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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Parlier, California » San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center » Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #430136
Research Project: Development of Applied Management Systems for Diseases of Perennial Crops with Emphasis on Vector-Borne Pathogens of Grapevine and Citrus

Location: Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics Research

Title: Identity of fresh and dried Morchella species sold commercially in Washington State, USA

Author
item BAI, QING - Washington State University
item Peng, Hao
item Zhai, Ying

Submitted to: Conservation Genetics Resources
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/2/2026
Publication Date: 7/11/2026
Citation: Bai, Q., Peng, H., Zhai, Y. 2026. Identity of fresh and dried Morchella species sold commercially in Washington State, USA. Conservation Genetics Resources. 18. Article 29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-026-01440-x.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-026-01440-x

Interpretive Summary: Dried and fresh morels are important mushroom products in Western USA. We surveyed commercially available morels in Washington State and revealed their species via morphological grouping and accurate DNA sequencing of marker genes EF1-a and RPB1. The phylogenetic analysis result showed that most of them are burnt morels associated with post-fire. Continued monitoring of commercial morel supply and adoption of molecular identification practices will facilitate sustainable management of this valuable mushroom resource.

Technical Abstract: Dried and fresh morels (Morchella spp.) obtained from online vendors and local grocery stores in Washington State, USA, were analyzed to determine the species sold commercially in the state. Partial sequences of the translation elongation factor 1-a gene (EF1-a) and the DNA-directed RNA polymerase subunit 1 (RPB1) were used for phylogenetic analysis. Five phylogenetic species were identified among 50 samples collected from two local grocery stores and four online vendors. All five species belong to the Elata clade. Four of them, M. septimelata, M. exuberans, M. sextelata, and M. tomentosa, are post-fire black morels (“burn morels”), while the fifth species, M. brunnea, is not associated with fire. Our findings suggest that commercially sold morels in Washington State are predominantly burning morels collected from post-fire sites, with a diverse array of species available in the market.