Abstract

FIRST REPORT ON SURVEY OF MACRO FUNGAL BIODIVERSITY IN RAJOURI DIST. (J&K), INDIA

Nidhi Anand1*, Abhishek Mathur, P.N. Chowdhary

ABSTRACT

Studies on the taxonomy and diversity of macro fungi are gaining importance as many macro fungi are becoming extinct and facing threat of extinction because of habitat destruction. Present study deals with the diversity of macro fungi in forest of Rajouri Dist. which is situated in Jammu and Kashmir in India. Rajouri is located at 74.05 degrees to 74.40 degree latitude and 35.58 degree to 33.35 degree longitude. The elevation of Dist. Rajouri from sea level varies from, 2000-11000 feet. Climatic condition varies from temperate to sub tropic while the average rainfall is about 62 cm. During June –July, the region remain under the influence of monsoon. The coldest months are from February to March. This region has diverse macro fungal population but not explored extensively before the present study. The multiyear surveys were conducted from November, 2011 to August, 2014. Total of 120 mushroom samples were collected which belongs to different genera and were identified up to species level. The identified mushroom up to species level belongs to 14 orders, 31families, and 67genera and 8 species were found to be recorded for the first time in India. Agaricales dominated by 47%. Out of 120 species of mushrooms, 50 species were edible and 24 species had potent medicinal value. This preliminary study shows that Rajouri Dist. of J&K is very rich in mushroom diversity.

Keywords: Macro fungi, Rajouri District, taxonomy, diversity, edible and pharmaceutical significance.