Diversity of Wild Mushrooms in Nagaland, India

The Indian sub-continent is blessed with favorable agro climatic conditions that are suitable to a varied range of fungal species. Though the occurrence of mushrooms is of diverse nature, they are not well studied and documented. Northeastern region of India is one of the biodiversity hotspots. Nagaland is one of the Northeastern states of India. The people of the state highly covet mushrooms and have been a delicacy since time immemorial. The present study documents the macro fungal diversity in various districts of the state. A total of 87 species of wild mushrooms were collected and identified. They are parasitic, saprophytic and ecto-mycorrhizal in habitat. The highest numbers of mushroom species were collected during May–September from the study areas. Of the collected mushrooms, 37 species were identified as edible, 21 species medicinal, 5 poisonous and 37 inedible/unclassified.

Global perspectives on the ecological,cultural and socioeconomic relevance of wild edible fungi

Wild edible fungi(WEF),including mushrooms and truffles,comprise a natural source of nutritious and healthy food.The consumption of WEF began at least 18,700 years ago during the Stone Age.Current data from over 100 countries indicates the existence of more than 2,100 edible species,a figure that is continually growing,as vast regions and many cultures remain understudied.However,only around 30 species of WEF are grown commercially at a large-scale.WEF also play a key ecological role in the structure and functioning of natural ecosystems and have significantly contributed in shaping all life on the planet.Either as food,medicine or both,they are important for the survival,cultures,and economies of hundreds of ethnic groups around the globe.Over the last 15 years,there has been a noteworthy increase in the international trade of WEF,which is currently estimated at billions(USD)annually.In 2017,the WEF global trade,of either fresh or processed products,exceeded 1,230,000 tonnes.Due to their ecological,sociocultural and economic importance,the international WEF trade has a role to play in the post-pandemic recovery period.The main challenge of this period will be maintaining natural ecosystems while simultaneously improving human wellbeing.Critical elements of this challenge include ensuring food security,enhancing rural development,creating sustainable jobs,mitigating hunger,and slowing the loss of traditional knowledge generated over millennia.This review analyzes the ways in which sustainable use of WEF could contribute to achieving these goals.

Porcini mushrooms(Boletus sect.Boletus)from China

Porcini mushrooms(Boletus sect.Boletus)have both economic and ecological importance.Recent molecular phylogenetic study has uncovered rich species diversity of this group of fungi from China.In this study,the Chinese porcini were characterized by both morphological andmolecular phylogenetic evidence.15 species were recognized,including nine new species,namely B.botryoides,B.fagacicola,B.griseiceps,B.monilifer,B.sinoedulis,B.subviolaceofuscus,B.tylopilopsis,B.umbrinipileus and B.viscidiceps.Three previously described species,viz.B.bainiugan,B.meiweiniuganjun and B.shiyong,were revised,and B.meiweiniuganjun is treated as a synonym of B.bainiugan.A key to the Chinese porcini mushrooms was provided.