Ecology, Distribution Perspective, Economic Utility and Conservation of Coprophilous Agarics (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) Occurring in Punjab, India

Abstract

This paper includes the results of eco-taxonomic studies of coprophilous mushrooms in Punjab, India. The information is based on the survey to dung localities of the state during the various years from 2007-2011. A total number of 172 collections have been observed, growing as saprobes on dung of various domesticated and wild herbivorous animals in pastures, open areas, zoological parks, and on dung heaps along roadsides or along village ponds, etc. High coprophilous mushrooms' diversity has been established and a number of rare and sensitive species recorded with the present study. The observed collections belong to 95 species spread over 20 genera and 07 families of the order Agaricales. The present paper discusses the distribution of these mushrooms in Punjab among different seasons, regions, habitats, and growing habits along with their economic utility, habitat management and conservation. This is the first attempt in which various dung localities of the state has been explored systematically to ascertain the diversity, seasonal availability, distribution and ecology of coprophilous mushrooms. The study has shown that dung is an important substrate which serves as a favorable niche for the growth of a variety of mushrooms.