Morchella Research Articles

Multigene molecular phylogenetics reveals true morels (Morchella) are especially species-rich in China

The phylogenetic diversity of true morels (Morchella) in China was estimated by initially analyzing nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequences from 361 specimens collected in 21 provinces during the 2003–2011 growing seasons, together with six collections obtained on loan from three Chinese herbaria. Based on the results of this preliminary screen, 40 Esculenta Clade (yellow morels) and 30 Elata Clade (black morels) were chosen to represent the full range of phylogenetic diversity sampled. To investigate their species limits, we generated DNA sequences from portions of three protein-coding genes (RPB1, RPB2 and EF-1α) and domains D1 and D2 of the nuclear large subunit (LSU) rDNA for all 70 collections. To fully assess evolutionary relationships, previously published multilocus DNA sequence data representing all known Morchella species was included in this study. Phylogenetic analyses employing maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood frameworks resolved 30 species in China compared with 22 in Europe and 19 within North America. Eleven novel phylogenetically distinct species were discovered in China, including two species within the Elata Clade and nine within the Esculenta Clade. Of the 30 species in China, 20 appear to be endemic, nine were also represented in Europe, and four putatively fire-adapted species have disjunct distributions in China, Europe and western North America. Although the diversification time estimates place the Esculenta Clade in China as early as the late Cretaceous and the Elata Clade by the early Oligocene, 27 of the 30 species evolved between the middle Miocene 12Mya and present.

Multilocus phylogenetic analysis of true morels (Morchella) reveals high levels of endemics in Turkey relative to other regions of Europe

The present study was conducted to better understand how the phylogenetic diversity of true morels (Morchella) in Turkey compares with species found in other regions of the world. The current research builds on our recently published surveys of 10 Turkish provinces and the northern hemisphere in which DNA sequence data from 247 and 562 collections respectively were analyzed phylogenetically. Herein we report on phylogenetic analyses of 243 additional collections made in spring 2009 and 2010 from eight additional provinces in the Aegean, Black Sea, central Anatolia, eastern Anatolia and Marmara regions of Turkey. Our analysis revealed that five species within the Esculenta clade (yellow morels) and 15 species within the Elata clade (black morels) were present in Turkey. Our preliminary results also indicate that M. anatolica, recently described from a collection in Muǧla province in the Aegean region of Turkey, is a closely related sister of M. rufobrunnea; these two species comprise a separate evolutionary lineage from the Esculenta and Elata clades. Nine species of Morchella currently are known only from Turkey, four species were present in Turkey and other European countries and seven species might have been introduced to Turkey anthropogenically. Three of the putatively exotic species in Turkey appear to be endemic to western North America; they are nested within a clade of fire-adapted morels that dates to the late Oligocene, 25 000 000 y ago. Our results indicate that there are roughly twice as many Morchella species in Turkey compared with the other regions of Europe sampled. Knowledge of Morchella species diversity and their biogeographic distribution are crucial for formulating informed conservation policies directed at preventing species loss and ensuring that annual morel harvests are sustainable and ecologically sound.

Macrofungal diversity in moist temperate forests of Garhwal Himalaya

The present investigation was carried out in different moist temperate forests of Garhwal Himalaya. The fruiting bodies of macrofungi were collected from these forests between July 2008 and September 2009. Frequent field visits and collections were made within the elevation range of 550-2500 msl in the districts Pauri, Tehri, Chamoli and Rudraprayag. As a result of an extensive field survey and microscopic study in laboratory, 40 taxa belonging to 11 families were identified. Two families and 2 taxa belonged to class- Ascomycetes viz: Family-Helvellaceae and Morchellaceae, and nine families and 38 taxa to class-Basidiomycetes viz: Family-Agaricaceae, Amanitaceae, Boletaceae, Cantharellaceae, Coprinaceae, Ganodermataceae Hydnagiaceae, Lycoperdaceae and Russulaceae. Some macrofungi are also being used as medicine viz: Morchella esculenta , Hydnum repandum , Agaricus campestris , Cantharellus cibarius , Coprinus comatus and Ganoderma lucidum .

Hepatoprotective activity of cultured mycelium of Morel mushroom, Morchella esculenta

The hepatoprotective activity of cultured mycelium of morel mushroom Morchella esculenta against CCl(4) and ethanol induced chronic hepatotoxicity was investigated. Hepatotoxicity was induced by challenging the animals with CCl(4) (1:5, v/v, 3.75 ml/kg body weight, i.p., 30 doses) and ethanol (36%, v/v, 6 ml/animal, p.o., 35 doses) and the extract was administered at two concentrations (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight). Hepatoprotection was evaluated by determining the activities of liver function marker enzymes and antioxidant status of liver and also by histopathological observations of liver tissue. Administration of both ethanol and CCl(4) elevated the levels of liver function enzymes, GOT, GPT and ALP in serum drastically. The treatment with the extract decreased the elevated serum GOT, GPT and ALP activities in a dose dependent manner. The extract also restored the depleted levels of antioxidants in liver consequent to CCl(4) and ethanol challenge. The results indicated that aqueous-ethanolic extract of M. esculenta mycelium possessed significant hepatoprotective activity. The conclusion is also supported by the biochemical determinations and histopathological observations. The findings thus suggest the potential therapeutic use of morel mushroom mycelium as a novel hepatoprotective agent.

Isolation of a Wild Morchella spp. Strain and the Effects of its Extract on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Lesions in Rats

A Morchella spp. strain was isolated from a wild morel mushroom, and the effects of its mycelia extract on the ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions of rats were investigated in vivo. Sequence analysis of internal transcribed spacer suggested that this Morchella spp. strain (strain No. M1) was clustered together with M. conica in the phylogenetic tree. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased significantly compared to the control. However, the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity decreased significantly compared to the control. These results indicated that M1 is one member of M. conica and the protective effects of M1 extract against the ethanol-induced gastric lesions may be related to the increased SOD activity and decreased MDA level and MPO activity in rats.

Morels defying the vernal lifestyle

Morels defying the vernal lifestyle

Phylogeny and historical biogeography of true morels (Morchella) reveals an early Cretaceous origin and high continental endemism and provincialism in the Holarctic

True morels (Morchella, Ascomycota) are arguably the most highly-prized of the estimated 1.5 million fungi that inhabit our planet. Field guides treat these epicurean macrofungi as belonging to a few species with cosmopolitan distributions, but this hypothesis has not been tested. Prompted by the results of a growing number of molecular studies, which have shown many microbes exhibit strong biogeographic structure and cryptic speciation, we constructed a 4-gene dataset for 177 members of the Morchellaceae to elucidate their origin, evolutionary diversification and historical biogeography. Diversification time estimates place the origin of the Morchellaceae in the middle Triassic 243.63 (95% highest posterior density [HPD] interval: 169.35-319.89) million years ago (Mya) and the divergence of Morchella from its closest relatives in the early Cretaceous 129.61 (95% HPD interval: 90.26-173.16) Mya, both within western North America. Phylogenetic analyses identified three lineages within Morchella: a basal monotypic lineage represented by Morchella rufobrunnea, and two sister clades comprising the black morels (Elata Clade, 26 species) and yellow morels (Esculenta Clade, 16 species). Morchella possesses a Laurasian distribution with 37/41 species restricted to the Holarctic. All 33 Holarctic species represented by multiple collections exhibited continental endemism. Moreover, 16/18 North American and 13/15 Eurasian species appeared to exhibit provincialism. Although morel fruit bodies produce thousands of explosively discharged spores that are well suited to aerial dispersal, our results suggest that they are poorly adapted at invading novel niches. Morels also appear to have retained the ancestral fruit body plan, which has remained remarkably static since the Cretaceous.

Morchella tomentosa: a unique belowground structure and a new clade of morels

Mechanisms involved in post-fire morel fructification remain unclear. A new undescribed belowground vegetative structure of Morchella tomentosa in a burned boreal forest was investigated north of Fairbanks, Alaska. The name “radiscisclerotium” is proposed to define this peculiar and elaborate below-ground vegetative structure of M. tomentosa. Bayesian and maximum parsimony analyses based on ITS rRNA regions and nLSU gene strongly supported a new clade composed of M. tomentosa within the genus Morchella.

Using Local Ecological Knowledge to Assess Morel Decline in the U.S. Mid–Atlantic Region

Using Local Ecological Knowledge to Assess Morel Decline in the U.S. Mid–Atlantic Region. Morels (Morchella spp.) are prized wild edible mushrooms. In the United States, morels are the focus of family traditions, local festivals, mycological society forays, and social media, as well as substantial commercial trade. A majority of the anglophone research on morels has been conducted in Europe and in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and Midwest. This literature provides insights into a diverse and plastic genus, but much of its biology and ecology remains a mystery. In 2004, we initiated a study of morel mushroom harvesting in the U.S. Mid–Atlantic region in response to concerns that morels might be in decline in the national parks in that area. This paper presents results from that research with an emphasis on morel hunters’ local ecological knowledge of morel types, phenology, habitat, vegetative associations, and responses to disturbance. We conclude that experienced morel harvesters possess local ecological knowledge that complements scientific knowledge and can increase our understanding of the complex and regionally variable ecology of Morchella and inform conservation efforts.

Effect of carbon, nitrogen sources and inducers on ligninolytic enzyme production by Morchella crassipes

The effect of different carbon, nitrogen sources and inducers on growth and ligninolytic activity by Morel mushroom Morchella crassipes was investigated. The maximum growth was observed in mineral salts broth containing glucose as the carbon source and sodium nitrate as the nitrogen source. Among the inducers, chemical inducers inhibited the growth whereas in natural substrates, growth was not affected much. Manganese peroxidase and lignin peroxidase activity were not detected in the medium with different carbon and nitrogen sources, whereas laccase activity varied depending on carbon source (0.7–3.48 U/ml). Among the inducers, natural inducers resulted in an increase in the enzyme activities. Maximum laccase activity was observed in rice straw (12. 6 U/ml) followed by ABTS (11.6 U/ml); Manganese peroxidase activity was maximum in rice straw (14.32 U/l) wheat straw (12.16 U/l) and phenol red (15 U/l) as the inducers, whereas for Lignin peroxidase activity, rice straw (22 U/l), wheat straw (16 U/l) and veratrylalcohol (20 U/l) served as the best inducers.

Biotechnology of morel mushrooms: successful fruiting body formation and development in a soilless system

Morchella spp. ascocarps (morels) are some of the world's most sought-after mushrooms. Successful cultivation of morels is still a rare and difficult task despite over 100 years of effort. Here we provide the first report of successful Morchella rufobrunnea fruiting body initiation and development in laboratory-scale experiments. Mushroom initials appeared 2 to 4 weeks after first watering of pre-grown sclerotia incubated at 16 to 22°C and 90% humidity. Mature fruiting bodies reached 7 to 15 cm in length and were obtained after the five morphological developmental stages of this Morchella species: sclerotium formation, scelerotium germination, asexual spore formation, formation of initial knots and development of the fruiting body.

Hickory Chickens

Hickory Chickens Sidney Saylor Farr (bio) Hickory chickens—that's what we called mountain morels. They were a delicacy, and they were a delight to find and eat. The morel mushrooms were sort of a pyramid shape and had indentations around the outside. Dad would hunt for them in early spring, when they were at their best, and most easily found. The family loved hickory chickens. I asked Dad why he called them that. He said, "Because they taste like chicken and grow near hickory trees." They were hard to find, but Dad seemed to know likely places to look for them. Following him, we walked uphill because it was easier to spot them around fallen logs and tree roots. It was a favorite activity to hunt for these morels. It was usual to run into other people also searching, but always in a friendly situation. In our part of the hills in southeastern Kentucky, we would all keep to our own chosen places to search. Dad loved hunting for them and would go into the woods and return with a saddlebag full of the morels. Mother would clean and slice them, roll them in flour, and then fry them. When they were served with the meal they tasted almost like chicken. As so often with any normal chore, both my parents worked this process, with Dad bringing in the morels and Mama preparing them. One time Dad brought home a large frog he had caught, and it was Mama's job to prepare it. She thought the frog was dead, but when she started to cut into it, the frog jerked. It was such a shock that she fainted! I always enjoyed those times in the woods, whether hunting for hickory chickens or playing games. In the mountains there are certain places that feel different. There was a cove where I used to love to go because it made me feel so good. Once I stepped over a certain point, a good feeling would come over me. When I stepped into that area, there was a special energy that surrounded me, and I could feel it as long as I stayed within that certain area. I would usually go there with my mother, Aunt Betty, and Aunt Laura. Aunt Laura was four years older than me, and she had a very inventive imagination. We picked out a certain tree that was the "doctor," and another tree was the "nurse," and the small bushes were the "children." Aunt Laura usually claimed the prettiest trees as hers, and I had to take those that were left. We played many games of make-believe among those trees. [End Page 91] I loved listening to Aunt Betty talk. She had a talent for tying things together. She would tell about something that happened, and then she would tell the history. "That was the year everybody got the flu," or "that was the year it flooded in the spring." That always made family history seem clear to me. Aunt Laura had such an imagination; you never knew if she was lying about something or if it was make-believe. I don't know if there's a difference between lying and make-believe, but mother was always sure that if you talked about something that didn't happen, it was a lie. I was always writing something and hiding the papers in the loft; they were thoughts, fantasies, daydreams, and so forth. Mama found them one day and because of her upbringing was horrified at all the lies I told; I hadn't written anything about being Christian or about Bible topics. She spoke to Dad and told him they needed to do something about this. Dad never mentioned it to me. I was distressed that she thought it was all lies, and I felt guilty for continuing to write, but I worked it out. I made a bargain with God. I promised that if he wouldn't make it a sin for me to write and read other books, I would read the Bible every day. And I did. I read completely through several times. And I kept on writing. [End Page 92...

A multigene molecular phylogenetic assessment of true morels ( Morchella) in Turkey

A collection of 247 true morels ( Morchella spp.) primarily from the Mediterranean and Aegean Regions of Southern Turkey, were analyzed for species diversity using partial RNA polymerase I ( RPB1) and nuclear ribosomal large subunit (LSU) rDNA gene sequences. Based on the result of this initial screen, 62 collections representing the full range of genetic diversity sampled were subjected to multigene phylogenetic species recognition based on genealogical concordance (GCPSR). The 62-taxon dataset consisted of partial sequences from three nuclear protein-coding genes, RNA polymerase I ( RPB1), RNA polymerase II ( RPB2), translation elongation factor ( EF1-α), and partial LSU rDNA gene sequences. Phylogenetic analyses of the individual and combined datasets, using maximum parsimony (MP) and maximum likelihood (ML), yielded nearly fully resolved phylogenies that were highly concordant topologically. GCPSR analysis of the 62-taxon dataset resolved 15 putative phylogenetically distinct species. The early diverging Elata (black morels) and Esculenta Clades (yellow morels) were represented, respectively, by 13 and two species. Because a Latin binomial can be applied with confidence to only one of the 15 species ( Morchella semilibera), species were identified by clade ( Mel for Elata and Mes for Esculenta) followed by a unique Arabic number for each species within these two clades. Eight of the species within the Elata Clade appear to be novel, including all seven species within the Mel-20-to-31 subclade and its sister designated Mel-25. Results of the present study provide essential data for ensuring the sustainability of morel harvests through the formulation of sound conservation policies.

Evaluation of free radical scavenging activity of morel mushroom, Morchella esculenta mycelia: A potential source of therapeutically useful antioxidants

Cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in several diseases and antioxidants are known to protect the body from this damage. Antioxidants thus, have gained significant importance in human health. The search for effective, non-toxic natural compounds with antioxidant activity has intensified in recent years. Mycelia of a number mushrooms have recently been successfully used for the development of novel pharmaceutical products. We examined the aqueous-ethanol extract of cultured mycelia of the morel mushroom, Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. (Morchellaceae) for its ability to scavenge super oxide, hydroxyl, nitric oxide, 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radicals as well as for inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The extract efficiently scavenged all these radicals and also inhibited lipid peroxidation. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay indicated the hydrogen donating capacity of the extract. The pulse radiolysis studies using ABTS and carbonate radical (CO3•-) showed that the extract significantly carried out the decay of these radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, the investigation showed that the morel mushroom mycelium is an excellent source of antioxidants which are capable of imparting protection at different levels. The findings suggest the potential therapeutic use of morel mushroom, M. esculenta mycelia as an efficient antioxidant.

Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Culinary-Medicinal Morel Mushrooms, Morchella Dill. ex Pers. (Ascomycetes): Relation to Color and Phenol Contents

Morels (Morchella spp.) are sought-after edible mushrooms encompassing several different species that differ in head color and ecological characteristics. High phenotypic variability, including differences in color, is also found within the species. In the present report, the relationships between antioxidant content as radical-scavenging activity (RSA), phenol content, and color within populations of two Morchella species, M. vulgaris and M. esculenta, were studied. Total RSA measured using the radical DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), total phenols measured after methanolic extraction, and ascocarp darkness measured by chromatometer were correlated. All three parameters exhibited high levels of variability among individual ascocarps within each species population. For both species, RSA correlated well with phenol content (R2 = 0.85 and 0.82 for M. vulgaris and M. esculenta, respectively). In addition, darker mushrooms within populations of each species had higher RSA and phenol contents than light-colored mushrooms.

Aqueous-ethanolic extract of morel mushroom mycelium Morchella esculenta, protects cisplatin and gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in mice

Morchella esculenta (L) Pers. is an excellently edible and delicious morel mushroom found growing in the temperate forests. The mycelium of this mushroom is widely used as a flavouring agent. The current investigation was undertaken to explore the protective effect of the aqueous-ethanol extract of cultured mycelium of M. esculenta against cisplatin and gentamicin induced acute renal toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Cisplatin and gentamicin when administered induced a marked renal failure, characterized by a significant increase in serum urea and creatinine concentrations. Treatment with the extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight decreased the cisplatin and gentamicin induced increase in serum creatinine and urea levels. Treatment with the extract also restored the depleted antioxidant defense system. The decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the kidneys consequent to cisplatin and gentamicin administration was significantly elevated. The enhanced renal antioxidant defense system also prevented the tissue lipid peroxidation. The experimental results suggest that aqueous-ethanol extract of morel mushroom, M. esculenta mycelium protected cisplatin and gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity possibly by enhancing renal antioxidant system. The findings thus suggest the potential therapeutic use of morel mushroom mycelium as a novel nephroprotective agent.

Novel Dehydrogenase Catalyzes Oxidative Hydrolysis of Carbon-Nitrogen Double Bonds for Hydrazone Degradation

Hydrazines and their derivatives are versatile artificial and natural compounds that are metabolized by elusive biological systems. Here we identified microorganisms that assimilate hydrazones and isolated the yeast, Candida palmioleophila MK883. When cultured with adipic acid bis(ethylidene hydrazide) as the sole source of carbon, C. palmioleophila MK883 degraded hydrazones and accumulated adipic acid dihydrazide. Cytosolic NAD+- or NADP+-dependent hydrazone dehydrogenase (Hdh) activity was detectable under these conditions. The production of Hdh was inducible by adipic acid bis(ethylidene hydrazide) and the hydrazone, varelic acid ethylidene hydrazide, under the control of carbon catabolite repression. Purified Hdh oxidized and hydrated the C=N double bond of acetaldehyde hydrazones by reducing NAD+ or NADP+ to produce relevant hydrazides and acetate, the latter of which the yeast assimilated. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed that Hdh belongs to the aldehyde dehydrogenase (Aldh) superfamily. Kinetic and mutagenesis studies showed that Hdh formed a ternary complex with the substrates and that conserved Cys is essential for the activity. The mechanism of Hdh is similar to that of Aldh, except that it catalyzed oxidative hydrolysis of hydrazones that requires adding a water molecule to the reaction catalyzed by conventional Aldh. Surprisingly, both Hdh and Aldh from baker's yeast (Ald4p) catalyzed the Hdh reaction as well as aldehyde oxidation. Our findings are unique in that we discovered a biological mechanism for hydrazone utilization and a novel function of proteins in the Aldh family that act on C=N compounds.

When true is false, and false is true

It is surprising to see how many times the false potato beetle (Leptinotarsa juncta (Germar)) is incorrectly presented as Colorado potato beetle (the famous L. decemlineata (Say)) in widely-circulated entomological publications (e.g. Milne & Milne 1980), and in numerous websites. These, then, are truly “false” potato beetles! Beyond errors such as this, there is a philosophical question of whether any (good) species should be called “false.” Official ESA Common Names include nine unfortunate species in seven orders listed with official common names including the label “false” (including the above-mentioned false potato beetle). Try this search at http://www.entsoc.org/ Pubs/Common_Names/ entering *false* under common name. Of these nine, three are distinguished from their namesakes at the species level, three at the genus level, two at the family level, and one—the pine false webworm, a sawfly—is in a different order from the pine webworm, a pyralid moth. Of the roughly 880,000 species lists on the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) 2006 Annual Checklist, 853 are listed with “false” in the vernacular name, yet only 26 with “true”! “False” is a particularly common plant moniker, perhaps because the plant in question did not measure up in some way medicinally or culinarily, or perhaps it poisoned its collector, as would the false morel mushroom. The common names of plants offer many more “false” names than any other groups, probably an outgrowth of the Doctrine of Signatures (Lehane 1977), which focused on human use of plants, guided supposedly by the signs God had left for their use on Earth. So we have boneset and false boneset, the former one the true remedy as allegedly signified by its perfoliate (fused) leaves. The Merriam-Webster Unabr idged D i c t i o n a r y lists vernacular names for 84 organisms as false this or that, 71 of them h igher plants, four fungi, three mammals (including the false killer whale and the false vampire bat), one fish, one mollusk, two insects (false wireworm and false chinch bug), and two groups of other arthropods, false scorpions and false spider mites, not to mention three plant diseases including cranberry false blossom (vectored by a leafhopper), and three animal diseases including false gid (caused by the sheep botfly). Yet, as entomologists, we know that common names are rare and fickle, whereas scientific names are the basis for all taxonomic discourse! But here we have the even more rampant use of pseudo. Of the ITIS 880,000, over 20,000 species names and 13,000 species with genus names include the “false” root pseud-! Take for example the widely-used laboratory animal Drosophila pseudoobscura Dobzhansky (Diptera: Drosophilidae). The opposite moniker, vera, (or veris, or verum) is much less common, Dioctria vera Back (Diptera: Asilidae) being only When true is false, and false is true

Molly Mooching on Bradley Mountain: The Aesthetic Ecology of Appalachian

Morel mushrooms (morchella sp.) are a prized delicacy wherever they can be found in the world’s temperate zone. Among English speakers they go by a variety of names, related to their appearance and habitat, such as Honeycombs, Dryland Fish, and Orchard mushrooms. Only in Central Appalachia are they referred to as “molly moochers.” This article explores the relationship of molly moochers to the idea and practice of the community forest. The community forest exemplifies Gregory Bateson’s notion of the thinking system, which is the organism plus its environment, as the minimal unit required for any organism’s survival. Viewed in isolation from human communities, forests are in part the expression of mycorrhizal associations (from the Greek mykes meaning fungus and rhiza meaning root). Viewed as a medium for and expression of community life, the community forest becomes in part the expression of homomycorrhizal associations. The intelligence circulating through the community forest implicates memory and the senses in a deep aesthetic ecology. This aesthetic ecology forms the context for the renewal of the community forest through such annual events as the springtime hunt for molly moochers.

Quantitative Studies, Taste Reconstitution, and Omission Experiments on the Key Taste Compounds in Morel Mushrooms (Morchella deliciosa Fr.)

Sensory-directed fractionation of an aqueous extract prepared from morel mushrooms led to the identification of gamma-aminobutyric acid as the chemical inducer of the mouth-drying and mouth-coating oral sensation imparted by morels. Additionally, L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, succinic acid, and the previously unknown (S)-malic acid 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, coined (S)-morelid, were detected as additional important umami-like taste compounds. To further bridge the gap between pure structural chemistry and human taste perception, 33 putative taste compounds were quantified in an aqueous morel extract and then rated for their taste contribution on the basis of dose-over-threshold factors. To confirm these quantitative results, an aqueous taste reconstitute was prepared by blending aqueous solutions of 16 amino acids, 6 organic acids, 3 purines, 4 carbohydrates, 3 minerals, and (S)-morelid in their "natural" concentrations. Triangle tests revealed that the taste profile of this biomimetic organoleptic cocktail did not differ significantly from the taste profile of authentic morel extract. To finally narrow down the number of key taste compounds, taste omission experiments were performed demonstrating that (S)-morelid together with L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, malic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, and gamma-aminobutyric acid are the key organoleptics of morel extract. Moreover, sensory experiments with model solutions showed that (S)-morelid not only imparts a sour and umami-like taste but is able to amplify the taste activity of monosodium glutamate, as well as sodium chloride, solutions.