Microhabitat of the totolcozcatl mushroom [Entoloma abortivum (Berk. & Curtis) Donk, Basidiomycotina] for its restoration in the cloud forest

Abstract

The present research aimed to characterize the habitat in which the fungus "totolcozcatl" develops in the mountain mesophilous forest in Xaltepuxtla, Puebla, in order to identify sites for its restoration. Through field trips with gatherers of the "totolcozcatl" fungus, four emergence sites of the species were identified and delimited. In each site, at the depth of emergence of the carpophores, microclimate temperature and relative humidity sensors were placed before and during the entire period of development of the fungus; the pH and the temperature of the substrate were also recorded in the same period. The description of the plant composition was made, and the specific site shade density was measured. The chemical composition of the substrate was also included in the characterization. The emergence of carpophores occurred during the winter period when the microenvironmental temperature registered between 15.8^o to 17.5^o C, relative humidity between 64%-67%, shade density of 93.6%. In the substrate, temperatures fluctuated between 8.5^o and 14 °C in the same period (two years). The type of substrate, the base of the bamboo stem, leaf litter, decomposing grass tufts and rotten pieces of jonote, which provide chemical characteristics of acidity (5.0-5.5) and nutritional contribution, are another condition for its development. The information generated and the reproduction method validated by the authors enables its immediate application for the restoration of the species in the ecosystem.