Evaluation and Study of Wild Edible Fungi Species Isolated in the Forestry Area of the Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro (UAAAN)

Abstract

Mexico hosts a remarkable diversity of forest species, including the genera Quercus, Pinus, Abies, and Acacia, which constitute a significant ecological and cultural heritage. However, factors such as overgrazing, climate change, and forest fires have severely degraded ecosystems, impacting the biodiversity of forests and jungles. Wild mushrooms represent a vital component of the bio-cultural richness in southeastern Mexico, although this region has been significantly affected by these issues. In northern Mexico, the culture of wild mushroom consumption is limited due to extreme climatic conditions, characterized by temperatures exceeding 30 °C and annual precipitation ranging from 350 to 400 mm. Despite these environmental challenges, several wild mushroom species thrive. This study was conducted in the Forestry Department of the Autonomous Agrarian University Antonio Narro, in Saltillo, Coahuila, to collect and identify wild mushrooms present in the region. During sampling, specimens of varying sizes belonging to the genera Agaricus, Amanita, and Pleurotus were documented. This research aims to contribute to the knowledge and conservation of edible wild mushrooms, emphasizing their ecological and cultural significance within Mexican