ECTOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGI WITH EDIBLE FRUITING BODIES .1. TRICHOLOMA MATSUTAKE AND RELATED FUNGI

Matsutake are the edible fruiting bodies of a few species of Tricholom a. The principal species are T. matsutake, T. magnivelare, and T. cali gatum. Related species are T. bakamatsutake, T. quercicola, T. fulvoca staneum and T. robustum. These occur naturally throughout the Northern Hemisphere associated mainly with softwood trees but also with member s of the Fagaceae. However, none have ever been cultivated or successf ully introduced into new areas. They are held in very high regard in J apan where annual consumption is approximately 3000 tons. Annual produ ction of matsutake in Japan is less than 1000 tons with the balance im ported from China, North and South Korea, Canada, the USA, Morocco and Taiwan. Matsutake only fruit in late summer and autumn and are nor fo und in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, there is the opportunity fo r it to be introduced into Southern Hemisphere countries and fruiting bodies produced for out-of-season Japanese markets. Wholesale prices i n Japan range from Yen3350 to Yen70 000/kg (US$27-560) with the price reflecting quality origin and availability. Retail prices at the start of the season can be up to Yen160 000/kg (US$1275). This paper review s published and our own unpublished information on matsutake, and high lights areas of research that might result in a method for the cultiva tion of these fungi.