OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH OF MUSHROOMS IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

According to recent estimates the mycota of Sri Lanka is highly diverse, yet it has been relatively little studied and remains poorly understood. Sri Lanka may contain up to 25,000 species of fungi, of which only a little more than 2000 are presently known, and this estimate does not take into account the large number of exotics introduced along with food, plantation, and ornamental plants. Mycological research in Sri Lanka has been limited to certain parts of the country, and the available information is widely dispersed, difficult to access, and plagued by synonymy. Commercially cultivable mushrooms were first introduced to Sri Lanka in 1985, and today both endemic and non-native species are cultivated. This paper addresses the current status of Sri Lankan mushroom research, and suggests measures which are needed to support the future development of Sri Lankan mycology.