Valuing native ectomycorrhizal fungi as a Mediterranean forestry component for sustainable and innovative solutions

Native ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) represent an emergent critical support in forestry and bioindustry while providing an attractive economical return and ecosystems services. These attributes are desirable given the human activities that are affecting ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide. The Mediterranean region has inherited native forests that are in serious decay, with serious environmental and socioeconomic consequences as a result of human influence in shaping ecosystems, particularly over the last century. In this context, edible ECMF are important not only because of their value for ecosystem functions, but also for their organoleptic and nutritive properties, and because of the presence of bioactive compounds. In this paper, we discuss critical aspects of ECMF diversity and traits for forest health, productivity, and sustainability, as well as the importance of exploring biologically active proteins obtained from native ECMF as sources for future forest management planning and industry innovation. The use of convergent approaches to ameliorate the identity of ECMF reservoirs in forest ecosystems and rural lands is urgently required to restore and protect native biodiversity and ecosystems services and meet efficient production solutions to provide sustainable innovation while ensuring environmental safety.