Survey of mushroom diversity near Shivalik foot-hills and discovery of an edible mushroom isolate of Macrocybe crassa cultivable on wheat straw substrate

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DOI: 10.1007/s42535-026-01734-3
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Keywords: Fungal diversity, n Macrocyben , Wild mushrooms, Shivalik foothills microflora, Mushroom cultivation


Abstract

An extensive survey of macrofungal diversity was conducted in the Shivalik foothill region of Punjab (2022–2023), during which fifteen wild mushroom specimens were collected and morphologically identified. Based on resemblance to edible taxa, five isolates were shortlisted for in vitro evaluation of radial growth, biomass production, and lignocellulolytic enzyme activities. Among these, Lentinus concavus and Macrocybe crassa displayed the most promising physiological and enzymatic profiles and were selected for cultivation trials. While L. concavus failed to fruit under the tested conditions, M. crassa successfully produced fruiting bodies on wheat straw and sawdust substrates. Molecular identification using 18S rRNA sequencing confirmed the isolate as M. crassa. Owing to its adaptability to high summer temperatures and compatibility with local agro-residues, M. crassa emerges as a promising candidate for seasonal mushroom diversification in Punjab.

Fungal diversity, n Macrocyben , Wild mushrooms, Shivalik foothills microflora, Mushroom cultivation


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Author Information

Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India