Occurrence and Molecular Characterization of Central Nigeria Mushrooms

The diversity and distribution of mushroom-forming fungi of three senatorial zones of Kogi state was studied. Identification of selected mushrooms was done through morphological and molecular characterization. For the molecular characterization, rDNA was used in a micro satellite PCR technique using ITS1 and ITS4. Sixty eight species and 14 families were common to all the districts. Twelve stature types were represented across the plots. The mushroom compositional species diversity and richness were estimated and compared. Forty wild mushrooms were amplified using genomic DNA isolated from their mycelial culture. Two new species of mushrooms, never reported were identified. The occurrence and distribution of mushroom forming fungi as well as awareness of their presence by the populace throughout Kogi state has been ascertained. Characterization of mushrooms using stature types is efficient in identification to genus level but not to species level and does not account for phylogeny. Molecular characterization is efficient for identification to species level, establishing phylogeny and generation of many other bioinformatics.