2022 Volume 29 Issue 4 Pages 134-140
The edible species of the genus <i>Auricularia</i> mainly include <i>A. polytricha</i> and <i>A. auricula-judae</i> (aragekikurage and kikurage in Japanese, respectively). Together these edible mushrooms are ranked 6 th in terms of consumption in Japan. Since most official statistical surveys in Japan do not distinguish between either of these mushrooms species and group them together loosely in the "kikurage group", detailed statistical data for each species do not exist. However, it is clear that <i>A. polytricha</i> accounts for the majority of domestic production in Japan. The supply of <i>A. polytricha</i> has been strongly dependent on imports. Since the risks associated with imported products have increased in recent years, domestic demand has increased and rapid growth in domestic production has occurred. On the other hand, various problems with breeding, cultivation techniques, pest control, taxonomy, and food science have arisen. In addition, possible future threats include erosion of the domestic market by imported culture bags and disguised production areas. In this review, the author will clarify the production trends, current challenges, and future threats with the aim of strengthening and developing domestic production bases in the future.
