Ophiocordyceps Nutans

Recently, researchers have found Ophiocordyceps nutans (fungi) for the first time in central India, at the Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. Earlier, these have been reported in India only from the Western Ghats.

Ophiocordyceps nutans host on a specific insect, Halyomorpha halys. Halyomorpha halys is commonly known as the stink bug and is a pest to forest trees and agricultural crops. The stink bug is known to damage the flower and fruits of soybean, green beans, apple, pear, etc.

Studies have shown that these fungi can be used as a biological pest control agent against stink bugs. Exploring these fungi as a pesticide will help reduce the harmful effect of chemicals in fields.

In the Western Ghats, the local people use these fungi as an immune stimulator. Scientists claim that it contains a component called ‘cordycepin’ which has anti-cancer properties.

Kanger Valley National Park

Kanger Valley got the status of a national park in 1982. It derives its name from the Kanger River, one of the very few perennial rivers of Bastar. The park is a typical mixed humid deciduous type of forest, in which the Sal, Saugaun, teak and bamboo trees are available in abundance. The most popular species in this area is the state bird of Chattisgarh, Bastar Hill Myna which is capable of emulating human voices. The park is known for the presence of underground limestone caves.

Source: PIB

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