Morchella esculenta Fr.: A Fungus of High Ecological and Economic Significance

摘要

Morchella esculenta Fr. a macro fungi belonging to class ascomycetes is a highly prized edible fungi. Guchhi's taste and characteristic mouth drying sensation has made its harvesting and marketing a million dollar industry in mycophillic countries. Extracts of Guchhi has been shown to possess anti-tumor, anti-viral and immunoregulatory properties. In India, it is found fruiting in states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttaranchal, from the months of March to July. Its unscientific collection along with habitat destruction and climate change is posing serious threat to its existence. Measures should be taken for proper collection, storage and marketing of morels to ensure that they fetch good price in the global market.