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KAVAKA 60(3): 1-6 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/3/2024/1-6
Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus djamor) by Using Different Substrates in Laboratory Conditions
Sneha Dwivedi1, Balwant Singh2, Alok Kumar Singh1* and Vinay Kumar Singh2
1Laboratory of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Department of Botany, C.M.P. Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India.
2Laboratory of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Department of Botany, K.S. Saket PG College, Dr. R.M.L. Avadh University Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on January 01, 2024; Accepted on August 06, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Pleurotus djamor (Oyster mushroom) is a type of fungus belonging to the class Basidiomycetes. It can be grown on different kinds of agricultural waste with high lignin and cellulosic contents. Mushroom production is a kind of sustainable development in which we use agricultural waste in mushroom production. On the other hand, agricultural waste left after mushroom production is used as compost. The main objective of this study was to see the production rate of mushrooms on different substrates. In the present study, different substrates like wheat straw alone, wheat straw with rice straw, wheat straw with leaves of Madhuca indica (mixed with 50%), wheat straw, with leaves of Azadirachta indica (mixed with 50%) were used as substrate was inoculated with Pleurotus djamor spawn and put it in the lab and maintained the temperature at 25 ± 3ºC and humidity at 80% for four weeks. It was observed that along with wheat and paddy, Pleurotus djamor can also be cultivated on the leaves of Madhuca spp. and Azadirachta spp. plants. The result shows the maximum yield on wheat straw. It is clear from the result that apart from wheat and paddy straw we can also grow oyster mushrooms on the waste leaves of forest trees. So, waste leaves can be used as an alternative substrate for the cultivation of Pleurotus djamor. The choice of substrate is a critical factor influencing the yield, growth rate, and overall health of the mushroom.
Key words: Pink Oyster Mushroom, Pleurotus djamor, Growing Substrate, Mushroom Cultivation
KAVAKA 60(3): 7-25 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/3/2024/7-25
Distribution and Diversity of AM Fungi in Selected Tree Species Growing in Semi-arid Forest of Gujarat, India
Milan M Chandarana* and Yogesh T Jasrai
Department of Botany, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380 009, India.
*Department of Botany, Shrimad Rajchandra Vidyapeeth, Kangavi Road, Karanjveri, Dharampur – 396 051, Valsad, Gujarat, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on March 22, 2024; Accepted on August 06, 2024)
ABSTRACT
The diversity and community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi from four forests (Kapadvanj, Satlasana, Vijaynagar, and Danta) belonging to the semi-arid region of Gujarat, India were investigated. 59 species of AM fungi belonging to six genera Acaulospora (11), Entrophospora (1), Gigaspora (5), Glomus (35), Pacispora (1) and Scutellospora (6) were recovered. The most dominant genus was Glomus in all selected sites, followed by Acaulospora. Weak and non-significant correlation was found between spore density and percent root colonization; percent root colonization and species richness, whereas positive correlation was found between spore density and species richness. Although lower value of Sorenson’s coefficient of similarity revealed less overlapping in species composition of AM fungi but general diversity and distribution of AM fungi showed little variation in all selected sites. We found strong positive correlation between isolation frequency and relative abundance of AM fungal species. Spore density and colonization by AM fungi highly varied in all selected sites and weak, non-significant correlation existed between them. Spore density, percent root colonization and species richness in Vijaynagar were significantly higher compared to Kapadvanj, Satlasana and Danta. Seventeen tree species representing 14 genera and 13 families were examined for AM fungal association from semi-arid forest of Gujarat. All plant species were potentially colonized by AM fungi. Large variation was found in spore density (44-1529/50 g dried soil), percent colonization (19.02-81.72%) and number of species recovered (8-22) in selected plants. We suggest that the high diversity of AM fungi was present in selected semi-arid forests of Gujarat, India and the plants growing in the semi-arid environment are highly dependent on AM fungal colonization.
Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhiza, Diversity, Gujarat, Root colonization, Spore density, Species richness, Semi-arid forest, Trees
KAVAKA 60(3): 26-33 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/3/2024/26-33
Studies on Leaf and Fruit Diseases of Musa spp. Caused by Different Groups of Fungal Pathogens – A Review
Papan Chowhan, Debarati Das, Parimal Mandal and Arka Pratim Chakraborty*
Department of Botany, Raiganj University, Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur - 733 134, West Bengal, India.
*Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on April 16, 2024; Accepted on August 28, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Banana is (Musa spp.) one of the most exoteric and materialistic fruit crops of many tropical and subtropical areas in India. It’s a large herbaceous plant believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and Papua, New Guinea. There are many varieties of bananas and undoubtedly, they are a good source of nutrient by providing soothing effect on the gut due to their high content of pectin, a soluble fibre which not only helps lower cholesterol but normalises bowel function. The high fibre content of bananas helps to promote feelings of fullness and appears to reduce bloating. Bananas have played a significant role in many cultures. Different diseases affect cultivation of Banana crop found in India. Among different diseases, banana crops are affected mostly by leaf and fruit diseases. This paper highlights about leaf and fruit diseases of Banana crop in India. The most common fungi causing leaf diseases of Banana are - Curvularia sp., Alternaria alternata, and Mycosphaerella fijiensis. Fruit diseases are- Fusarium oxysporum, F. semitectum, F. verticillioides, F. subglutinans, F. sambucinum, F. moniliforme, Colletotrichum musae, and Acremonium sp.. This paper is an attempt to review about the descriptions of the fungal leaf and fruit diseases, their symptoms, outward manifestations and consequences when the fungal pathogens infect the banana plants.
Keywords: Leaf diseases, Fruit diseases, Musa sp., Fungal pathogens
KAVAKA 60(3): 34-36 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/3/2024/34-36
First Report of Puccinia noccae Arth. on Lagascea mollis Cav. from Eastern India
Malay Ghosh1, Arindam Mandal1*, and Asit Baran De2
1Department of Botany, Bejoy Narayan Mahavidyalaya, Itachuna, Hooghly - 712 147, West Bengal, India.
2Department of Microbiology, University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman - 713 104, West Bengal, India.
*Corresponding Author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on April 26, 2024; Accepted on July 16, 2024)
ABSTRACT
During the survey of plant pathogenic fungi, in the state of West Bengal, India some infected plants of Lagascea mollis Cav. were collected from Kalipahari, West Bengal, India. The pathogen was studied in detail and its identification was confirmed as Puccinia noccae Arth. based on symptoms, host, and microscopic observation. A survey of literature and also the present study confirmed that it is the first report of Puccinia noccae Arth. both from the state of West Bengal and the eastern part of this country.
Keywords: Puccinia noccae, Lagascea mollis, New report, Eastern India, West Bengal
KAVAKA 60(3): 37-43 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/3/2024/37-43
Unveiling the Hidden Star: Astraeus asiaticus in the Sal Forest of Chhattisgarh, India
Chandrahas Dewangan and Sushil Kumar Shahi*
Bio-resource Product Research laboratory, Department of Botany, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur (CG) - 495 009, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on May 03, 2024; Accepted on July 29, 2024)
ABSTRACT
This study unfolds the fascinating world of star-shaped fungi, focusing specifically on specimens collected from the Kondagaon forest, located in the southern region of Chhattisgarh, India. By adopting traditional wisdom on edible mushrooms with scientific rigor, the research sheds light on identifying Astraeus species. Using an integrated taxonomic approach, the investigation definitively confirms the collected specimen as belonging to the Astraeus asiaticus species. The main differentiating factors, particularly basidiospore size and other morpho-anatomical features enabled to distinguish A. asiaticus from closely related species. Conclusively, future studies could delve deeper into exploring the genetic structure, nutritional values and bioprospection potential of A. asiaticus populations across its geographic range.
Key words: Anatomy, Basidiomata, Basidiospore, Boletales, Epigeous, Morphology.
KAVAKA 60(3): 44-48 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/3/2024/44-48
Additions to the Family Thelephoraceae from District Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh)
Ramandeep Kaur1, Maninder Kaur2, Ellu Ram3, Avneet Pal Singh4* and Gurpaul Singh Dhingra4
1Department of Botany, Baba Farid College, Bathinda - 151 001, Punjab, India.
2PG Department of Botany, Dev Samaj College for Women, Ferozpur - 152002, Punjab, India.
3Department of Botany, Government College, Seraj, Lambathach - 175 048, Himachal Pradesh, India.
4Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala - 147 002, Punjab, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on May 06, 2024; Accepted on August 07, 2024)
ABSTRACT
This paper describes five species (Psuedotomentella tristis, Tomentella greseoumbrina, T. pillati, T. puberula and T. scobinella) of corticioid fungi belonging to the family Thelephoraceae. All the five species are new records for district Sirmaur and one i.e. Tomentella pillati, is being described for the first time from India.
Keywords: Agaricomycetes, Himalaya, Wood rotting fungi, Diversity, Taxonomy, Hyphal system
KAVAKA 60(3): 49-54 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/3/2024/49-54
Assessment of Andrographis paniculata Plant Extracts to Reduce Mycotoxin Contamination in Maize Seeds
Kumari Ragni, Khwaja Salahuddin* and Gajendra Prasad
Seed Pathology and Mycotoxin Laboratory, University Department of Botany, L.N. Mithila University, Darbhanga - 846 004, Bihar, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on June 02, 2024; Accepted on August 19, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Environmental factors like soil, temperature, and pH influence the level of contamination in cereals. In this study fungi such as Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp. and Fusarium spp. were recorded in all the samples of maize seeds.The range of kernel infection recorded by A. flavus was a maximum of 8.40% and a minimum of 4.20%. The production of aflatoxin B1 in maize seeds was estimated in the range of 2.0 - 8.2 µg/ml. The inhibition of aflatoxin B1 recorded was a maximum of 32.5% and a minimum of 8.5% in SMKY liquid media at 2.5 gm/ml and 0.5 gm/ml concentrations of Andrographis paniculata plant extracts, respectively. Similarly, the growth of A. flavus recorded was 47% (maximum) and 10% (minimum). The mycelial growth of A. flavus and Aflatoxin B1 production were controlled by A. paniculata, whichis essential for the quality and quantity yield of maize seeds due to high population demands in our country.
Key words: Aflatoxin B1, Maize, Mycelium, Mycoflora, SMKY liquid medium,
KAVAKA 60(3): 55-58 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/3/2024/55-58
Ganoderma ramosissimum J.D. Zhao, a New Record to South India from Kerala State
Geethu Mahesh1, Abana Padma Pooja B.1, Salu S.R.1, Gayatri G.P.1, Shyam Kumar S.1, Sheeba M.S.1, Anil Kumar A.K.1, Manoj Kumar A.1*
1Postgraduate and Research Department of Botany, Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - 695 014, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on June 06, 2024; Accepted on August 07, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Ganoderma ramosissimum J.D. Zhao, a species with laccate pileus and dichotomously branched stipe was collected from Kerala state, India and is described here based on macro-micro morphological characters. It is a new record to South India.
Keywords: Agaricomycetes, Kerala, Polyporales, Taxonomy, White rot
KAVAKA 60(3): 59-67 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/3/2024/59-67
Morphological Characterization of Powdery Mildew of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.), in Two Agro-Climatic Regions of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Marbom Riba* and Tenya Rina
Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh - 791 112, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on July 30, 2024; Accepted on August 28, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Pumpkin is an important vegetable crop grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. One of the most prevalent diseases common to pumpkin is powdery mildew, a widespread fungal disease leading to significant yield loss. To determine, the occurrence of powdery mildew disease and the morphology of the causal organism, a phytopathological survey was conducted in two agro-climatic regions namely: Ziro (1500 m) and Medo (250 m) in Arunachal Pradesh during October 2022. The mean temperature of Ziro and Medo ranged between 19-21℃ and 24-26℃ coupled with mean relative humidity ranging from 66-77 % and 90-96 % respectively. Occurrence of powdery mildew was encountered in open field conditions of both the sampling fields representing different agro-climatic zones. Microscopic study was performed to examine the anamorph and teleomorph of the causal organisms. Two types of conidial shapes were observed, three types of germ tubes were observed and the cleistothecia was observed at initial to mature stages. This morphological elucidation provided a convincible insight on presence of Podosphaera xanthii and Erysiphe cichoracearum as the causal organisms of powdery mildew of pumpkin in the natural field conditions of both the study sites ranging from subtropical to tropical Zones of Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Keywords: Powdery mildew, Cucurbita moschata Duch., Anamorphs, Cleistothecia, Podosphaera xanthii, Erysiphe cichoracearum
KAVAKA 60(3): 68-75 (2024) DOI: 10.36460/Kavaka/60/3/2024/68-75
Study of Keratinophilic Fungi Isolated from Nagaur (Rajasthan, India) Soil
Nirmala Godara* and Seema Bhadauria
Medical Mycology and Biochemistry Lab, Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 302004, Rajasthan, India.
*Corresponding author Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Submitted on September 06, 2024; Accepted on September 29, 2024)
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the presence of keratinophilic fungi in soil of Nagaur district of Rajasthan, India. Most of the people of Nagaur district of Rajasthan are involved in animal husbandry and farming, which make them prone to fungal infection due to soil contact. Rising incidents of skin-related fungal infections necessitate the study of the presence of keratinophilic fungi in the Nagaur district. In the present study, keratinophilic fungi were isolated using hair bait technique. In this technique, different hair baits were used such as pigeon feather, hen feather, human hair and goat hair. A total of 75 soil samples were collected from different areas of Nagaur district. Out of 75 soil samples, 52 samples were found positive for keratinophilic fungi. Most of them were isolated from soil with the pH range of 6-10. The results showed the presence of keratinophilic fungi in the soil of Nagaur district which can pose risk to public health.
Keywords: Keratinophilic fungi, Pathogenic, Dermatophytes, Soil sample, pH.
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