Diversity and Characteristics of Indigenous Mushrooms in Barshi Tehsil: A Comprehensive Morphological Study

Abstract

This research study, conducted between June and October in 2020 and 2022 in Barshi tehsi, focused on cataloguing the variety of indigenous mushrooms and their physical traits. In total, 10 distinct mushroom specimens were gathered for this study. Each specimen was identified at the species level and represented a unique genus from 3 separate families. Notably, Agaricus impudicus was more prevalent in the area than other species. The most common genera identified were Agaricus, Lepiota, and Coprinopsis. Regarding the mushroom families, Psathyrellaceae with Agaricaceae are frequently found. Out of the species collected, 3 were deemed edible, 4 were inedible, and 3 were either edible, inedible, toxic, or of uncertain value. This research sheds light on the mushroom diversity in Barshi tehsil, Maharashtra's Solapur district, emphasising their significant ecological role and potential future benefits for culinary and industrial applications. Statistical diversity analysis revealed moderate macrofungal diversity in the study area, with Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′) of 0.94 and Simpson’s diversity index of 0.58 at the family level. Agaricaceae (50%) and Psathyrellaceae (40%) were the dominant families, while Pielou’s evenness index (J = 0.86) indicated a relatively uniform distribution among the recorded families. These findings highlight a moderately structured macrofungal community with notable taxonomic dominance patterns in Barshi Tehsil.