TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOMS AND GROWTH OF TANOAK

The project is to evaluate an alternative method for brush control in our forests using native turkey tail mushrooms. Controlling forest re-sprouting of brushy tanoaks after logging is frequently a standard practice as part of reforestation to comply with the California Forest Practice Rules and reduce the fire hazard of heavy brushlands. The traditional approach has generally been some combination of herbicidal treatments to control hardwood species, but concerns have been raised about leaving dead brushy species which could serve as more flammable understory vegetation; changing management practices are considering alternatives to this traditional approach.

This project, Tanoak Growth Treated With Native Turkey Tail Mushrooms, will evaluate any sprouting inhibition effect from these native saprophytic fungi (Trametes versicolor) on treated tanoak stumps.  Additional observations include the enhancement of stump degradation by the mushroom as it develops and grows on the tanoak tree.  In addition, the NCRC&DC will learn whether innoculated tanoaks can serve as a growth media for Turkey Tail which may have some economic value as a medicinal mushroom in our local forests.  For additional information on the Turkey Tail mushroom, click here.

The NCRC&DC received a grant in 2019 from the Community Foundation of Mendocino County from their special Field of Interest grant program for the Charles F. Flinn and Walker B. Tilley Fund for Sustainable Forestry. Additional funding for this 2-year project has been received from the George & Ruth Bradford Foundation.  Additional support will be needed to carry this project through two additional years, and the NCRC&DC is continuing to fundraise for the needed support.  Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in participating.