Researchers from the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) in Vittal and Kasaragod, in collaboration with the University of Calicut's Department of Botany, have identified a novel edible mushroom species, Coprinopsis cinerea, thriving on arecanut husk.
The discovery was substantiated through morphological and multi-gene-based molecular analysis by a team comprising Thava Prakasa Pandian R, Bhavishya, Rajesh MK, and Nirmal Kumar B3 from ICAR-CPCRI, Vittal, Greeshma Ganga and Deepna Latha KP from the University of Calicut, along with Paulraj S, Vinayaka Hegde, and Hebbar KB from ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod.
A local farmer in Mudipinadka, Puttur, has commenced cultivation of this mushroom variety. The findings were documented in the Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture. The genus Coprinopsis is recognized for its ecological significance in decomposing organic material, with ongoing research into its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory properties, and its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical applications.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com