A Report on Morchella Species of Garhwal Himalaya in Bharsar Region of Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

A survey conducted at the College of Horticulture, Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, led to the finding of Morchella elata at an altitude of approximately 1900 m above mean sea level. The mushroom was identified based on its characteristic dark, honeycomb-patterned pileus and hollow, elongated stipe. Morphological measurements revealed a stipe length of 3.1 cm, pileus length of 6.3 cm, and pileus breadth of 3.4 cm. Two isolation techniques, namely direct tissue implantation and slurry method, were employed for the In vitro establishment of M. elata on media, maintained at 20 ± 2 °C. Its locally known as “Guchhi,” M. elata is highly valued for its commercial importance as well as its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activities. The present study provides baseline information on the occurrence and laboratory isolation of M. elata in the Bharsar region, which may contribute to its conservation and future utilization in research programme.