Mushroom Growers

launches the first Italian project dedicated to collecting data on the Golden Oyster (Pleurotus citrinopileatus).

The goal is to collect observations, create distribution maps, and raise awareness among growers and enthusiasts about the risk of the spread of this non-native species.

Read the article

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

1. Report your observation on iNaturalist

We have created an official project: all observations will be added to a national map accessible to everyone.

GO TO THE PROJECT

2. Send your report directly to us

If you do not want to use iNaturalist, you can email us the data:

What to include in each report:

  1. 📍 Exact location or coordinates
  2. 📅 Date of observation
  3. 📷 Clear photos of the species and its habitat
  4. 📝 Any additional notes
  5. 🍄‍🟫 Collect a specimen and dry it
  6. (For Experts) If possible, clone the fruiting body and send us the mycelium culture

IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

  • 🍄 The Golden Oyster (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) is a cultivated mushroom native to East Asia, characterized by an intense yellow color and rapid growth. To help you correctly identify it in nature, follow these guidelines:

  • 🔍 Key features:

    • Cap: bright golden yellow, often with lighter edges, convex when young and slightly wavy in mature specimens.
    • Gills: white or slightly cream, crowded, running down the stem.
    • Stem: short, often lateral or eccentric, white or pale yellow.
    • Smell: delicate, similar to cultivated edible mushrooms.
    • Habitat: grows on dead wood or lignocellulosic material; in cultivation, on logs, stumps, or artificial substrates.

  • ✅ WHY PARTICIPATE

    • Contribute to official scientific data on the Golden Oyster in Italy
    • Help prevent the spread of a potentially invasive species
    • Support the creation of a national resource for growers and researchers

  • 🗺️ UPDATES

    • We will periodically publish maps, reports, and statistics based on the observations collected. This way, you can follow the project’s progress and see how your reports contribute to scientific knowledge.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Is the data I send shared?

Yes. All reports collected, both through iNaturalist and via form/email, are sent to researchers studying the spread of the Golden Oyster outside its native range. This data helps create reliable maps, understand the potential naturalization of the species, and develop strategies to manage its spread responsibly.

Will my personal information be protected?

Yes. Personal data (such as name and email) is used only for any necessary contact by researchers and will not be published without your consent. Observations shared publicly on iNaturalist remain visible according to the platform's rules.

Can I send multiple sightings?

Yes, each observation must be reported individually with a photo, location, and date.

What can I do as a grower?

  • Stop producing P. citrinopileatus and P. coruncopiae
  • Choose species native to your area, preferably with local genetics
  • Prevent spore dispersal: use sterile strains or harvest the mushrooms before they release their spores
  • Educate your community and customers about the environmental risks associated with invasive species
  • Get everyone involved in the Citrino pileatus Observatory project, helping to collect data and protect local ecosystems


As growers and industry professionals, we are a point of reference for everyone else. Let's grow responsibly!



Join the Project!

We collect data on the presence of P. citrinopileatus in Italy