A checklist of Wild Mushrooms of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, Eastern Region, Ghana.

Study Extent

The Atewa Range Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region of Ghana covers an area of 23,663 hectares. It falls within longitude 0°36’ 39’’; W and latitude 6°10’ 0’’ N. It is an Upland Evergreen forests with an elevation between 500 m - 750 m. The vegetation is Moist Semi-deciduous forest type with a mean annual rainfall between 1200 mm and 1800 mm. This forest is fringed by over 40 communities who collect resources such as non timber products such as mushrooms from the forest.

Sampling

Photographic images of the different mushrooms were captured using a high-definition camera. Identification and Description was compared to literature. The following features were examined using hand lens and light microscopes: Cap: shape-margin and size in longitudinal section and vertical section, colour and ornamentation. Hymenophore (gill, or pores): shape from below, attachment, edge of gills, colour and spore print. Stipe: insertion, consistency, size, shape, colour and ornamentation. Flesh: thickness, colour, smell and taste (Obodai and Apetorgbor, 2001).

Quality Control

During sample collections in the field, quality control is ensured by storing samples in paper bags Post sample collection, quality control is ensured through sun drying and oven drying of samples before storing in paper bags in the kept in an herbarium. During data mobilization some of the quality control measures have include verifying species scientific name against GBIF Backbone through the Global Name Resolver and data cleaning using open refine.

Method steps

1. The survey design employed transect walks and species encountered on the transect were collected into paper bags and labelled using the physical characterisitcs, distinctive features and location characteristics taken(forest floor, termite mound, etc.) Photographic images of the different mushrooms were also captured using a high definition camera. Notes were taken on the ephemeral characters such as veil remains, removable scales, fibrils, volva, etc. After the survey, the different edible and wild species of mushrooms were identified to genus and species levels in the laboratory and by comparing with literature based on the variations in physical characteristics. The mushroom samples collected were then grouped into their major taxa and then dried using a field drier after which they were kept in a herbarium. The quality control of the mushrooms during sample collections in the field is ensured by storing the samples in paper bags. Post sample collection, quality control is ensured through sun drying and oven drying of samples before storing in paper bags and then kept in a herbarium.

The mushrooms were identified to order, genus and species.

1. Termitomyces sp.
   rank: genus
2. Auricularia cornea
   rank: species
3. Pleurotus sp.
   rank: genus
4. Lentinus sp
   rank: genus
5. Volvariella sp
   rank: genus
6. Daldinea concentrica
   rank: species
7. Ganoderma sp.
   rank: genus

The samples were collected from the Atewa Range Forest Reserve in Ghana.