Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Morchella spp. are wild edible mushrooms growing ephemerally under particular environmental conditions in temperate regions of the world. The present study was aimed to outline some principal eco-edaphic characteristics influencing distribution of these mushrooms from three different forest types of Swat, Pakistan. A randomized circular plots were laid down along the transect line in 14 stands in study areas. Environmental variables were recorded and soil characteristics were determined, analyzed and compared. Five species were collected from N to NW slope at elevation range of 1100-2695m asl. Mean relative humidity of 58.7%, range of air temperature 13 °C-27 °C and soil temperature 6-26 °C were recorded at morel growing sites. A higher canopy cover (average 57%) favours sporocarp formation in morels. Soil analysis showed that morel preferably appeared in sandy loam to loamy textured soil at slightly acidic to neutral pH (mean=6.4) and with consistently higher organic matter (1.5%) and salt activities (mean = 38.8 μS) in the soil. IVI calculation showed that Pinus wallichiana A. B. Jackson, Juglans regia L., Abies pindrow Royle, Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D. Don) G. Don were dominant trees and Viburnum grandiflorum Wall. ex DC, Hedra nepalensis K. Koch, Hert and Sarcococca saligna (D. Don) Muell. Arg. were shrub species associated with morels. Whilst Fragaria nubicola (Hook.f.) Lindl., Viola canescens Wall ex Roxb. and Podophyllum hexandrum Roylae were the predominant herbs in morel habitat. This study will help to understand the natural habitat and to provide a base line information for the future conservation and management planning in the area.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
