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The present communication deals with the details of progress of research work done on fleshy mushrooms in India over a period of time with special emphasis on systematics, biochemical, cultivation, and sociobiological aspects. The beginning of mushroom research in India dates back to nineteenth century. Since then lot of advancement has been made on various aspects. Earlier exploratory work on fleshy mushrooms was done following traditional techniques; however at present taxonomical work is being done on modern lines following both classical and latest molecular techniques. Besides this, mushrooms are also being evaluated for bioactive constituents which make them an excellent culinary option as functional food. The cultivation of mushroom is another aspect which has also started flourishing in the country. Over a period of time it has become a flourishing side venture for the entrepreneurs mainly in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, North Eastern States, etc. which offer high profit with relatively low investment. Mushrooms are also being evaluated for their therapeutic relevance in the treatment of some of the common ailments including diabetes, cancer, AIDS, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, etc. In India, mushrooms remain an open field with innumerable opportunities for the researchers to explore and undertake researches in the areas of inventorization, evaluation, and domestication. Simultaneously, entrepreneurs need to take up the challenge of domestication, commercialization, and popularization of newer strains of fleshy mushrooms from the wild with application in human food and medicine. |
