Wild Edible Mushrooms of Maharashtra: Diversity, Nutritional Potential and Conservation Status

Abstract

Wild edible mushrooms constitute an important but comparatively under documented component of fungal biodiversity and traditional food systems. Maharashtra, owing to its contrasting ecological regions including the Western Ghats, Konkan, Deccan Plateau, Satpura ranges, forested tribal landscapes and seasonal grassland ecosystems supports considerable macrofungal diversity. Several wild mushrooms are traditionally collected and consumed by rural and indigenous communities, particularly during the monsoon season. The present review synthesizes available information on the diversity, ethnomycological significance, nutritional potential and conservation concerns associated with wild edible mushrooms of Maharashtra, with particular emphasis on taxa reported from the Western Ghats and adjoining ecosystems. Published work from the Western Ghats has documented 51 edible wild mushroom taxa belonging to 23 genera, highlighting the importance of genera such as Termitomyces, Pleurotus, Astraeus, Lentinus, Fistulina and others. A survey specifically conducted in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra recorded seven Pleurotus species, demonstrating the diversity of edible and potentially edible macro fungi in the region. Wild mushrooms can contribute proteins, dietary fibre, minerals, vitamins and bioactive compounds, although their nutritional composition varies considerably among species and environmental conditions. Their importance extends beyond nutrition to traditional knowledge, seasonal food security, livelihood opportunities and potential nutraceutical applications. However, habitat degradation, deforestation, changing land use, overharvesting, loss of traditional knowledge, climate variability and inadequate species documentation may threaten these resources. Conservation should therefore combine habitat protection, taxonomic documentation, community participation, sustainable harvesting, cultivation of promising species, ex-situ conservation and nutritional characterization. The paper identifies important research gaps and proposes a framework for systematic documentation and conservation of Maharashtra's wild edible mushroom resources.