Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to document the variety of mushroom species present, understand their ecological roles and explore their potential uses.

Materials and Methods: Total 29 distinct mushroom species across various families, habitats, and ecological niches from 26 genera and 09 families were identified in Kavali Region for this study. Agaricaceae was the most dominant family, with 14 genera. The next most represented families were Amanitaceae (3 species), Lyophyllaceae (2 species), Tricholomataceae (2 species), other families (Hymenogastraceae, Psathyrellaceae, Physalacriaceae, Hydnangiaceae, Ganodermataceae) were represented by one species each.

Results: The results highlight the ecological importance of mushrooms in nutrient cycling and soil formation, their economic value to local communities, and their pharmacological potential. The research underscored the need for conservation efforts and sustainable utilization strategies to preserve these vital fungal resources. The study included both edible and poisonous mushrooms, focusing on spore characteristics and the ecological roles. Results demonstrated a significant diversity in mushroom species, highlighting the need for further research into their medicinal, nutritional and environmental value.

Conclusion: It was concluded that a rich and diverse fungal community with significant ecological, economic and pharmacological importance. The findings highlight the role of mushrooms in nutrient cycling, soil formation and their potential uses in traditional and modern medicine. This research underscores the need for conservation efforts and sustainable utilization strategies to preserve these vital fungal resources.

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