Abundance of mushrooms in autumn increases the risk of poisoning

Poisonous mushrooms collected from various regions of Türkiye by academics at MSKÜ Mushroom Research Center are examined in a laboratory environment.

Assoc. Prof. collected mushrooms in the forest area on the university campus with the students and introduced them to poisonous species. Dr. Hakan Allı told the AA correspondent that mushroom poisoning is generally more common during periods of increased rainfall.

Stating that Türkiye is rich in plant and mushroom diversity, Alli stated that mushrooms are evaluated in three groups as "edible, inedible" and "poisonous", and that some poisonous species can lead to fatal consequences.

Pointing out that the "Amanita phalloides" species, popularly known as the "village nomad", is extremely dangerous, Alli warned that even a single specimen of this mushroom could lead to fatal poisoning.

Explaining that "Lactarius" species, locally known as "kanlıca", "çıntar" and "melki", are also frequently seen in autumn, Allı stated that these mushrooms can be sold in markets and on the roadside, but there are also similar-looking poisonous species.

Alli stated that there are more than 150 thousand mushroom species in the world and that Türkiye has rich biodiversity in this area.

"Do not consume mushrooms without knowing them"

Emphasizing that collecting mushrooms in nature is an enjoyable activity, but distinguishing species from each other is not always easy, Allı said that expertise is required to identify some mushrooms, and that species can only be distinguished by examining them under a microscope in a laboratory environment.

Alli stated that citizens should not consume mushrooms they do not know, and said, "We should definitely not try every mushroom we find in nature. Consuming mushrooms we do not know may lead to bad consequences. We should obtain information from experts on this subject and stay away from natural mushrooms we do not know." he warned.

Stating that Muğla is also rich in mushroom species, Alli added that they are trying to provide information to citizens in villages and districts about edible and poisonous mushroom species.