The relationship between forest age and orientation on the production of sporocarps of ectomycorrhizal or edible fungi in Pinus sylvestis forests of the Central Pyrenees.

BONET, JOSE ANTONIO¹ & CARLOS COLINAS¹

¹Dep. Producció Vegetal i Ciència Forestal, Universitat de Lleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure 177, 25198 Lleida, SPAIN.

Decreasing economic importance of wood production in Pinus sylvestis forests of the Central Pyrenees has encouraged forest land owners and managers to examine multiple use forestry. Edible fungi collec-tion has traditionally been very important in this region of Spain, and with local and world markets of edible fungi expanding the economic value of several ectomycorrhizal fungi has increased such that knowledge of ecologic factors which influence production is essential for wise management now and in the future.
Thirty-six permanent research plots were sampled weekly from Sept. through Dec. for 3 years (1995-1997). All edible and/or ectomycorrhizal sporocarps larger than 2 cm cap diameter were collected, identified and weighed, (fresh and dry).
Mature forest plots (65-75yr.) had the greateast diversity of fungal taxa. Orientation significantly influenced fruiting phenology of several species. Results of this study help us to estimate edible mushroom production in similar forested lands where multiple use management is becoming increasingly important.

Key words: edible fungi, multiple use forestry