North Western Himalayan forests are rich in macrofungal diversity, especially in ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. In 2014 and 2015, a number of explorations were undertaken during rainy season to explore the ECM diversity. The morpho-taxonomy of thirteen samples of Russulaceae were briefly discussed. Four samples of Lactarius and nine samples of Russula were described morphologically and illustrated taxonomically. Detailed study on the spore morphology of the specimens was carried out using staining techniques and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Out of these Lactarius paradoxus, L. subpurpureus, Russula fellea, R. flavida and R. subfoetens have been reported for the first time from Himachal Pradesh.

Basidiomycetes, macrofungi, Russula, Lactarius, taxonomy.

North Western Himalayan forests are rich in macrofungal diversity, especially in ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. In 2014 and 2015, a number of explorations were undertaken during rainy season to explore the ECM diversity. The morpho-taxonomy of thirteen samples of Russulaceae were briefly discussed. Four samples of Lactarius and nine samples of Russula were described morphologically and illustrated taxonomically. Detailed study on the spore morphology of the specimens was carried out using staining techniques and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Out of these Lactarius paradoxus, L. subpurpureus, Russula fellea, R. flavida and R. subfoetens have been reported for the first time from Himachal Pradesh.

Sood, S., Singh, R. and Upadhyay, R.C. (2021). Studies on North-West Himalayan Russulaceae. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 13(2): 138-164.