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Summary for: 'A complete tragedy': Czech mushroom season may already be overCzech mushroom pickers are facing one of the worst seasons in years as hot, dry weather leaves forests largely empty.
Mycologist Jan Borovička of the Czech Mycological Society told the Czech Press Agency that mushrooms are currently barely growing and are unlikely to return in significant numbers this year.
“This year is a complete tragedy, it's one of the worst seasons,” Borovička said.
A limited wave of mushroom growth is now ending, he said, with mushrooms appearing only in areas that received higher rainfall. Parts of the Ore Mountains and the foothills of the Krkonoše were among the better locations, although even there conditions are poor.
Borovička said he visited the Ore Mountains over the weekend and found only a few weak, dried-out mushrooms. "I was in the Ore Mountains over the weekend, and it was bad, only weak and dried fruit bodies could be seen in the forest," he added.
Heat-loving species persist
The dry conditions haven't made Czech forests completely devoid of fungi, however. Summer storms have produced some unusual heat-loving species, particularly around the Elbe region. These include brightly colored and rare mushrooms such as the red-purple bolete.
Most of these species are inedible, and their appearance is attracting photographers and mushroom enthusiasts more than people looking to fill their baskets.
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) currently puts the probability of finding mushrooms at low or very low across most of the country. The best chances are in mountain areas in the northeast, as well as parts of the Ore Mountains and Šumava.
The poor mushroom season is another visible consequence of this summer's persistent dry conditions.
For one of the world's most enthusiastic mushroom-picking cultures, it also means that the traditional late-summer forest trip may be a lot less rewarding this year.
Where to check: ČHMÚ publishes an interactive map showing the current probability of mushroom growth across Czechia. Check the ČHMÚ mushroom forecast
