Fruitbody production of Hericium erinaceus and its distribution in Slovakia.

The relationships between selected log parameters and occurrence of Hericium erinaceus fruitbodies as well as its phenological aspects and distribution in Slovakia were studied for the first time. The research was conducted with two datasets. The first dataset is based on 15-year monitoring of 20 oak logs with the aim to relate H. erinaceus preference to selected log variables. The other one comprises records obtained from 63 different localities in Slovakia. The monitoring data confirmed continual fruitbody production on the same dead log and at the same position for three consecutive years. Furthermore, the fruitbodies were observed for five continual years in the same section of a living oak tree trunk. Of the studied log characteristics, H. erinaceus showed preference for smaller log sizes. Based on the second dataset, the main fructification period is dated from August to November, but fruitbodies can be found until February. Logs with fruitbodies were predominantly classified into the initial wood decay stage (Stage 2). The majority (92%) of the localities were situated in areas with a mean annual temperature above 6 °C.