SEM and FESEM-based structural elucidation and molecular characterization of isolated Astraeus asiaticus spp. from sal forest.

Chandana rugda is a valued earthstar, known as Astraeus, and a delicacy among tribal communities in Jharkhand. It should be consumed within 2-3 days, as it can develop an unpleasant odor after 4-5 days. The studied specimen, assigned the laboratory accession code (CRYKARM), was collected from the forest region of Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand. By preparing a culture plate, hyphal structures were visualized under a microscope. To study the extraordinary earth star formation, the life cycle was investigated. Using modern microscopy techniques, including bright-field microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy, a three-layered structure comprising the peridium, endoperidium, exoperidium, and spore structure was revealed. This detailed analysis shows similarities, differences, and morphological characteristics of the three layers. A schematic diagram was provided based on microscopic visualization. A molecular approach was employed to identify the microbial communities associated with Astraeus species by using 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed the evolutionary relationships of the studied sample. This research has clarified the morphological, anatomical, and molecular identity of the Astraeus species from Ranchi, Jharkhand.