Diversity of the genus Lactarius in Lahaul valley (Himachal Pradesh)

Lactarius is one of the most prominent genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi with more than 400 species described worldwide. More than 10 species of the genus are known from India. During a survey conducted in Lahaul valley, it was noticed that three species of the genus exist in Lahaul valley namely Lactarius controversus (Fr. ex Fr.) Fr. is already known in India from Kashmir valley while two species of the genus viz., Lactarius pubescens (Fr. ex Krombh.)Fr., Lactarius glaucescens Crossl. are being reported for the first time from India. All the three species of Lactarius are being illustrated and reported for the first time from Lahoul valley of Himachal Pradesh. Lactarius pubescens (Fr. ex Krombh.)Fr. with pileus upto 3.5 cm, white, convex, depressed, surface smooth, fleshy, margin smooth. Stipe- centric, 3.5 X 0.7–0.8 cm. fleshy, surface smooth, base uniform. Spores 6–9 X 3–6 µm, globose to subglobose, hydaline, spinulate. Basidia 19–33 X 3–6 µm. Lactarius controversus (Fr. ex Fr.) Fr. Having pileus breadth 6 - 11 cm, white, expanded, depressed, concave centre, surface smooth, fleshy, margin smooth, incurved, texture leathery, cartilaginous. Lamellae decurrent, pinkish-brown, 2–3.5 X 0.2–0.4 cm, edge smooth. Stipe centric to excentric, 2.5–3.5 X 1.2–1.4 cm, stout, fleshy, and hard tapering towards base. Spores: 6–9 X 3–6 µm,globose to subglobose, hyaline spinulate. Basidia 19–33 X 3–6 um. Lactarius glaucescens Crossl. Pileus up to 12.8 cm, white to pale yellowish, infundibuliform, surface smooth, fleshy, margin incurved. Lamellae decurrent, pink, 7–8 X 1–3 cm, thick, edge smooth. Stipe, centric to excentric, 1.3–2.4 X 1.2–2.2 cm, stout, fleshy, surface smooth, base uniform. Spores 8–9 X 6.0 um, subglobose to ellipsoid, hyaline, spinulate. Basidial length ranged from 33–46 X 9–9 µm.