New records of genus Agaricus from dry temperate zone of Lahaul valley in Himachal Pradesh

Agaricus is a large and important genus of mushrooms with possibly over 300 members worldwide. During a survey conducted in Lahoul valley of Himachal Pradesh four species of the genus encountered. Morphological and ecological data of the species were recorded in the field. The samples were dried and brought to the laboratory for further microscopic studies and taxonomical identification. Four species taxonomically identified include Agaricus arvensis, Agaricus campestris, A. silvicola and A. xanthodermus constitute first report for the first time from Lahaul valley. A. silvicola and A. xanthodermus are being reported for the first time from India. While all four species of the genus are being described and reported for the first time from Lahaul valley. A. arvensis Schaeff. ex Secr. has a cap size of 7 -20 cm broad, convex becoming broadly convex having stipe length 5 -12 cm along with small scales, spore print chocolate brown having size ranges from 7 – 8.5 X 5 – 6 µm. A. campestris L. ex Fr. has a cap size of 4 - 11 cm broad, convex becoming broadly convex having stipe length 2 – 6 cm tapering downward, spore print chocolate brown having size ranges from 6.5 – 8.5 X 4 – 5.5 µm. A. silvicola (Vitt.) Peck. having pileus upto 14.5 cm. white to off white enters pale creamy yellow, convex, smooth, fleshy margin smooth, fleshy. Lamellae free, chocolate brown 4.2 - 4.8 cm. X 3–8 cm, thin, margin smooth. Stipe: centric, 7.5–9.8 cm. X 1.6–2.2 cm., stout, fleshy, surface, smooth, annulus superior, base uniform. Spores 6–6 X 3–3 um, globose to subglobose, smooth, dark. Basidia 19–23 X 3.5–6.6 um, hyaline, clavate. A. xanthodermus having pileus 6 -15 cm having stipe length 5 -12 cm along with small scales, spore print chocolate brown having size ranges from 4.5 – 6 X 3 – 4.5 µm.