Morphological and Molecular Identification of New Record of Macro-fungi (Agaricales) in Mosul, Iraq

Abstract

Schizophyllum mushroom is considered a significant and crucial fungi that have great medical benefits. This mushroom is among the most significant species of fungus that cause wood to rot. In this study, it was feasible to obtain fruiting bodies for the Schizophyllum fungus on a trunk of a broken/cut Angodnia tree in Mosul City during March 2023. Through morphological and molecular identification and by the molecular methods of (PCR) technique, this mushroom was identified. The identification was based on the mushroom’s Internal Transcript Spacer (ITS). Using these examination techniques, it was proved that the obtained fruiting bodies belong to the S. Radiatum genus, which is regarded as the first recording in Iraq.