Preliminary checklist of phytopathogenic fungi in Sikkim, India

Sikkim is an Indian state with unique cultural and natural landscape. Being rich in bioresources, earlier biodiversity explorations have led to enumeration of varied flora and fauna. However, fungi being an important biodiversity component, and especially, the fungal phytopathogens having potential of impacting human economy and food security, present understanding is needed to make vision for the future. In this regard, past works (1877-2011) on phytopathogenic fungi reported from Sikkim were surveyed. In this manuscript, 98 species of plant pathogenic fungi (including anamorphs) under 76 genera are enlisted. The alphabetical checklist of the species is provided herewith. Further updates will be added in the subsequent versions of the publication.