis of the international research on the effects of climatic variability on the natural production of macrofungi, and an assessment of the economic viability and the social importance of mushrooms in Spain, in particular in relation to the current and future potential of mushroom cultivation and the multifunctional management and use of forests.

Mushroom Production Benefits, Status, Challenges and Opportunities in Bangladesh: A Review

“…About 6% of edible mushrooms are known to have medicinal properties and can be found in health tonics, tinctures, teas, soups and herbal formulae [8]. Edible mushrooms have been used as important ingredient in the production of certain pharmaceutical products for their medicinal values [1,26,27]. Worldwide, Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushrooms are highly recognized for their medicinal values and said to have antitumor, antiviral properties like anti-HIV and anti-hepatitis B and remove serum cholesterol from the blood stream [8,28].…”

“…Mushrooms constitute one of the most promising resources for promoting rapid socioeconomic development [1]. Cultivation of mushroom is a source of national income as well as a means of poverty alleviation.…”

“…Mushroom is one of the most diverse organisms on earth and since primitive times have played a vital role in human welfare [1]. A mushroom is the fleshy and spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus and belongs to the class Basidiomycetes under the order Agaricales in fungal classification, typically produced above the ground on soil or on its food substrate.…”

“…A mushroom is the fleshy and spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus and belongs to the class Basidiomycetes under the order Agaricales in fungal classification, typically produced above the ground on soil or on its food substrate. It has been universally used as a food and medicine by different civilizations since ancient time due to its delicious taste, flavor, dietetic qualities and several medicinal properties [1,2,3]. The fresh mushroom contains about 85-90% moisture, 3% protein, 4% carbohydrates, 0.3-0.4% fats and 1% minerals and vitamins as well as some medicinal properties like lowering blood cholesterol level, defense against cancer and invigorating hair growth [4].…”

Sustainability Assessment of a Qingyuan Mushroom Culture System Based on Emergy

“…Not only do they serve as an important food source for humans, but they also serve as a "bridge" between the earth and humans through decomposition and biological symbiosis. According to statistics, there are about 2300 species in edible fungi, of which only about 200 are cultivated [1]. A large number of historical data shows that mushroom cultivation technology originated in China.…”