An integrative taxonomic and molecular identification of <italic>Calvatia holothurioides</italic> (Lycoperdaceae): the present status of genus <italic>Calvatia</italic> in India.

AbstractGenus <italic>Calvatia</italic> belongs to a gasteroid fungi which are commonly known as a puffball mushrooms including around 47 species worldwide. Approximately 25 species of the genus <italic>Calvatia</italic> have been reported previously in India from various forest regions; however, only 15 species of these are accepted on their current taxonomic status because several of them are synonymized with other genera or species. The present study reports the distribution of <italic>Calvatia holothurioides</italic> which was collected from Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat state, India. The identification was carried out based on the morphological characteristics as well as molecular phylogenetic analysis using nuclear rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and rDNA LSU gene sequences data. Nucleotide sequences of different gene loci (ITS and LSU) were submitted into the BOLD data system for DNA barcoding. Additionally, this study also provides a literature-based checklist for the present status of <italic>Calvatia</italic> species reported in India so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]