Mollisia sokpayensia (2026): Discovery of a New Fungal Species in Sikkim, Scientific Features, Medicinal Potential and Conservation Significance
3 November 2026
PRERNA FOR IAS
Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari
Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath
Mollisia sokpayensia (2026): Discovery of a New Fungal Species in Sikkim, Scientific Features, Medicinal Potential and Conservation Significance
1. Background and Recent Discovery
- In October 2026, Indian researchers discovered a new fungal species, Mollisia sokpayensia, in the Sikkim Himalaya.
- The research team was led by Dr. Laishram Shantikumar Singh of Manipur, supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
- The findings were published in Fungal Diversity, Volume 136 (2026).
2. Discovery Location and Classification
- The fungus was isolated from the rhizome of Panax sokpayensis, a rare medicinal plant belonging to the ginseng genus.
- Samples were collected from Jorbotay, Uttarey, West Sikkim, at an altitude of 1,800–2,300 metres.
- It belongs to the phylum Ascomycota, order Helotiales and genus Mollisia.
3. Scientific Features
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Indian researchers discovered Mollisia sokpayensia, a new endophytic fungus from Sikkim's Panax sokpayensis. Explore its features, medicinal potential and conservation value.
Keywords
Mollisia sokpayensianew fungal speciesSikkim Himalayaendophytic fungiPanax sokpayensisAscomycotaDepartment of Biotechnologymedicinal plantsHimalayan biodiversityfungal taxonomy