Up-to-date distribution, ecology and cultivation of Pleurotus eryngii (DC.) Quél. var. thapsiae Venturella, Zervakis & Saitta in Sicily

Venturella et al. [1] described a new taxon named Pleurotus eryngii (DC.) Quél. var. thapsiae Venturella, Zervakis & Saitta (Madonie Mts) on Thapsia garganica L. and provided ecological data on the locus classicus. P. eryngii var. thapsiae was reported on pastures evolved, from 1000 to 1500 m a.s.l., on limestone and is characterized by a double period of fructification (autumn and spring). P. eryngii var. thapsiae is a choice wild edible mushroom belonging to a special group of Pleurotus species which appear in nature in close association with Apiaceae plants. As part of the project's census of fungi in Sicily two new localities of growth were localized in the Natural Reserves of Capo Gallo and Capo Rama (Palermo). The ecological characteristics of the locus classicus are different from those found in the new localities of growth. The latter are located along the Tyrrhenian coast, from 10 to 50 m a.s.l., on carbonatic soils and subjected to thermo-Mediterranean climate sensu Rivas-Martinez [2]. The new findings of P. eryngii var. thapsiae expand the distribution area known for Sicily, as well as provide new ecological data. In addition, the availability of new biological materials allows to proceed with the preparation of new strains to be used in the cultivation tests. The tests are expected to show the production efficiency and the quality properties of the different strains selected. The cultivation tests are also to assess the suitable environmental conditions required in order to reach yield values that will permit a large-scale cultivation.