Udaipur, August 7 (Udaipur Kiran): Scientists from the All India Coordinated Mushroom Research Project, Udaipur, have discovered a new wild edible mushroom species, Calocybe indica, in the Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, Pratapgarh.
The discovery was made during an intensive survey conducted in July-August 2024 to study the diversity of edible and medicinal mushrooms in various wildlife sanctuaries and forests of Rajasthan. A total of 64 mushroom species were collected during the survey, which primarily focused on areas like Fulwari ki Nal, Falasia-Kotda, Kevda ki Nal, Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, Gogunda, Sandol Mata Jhador, and Sallumber.
Dr. Narayan Lal Meena, the project in-charge and associate professor, revealed that the forests of southern Rajasthan exhibit a significant diversity of mushroom species due to the diverse vegetation. The highest diversity of mushroom species was found in Fulwari ki Nal and Falasia-Kotda, which are known for their rich biodiversity.
During the intensive survey, a new wild edible mushroom species resembling the cultivated milky mushroom was discovered in the Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary. The cap of this mushroom measured 30 x 28 cm, was globular in shape, and had a milky white color. The stem was 23-25 cm long, and the weight of a single fruit body was recorded between 2 to 2.25 kg, making it the largest species of milky mushroom found so far.
The research team, led by Dr. Narayan Lal Meena, including Dr. Suresh Kumar, Avinash Kumar Nagda, and Kishan Singh Rajput, will now conduct tissue culture studies at the Mushroom Laboratory, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, to develop cultivation techniques for this new species.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
