Development and potential of the cultivated and wild-harvested mushroom industries in the Republic of Korea and British Columbia

Abstract

Inspired by collaborative work among researchers from the two jurisdictions, we explore the commercial mushroom industry in the Republic of Korea and British Columbia, Canada, searching for similarities and differences that may guide future development. First, we provide a history of forest mushroom use in both areas and summarize the development of the cultivated mushroom industry. Second, we describe the forest-harvested commercial mushrooms. We focus on pine mushroom (Tricholoma magnivelare) and provide an overview of the management in Korea of the closely related matsutake (Tricholoma matsutake) that could be translated to pine mushroom management in British Columbia. Generally, the cultivated mushroom industry in Korea is much larger and more diverse, reflecting local traditions of mushroom use. There is potential for expansion of the industries in both jurisdictions, especially in British Columbia, through the exploration and exploitation of novel native forest mushrooms and through the cultivation of additional exotic species with demonstrated market value.