Volvariella bombycina (Schaeff.) Singer (Silky Rosegill)

Abstract

Current climate changes pose a great food security risk to India, as well the world, in feeding a spiraling population with limited resources. Malnutrition and associated disorders have further aggravated this situation. Therefore, there is the need to find alternative and cheap quality nutrient sources for our increasing population. The farming of mushrooms, as a rich source of essential vitamins, proteins, and minerals, as well as phytochemicals, is one such approach. India is endowed with a range of climatic conditions that lead to diversity in mushroom species. Volvariella bombycina is a rare mushroom that is distributed in different regions of Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Australia. It has been found to be a rich source of different nutrients and phytochemicals. However, there is limited knowledge on Volvariella bombycina compared to commercial species, such as Volvariella volvacea. Therefore, this chapter gives an insight into the physical structure, life cycle, and phytochemical composition of Volvariella bombycina along with the efforts that have been made toward its commercial farming.