Ectomycorrhizal fungi with edible fruiting bodies .1. Tricholoma matsutake and related fungi

Matsutake are the edible fruiting bodies of a few species of Tricholoma. The principal species are T. matsutake, T. magnivelare, and T. caligatum. Related species are T. bakamatsutake, T. quercicola, T. fulvocastaneum and T. robustum. These occur naturally throughout the Northern Hemisphere associated mainly with softwood trees but also with members of the Fagaceae. However, none have ever been cultivated or successfully introduced into new areas. They are held in very high regard in Japan where annual consumption is approximately 3000 tons. Annual production of matsutake in Japan is less than 1000 tons with the balance imported from China, North and South Korea, Canada, the USA, Morocco and Taiwan. Matsutake only fruit in late summer and autumn and are nor found in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, there is the opportunity for it to be introduced into Southern Hemisphere countries and fruiting bodies produced for out-of-season Japanese markets. Wholesale prices in 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 This paper reviews published and our own unpublished information on matsutake, and highlights areas of research that might result in a method for the cultivation of these fungi.