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UNCONVENTIONAL OCCURRENCE OF MORCHELLA IN INDIA : A REVIEW

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International Conference on Global Practice of
Multidisciplinary Scientific Studies-VII, Cyprus
July 04-06, 2024

Gardening
UNCONVENTIONAL OCCURRENCE OF
MORCHELLA IN INDIA: A REVIEW
TABLE OF CONTENT

01 INTRODUCTION

02 INDIAN DISTRIBUTION

03
UNCONVENTIONAL
DISTRIBUTION IN INDIA

04 ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC

SIGNIFICANCE

05 CHALLENGES AND
CONSERVATION

06 FUTURE RESEARCH
DIRECTIONS
06 CONCLUSION
 INTRODUCTION
Morchella, commonly known as morels, are
highly prized edible mushrooms belonging to the
class Ascomycetes (Pegler, 2003). They are some
of the most popular fungi in the world, with
average prices ranging from Rs. 10,000 (USD
119.82) to 15,000 (USD 179.73) per kilogram
(Prasad et al., 2002), making them a significant
source of income for livelihood (Singh and Rawat,
2000; Semwal et al., 2014; Nautiyal et al., 2001;
Devi et al., 2024).
Morchella are nutritional powerhouses. Beyond
their nutritional value, morels possess
remarkable medicinal properties. These
properties contribute to their high demand not
only as a gourmet food but also for medicinal
purposes. This review aims to consolidate the
current knowledge on the unconventional
occurrence, habitat, and potential implications of
Morchella species in India.
 INDIAN DISTRIBUTION
In India, the majority of Morchella species are
reported from the Northern Western Himalayan
regions, especially Jammu and Kashmir (Ghosh
and Pathak, 1962; Waraitch, 1976; Kaul, 1981;
Khan et al., 2009; Kumar and Sharma, 2010;
Kotwal et al., 2014; Wani et al., 2023; Talie et al.,
2024; Verma et al., 2024), Himachal Pradesh (Sohi
et al., 1965; Lakhanpal and Shad, 1986;
Manikandan et al., 2011, Singh et al., 2004;
Kumari et al., 2022), and Uttarakhand (Hennings,
1901; Theissen, 1911; Negi, 2006; Vishwakarma et
al., 2011, Bhatt et al., 2016).
These areas are known as the main Morchella-
producing sites in India (Shad, 1989; Jandaik and
Sharma, 1995) and providing the cool, moist
conditions favorable for these mushrooms.
 UNCONVENTIONAL
DISTRIBUTION

Although,
01
local communities
02
in Jammu &
Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand
have relied on forests for their annual harvest of
morels, which are deeply woven into their
culture and livelihood, the story of Morchella
does 03
not end here. In recent years, these prized
mushrooms have been found in unexpected
places, far from their traditional habitats among
various regions across India.
ASSAM
1953: Bhattacharya and Baruah documented Morchella vulgaris in the forests of Assam.
2010: Sarma and co-workers reported Morchella esculenta from the forests of western
Assam. This species grows in wooded areas and among grasses.

MADHYA PRADESH
1999: Rai and colleagues identified Morchella conica on the slopes of the Tamiya hills,
growing in sandy-loam rich in organic matter within the dense forests of Madhya Pradesh,
central India.

MAHARASHTRA
1981: Ghurde and Wakode found Morchella conica from wood lands of Melghat in
Maharashtra.
1983: Wakode collected morel specimens from Amravati, Maharashtra, during the rainy
season.
2008: Hedawoo and Mohite discovered Morchella conica growing in sandy-loam soil rich
in organic matter among the coffee plantations of Chikhaldara Garden and Sipna College
in Amravati, Maharashtra.
PUNJAB
1985: Purkayastha and Chandra reported Morchella deliciosa in Amritsar, Punjab.

RAJASTHAN

2013: Paliwal and co-workers found

Morchella esculenta in Trevor’s Tank,
Mount Abu, Rajasthan. It was found
growing on the side walls under the
microclimatic conditions of Anogeissus
sericea in association with mosses and
ferns on the moist and fertile soil of the
forest.
.
RAJASTHAN

2023: Singh and co-workers recorded

Morchella crassipes in Mount Abu wild life
sanctuary, Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
.
TAMIL NADU

2006: Kaviyasaran and co-workers

reported Morchella esculenta on soil in
the mixed forest of coniferous and
angiosperm trees at Vattakanal falls in the
Kodaikanal hills, located in the Western
Ghats of Tamil Nadu.
.
TAMIL NADU
2019: Moinudheen identified Morchella
galilaea under Cycas circinalis in Coonoor,
Nilgiri hills, Tamil Nadu.
UTTAR PRADESH
2014 and 2019: Siddhant and co-workers
reported Morchella specimens near railway
station area, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. All
fruiting bodies were solitary on humus rich soil
near fern, cactus and other ornamental plants.
WEST BENGAL
2005: Acharya and co-workers collected
Morchella esculenta from humicolous soil
under forest trees of Lloyd Botanic Garden in
Darjeeling, West Bengal.

These findings highlight the expanding range of

morels, showcasing their presence far beyond
their traditional northern habitats.
ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
The occurrence of Morchella in India
holds significant ecological and
economic implications. Ecologically, the
presence of these fungi indicates
healthy forest ecosystems, as they play
a crucial role in nutrient cycling and soil
health.
Economically, morels are a valuable
non-timber forest product, fetching
high prices in both domestic and
international markets. Their harvest and
trade can provide substantial income to
local communities, particularly in rural
and mountainous regions.
CHALLENGES AND CONSERVATION
Despite their potential benefits, several
challenges threaten the sustainable use
and conservation of Morchella in India.
Overharvesting driven by high market
demand poses a threat to natural
populations. Additionally, habitat
destruction due to deforestation, land-
use changes, and climate change
impacts their distribution and
abundance.
 FUTURE RESEARCH
DIRECTIONS
To enhance our understanding and ensure the
sustainable management of Morchella in India, further
research is needed in the following areas:

(1) Detailed Mapping: Comprehensive mapping of

Morchella distribution across various Indian regions to
identify key habitats and population dynamics.
(2) Conservation Strategies: Development of
conservation strategies and sustainable harvesting
practices to protect natural populations and ensure
long-term availability.
(3) Cultivation Techniques: Exploration of cultivation
techniques to reduce pressure on wild populations and
meet market demand through controlled production.
CONCLUSION
The unconventional occurrence of Morchella in India highlights the adaptability of these fungi
and their potential ecological and economic benefits. However, addressing the challenges of
overharvesting and habitat destruction is crucial for their sustainable management. Through
Learn More
targeted research and conservation efforts, it is possible to safeguard these valuable fungi
and enhance their contribution to local livelihoods and biodiversity.
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