This year the Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava, in cooperation with the Latvian Council of Science and the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, launched a Fundamental and Applied Research Programme study, The distribution in Latvia of the North American ectomycorrhizal fungus Aureoboletus projectellus (Aureoboletus projectellus) and its impact on soil fungal communities (grant agreement No. LZP-2024/1-0489).

Invasive species pose an ever-growing threat to native ecosystems worldwide. Although mycorrhizal fungi have so far been less closely associated with a direct impact on local biological diversity, they play an essential role in forest ecosystems – particularly in tree growth and forest sustainability. The aim of this study is to establish the distribution in Latvia of the North American fungus Aureoboletus projectellus, its possible impact on native soil fungal communities, and also to assess the nutritional value and chemical composition of the fungus's fruiting bodies.

The fungus was recorded in Europe comparatively recently, including in Latvia, where its ecological impact has not yet been fully studied.

We invite the public to get involved!

Those carrying out the study invite all friends of nature, including mushroom pickers, to take part in gathering data by reporting sightings of the rooting bolete in Latvia's forests. Active collection and collation of information will continue throughout the study.

The fungus is most often found in dry, sandy pine forests and dunes with a well-developed ground cover.

We invite you to report your observations, giving the coordinates, by writing to zane.strike@silava.lv, or by text message or WhatsApp: +371 26571446.

All information obtained will be used for scientific purposes only.

How to recognise the rooting bolete?
Cap: 4-20 cm across, reddish-brown with an overhanging skin at the margin; bruised areas turn yellowish-brown, and the fungus has a faint smell.
Tubes: yellow, with small, round pores.
Stem: 9-25 cm long, 1-5 cm thick, slender with pronounced netting.

A broader understanding of the spread of invasive fungi will help to assess their potential impact on Latvia's forest ecosystems and the fungal communities within them.