A checklist of Wild Mushrooms of the Bia Conservation Area, Western North Region, Ghana.

Study Extent

The data was collected in the Bia Conservation Area

Sampling

Photographic images of the different mushrooms were captured using a high-definition camera. The identification and Description were compared to literature. The following features were examined using hand lens and light microscopes: Cap: shape-margin and size in longitudinal section and vertical section, colour and ornamentation. Hymenophore (gill, or pores): shape from below, attachment, edge of gills, colour and spore print. Stipe: insertion, consistency, size, shape, colour and ornamentation. Flesh: thickness, colour, smell and taste (Obodai and Apetorgbor, 2001).

Quality Control

During sample collections in the field, quality control is ensured by storing samples in paper bags Post sample collection, quality control is ensured through sun drying and oven drying of samples before storing in paper bags in the kept in an herbarium. During data mobilization some of the quality control measures have include verifying species scientific name against GBIF Backbone through the Global Name Resolver and data cleaning using open refine.

Method steps

1. The survey design employed transect walks and species encountered on the transect were collected into paper bags and labelled using the physical characterisitcs, distinctive features and location characteristics taken(forest floor, termite mound, etc.) After the survey, the different edible and wild species of mushrooms based on their variations in physical characteristics were identified to genus and species levels in the laboratory and by comparing with literature. The samples collected were then grouped into their major taxa and then dried using a field drier after which they were kept in a herbarium. Photographic images of the different mushrooms were also captured using a high definition camera. Notes were taken on ephemeral characters such as veil remains, removable scales, fibrils, volva, etc. During sample collections in the field, quality control is ensured by storing samples in paper bags. Post sample collection, quality control is ensured through sun drying and oven drying of samples before storing in paper bags and then kept in an herbarium.

The mushrooms were identified to order, genus and species

1. Termitomyces sp.
   rank: genus
2. Cookeina speciosa
   rank: species
3. Auricularia sp
   rank: genus
4. Lentinus sp
   rank: genus
5. Pleurotus tuber-regium
   rank: species
6. Ganoderma sp
   rank: genus
7. Daldinia concentrica
   rank: species

The mushroom samples were collected from the Bia Conservation Area in the Western North Region of Ghana.