Mushroom flora of western ghat region of Maharashtra with special reference to Pleurotus SPP.

The present investigation entitled “Mushroom flora of western ghat of Maharashtra with special reference to Pleurotus spp ". was carried out at Plant Pathology Section, College of Agriculture, Kolhapur. The survey was carried out with object to study biodiversity of mushroom flora in western Maharashtra and to identify mushroom species on the basis of morphological characteristics. Collection of mushroom specimen was conducted during monsoon season of 2015. During the present investigation, seven species of the genus Pleurotus viz., P. ostreatus (2), P. pulmonarius, P. flabellatus, P. porrigens, P. lignatilis and P. djamor were observed in this investigation, the extensive survey of forests and existing places near Kolhapur, Satara, Sindudurg and Pune of Maharashtra was carried out. Identification of Pleurotus mushroom specimen collected was done on the basis of their macroscopic (morphological) and microscopic characters.

Pleurotus show variation among their pileus shape i.e P. ostreatus, P. lignatilis, species had oyster or kidney shape, P. pulmonarius, P. flabellatus species showed fan or shell shape, P.porrigens species of oyster mushroom showed tounge shape structure. Other characteristics include form of mushroom i.e single, group or connate (united). Out of those oyster species P. ostreatus, P. pulmonarius, P. flabellatus, P. djamor, are edible but not consumed by people. P. porrigens is Inedible, poisonous so not consumed locally. Pleurotus spp. of mushroom, P.ostreatus had Lilac spore print, P. porrigens had creamish spore print, remaining all 4 species i.eP. pulmonarius, P. flabellatus, P. lignatilis, P. djamor, showed white spore print.

The study revealed that macro fungal diversity in the western ghat region of Maharashtra is needs to be conserve properly especially for edible and medicinal purpose.