Isolation of new strains of Agaricales and medicinal fungi distributed in Burabay and Kokshetau national parks

In Kazakhstan, agaric mushrooms remain an understudied group despite their ecological and nutritional significance. This study is the first to investigate the species composition of edible agaric mushrooms in the Burabay and Kokshetau National Parks, their morphometric characteristics, and the creation of a strain collection. The purpose of this research: to determine the species diversity of edible agaric mushrooms, analyze their morphometric characteristics, and establish a strain collection by isolating new samples for further biological studies and potential applications.Methods. Macromycetes were collected using a route method, sorted, dried (45–50°C, 30–40 min), and stored. Morphological characteristics were examined visually, and microscopic structures were analyzed using a Mikmed-1 microscope and cameras. Young specimens were cultivated on nutrient media (Czapek-Dox, Murashige-Skoog, potato-glucose agar) for strain isolation and further study.Results. Over 80 mushroom samples were collected, identifying 71 species from two classes (Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes), four orders (Aphyllophorales, Agaricales, Lycoperdales, Pezizales), 11 families, and 26 genera. The isolated strains hold potential for further ecological research and artificial cultivation.Conclusion. The current sample size is limited. Further collection and analysis using additional methods are planned to refine knowledge of agaric mushroom diversity in Kazakhstan.Keywords: mushroom, macromycetes, strains, cap, stipe, spore, agaric mushrooms.