Morel mushroom is a precious edible and medicinal fungus, rich in nutrients, known as "the meat of vegetarian food, land fish, second-generation Cordyceps" and so on. The protein content of its ingredients even exceeds that of processed meat products such as cattle and sheep. The understory cultivation of morel mushrooms is an emerging technology that makes full use of the natural resources of woodland, such as rich humus and humid air. This emerging industry model combining ecological, social and economic benefits can not only produce high-quality morels, but also promote the growth of forest trees and achieve complementary advantages and common development.
Henan Province has abundant forest resources, especially the 400-kilometer Funiu Mountains in the central and southern regions, with a high forest coverage rate. It adheres to the concept of green development and actively explores agricultural industries suitable for woodland, so as to achieve a virtuous cycle of ecology and development. The development of underforest economy is an important measure to promote forestry transformation and rural revitalization, and it is also an effective way to achieve green and rich people.
Since 2006, some cities in Henan Province have started exploratory planting experiments, and in 2015, the scale of morel mushroom cultivation was further expanded. In the past decade, the scale of artificial cultivation of morel mushrooms has developed by leaps and bounds. Nowadays, the artificial planting area of morel mushrooms in Henan Province has surpassed Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan and other regions, and has become the main production area of morel mushrooms in the country. Henan Province has abundant forest land resources and the advantages of a large agricultural province, and there are many types and large areas of fruit forest resources. The use of these understory resources to develop the morel mushroom industry can create more employment opportunities and bring great economic and social value.
The biological characteristics of morel mushroom determine that it is suitable for growing under low temperature conditions, and the cultivation method of "winter planting and spring harvest" is generally adopted. Cultivation is carried out from October to December, and the best sowing season in Henan Province is from November to December. When the natural temperature drops below 18 degrees, the mycelium of morels begins to germinate and survive the winter. In the spring, fruiting bodies begin to form in large numbers, and morels begin to emerge one after another. The growth and reproduction of morels requires specific environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, light, pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.
It is a feasible strategy to develop the understory morel mushroom industry in Henan Province, using the abundant local forest land resources to develop the economy. It can not only increase the income of farmers, but also promote the development of the local economy and the improvement of the ecological environment. At the same time, through the continuous progress and application of science and technology, the yield and quality of morels can be further improved to meet market demand. In the future development, we should strengthen technology research and development and promotion, guide farmers to scientifically plant and manage morels, and improve the market competitiveness of products.