TAXONOMIC DIVERSITY AND ECOLOGICAL ROLES OF BASIDIOMYCETES IN THE TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS OF DHULE REGION, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Abstract

 The present study investigates the taxonomic diversity and ecological roles of Basidiomycetes in the terrestrial ecosystems of the Dhule region, Maharashtra, India. Systematic field surveys were conducted during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons (2024–2025) across diverse microhabitats, including forest floor, decaying wood, leaf litter, and soil. Fungal specimens were documented, photographed, and identified based on macroscopic morphological characteristics