Research on the level of awarness of local people about edible wild mushrooms: The case of kastamonu province

Due to its geographical structure, our country has a significant advantage in edible wild mushrooms, mushroom species, and productivity compared to many other countries. It is known that about 300 edible wild mushroom species are growing in nature in our country. Some of these mushrooms, which people collect as a food source, are sold in markets, and some are exported. It is observed that poisonings caused by natural mushrooms in Turkey are at the highest level in the spring and fall seasons. This study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness of local people about edible wild mushroom species. In the study, a face-to-face interview and questionnaire were preferred. The questionnaire consists of 4 different sections. When the study results were examined, 63.3% of the 150 participants were male, 36.7% were female, the age range varied between 13 and 80, and 50% were between 26-50 years old. 46% of the participants live in the district center, 44.7% in the village, and 9.3% in the provincial center, and when the educational status is examined, it is seen that 42% are high school and equivalent school graduates and 26% are secondary education graduates. The duration of mushroom picking: 40% have been picking mushrooms for 1 to 3 years, while 15.3% have been picking mushrooms for over 20 years. It was determined that 81.3% did not receive any training on mushroom picking. Among those who stated that they received training, 18.7% received training from the Ministry of Agriculture, 9.3% from the Ministry of Agriculture and 16% from other organizations. They answered that 56.7% identified the mushroom with traditional methods and 6.7% with what they saw on television. Reasons for mushroom collection: 27.3% stated that they collect mushrooms for nutrition, 25.3% stated that they collect mushrooms as a hobby, and 4% stated that they collect mushrooms to earn income. 66% of the participants stated that they consume kanlıca mushrooms with pleasure. This thesis is the first study on local people's awareness of edible wild mushrooms in Turkey. Therefore, this study is expected to pioneer other studies. In addition, it provides important contributions to the studies on mushroom consumption preferences and mushroom collection training carried out in our country.