UNM Research Team Developing New Mathematical Model to Predict the Emergence of the New Mexico Porcini
The New Mexico Porcini, scientifically known as Boletus barrowsii, is a highly desirable wild mushroom that grows exclusively in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. UNM researchers are attempting to develop a mathematical model that would accurately predict the emergence of the mushrooms based on environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature. Modeling helps researchers understand how these mushrooms function, perhaps leading to methods to cultivate them. So far, nobody is known to have successfully cultivated these Porcini.
Efforts have been ongoing for a couple of years using weather data from various government and private weather stations in Jemez. However, to date we have been unsuccessful in developing an accurate model because the weather stations are too dispersed geographically to predict mushrooms in specific locations where microclimatic conditions vary across the landscape.
This year we have selected several limited areas in Jemez that we will regularly monitor for Porcini production while simultaneously recording environmental conditions, including soil moisture, a suspected key element in mushroom emergence. This three-year project is expected to yield an improved understanding the emergence indicators and the mushrooms’ growth processes.
Lee Taylor and Dave Menicucci are co-investigators on the project. A student is needed to assist the team.
Efforts have been ongoing for a couple of years using weather data from various government and private weather stations in Jemez. However, to date we have been unsuccessful in developing an accurate model because the weather stations are too dispersed geographically to predict mushrooms in specific locations where microclimatic conditions vary across the landscape.
This year we have selected several limited areas in Jemez that we will regularly monitor for Porcini production while simultaneously recording environmental conditions, including soil moisture, a suspected key element in mushroom emergence. This three-year project is expected to yield an improved understanding the emergence indicators and the mushrooms’ growth processes.
Lee Taylor and Dave Menicucci are co-investigators on the project. A student is needed to assist the team.