Mushroom researchers are monitoring how chanterelle fruiting will respond to changes in the forest environment when logging leaves fewer, but more vigorous, trees. Throughout much of the region, decades of fire suppression allowed unusually dense forests to develop . Dry years during the 1980's lead to high tree mortality from insect infestations. Soil disturbances from efforts to restore forest health through salvage logging and prescribed fires may temporarily enhance morel crops. Organism Biology and Ecology Much remains unknown about the physiology, habitat requirements, reproductive biology, genetic diversity, population dynamics, ectomycorrhizal host interactions and ecosystem roles of edible forest fungi.
Further understanding is essential to their management in natural ecosystems.
During mycorrhiza formation, it aggressively invades host roots, eventually resulting in necrosis and death of fine roots to the rear of the migrating fungus mat. Understanding the unique biology of this species is essential to its proper management. The PNW Research Station edible forest mushroom research program encompasses a variety of specific projects. These initial studies are laying the foundation for future work by establishing baseline estimates of productivity, providing comparisons of sampling designs and procedures under various forest conditions, and supplying managers with preliminary information about the mushrooms they need to manage immediately. Creating landscape-level models to predict productivity and population viability in various habitats and under differing forest management regimes Integrating biological and ecological studies with social and economic research to help managers and policy makers reach informed decisions.