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Background The genus Russula is considered one of the most abundant and widely distributed ectomycorrhizal agaric genera and the Indian subcontinent is no exception to it. The members of this family are cosmopolitan and form an ectomycorrhizal association with a wide range of angiosperm and gymnosperm trees. Methods and Results Four new records of genus Russula viz., Russula pauriensis var. caulocystidii var. nov., Russula globispora, Russula cuprea and Russula laeta were collected from Narkanda, Himachal Pardesh, India. These were described and illustrated on the basis of morpho-anatomical characters as well as phylogentic analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA sequences. On the basis of gross taxonomic characterization Russula pauriensis var. caulocystidii var. nov. is proposed which is further confirmed through molecular taxonomy. Russula laeta, Russula globispora, Russula cuprea and Russula laeta is reported for the first time from India while Russula amethystina is a rereport. Conclusion Current environmental challenges of global warming and climate change will affect the regeneration and growth patterns of delicate fungi that require specific microclimate. Present study is a step towards deciphering macrofungal diversity, especially in the biodiversity-rich forests of Narkanda, to enable diversity planning, management and conservation. |
