Diversity of Termitomyces in Kodagu and Need for Conservation

Termites of the subfamily of Macrotermitinae have established an obligate symbiosis with the basidiomycete Termitomyces on substrate called a fungus garden or fungus comb inside the nest. An extensive exploration carried out during May 2009 to September 2010 at a different geographical location of Kodagu District, Karnataka. Eight different species of Termitomyces namely T. microcarpus, T. indicus, T. clypeatus, T. cylindricus, T. globulus, T. eurhizus, T. heimii and T. mammiformis were identified. The ecological significance of Termites and Termitomyces in Kodagu region of Karnataka and its role as a food for local communities has been discussed. All hotspot diversity of all species well recorded. Some strategy also recommended for conserving one of the rear examples of symbiosis on the earth. This is the first report on the occurrence and diversity of Termitomyces species in the Kodagu region of Karnataka.