A checklist of mushrooms from Agumatsa, Ghana

Study Extent

The sampling extent covered 30% of the Agumatsa mountain range. This was a one off sampling expedition carried out in 2013.

Sampling

Photographic images of the different mushrooms were captured using a high definition camera. Description was 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 a herbarium.

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 a herbarium.

All mushrooms identified were identified to either genus or species level.

1. Psathyrella sp
   rank: genus
2. Clitocybe sp
   rank: genus
3. Collybia sp
   rank: genus
4. Polyporus sp.
   rank: genus
5. Bovista sp
   rank: genus
6. Daldinea concentrica
   rank: species
7. Ganoderma sp.
   rank: species
8. Trametes sp
   rank: species
9. Favolus brasilensis
   rank: species
10. Daedalea sp
    rank: genus
11. Lentinus squarrosullus
    rank: species
12. Marasmius sp
    rank: species
13. Pleurotus sajor-caju
    rank: species
14. Pleurotus albidus
    rank: species

0°15 0 - 0°45 0 E; 6°45 0 -7°15 0 N