Context:
Recently, 2 researchers in Goa have said that they synthesised gold nanoparticles from a wild mushroom species.
Reon Olmi:
- An edible mushroom of the Termitomyces species
- State – Goa
- Location – Western Ghats
- Habitat – Termite hills in the forested areas
- Association with termites –
- The termites provide mushroom with organic matters to grow
- The termites eat them to obtain enzymes and nitrogen
- Significance –
- A powerful biodegrading fungus in forest and grassland ecosystems
- Converts 50% dead plant material on the ground into rich soil
- Disadvantage –
- Association with termites makes it difficult for artificial cultivation
- Can cause outbreak of new forest diseases such as Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)
Other types of Mushrooms in Goa:
| Local name | Names called for |
| Khut olmi | Shape – a long stem |
| Fugo olmi | Balloon-shaped |
| Tamdi olmi | Red colour |
| Shith olmi | Fruiting season – winter |
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 3 is not correct:
Gucchi mushrooms cannot be cultivated commercially and instead they grow wild only in some regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh after the snowfall period.
