Udaipur, Rajasthan – July 2025: A new species of edible and medicinal mushroom, the Golden Oyster (Pleurotus citrinopileatus), has been reported for the first time in Rajasthan. This significant discovery was made during a detailed field survey conducted by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Mushroom, operating under Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur.
The project is part of a national effort by the Directorate of Mushroom Research (Chambaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. The team conducted extensive surveys from June to July 2025 across forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and desert regions of Rajasthan.
During this research, a new variant of the oyster mushroom was discovered in the forests of Sagwada Pal in Keshariyaji Tehsil, Udaipur district. The Golden Oyster mushroom, known scientifically as Pleurotus citrinopileatus, is recognized for both its culinary and medicinal properties.
Professor Narayan Lal Meena, Principal Scientist of the project, confirmed that this is the first official report of the Golden Oyster mushroom species in Rajasthan. The mushroom is visually distinct with its golden cap, measuring approximately 18×12 cm. It features a concave cap shape, a stem measuring 9×1.7 cm, and a fresh cluster weight of around 300 grams.
This mushroom is nutritionally rich and medically significant. It contains approximately 31.7% protein and about 25.7% dietary fiber, along with beneficial components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and starch. It is low in fat (around 1%) and also contains lignin.
Furthermore, the Golden Oyster mushroom is a strong source of micronutrients and bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, amino acids, and other health-promoting nutrients. It contains glutamine and aspartic acid among its amino acids, as well as vitamin D (ergosterol), potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. It is also rich in antioxidants like phenols and flavonoids, which help prevent cellular damage.
In terms of fatty acids, it offers valuable unsaturated types such as palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acid. All these features make the Golden Oyster mushroom a valuable addition to healthy diets and natural medicine. Research is now underway for a comprehensive study on its applications and potential.
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.
