MUSHROOM DIVERSITY IN SHAKI DISTRICT OF AZERBAIJAN

Mushroom diversity in Shaki district of Azerbaijan was studied during 2013-2018. Totally 346 specimens were collected and identified based on the morphologically main diagnostic features. Phenotypic characters, as well as microscopic features (size, shape, color of spores) were considered. In total 111 taxa (106 species, three forms and two variations) belonging to 67 genera, 32 families and 11 orders of Ascomycota and Basidiomycta were identified in view of the latest taxonomic and nomenclature changes. Two taxa Morchella esculenta var. rotunda and Suillus luteus f. albus represent new records for Azerbaijan. Ecological groups of mushrooms were reflected. Amanita fulva, A. pantherina, A. vaginata, Apioperdon pyriforme, Boletus edulis, B. reticulatus, Bovista plumbea, Caloboletus radicans, Cantharellus cibarius, C. subalbidus, Chlorophyllum rhacodes, Coprinopsis atramentaria, Hymenopellis radicata, Hypholoma fasciculare, Lactarius piperatus, Leccinum scabrum, Lepiota cristata, Lycoperdon umbrinum, Morchella esculenta, Mycena crocata, M. pura, Russula foetens, R. rosacea, Sarcoscypha coccinea, Suillus granulatus, S. luteus, Suillellus luridus and Tricholoma ustale were frequently found in the district. The rare species found in the studied area were Butyriboletus regius, Cortinarius triumphans, Clavariadelphus pistillaris, Crepidotus cesatii, Lactarius deliciosus, Morchella crassipes, Otidea onotica, Suillellus queletii and Tuber aestivum. Species variation was observed to increase along the elevation gradient, starting from the low mountain zone. Abundance of species decreases in the middle-upper mountain zone. Species distribution patterns along the elevation gradients are affected by mountain range peculiarities and climate warming. Numerous species have been recorded in more than one altitude. Use possibility of fungi is also elucidated.