Abstract: There is considerable potential for the cultivation of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms in countries that are not traditional producers of edible ectomycorrhizal mushrooms . Those countries that are in the Southern Hemisphere may be able to take advantage of out-of-season Northern Hemisphere markets. For example , they might produce Périgord black truffles
( Tuber melanosporum) at the height of the Northern Hemisphere′s summer tourist season or matsutake ( Tricholoma matsutake) during the Japanese cherry blossom festival . There is also the possibility that Northern Hemisphere countries not noted for exporting ectomycorrhizal mushrooms could cultivate those species that are in short supply elsewhere. For example , China might wish to try and cultivate Caesar′s mushroom ( Amanita caesarea) and supplement dwindling supplies in Europe. However , there are risks in importing novel ectomycorrhizal fungi for research purposes and trade that go far beyond those associated with the importation of fresh saprobic mushrooms raised in factories . This paper discusses these risks
and points to potential hazards countries are exposed to when importing fresh ectomycorrhizal mushrooms or moving them from one part of the country to another .

Key words: Ectomycorrhiza , Pathogens, Management