Additions to the Knowledge of Macrolepiota (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) in Northern Thailand

Abstract

Macrolepiota is a genus of white spored, gilled mushroom of the family Agaricaceae which are widely distributed in tropical and temperate countries. In this study, five wild edible Macrolepiota species were collected from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces during the rainy season of 2013-2014. All species were characterized up to species level considering macro and micro-morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Edible M. dolichaula and M. detersa were identified as new records for Thailand. Further, the ecological parameters which affect their growth and provide clue for their domestication were also explored. The results showed that Macrolepiota species prefer to grow in soils rich with organic matters. They can degrade various substrates for their nutrition.  This suggests that domestication of Macrolepiota species in cheap agricultural substrates could be
achieved and this would not only generate additional nutritional food but also provide economic opportunities for farmers in developing countries. Therefore, Macrolepiota species are of great interest of study for introducing them as additional commercial mushrooms.