Fungi are the second most diverse organisms on the planet and play many important roles in
the functioning and maintenance of all ecosystems. They also underpin human well-being by
providing food, materials and medicines. Despite their multiple ecosystem services, African

GTI CD Grant - Call 2023
Activity Report 2/6

macromycetes and especially the fungi of the polypore group are poorly known. This problem
stems from the lack of literature and local experts to undertake research on this group and to
encourage collaboration with international experts. Before the training of the local partner
(Dr. Boris Olou), only 7 species of polypores were known, but to date we have documented
more than 80 well identified species in Benin. Unfortunately, these species do not have the
field photos to serve as a catalogue and field guide to facilitate future studies on these West
African polypore fungi. In addition to this, the few young West Africans who are interested in
polypore fungi do not yet have the necessary knowledge to perform quality studies. Given that the
Beninese partner (Parakou) has a laboratory that allows for preliminary molecular analysis
(phylogeny) and microscopic studies (morphology/anatomy) of polypores, we want to
organise an intensive two-week course for four (4) candidates (2 Beninese and 2 Burkinabe,
minimum Masters level). The main objective is to bring the participants to integrate
phylogeny and morphology in their taxonomic studies of polypores and to become familiar
with the INaturalist tool to accelerate the documentation of West African polypores. As
African specimens (well documented and sequenced) are in demand worldwide, the acquired
capacities will allow the candidates (and their labs) to obtain scientific partnerships at the
international level (South-South and North-South) and to publish taxonomic works of very
high level. At the same time, we will seize this opportunity to present the new AbcTaxa 24:
“Edible Mushrooms of West Africa”, funded by CEBioS a program of Directorate-General
for Development Cooperation (DGD) and housed at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural
Sciences (RBINS) to local and foreign authorities as well as a broader audience. This
manual is the result of a long-standing collaboration between Meise botanic garden and
MyTips (Tropical Mycology and Plant-Fungi Interactions), and represents the first comprehensive
taxonomic contribution on edible mushrooms from West Africa.