Contribution to the Knowledge of Fungal Biodiversity in Senegal by a Study of Basidiomycete Species of the Order of Agaricales in the Dakar Region

Abstract

Agaricales is one of the most diverse orders of Basidiomycete leaf mushrooms. Most species of this order are of great scientific interest and economic interest. Despite this huge diversity, Agaricales and mushrooms, in general, have been the subject of very few studies in Senegal. This study was undertaken to contribute to a better knowledge of fungal biodiversity in Senegal, particularly Basidiomycetes species of the order of Agaricales in the Dakar region. For this, observations were carried out in four sites namely; the Botanical Gardens of the Faculty of Science, the Botanical Gardens of the Faculty of Medicine, the Mbao Classified Forest and the Hann Forest Park. The description and identification of the samples were made based on both the macroscopic and ecological characteristics of the harvested mushrooms. This work enabled to make an inventory of seven species of Agaricales from which three were identified. Among the 4 unidentified species, some could probably be new species. All of these inventoried species belong to three genera (Agaricus, Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus) and two families (Agaricaceae and Lepiotaceae). This preliminary work also permitted to elaborate keys of the determination of harvested species, and a basic list of mushrooms belonging to the order of Agaricales.