MACROFUNGAL DIVERSITY IN DIFFERENT VEGETATION COMPOSITIONS IN TEGHARI COMMUNITY FOREST, KAILALI, WEST NEPAL

Macrofungi are high-value forest resources that have functionally significant roles in the ecosystem. The macrofungal community of three different vegetation compositions, i.e., Sal (Shorea robusta) Forest, Tropical Deciduous Riverine and Evergreen Forest Teghari Community were investigated. Systematic random sampling was made where 60 plots (10 x 10 m) laid all types (20 each). A total 102 macrofungi species reported belonging to 36 families. Polyporaceae (17 species) largest family followed by Tricholomataceae (13 saprophytic fungi more frequent than mycorrhizal parasitic fungi. tropical evergreen rich (59 sal (40 deciduous riverine (38 species). Macrofungal diversity directly related surrounding host species. Similarly, increased soil moisture canopy cover intensified abundance richness with increasing organic carbon, canopy, moisture, pH, litter cover. However, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium less affecting richness. Also, disturbance negatively correlated macrofungi. This study highlights hidden which is necessary for conservation macrofungi, optimize ecosystem integrity resilience against biotic abiotic agents