Marko Gómez-Hernández

Macromycetes are of great relevance to the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, but habitat transformation can significantly alter the structure of macrofungal communities. Urbanization is regarded as a major threat to biological diversity; however, knowledge of its impact on macromycetes remains scarce. The present study aimed to assess diversity and distribution patterns of macrofungal species across an urbanization gradient in the Puebla–Tlaxcala Valley of Mexico and determine the effect of urbanization on macromycete communities. From May to October 2024, macromycetes were collected in four oak forests. Fungal specimens were classified based on their macromorphological and micromorphological characteristics. Topographic (1), microclimatic (4), vegetation structure (5), environmental (2), and urbanization (4) variables were included in the analyses. A total of 296 macrofungal species were recorded. Diversity has been shown to decline with increasing urbanization. Species composition shifted across the gradient, with the most urbanized sites showing higher turnover. The interplay of microclimate, vegetation structure, and urbanization was a key driver of the observed patterns, underscoring the sensitivity of macromycetes to urban environmental change. The findings highlight the importance of microclimatic buffering and habitat continuity for sustaining macrofungal communities within urban areas.

Background and Aims: The importance of fungi extends beyond their role in ecosystem functioning to also being a non-timber forest resource of cultural importance. Wild edible mushrooms are part of diets and provide a source of income for many human communities worldwide. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare commercialization topics related to wild edible mushrooms in traditional markets throughout the Valles Centrales region of Oaxaca, Mexico.Methods: Nine traditional markets were selected for their historical relevance as commercial exchange routes. The ethnographic method employed to obtain data included participant observation and semi-structured interviews conducted with mushroom vendors. Descriptive, linear regression, and non-metric multidimensional scaling analyses were conducted.Key results: A total of 60 mushroom vendors and 22 wild edible mushroom species were recorded across the markets. Women are the main participants (78%) in mushroom commercialization within markets. Vendors between the ages of 12 and 35 are the least involved in this activity (12%). Central de Abastos and Villa de Etla recorded the highest variety of mushrooms (16 and 14 species, respectively). Mushrooms in the Amanita caesarea complex are the most sold species. The composition of mushroom species sold in markets is similar when vendors harvest in environmentally comparable areas. Wild mushroom sales are declining in three of the nine studied markets.Conclusions: Traditional markets in the Valles Centrales region function as key socio‑ecological interfaces where macrofungal diversity and market dynamics intersect. The documentation of 22 mushroom species in the nine markets highlights the persistence of complex traditional knowledge systems embedded in commercialization strategies. The conservation of wild edible mushrooms cannot be addressed solely through ecological approaches. Safeguarding fungal resources requires strengthening traditional knowledge systems, fostering community organization, and promoting fair market practices.

Traditional names of wild mushrooms have long served as crucial links between these organisms and humans. In Mexico, cultural groups traditionally use indigenous and Spanish names and have developed effective methods for classifying and naming mushrooms. This has allowed the suitable use of fungal resources and the transmission of ancestral knowledge regarding each species. The present study explores the folk taxonomy of wild mushrooms in communities belonging to the Chatino, Chontal, and Chinantec indigenous groups of Oaxaca, Mexico. The goal was to assess the origins and meanings of the mushroom names, their connections to local culture, and the similarities in folk taxonomy among indigenous groups to understand the dynamics of classification and assignment of names. Between April and October 2022, 10% of the inhabitants in each community, including children, youth, adults, and elderly individuals, were interviewed to gather information related to their knowledge of wild mushrooms. Local translators assisted in analyzing the origins and meanings of mushroom names. Field trips to collect sporomes were conducted with community members. Regression analysis and analysis of covariance were performed to assess the use of traditional names among community members. A total of 43 indigenous names were recorded for 32 mushroom species. The Chatino people use 22 indigenous names for 23 species and refer to mushrooms as "Kía"; the Chontal group uses 15 names for 16 species, and the term for mushrooms is "Jlapilí"; the Chinantec group has six names for six mushroom species and uses the generic term "Naẗ." Indigenous names consist of a generic term for mushroom and a specific suffix. Since the mushroom names are assigned based on ecological, morphological, and cultural factors, similarities in their meanings can be observed among the communities. People’s age is positively related to the number of indigenous mushroom names they use. Women use more Spanish names than men. The variety of names used in each studied community underlines the relevance of wild mushrooms for these indigenous groups. They have developed a comprehensive folk taxonomy that enables them to effectively utilize fungal resources and ensure the transmission of traditional knowledge.

Behria is a genus of petaloid geophytes endemic to the Cape Region of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It belongs to the Milla clade within the subfamily Brodiaeoideae of the Asparagaceae family. Currently, Behria tenuiflora is the only recognized species within this genus. In our methodological approach, we considered two distinct floral morphotypes: Group A consists of populations found at lowland elevations (10–150 m), while Group B comprises plants growing at mid to high elevations (400–2060 m). The aim of our study was to investigate whether there are discernible morphological differences and correlations with climate variables between Behria Group A and Group B. To address this, we measured nine quantitative characters for 94 plants from seven populations of Behria tenuiflora. Our findings revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in pedicel length, perianth length, perianth base diameter, and perianth aperture diameter of the analyzed Behria groups. Based on these results, we propose the recognition of Behria leonis as a new species. Additionally, we provide a morphological key for distinguishing Behria and Bessera genera, along with illustrations, a distribution map, and photographs.

Background: For centuries, wild mushrooms have been a forest resource of significant cultural value in several ethnic groups worldwide. In Mexico, extensive traditional knowledge on the use of fungal resources has been developed and deeply rooted. Mexico is the second country in the world in which the most species of wild mushroom are consumed, and it is considered a pioneer in ethnomycology. Nonetheless, there are still many indigenous groups in this country that have not been studied from an ethnomycological approach. The present study aimed to record the traditional knowledge on wild mushrooms in three indigenous groups of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, and assess the variation in this knowledge within and across the studied groups. Methods: The data were recorded from April to October 2022 within three communities belonging to the indigenous groups Chatino, Chontal, and Chinanteco. Through 84 interviews, information related to their knowledge of wild mushrooms was obtained. The cultural significance index of wild edible mushrooms was calculated for each community. Regression analyses, analysis of variance and covariance, t test, and non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis were performed to assess the distribution of traditional knowledge in the communities. Results: A total of 32 culturally important mushroom species were recorded for the three indigenous groups (30 edible, 2 medicinal); 23 used by Chatinos, 16 by Chontales, and 6 by Chinantecos. Only Chatinos and Chinantecos use wild mushrooms in medicine. The cultural significance of wild edible mushrooms differed among groups. Traditional knowledge about wild mushrooms declines when the level of schooling increases and age decreases, especially in the Chatino group. This knowledge distributes more homogeneously in the Chontal and Chinanteco groups. Their age determines the difference in knowledge between men and women. Conclusion: Documenting how traditional knowledge differs among ethnic groups is relevant for preserving cultural and biological diversity. Factors such as level of schooling and age can affect traditional knowledge of wild mushrooms, but the effects of these factors vary within and across communities. Conducting studies encompassing a broader range of variables is of interest for a better understanding of the human–mushroom relationship.

Background: Macromycetes play relevant roles in ecosystem functioning as pathogens, mutualists, and organic matter decomposers. Their diversity and distribution are strongly related to environmental conditions and vegetation types, however, there is a lack of ecological studies assessing which biotic and abiotic factors affect macrofungal communities. Questions: Which vegetation type harbors the highest macromycete diversity? Do macromycete diversity and species composition change among forest types? Which are the main environmental factors related to diversity and distribution patterns along the study area? Data description: Macromycete species richness and abundance, and environmental variables recorded in temperate forests. Study site and dates: Ayoquezco de Aldama, Oaxaca. June-November 2019. Methods: Macromycetes were collected twice a month in oak, oak-pine, pine-oak and pine forests, and environmental variables were recorded at each site. Species diversity and composition turnover were calculated using diversity and similarity indexes. The relation between diversity and species composition with environmental variables was determined with statistical analyses. Results: A total of 186 species were collected. Oak-dominated forests showed the highest similarity in macromycete diversity and species composition. The observed patterns of diversity and distribution were related mainly to air and soil humidity and temperature, topographic factors, and vegetation structure. Conclusions: Macromycete diversity and species composition can conspicuously change in short distances owing to the heterogeneity of habitats and resources provided by woody plants, and the topographic characteristic of the landscape. Vegetation type affects both macromycete diversity and distribution due to its influence on local temperature and humidity. Translate stop Translate stop Translate stop Translate stop

Wild edible mushrooms have been collected and consumed by human groups for centuries, and today they represent a relevant source of food and income for many rural families worldwide. Preserving these non-timber forest products is of great interest, and there is concern about the damage caused by intensive mushroom harvesting on macromycete communities. The aim of this study was to evaluate variation in diversity and composition of macromycete species between areas regularly used for mushroom harvesting and non-harvested areas in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico, as well as to assess the influence of microclimatic and environmental factors on this variation. We selected two harvested and two non-harvested sites within the study area. In each one, we established 10 permanent plots of 10 m × 10 m where we sampled all the observed fruit bodies weekly from June to October 2017. We recorded a total of 856 individuals corresponding to 138 species, and 23 of these were identified as edible. Overall macromycete diversity, edible species diversity and composition were similar in Sites 1 (non-harvested) and 3 (harvested), and in Sites 2 (non-harvested) and 4 (harvested). Variation of diversity and species composition along the studied area was mainly related to microclimatic variables, while most environmental variables and variables related to vegetation structure similarly affected macromycete species in the four sites. Our results indicate that intensive harvesting of wild edible mushrooms is not affecting the diversity and distribution of macromycete species in our study area. Knowledge on the sustainability of mushroom harvesting practices can help improve current regulations regarding the management of these valuable non-timber forest products.

Phylogenetic information provides insight into the ecological and evolutionary processes that organize species assemblages. We compared patterns of phylogenetic diversity among macromycete and woody plant communities along a steep elevational gradient in eastern Mexico to better understand the evolutionary processes that structure their communities. Macrofungi and trees were counted and identified in eight sites from 100 to 3500 m asl, and sequence data retrieved from GenBank for the same or closely related species were used to reconstruct their phylogenies. Patterns of species richness and phylogenetic diversity were similar for both macrofungi and trees, but macromycete richness and diversity peaked at mid‐elevations, whereas woody plant richness and diversity did not show significant trends with elevation. Phylogenetic similarity among sites was low for both groups and decreased as elevational distance between sites increased. Macromycete communities displayed phylogenetic overdispersion at low elevations and phylogenetic clustering at high elevations; the latter is consistent with environmental filtering at high elevation sites. Woody plants generally exhibited phylogenetic clustering, consistent with the potential importance of environmental filtering throughout the elevational gradient.