Srinagar, April 18 -- A prized forest delicacy among the world's most expensive mushrooms is collapsing in the wild even as scientists in Kashmir say they may have found a way to cultivate it.

Gucchi, or morel mushroom, has seen output fall sharply across Jammu and Kashmir-from around 2,000 quintals in 1991 to just 88 quintals in 2018-as erratic snowfall, shifting rainfall patterns and forest degradation disrupt the fragile ecological conditions it depends on.

It is primarily found in the foothills and forested belts across districts including Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Anantnag, Bandipora, Kupwara and Pulwama.

In Kashmir's higher forests, collectors describe damp pine floors layered with decaying needles and logs-exactly the mois...