Documentation and Taxonomic Identification of Wild Edible Mushrooms as Potential Food Resources in Upland Municipalities of Abra Province, Northern Philippines
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Wild edible mushrooms are important forest-based food resources that contribute to dietary diversity and food security in many rural communities. Despite their ecological and nutritional significance, information on the diversity and taxonomy of wild edible mushrooms in Abra Province, Northern Philippines, remains limited. This study aimed to document and taxonomically identify wild edible mushroom species occurring in selected upland municipalities of Abra Province. Methods: Field surveys were conducted from April to September 2025 in the municipalities of Licuan-Baay, Malibcong, Tubo, Luba and Daguioman. Sampling was carried out in forest interiors, forest edges, grasslands and riparian habitats using systematic transect walks and opportunistic collection. Collected specimens were identified through detailed macromorphological and microscopic characterization, complemented by molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. Result: A total of seven wild edible mushroom species representing seven genera, six families and four taxonomic orders were documented. Functional group analysis revealed that ectomycorrhizal fungi comprised 71.4% of the recorded species, while saprotrophic fungi accounted for 28.6%. All identified species represent the first species-level records of wild edible mushrooms for Abra Province. The documented species were predominantly associated with forest ecosystems, where ecological interactions such as mycorrhizal symbiosis and organic matter decomposition support their growth. These findings highlight the potential of wild edible mushrooms as valuable forest-based food resources that can contribute to dietary diversity and sustainable food systems in upland communities. Accurate taxonomic identification provides an essential basis for safe utilization, conservation and future studies on the nutritional value, domestication and sustainable management of wild edible mushroom resources in Abra Province and other upland areas of the Philippines.
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7171675615