Potential Problems Associated with the Cultivation and International Trade in Edible Ectomycorrhizal Mushrooms

There is considerable potential for the cultivation of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms in countries that are not traditional producers of edible ectomycorrhizal mushrooms . Those countries that are in the Southern Hemisphere may be able to take advantage of out-of-season Northern Hemisphere markets . For example , they might produce Périgord black truffle ( Tuber melanosporum) at the height of the Northern Hemisphere′s summer tourist season or matsutake ( Tricholoma matsutake) during the Japanese cherry blossom festival . There is also the possibility that Northern Hemisphere countries not noted for exporting ectomycorrhizal mushrooms could cultivate those species that are in short supply elsewhere . For example, China might wish to try and cultivate Caesar′s mushroom ( Amanita caesarea) and supplement dwindling supplies in Europe . However , there are risks in importing novel ectomycorrhizal fungi for research purposes and trade that go far beyon those associated with the importation of fresh saprobic mushrooms raised in factories . This paper discusses these risks and points to potential hazards countries are exposed to when importing fresh ectomycorrhizal mushrooms or moving them from one part of the country to another.