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Ectomycorrhizal fungi in the genus Tuber form hypogeous fruiting bodies called truffles. Many Tuber species are highly prized due to their edible and aromatic ascomata. Historically, there has been attention on cultivating and selling European truffle species, but there is growing interest in cultivating, wild-harvesting, and selling species of truffles endemic to North America. North America has many endemic Tuber species that remain undescribed, including some that have favorable culinary qualities. Here, we describe two such Tuber species from eastern North America. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of ITS (internal transcribed spacer), tef1 (translation elongation factor 1-alpha), and rpb2 (second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II) sequences were used to place these species within a phylogenetic context. We coupled these data with morphological analyses and volatile analyses based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Tuber cumberlandense, sp. nov. (previously referred to as Tuber sp. 66), is a member of the Rufum clade that has been opportunistically harvested for commercial sale from T. melanosporum orchards across eastern North America. Tuber canirevelatum, sp. nov. belongs in the Macrosporum clade and thus far is only known from eastern Tennessee, USA. Both new species were discovered with the assistance of trained truffle dogs. The volatile profiles of T. canirevelatum and T. cumberlandense were measured in order to characterize aromas based on the chemical compounds produced by these fungi. Ascomata from both species were enriched in acetone, dimethyl sulfide, 1-(methylthio)-1-propene, and 1-(methylthio)propane. In this work, we celebrate and encourage the use of trained truffle-hunting dogs for fungal biodiversity discovery and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stipitate Thelephorales are basidiomycetous, mostly hydnoid, ectomycorrhizal fungi. Some species have declined considerably, and some are threat-listed as vulnerable or endangered. These ecological concerns require a well-resolved taxonomy to understand diversity in this group of fungi and facilitate conservation. However, phylogenetic studies have mostly neglected Southern Hemisphere representatives. This study examines the fleshy species of stipitate Thelephorales from native forests in Australia and New Zealand, using morphological analyses and phylogenetic analyses of nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS barcode) and D1–D2 domains at the 5′ end of nuc 28S rDNA (28S) sequences amplified from DNA isolated from fungarium collections and environmental DNA (eDNA) sequences from the Australian Microbiome initiative. Five new species, Sarcodon austrofibulatus, Hydnellum gatesiae, H. nothofagacearum, H. pseudoioeides, and H. variisporum, are described, Sarcodon carbonarius is transferred to Neosarcodon, and a key is provided for the six named species in the region. Boletopsis and Neosarcodon are reported from Australia for the first time based on detections from eDNA in soil samples taken from native forests. The Australasian species of Hydnellum occupy a highly derived position with the phylogeny of the genus, the members of which are otherwise all from the Northern Hemisphere, suggestive of a long-distance dispersal origin for the Australasian species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) family Cortinariaceae (Agaricales, Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) have long been considered impoverished or absent from lowland tropical rainforests. Several decades of collecting in forests dominated by ECM trees in South America's Guiana Shield is countering this view, with discovery of numerous Cortinariaceae species. To date, ~12 morphospecies of this family have been found in the central Pakaraima Mountains of Guyana. Here, we describe three of these as new species of Cortinarius and two as new species of Phlegmacium from forests dominated by the ECM tree genera Dicymbe (Fabaceae subfam. Detarioideae), Aldina (Fabaceae subfam. Papilionoideae), and Pakaraimaea (Cistaceae). Macromorphological, micromorphological, habitat, and DNA sequence data are provided for each new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xerampelinae is a subsection composed of species of ectomycorrhizal fungi belonging to the hyperdiverse and cosmopolitan genus Russula (Russulales). Species of Xerampelinae are recognized by their fishy or shrimp odor, browning context, and a green reaction to iron sulfate. However, species delimitation has traditionally relied on morphology and analysis of limited molecular data. Prior taxonomic work in Xerampelinae has led to the description of as many as 59 taxa in Europe and 19 in North America. Here we provide the first multilocus phylogeny of European and North American members based on two nrDNA loci and two protein-coding genes. The resulting phylogeny supports the recognition of 17 species-rank Xerampelinae clades; however, higher species richness (~23) is suggested by a more inclusive nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS barcode) analysis. Phylogenetic and morphological analyses support three new species with restricted geographic distributions: R. lapponica, R. neopascua, and R. olympiana. We confirm that the European species R. subrubens is present in North America and the North American species R. serissima (previously known as R. favrei) is present in Europe. Most other Xerampelinae appear restricted to either North America or Eurasia, which indicates a high degree of regional endemism; this includes R. xerampelina, a name widely applied to North American taxa, but a species restricted to Eurasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 1970s and 1980s, L. R. Hesler and A. H. Smith, alone, together, or Smith with other authors such as V. S. Evenson and D. H. Mitchel, described numerous North American taxa in Hebeloma. With the inclusion of an early work by Smith and a later work by E. Grilli, who described a species based on material from Smith, 130 taxa were described and form the subject of this paper. Apart from two taxa that were (deliberately) invalidly published and two that were illegitimately published, all others are valid and legitimate names. After study of morphology, habitat, and location of collection (based on available material and information) as well as molecular analysis (insofar as this was successful), of these 128 validly published taxa we regard 14 as being current names; the remaining 114 are synonymized with other current names. These 14 species are Hebeloma albomarginatum, H. alpinicola, H. angelesiense, H. caulocystidiosum, H. immutabile, H. incarnatulum, H. kelloggense, H. mackinawense, H. nitidum, H. olympianum, H. parcivelum, H. praeolidum, H. pungens, and H. sporadicum. This brings up the number of currently recognized, validly published, Hebeloma species in America to 72. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

William Alphonso Murrill was an American mycologist of the early 20th century. He described 1453 new species of Agaricales, Boletales, and Polyporales. Within these were 44 taxa that he described as Hebeloma or that he recombined into Hebeloma. Additionally, there are five species, of which we are aware, that Murrill described within other genera that should be referred to the genus Hebeloma. A further three species described from northern America by J. P. F. C. Montagne, and transferred to Hebeloma by Saccardo, were commented on by Murrill and not accepted within the genus. These 52 taxa are analyzed here, both morphologically and molecularly, as far as possible. For 18 of his types, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were generated. For two species (H. harperi and H. subfastibile), which were mixed collections, lectotypes are designated. Twenty-three of the taxa analyzed are Hebeloma, as the genus is recognized today, and six of these (H. australe, H. harperi, H. paludicola, H. subaustrale, H. subfastibile, and H. viscidissimum) are regarded as current, i.e., they are names that should be accepted and used. Hebeloma paludicola is an earlier name for H. hygrophilum, described from Europe. Gymnopilus viscidissimus is synonymous with H. amarellum but has priority and is here recombined into Hebeloma. The remaining 17 Hebeloma taxa are synonymized with other species that have priority. The remaining 29 species belong to a range of genera; molecularly supported were Agrocybe, Cortinarius, Inocybe, Inosperma, Phlegmacium, Pholiota, Pseudosperma, and Pyrrhulomyces. Recombinations and synonymizations are made as appropriate and necessary. The names H. alachuanum and H. vatricosum, respectively Inocybe vatricosa, are considered doubtful and should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While observing mycelial features of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Rhizopogon roseolus, we noted the formation of hyphal coils in laboratory cultures. The coiled hyphae initially formed at the hyphal tip in the presence or absence of the plant host (Pinus thunbergii), on both rich and poor modified Melin-Norkrans media. Hyphal coils formed from the hyphal tips toward the middle of the hyphae, with rope-like hyphal strands fused as extensive circular coils. Hyphal coils were generally oval and circular. Coils were composed of 1–5 layers of hyphae. Presence of the host had a significant impact on the diameter of the coil loops, which was consistently wider without the host than with the host present on both media. In addition, the terminal part of the mature coils was melanized and separated from the unmelanized coil by a septum. The melanized coils resembled thick condensed hyphae and were detached and scattered throughout the fungal colony. The observation of morphological characteristics suggested that mature coils detached into the mycelia were thromboplerous hyphae. This is the first report on hyphal coil morphogenesis and its potential relationship to the initial development of thromboplerous hyphae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropics were long considered to have few ectomycorrhizal fungi, presumably due to a paucity of ectomycorrhizal host plants relative to higher-latitude ecosystems. However, an increase in research in tropical regions over the past 30 years has greatly expanded knowledge about the occurrence of tropical ectomycorrhizal fungi. To assess their broad biogeographic and diversity patterns, we conducted a comprehensive review and quantitative data analysis of 49 studies with 80 individual data sets along with additional data from GlobalFungi to elucidate tropical diversity patterns and biogeography of ectomycorrhizal fungi across the four main tropical regions: the Afrotropics, the Neotropics, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. Generalized linear models were used to explore biotic and abiotic influences on the relative abundance of the 10 most frequently occurring lineages. We also reviewed the available literature and synthesized current knowledge about responses of fungi to anthropogenic disturbances, and their conservation status and threats. We found that /russula-lactarius and /tomentella-thelephora were the most abundant lineages in the Afrotropics, the Neotropics, and Southeast Asia, whereas /cortinarius was the most abundant lineage in Oceania, and that /russula-lactarius, /inocybe, and /tomentella-thelephora were the most species-rich lineages across all of the tropical regions. Based on these analyses, we highlight knowledge gaps for each tropical region. Increased sampling of tropical regions, collaborative efforts, and use of molecular methodologies are needed for a more comprehensive view of the ecology and diversity of tropical ectomycorrhizal fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of host plant on the mycelial features of mycorrhizal symbiont and its characteristics has been poorly investigated. This study aimed to compare and quantify (statistically tested) some of the mycelial features of an ectomycorrhiza (ECM)-forming fungus with and without the ECM host. The ECM-forming fungus, Rhizopogon roseolus, inoculated with or without Pinus thunbergii on both rich and poor nutrient media, was observed under laboratory conditions. On rich medium, fungi with the host had the highest colony diameter and consistently produced the highest hyphal length relative to fungi on other media. Thus, the host had a significant impact on the mycelium production of R. roseolus in both rich and poor media. Further, fungi without the host had a higher number of hyphal anastomoses per hyphal length on both poor and rich media than fungi with the host in the same medium. Anastomosis, which refers to the fusion of two parallel hyphae, was evident in all experiments. However, there was no significant impact of the host on the number of hyphal anastomoses. In addition, fungi without the host had more frequent hyphal branching on both rich and poor media than fungi with the host. The occurrence of a host only had a significant impact on the formation of the hyphal branch on poor medium. Further, a chlamydospore-like structure was identified, which had a higher diameter when formed with the host on both rich and poor media. The present data provide new insights into the host plant's impact on the mycelial features of ECM-forming fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ectomycorrhizal truffle genus Tuber is widespread and diverse. Recent sampling of ascomata, ectomycorrhizal root tips, and environmental sequences has resulted in the identification of many Tuber species that cannot be assigned to described species and require formal description. Using morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis, we describe two North American Tuber species associated with pines (Pinus spp.). Tuber eburneum, sp. nov., is an early-diverging taxon in the Melanosporum clade that differs substantially from all other taxa in that clade due to its light-colored peridium and gleba, lack of peridial warts, and peridial hairs that are ornamented with small, irregular protrusions. Tuber mujicii, sp. nov., is a whitish truffle species in the Puberulum clade. Although T. mujicii is morphologically similar to many related taxa, it can be distinguished by a combination of characters, including peridium color, spore size, number of ascospores per ascus, and number of reticulations across the spore surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charles Horton Peck described some 2700 species of North American fungi in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Among these were 31 species that he described as Hebeloma or that later authors recombined into Hebeloma. These 31 taxa have been analyzed morphologically and molecularly, as far as possible. For six of these species, lectotypes are designated. For twelve species, ITS sequences (some partial) were generated. Thirteen of the species analyzed are Hebeloma, as the genus is delimited today. Of these 13, nine are regarded as 'current', i.e. are names that should be accepted and used. Of the remaining four, three are synonymized with earlier Peck species and one with the generic type H. mesophaeum. Numerous Hebeloma species described from America are synonymized with some of Peck's species, such as H. albidulum, H. album, H. colvinii, H. excedens, H. palustre, H. sordidulum, and H. velatum; Peck's H. album, H. palustre, and H. velatum are earlier names for H. fragilipes, H. clavulipes, and H. dunense, respectively. All three names were in current use and described from Europe. The 18 species that are not Hebeloma belong to a range of genera: Agrocybe, Hemistropharia, Inocybe, Inosperma, Naucoria, and Pholiota; three species that were not previously recombined into their respective genera are here recombined and one species, Hebeloma commune is synonymized with Pholiota lenta. Two taxa, that are not Hebeloma, remain unresolved. Sixty later Hebeloma taxa described from North America are revised and synonymized with Peck species and seven with H. mesophaeum, 36 of these supported by ITS (some partial) sequence data. Updates on two species, H. petrakii and H. remyi, from Europe, are also given, and a lectotype and epitype selected for the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydnum (Hydnaceae, Basidiomycota) exhibits endemic species diversity in East Asia; however, few comprehensive systematic studies have been conducted to date. Here, we performed morphological, ecological, phylogenetic, and biological evaluations of the taxonomy of Hydnum species in Japan. In total, 186 Japanese Hydnum specimens were used for morphological observations. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using sequence data of nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) region and a portion of translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1). Intra- and interspecific mating tests using 78 monokaryotic strains of 13 species did not conflict with species delimitation inferred from their ITS and tef1 phylogenetic relationships. This study provides detailed morphological descriptions of 15 rigorously identified species from Japan, nine of which are described as new: H. alboluteum, H. albopallidum, H. pinicola, H. itachiharitake, H. minospororufescens, H. orientalbidum, H. subberkeleyanum, H. tomaense, and H. tottoriense. Three species documented in this work are new to Japan: H. boreorepandum, H. mulsicolor, and H. umbilicatum. The remaining three species (H. cremeoalbum, H. minus, and H. repando-orientale), previously reported from Japan, are redescribed using data from newly collected materials. We also transferred two old species (Hericium fimbrillatum and Sarcodon nauseofoetidus) from East Asian Hydnum into other genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpine regions in Japan are characterized by the Siberian dwarf pine, Pinus pumila. Although these regions are conserved as national parks due to their unique biome, few reports of the fungal biota are available. We examined mushroom fungi under such vegetation and found a unique yellowish-capped Tricholoma species. Multilocus molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological observation of specimens showed that the Tricholoma species is very similar to T. fumosoluteum known in North America. The Japanese yellowish-capped T. aff. fumosoluteum had larger basidiospores and basidia and shorter pileipellis hyphae compared with T. fumosoluteum. Therefore, we describe the Japanese entity as a new species, T. alpinum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Patagonian region, Cortinarius is the most diverse and abundant genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi with at least 250 species. Sequestrate forms were until recently documented within the genus Thaxterogaster, a genus now known to be polyphyletic, and many were consequently transferred to Cortinarius. Original descriptions were mostly available in German and Spanish and interpretations of morphological structures outdated. Despite recent advances in Cortinarius systematics, the current classification, diversity, and ecology of sequestrate "cortinarioid" fungi in Patagonia remain unclear. The objective of this study was to provide an update on sequestrate Cortinarius of southern South America. We documented each species with morphological descriptions, photographs, basidiospore scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and molecular characterization using nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and nuc 28S rDNA (28S) sequence data. Original descriptions of taxa were also translated to English and revised based on fresh collections. We documented 24 species from Patagonia based on molecular data and conducted morphological and phylogenetic analysis for 18 previously described species based on type and reference specimens. In addition, we formally described two new species. Four additional taxa were provisionally determined as new but require further study. New ITS sequence data were produced from eight type specimens. We also provide a new name, Cortinarius gloiodes, nom. nov., for the taxon previously described as Thaxterogaster gliocyclus. In addition to the species treated in detail, we provided additional reference information and discussion on six described species that remained incompletely known or for which no recent collections were found. Of the 24 taxa documented from Patagonia, 15 species were assigned to 12 current sections in the genus Cortinarius. Analysis of spore ultrastructure showed that sequestrate forms of Patagonian Cortinarius lack a true perisporium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suillus luteus is a common ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungus associated with several Pinus species. It is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and has been introduced into South America and New Zealand. We examined the genetic structure and population biology of S.luteus, which was introduced into Patagonian plantations with Pinus species in Argentina. Overall, 106 samples were collected at 11 geographically separated sites (i.e., Pinus plantations) along a latitudinal gradient in Patagonia (ca. 38°–46° south latitude). Phylogenetic analyses confirmed placement in S.luteus. Genetic analysis demonstrated moderate within-site genetic diversity, but low differentiation between sites. No clear clusters were detected geographically or in relation to host species of Pinus. Our results suggest that the weak genetic structure of the species reflects the short time that has elapsed since the introduction of S.luteus into Patagonia, and its expansion with exotic afforestation there. Moreover, the lack of structure is consistent with a founder effect, suggesting the introduction of a small number of genets that spread throughout all the plantations. Therefore, the high level of gene flow and weak genetic structure observed are probably related to the anthropogenic movement of inoculum associated with forestry practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe two new Japanese truffle species, Tuber iryudaense and Tuber tomentosum, based on molecular and morphological analyses. Both species are clearly distinguishable from other Tuber species by the ocher tomentose mycelium covering the ascoma surfaces. Tuber iryudaense has one-spored asci that each contain a large (68–97 × 51–80 µm), reddish-brown ascospore; these microscopic characters are similar to those of closely related Chinese species, T. calosporum, T. gigantosporum, T. glabrum, T. monosporum, and T. sinomonosporum. Tuber tomentosum forms one to four ascospores per ascus with a reddish-brown color similar to that of ascospores of T. macrosporum and T. canaliculatum, although their spores are much larger than those of T. tomentosum (27‒64 × 26‒55 µm). Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and partial 28S nuc rDNA sequences support that both species are distinct within the Macrosporum group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four epitypes and three new species of Amanita (Amanitaceae, Agaricales, Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) are described from Guineo-Congolian rainforests of Cameroon. Amanita echinulata, A. fulvopulverulenta, A. robusta, and A. bingensis are epitypified based on collections that are the first since the species were described nearly a century ago. Morphological features of the epitypes are described and enumerated. Amanita minima, Amanita luteolamellata, and A. goossensfontanae are described as new and added to the known macromycota of tropical Africa. Habit, habitat, and known distribution are provided for each species. Sequence data for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) locus are provided for types and other collections of all taxa, and a molecular phylogenetic analysis across the genus Amanita corroborates morphology-based infrageneric placement for each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodents are the most widespread and diverse order of vertebrate mycophagists and are key to the dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi. Rodents consume and subsequently disperse fungi through their feces on every continent except Antarctica. This study examines the fungal taxa consumed by the Hastings River mouse (Pseudomys oralis), an endangered Australian endemic rodent from the family Muridae. We analyzed 251 fecal samples collected over a 19-year period between 1993 and 2012 at sites throughout the distribution of the animal in New South Wales and Queensland. We show that at least 16 genera of mycorrhizal fungi are eaten by this species and that it is therefore playing an important role as a vector of ectomycorrhizal truffle-like fungi in eastern Australia. Similar to the fungal diets of other mammals in eastern Australia, seasonal fungal consumption was greatest in autumn and winter. The dietary diversity of P. oralis also appeared to follow a geographic trend from south to north; samples collected at sites in the southern part of the species' range had greater diversity than those from sites in the northern part of the range, and overall, diets from southern sites yielded more fungal taxa than did northern sites. This study provides novel insights into the diet of P. oralis and highlights the importance of previously overlooked ecosystem services this species provides through its dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the South American species of Cortinarius section Thaumasti based on morphological and molecular data. Members of this group can easily be identified in the field because the basidiomata are small and Phlegmacium-like with a bulbous stipe and the universal veil in most species forms a distinct volva at the base of the stipe. The phylogenetic delimitation of the clade was mostly in concordance with the earlier, morphology-based grouping of the South American taxa except that C. chrysophaeus was resolved outside of the clade. Altogether nine species were recognized in the section. Four species, C. chlorophanus, C. coleopus, C. cosmoxanthus, and C. vaginatus, were previously described by other authors, whereas three species, C. chlorosplendidus, C. olivaceovaginatus, and C. subcosmoxanthus, are described here as new. We were able to identify two remaining taxa, but we do not have sufficient morphological data to allow for a formal description. All of the species in C. section Thaumasti form ectomycorrhizal associations with Nothofagaceae. They have been documented from South America and New Zealand. The Patagonian species are considered endemic to the region. A key to the described species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leccinoid fungi are boletes and related sequestrate mushrooms (Boletaceae, Basidiomycota) that have traditionally been placed in Leccinum, Boletus, Leccinellum, and a handful of other less familiar genera. These mushrooms generally feature scabers or scaber-like dots on the surface of the stipe, and they are often fairly tall and slender when compared with other boletes. They are ectomycorrhizal fungi and appear to be fairly strictly associated with specific trees or groups of related trees. In the present study, we investigate the phylogenetic relationships among the leccinoid fungi and other members of the family Boletaceae using portions of three loci from nuc 28S rDNA (28S), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), and the RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit (RPB2). Two DNA data sets (combined 28S-TEF1 and 28S-TEF1-RPB2), comprising sequences from nearly 270 voucher specimens, were evaluated using two different phylogenetic analyses (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference). Five major clades were obtained, and leccinoid fungi appeared in four of them. Taxonomic proposals supported by our results, representing a broadly circumscribed Leccinum that includes several sequestrate genera, along with Leccinellum, are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hebeloma parvisporum is described as new and placed within H. sect. Porphyrospora. This mushroom is sold as an edible in markets of Laos under the local name "wai khom." Hebeloma sect. Porphyrospora is discussed and expanded to include the species formerly included in the genus Anamika and recently transferred to Hebeloma. Hebeloma sect. Porphyrospora currently comprises 16 species, 14 of which are known only from the western Pacific and Indian subcontinent. All species in this section share the character of having red-brown spores when fresh, atypical for other sections of Hebeloma, which causes the lamellae to be red-brown. However, this red-brown color fades when the material is dried. The close links, morphologically and molecularly, between H. parvisporum and other members of H. sect. Porphyrospora, particularly H. victoriense, are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhizopogon olivaceotinctus is a rarely collected ectomycorrhizal fungus that has been found primarily in California and southern Oregon. Prior work has shown that it (i) is common in soil spore banks associated with pine forests from these areas; (ii) is rare or absent on trees in undisturbed forests in these same areas; (iii) exhibits an increased abundance on pine seedlings following fire or experimental soil heating; and (iv) has spores that are more resistant to heat than those of several other ectomycorrhizal species tested to date. Here, we reject the hypothesis that the increased abundance of the species following soil heating is caused only by reduced competition with other ectomycorrnizal fungi and show instead that heating alone significantly increases the inoculum potential of its spores. We argue that this is likely caused by heat stimulation of the spores, a process that has precedent in saprotrophic fungi and plant seeds. This result, in combination with those of previous studies, shows that Rhizopogon olivaceotinctus is well adapted to fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet a global demand for timber, tree plantations were established in South America during the first half of the 20th century. Extensive plantings of non-native species now are found in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. In Colombia, miscellaneous plantations were established in the 1950s, during a period of intensive local logging, when policies to limit deforestation in native Quercus humboldtii forests were established. One unforeseen consequence of planting non-native trees was the simultaneous introduction and subsequent persistence of ectomycorrhizal fungi. We sought to document the origins and spread of the introduced Amanita muscaria found in Colombian plantations of the Mexican species Pinus patula, North American species P. taeda, and Australian species Acacia melanoxylon and Eucalyptus globulus. In Colombia, Amanita muscaria is establishing a novel association with native Q. humboldtii and has spread to local Q. humboldtii forests. According to a Bayesian phylogeny and haplotype analysis based on the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8-ITS2 (ITS barcode), A. muscaria individuals found in four exotic plant species, and those colonizing Q. humboldtii roots, have a Eurasian origin and belong to two Eurasian haplotypes. This is the first time the spread of an introduced mutualist fungus into native Colombian Q. humboldtii forests is reported. To arrest its spread, we suggest the use of local inocula made up of native fungi, instead of inocula of introduced fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruhlandiella is a genus of exothecial, ectomycorrhizal fungi in the order Pezizales. Ascomata of exothecial fungi typically lack a peridium and are covered with a hymenial layer instead. Ruhlandiella species have nonoperculate asci and highly ornamented ascospores. The genus was first described by Hennings in 1903 to include the single species, R. berolinensis. Since then, mycologists have uncovered Ruhlandiella species inmany locations around the globe, including Australia, Spain, Italy, and the USA. Currently, there are four recognized species: R. berolinensis, R. peregrina, R. reticulata, and R. truncata. Allwere found near Eucalyptus or Melaleuca trees of Australasian origin. Recently, we discovered two new species of Ruhlandiella in Nothofagaceae forests in South America. They regularly form mitotic spore mats directly on soil in the forests of Patagonia. Here, we formally describe these new species and construct the phylogeny of Ruhlandiella and related genera using a multilocus phylogenetic analysis. We also revise the taxonomy of Ruhlandiella and provide an identification key to accepted species of Ruhlandiella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectomycorrhizal ascomycetes belonging to the genus Tuber produce edible fruiting bodies known as truffles. Tuber aestivum, in particular, is a fungus appreciated worldwide and has a natural distribution throughout Europe. Most of the molecular studies conducted on this species have been focused on the question as to whether or not T. aestivum and the morphologically similar T. uncinatum are conspecific. Conversely, only a handful of studies have assessed the level and distribution of genetic diversity and occurrence of phylogeographic patterns in this species. Here, we analyzed the genetic diversity of T. aestivum over a wide geographic range, performing an extensive sampling of specimens from Turkey, which is novel, to the best of our knowledge. We compared the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) profiles of 45 samples collected in different Turkish areas with those of 144 samples from all over Europe. We identified 63 haplotypes, 32 of which were exclusively present in Turkey. The majority of these haplotyes were also population specific. Haplotype network analysis and statistical tests highlighted the presence of a genetic structure and phylogeographic pattern, with three spatially distinct genetic clusters (northeastern Europe, southern Europe, and Turkey), with Turkey representing a diversity hotspot. Based on these results, we hypothesize the presence of glacial refugia for T. aestivum in Turkey, whereas European populations likely experienced a population bottleneck. The possible occurrence of cryptic species among Turkish T. aestivum samples also emerged. Our results are of practical relevance for the marketing of T. aestivum truffles and mycorrhizal seedlings and the preservation of the biodiversity of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of systematic sampling campaigns in the northern Patagonian Nothofagaceae forests of Argentina, several specimens of sequestrate fungi were collected. Some of those collections showed phylogenetic affinities and morphological similarities to members of the formerly recognized sequestrate genus Thaxterogaster, currently a synonym of Cortinarius on the basis of molecular data. Comparisons of macro- and micromorphological features and sequences of nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions have revealed that these collections belong to formerly undescribed species. The sequences of the four new taxa presented here, Cortinarius flavopurpureus, C. translucidus, C. nahuelhuapensis, and C. infrequens, were combined into a data set including additional sequences generated from herbarium collections and retrieved from public gene databases and analyzed by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. The four new species were resolved as distinct clades with strong support; at the same time, they showed unique morphological characteristics (hypogeous to subhypogeous habit, complete gasteromycetation, and spore shape and ornamentation) that separate them from previously described Cortinarius species. In addition, several undescribed and/or not previously sequenced species from these forests were detected through phylogenetic analysis of ectomycorrhizal root tip sequences. A key of characters to identify the sequestrate Cortinarius from Patagonia is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of Lactarius are documented from fragments of tropical lowland oak forest in central Veracruz. Lactarius trichodermoides, described here as new, was found in association with Quercus sapotifolia and Lactarius subplinthogalus with Quercus glaucescens. Both Lactarius species were identified morphologically and supported by phylogenetic analyses of nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and D1-D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA sequences. Confirmation of mycobionts in ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations was verified by molecular identification of ECM root tips. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic descriptions and photographs and illustrations of basidiomes and ectomycorrhizas are presented. The new binomial Lactarius chiangmaiensis is proposed for L. subplinthogalus var. chiangmaiensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral weathering plays an important role in poor-nutrient environments such as mine spoils and tailings. Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are able to enhance mineral weathering through different mechanisms, thereby increasing the availability of minerals and nutrients to plants. Six ECM fungi (Cadophora finlandia, Cenococcum geophilum, Hebeloma crustuliniforme, Lactarius aurantiosordidus, Paxillus involutes, and Tricholoma scalpturatum) were tested here for their tolerance to biotite-quartz-rich mine tailings. Either solid- or liquid-medium methods were used for in vitro selection of ECM fungi for their ability to grow on mine tailings. ECM fungi were selected based on their mycelial radial growth and metabolite production (ergosterol and low-molecular-mass organic acids, LMMOAs). We found a strong correlation between fungal ergosterol content and mycelial radial growth using the solid-medium method. However, the liquid-medium method was more appropriate for ergosterol synthesis and permitted direct measurement of organic acid production. We found that LMMOAs were exuded by ECM fungi, which solubilized mine tailings for their own growth and nutrition. Finally, we concluded that the ECM fungi C. finlandia and T. scalpturatum are the species most tolerant to tailings and could potentially improve the survival rate, growth, and health of white spruce seedlings planted on biotite mine spoils and tailings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we document and describe the new Cortinarius section Austroamericani. Our results reveal high species diversity within this clade, with a total of 12 recognized species. Of these, only C. rufus was previously documented. Seven species are described as new based on basidiomata collections. The four remaining species are only known from environmental sequences. All examined species form ectomycorrhizal associations with species of Nothofagaceae and are currently only known from Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia. The phylogenetic analysis based on the nuc rDNA internal transcriber spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and partial 28S gene (28S) sequences shows that this section is related to other taxa from the Southern Hemisphere. Species in this group do not belong to subg. Telamonia, where C. rufus was initially placed. Cortinarius rufus and the newly described C. subrufus form a basal clade within sect. Austroamericani that has a weakly supported relationship with the core clade. Because the two species are morphologically similar to species from the core clade and share their distribution and Nothofagaceae associations, we include them here as part of sect. Austroamericani sensu lato (s.l.) until more material is available to refine the delimitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gyroporus (Gyroporaceae, Boletales) is a highly diverse genus of poroid ectomycorrhizal mushrooms with a nearly worldwide distribution. Previous attempts to unravel the diversity within this genus proved difficult due to the presence of semicryptic species and ambiguous results from analysis of ribosomal RNA markers. In this study, we employ a combined morphotaxonomic and phylogenetic approach to delimit species and elucidate geographic and evolutionary patterns in Gyroporus. For phylogenetic analyses, the protein-coding genes atp6 (mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate [ATP] synthase subunit 6) and rpb2 (nuclear second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II) were selected based on their utility in studies of Boletales. We infer several distinct clades, most notably one corresponding to G. castaneus as a speciose Northern Hemisphere group, another unifying G. cyanescens and like entities, and a third group unifying G. longicystidiatus and a New World sister species. Also notable is the recovery of a sister relationship between the cyanescens and longicystidiatus clades. We formally describe five new species of Gyroporus, outline a number of provisional species, and briefly discuss distributional patterns. This study provides an important scaffold for future work on this well-known but poorly understood genus of fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Laccaria (Hydnangiaceae, Basidiomycota) are important in forest ecosystems as ectomycorrhizal fungi. Nine of the 75 described Laccaria species worldwide been reported from Korea. Most of these have European and North American names, and their identities are based solely on morphological features. To evaluate the taxonomy of Korean Laccaria, we used 443 specimens collected between 1981 and 2016 in a phylogenetic analysis based on sequence data from nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA (ITS) region, nuc 28S rDNA (28S), RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2), and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1). Ten Laccaria species were identified. Three of these were previously reported from Korea: L. bicolor, L. tortilis, and L. vinaceoavellanea. Laccaria alba, L. japonica, and L. murina are confirmed as new reports from Korea. Lastly, four new Laccaria species are described: L. araneosa, L. parva, L. torosa, and L. versiforma. This study supports the general contention that Asian species of ectomycorrhizal fungi may not be conspecific with morphologically similar species from Europe and North America. Furthermore, identification based on morphology alone is often unreliable in Laccaria due to considerable overlap of characters among species. Thus, use of molecular methods is necessary for effective identification. Illustrations of the four newly described species and a taxonomic key to species of Laccaria in Korea are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipterocarp forests are a typical and widespread type of vegetation in tropical lowlands of southeast Asia that harbor a high diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi, including boletes. Based on molecular and morphological characters, a unique bolete found in Singapore associated with the dipterocarp Hopea odorata was proven to represent a new species in the proposed new genus Spongispora. Phylogenetic analyses of five loci indicate that Spongispora is nested in the subfamily Leccinoideae of the Boletaceae, most closely related to an inclusive clade of Leccinum, Leccinellum, Octaviania, Rossbeevera, and Turmalinea. However, genetic distances between Spongispora and genera in Leccinoideae are mostly higher than that between any two known genera in this subfamily, which supports the proposal of a new genus. Spongispora temasekensis is characterized by a whitish to pale yellow hymenophore that stains brown where injured, coarsely reticulate stipe, interwoven trichodermial pileipellis, and broadly elliptical to ovoid basidiospores with sponge-like ornamentation perforated by irregular clefts, cracks, and warts under scanning electron microscopy. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, and comparisons with allied taxa are made, and a key to the genera of the subfamily Leccinoideae is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Truffles are sequestrate hypogeous fungi, and most form ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations with trees. Truffles belonging to the genus Tuber (Pezizales, Ascomycota), “true truffles,” associate with diverse plant hosts, including economically important species such as pecan (Carya illinoinensis). Morphological and phylogenetic studies delimited several major lineages of Tuber, which include many cryptic and undescribed species. One of these, the Maculatum clade, is a speciose group characterized by relatively small, light-colored ascomata that have alveolate-reticulate spores. Here, we describe two new species in the Maculatum clade, Tuber brennemanii and T. floridanum (previously identified as Tuber sp. 36 and Tuber sp. 47). We delineate these two species by phylogenetic analyses of nuc ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (= ITS) and partial 28S rDNA (= LSU), and through morphological analysis. A recent collection of T. floridanum from a pecan orchard in Brazil indicates that this species was introduced there on the roots of pecan seedlings. Systematic studies of ascomata and ECM fungal communities indicate that these species are geographically widespread and common ECM symbionts of pecans and other members of the Fagales, particularly in sites with disturbed soils and nutrient enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hymenogaster is an ectomycorrhizal genus of brown-spored sequestrate fungi that is related to the mushroom-forming genera Hebeloma and Alnicola (Agaricales). However, because of difficulties in morphological taxonomy of sequestrate fungi, Hymenogaster has become a polyphyletic repository for a variety of unrelated brown-spored sequestrate species. During studies of ectomycorrhizal ecology and sequestrate fungal evolution in the western USA, we encountered specimens of a morphologically unique species. It was originally described as Hymenogaster macmurphyi, but our morphological and molecular analyses indicate that it is not closely related to Hymenogaster. Phylogenetic analyses of multiple gene regions indicate that H. macmurphyi is actually a member of the Boletineae (Boletales, Basidiomycota) and is nested within the epigeous genus Xerocomellus, distantly related to any of the other known genera of sequestrate Boletales. While examining additional herbarium collections, we came upon isotype material of Splanchnomyces behrii, which represents a closely related species. Here we document the morphology and phylogenetic affinities of these unusual sequestrate Boletineae and transfer both species to Xerocomellus as X. macmurphyi and X. behrii. During our study, we also noted that the sequestrate taxon Rhopalogaster transversarius is nested within the epigeous genus Suillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cenococcum geophilum forms sclerotia and ectomycorrhizas with host plants in forest soils. We demonstrated the differences in genetic diversity of C. geophilum between cultured isolates from sclerotia and those from ectomycorrhizal roots in the same 73 soil samples based on glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene sequences and newly developed microsatellite markers. Based on GAPDH sequences, 759 cultured isolates (553 from sclerotia and 206 from ectomycorrhizas) were classified into 107 “genotypes” with sequence variation of up to 8.6%. The total number of GAPDH genotypes per soil sample ranged from 1 to 9, but genotypes that were shared between sclerotia and ectomycorrhizas were uncommon (0-3 per soil sample). More than 50% of GAPDH genotypes were unique to one source in most soil samples. Unique GAPDH genotypes were detected from either scleotia or ectomycorrhizal roots in most of the soil samples. Multilocus analysis using nine microsatellite markers provided additional resolution to differentiate fungal individuals and supported the results of GAPDH genotyping. The results indicated that sampling both sclerotia and ectomycorrhizal roots maximizes the detection of diversity at the soil core scale. On the other hand, when all isolates were viewed together, 82 GAPDH genotypes were unique to sclerotia whereas only 6 GAPDH genotypes were unique to ectomycorrhizas. Rarefaction analysis indicated that GAPDH genotypic diversity is significantly higher in sclerotia than ectomycorrhizal roots and the diversity within sclerotia is nearly the same as that of both sclerotia and ectomycorrhizas together. These findings suggest that sampling sclerotia alone is likely to detect the majority of GAPDH genotypes in Cenococcum at the regional scale. When deciding whether to sample sclerotia, ectomycorrhizas, or both types of tissues from Cenococcum, it is critical to consider the spatial scale and also the main questions and hypotheses of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sterile fungal isolates are often recovered in leaf and root endophytic studies, although these seldom play a significant role in downstream analyses. The authors sought to identify and characterize two such endophytes—one representing the most commonly recovered fungal isolate in recent studies of needle endophytes of Pinus taeda and the other representing a rarely isolated root endophyte of Populus trichocarpa. Both are shown by DNA sequencing to be undescribed species of Atractiellomycetes (Pucciniomycotina, Basidiomycota), a poorly characterized class of mostly plant-associated and presumably saprobic microfungi. The authors describe the new genus and species Atractidochium hillariae (Phleogenaceae) and the new species Proceropycnis hameedii (Hoehnelomycetaceae), both in the Atractiellales, to accommodate these unusual isolates. Following incubations of 1-2 mo, A. hillariae produces minute white sporodochia, similar to those produced by several other members of Atractiellales, whereas Pr. hameedii forms conidia singly or in chains in a manner similar to its sister species Pr. pinicola. Additionally, we provide a taxonomic revision of Atractiellomycetes based on multilocus analyses and propose the new genera Neogloea (Helicogloeaceae) and Bourdotigloea (Phleogenaceae) to accommodate ex-Helicogloea species that are not congeneric with the type H. lagerheimii. Atractiellomycetes consists of a single order, Atractiellales, and three families, Hoehnelomycetaceae, Phleogenaceae, and Helicogloeaceae. Accumulated evidence suggests that Atractiellomycetes species are common but infrequently isolated members of plant foliar and root endobiomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enigmatic basidiomycete genus Mixia includes intracellular parasites of Osmunda and Osmundastrum ferns. Here, the authors review the systematic and phylogenetic history of M. osmundae, originally known as Taphrina osmundae, and provide new data from investigations of specimens of Osmunda japonica collected in Yunnan Province, China, which we determine to be conspecific with M. osmundae. In addition, Taphrina higginsii, a parasite on fronds of Osmundastrum cinnamomeum described from Georgia, USA, was confirmed to be phenotypically identical with M. osmundae. The name T. higginsii is lectotypified with a Mix specimen. Collections examined to date document four localities for M. osmundae: Japan (Honshu and Kyushu), Taiwan (Taichung), USA (Georgia), and China (Yunnan), and host-parasite relationships with the old extant ferns Osmunda japonica and its relatives and with Osmundastrum cinnamomeum. The phylogenetic placement of M. osmundae on the fungal tree of life, its evolutionary implications, and recent advances in the phylogenomics of this fungus are briefly reviewed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amanita cf. lavendula collections in eastern North America, Mexico, and Costa Rica were found to consist of four cryptic taxa, one of which exhibited consistently unreadable nuclear rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (fungal barcode) sequences after ITS1 base 130. This taxon is designated here as Amanita cf. lavendula taxon 1. ITS sequences from dikaryotic basidiomata were cloned, but sequences recovered from cloning did not segregate into distinct haplotypes. Rather, there was a mix of haplotypes that varied among themselves predominantly at 28 ITS positions. Analysis of each of these 28 variable bases showed predominantly two alternate bases at each position. Based on these findings and additional sequence data from the nuclear rDNA 28S, RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (RPB2) and mitochondrial rDNA small subunit (SSU) and 23S genes, we speculate that taxon 1 represents an initial hybridization event between two divergent taxa followed by failure of the ribosomal repeat to homogenize. Homogenization failure may be a result of repeated hybridization between divergent internal transcribed spacer (ITS) types with inadequate time for concerted evolution of the ribosomal repeat or, alternately, a complete failure of the ribosomal homogenization process. To our knowledge, this finding represents the first report of a geographically widespread taxon (Canada, eastern USA, Costa Rica) with apparent homogenization failure across all collections. Findings such as these have implications for fungal barcoding efforts and the application of fungal barcodes in identifying environmental sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi can produce resistant propagules that may last for decades. Basidiospores from ectomycorrhizal fungi had been experimentally shown to last for at least 6 yr, but there are few reports on the longevity of saprotrophic members of mushroom-forming fungi. Here, the author shows evidence of spore longevity of these fungi by collecting, drying, storing, and germinating these spores over time. Results showed that dark-colored spores have a much-extended longevity as compared to light-colored spores. Dark-colored spores of some species are viable to at least 2.8 yr, whereas light-colored spores are generally viable for a much shorter period of time. The author proposes that mushroom-forming basidiomycete fungi employ two different ecological strategies: one with extended longevity that allows for long-distance dispersal, and the other takes advantage of optimal conditions that support both mushroom formation, basidiospore dispersal, and germination locally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collections of a species referred to Sarcosomataceae (Pezizomycetes) from eastern North America were studied both morphologically and using nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and approximately 800 bp from the 5′ region of the nuc 28S rDNA (28S) to construct a phylogeny. The analyses indicate that these collections are Donadinia seaveri, a species previously known only from Bermuda. Because the associated tree, Juniperus bermudiana, has declined as a result of insect attack, it was thought that D. seaveri might be extinct. This work indicates that it is not extinct but is present in eastern North America. The species is described, new distributional records are given, and its association with the genus Juniperus is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amanitais a worldwide-distributed fungal genus, with approximately 600 known species. Most species within the genus are ectomycorrhizal (ECM), with some saprotrophic representatives. In this study, we constructed the first comprehensive phylogeny including ECM species from Colombia collected in nativeQuercus humboldtiiforests and in introducedPinus patulaplantations. We included 8 species (A. brunneolocularis, A. colombiana, A. flavoconia, A. fuligineodisca, A. muscaria, A. rubescens, A. sororcula, andA. xylinivolva) out of 16 species reported for the country, two new reports:A. citrinaandA. virosa, and a new varietyA. brunneolocularisvar.pallida. Morphological taxonomic keys together with a phylogenetic approach using three nuclear gene regions: partial nuc rDNA 28S nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacers ITS1 and ITS2 and partial translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1), were used to classify the specimens. Several highly supported clades were obtained from the phylogenetic hypotheses obtained by Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood approaches, allowing us to position the Colombian collections in a coherent infrageneric level and to contribute to the knowledge of localAmanitadiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sequestrate (truffle-like) basidiomyceteOctaviania ivoryanawas originally described based on collections from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Guinea, and Senegal. This species has basidiomes that stain blue-green and basidiospores with crowded spines that are characteristic of the genusOctaviania. However,O. ivoryanais the onlyOctavianiaspecies described from sub-Saharan Africa, and the phylogenetic relationship of the species to other species ofOctavianiasensu stricto has not been previously investigated. We examined the phylogenetic position of the isotype and paratype specimens ofO. ivoryanabased on two nuc rDNA loci—ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer [ITS]) and partial 28S—and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene. The resultant phylogenies indicate thatO. ivoryanadoes not belong toOctavianias. s. but instead forms a clade with the epigeous bolete genus,Porphyrellussensu stricto (i.e.,P. porphyrosporusand allies). The internal transcribed spacer phylogeny also recovers a monophyletic clade that includes sequences fromO. ivoryanabasidiomes as well as sequences from ectomycorrhizal root tips ofUapaca, Anthonotha, and assorted ectomycorrhizal Fabaceae species, suggesting that there is likely additional undescribed diversity within the lineage. We accordingly propose a new genus,AfrocastellanoaM.E. Sm. & Orihara, to accommodate the speciesO. ivoryana. Afrocastellanoais morphologically distinct fromOctavianiain the combination of a solid gleba, multilayered peridium, and the lack of distinct hymenium within the gleba. Our data suggest that the genusAfrocastellanoais a unique sequestrate lineage with one described species and several undescribed species, all of which likely form ectomycorrhizas with African trees. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The corticioid fungi are commonly encountered, highly diverse, ecologically important, and understudied. We collected specimens in 60 pine and spruce forests across North America to survey corticioid fungal frequency and distribution and to compile an internal transcribed spacer (ITS) database for the group. Sanger sequences from the ITS region of vouchered specimens were compared with sequences on GenBank and UNITE, and with high-throughput sequence data from soil and roots taken at the same sites. Out of 425 high-quality Sanger sequences from vouchered specimens, we recovered 223 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs), the majority of which could not be assigned to species by matching to the BLAST database. Corticioid fungi were found to be hyperdiverse, as supported by the observations that nearly two-thirds of our OTUs were represented by single collections and species estimator curves showed steep slopes with no plateaus. We estimate that 14.8–24.7% of our voucher-based OTUs are likely to be ectomycorrhizal (EM). Corticioid fungi recovered from the soil formed a different community assemblage, with EM taxa accounting for 40.5–58.6% of OTUs. We compared basidioma sequences with EM root tips from our data, GenBank, or UNITE, and with this approach, we reiterate existing speculations thatTrechispora stellulatais EM. We found that corticioid fungi have a significant distance-decay pattern, adding to the literature supporting fungi as having geographically structured communities. This study provides a first view of the diversity of this important group across North American pine forests, but much of the biology and taxonomy of these diverse, important, and widespread fungi remains unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The genus Suillus represents one of the most recognizable groups of mushrooms in conifer forests throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Although for decades the genus has been relatively well defined morphologically, previous molecular phylogenetic assessments have provided important yet preliminary insights into its evolutionary history. We present the first largescale phylogenetic study of the boundaries of each species in the genus Suillus based on the most current internal transcribed spacer (ITS) barcode sequences available in public databases, as well as sequencing of 224 vouchered specimens and cultures, 15 of which were type specimens from North America. We found that species boundaries delimited by morphological data are broadly congruent with those based on ITS sequences. However, some species appear to have been described several times under different names, several species groups cannot be resolved by ITS sequences alone, and undescribed taxa are apparent, especially in Asia. Therefore, we elevated S. tomentosus var. discolor to S. discolor; proposed synonymies of S. neoalbidipes with S. glandulosipes, S. borealis with S. brunnescens, Boletus serotinus and B. solidipes with Suillus elbensis, S. lactifluus with S. granulatus, S. himalayensis with S. americanus; and proposed usage of the names S. clintonianus in the place of the North American S. grevillei, S. weaverae for North American S. granulatus, S. ampliporus in the place of the North American S. cavipes, and S. elbensis in place of the North American S. viscidus. We showed that the majority of Suillus species have strong affinities for particular host genera. Although deep node support was low, geographic differentiation was apparent, with species from North America, Eurasia, and Asia often forming their own clades.. Collectively, this comprehensive genus-level phylogenetic integration of currently available Suillus ITS molecular data and metadata will aid future taxonomic and ecological work on an important group of ectomycorrhizal fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five species of Cortinarius subgenus Callistei, are recognized in Europe and North America. Cortinarius callisteus, C. infucatus, and C. neocallisteus sp. nov. have a broad distribution, extending fromwestern North America to Europe. Cortinarius tofaceus is known from eastern North America and Europe, while C. callistei sp. is known only from one locality in Sweden. All five species are primarily associated with coniferous trees. Previously the species were included either in subgenus Leprocybe or subgenus Cortinarius, but recently they have been separated into subgenus Callistei based on molecular data. Type specimens of the names associated with this subgenus were studied and a neotype proposed for C. tofaceus and an epitype for C. infucatus. Barcodes for the species are deposited in RefSeq and UNITE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of Lactarius from the subtropical montane cloud forest of central Veracruz are described as new. Both species are placed in subgenus Lactarius based on an accurate study of macro- and micromorphological features and supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses of a single nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), a concatenated ITS, D1, and D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA (28S), and part of the second largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II (rpb2) (6-7 region) sequence datasets. In the phylogenetic reconstruction presented, the two species appear nested in two clearly distinct, well supported clades that reveal their phylogenetic position among members of subgenus Lactarius (5 subg. Piperites s. auct.), a complex group of which a worldwide phylogeny requires further study. According to field observations, both taxa are possible ectomycorrhizal associates of Quercus spp. and one of Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana. Taxonomic descriptions based on the study of specimens gathered during fieldwork from 2012 to 2014 are presented. Descriptions are accompanied with illustrations of macro and micromorphological characters and a discussion of related species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on four species of the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) tooth fungus genus Sarcodon (Bankeraceae, Thelephorales, Basidiomycota) recently discovered in the Colombian Amazon. Sarcodon colombiensis sp. nov., Sarcodon rufobrunneus sp. nov., Sarcodon pallidogriseus sp. nov. and Sarcodon bairdii sp. nov. are described as new to science. These fungi occur in forests dominated by ECM trees in the genera Pseudomonotes (Dipterocarpaceae), Dicymbe (Fabaceae subfam. Caesalpinioideae) and Aldina (Fabaceae subfam. Papilionoideae). These records bring the number of Sarcodon species known from the Neotropics to 10. Each of the new species possesses the accepted diagnostic characters for the genus: pileate-stipitate stature, a dentate hymenophore, determinate basidiomata development, fleshy, non-zonate context, and brown, tuberculate basidiospores. Molecular phylogenetic analysis corroborated the generic placement of the species, and, in combination with morphological characters, confirmed that they are new to science. Macromorphological, micromorphological, habitat and DNA sequence data from the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) are provided for each of the new species. A key is provided that allows identification of all known Neotropical Sarcodon species and similar extralimital taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Russula subsect. Xerampelinae are notoriously difficult to identify and name and have not been subject to molecular study. A group of species, referred to here as the R. clavipes complex, growing in association with Salix, Betula and Populus as well as coniferous tree species from temperate to arctic and alpine habitats, were examined. Analyses of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and a numerical analysis of morphological characters were used. The R. clavipes complex is a monophyletic group within Russula subsect. Xerampelinae, according to molecular results. The complex includes three species: R. nuoljae is a phylogenetically and morphologically well-supported species while the other two, R. clavipes and R. pascua, are similar based on ITS data and morphology but separate based on their ecology. Russula pseudoolivascens is conspecific with R. clavipes. Several combinations of characters traditionally used in the taxonomy of R. subsect. Xerampelinae are inappropriate for species delimitation in this group and the adequacy of the ITS for species identification in this group is discussed. Detailed microscopic observations on the type collection of R. nuoljae are presented and illustrated, along with a key to the European members of R. subsect. Xerampelinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the nutritional strategy of true morels (genus Morchella) collected in 2003 and 2004 in Oregon and Alaska, 1 or 2 y after forest fires. We hypothesized that the patterns of stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in the sporocarps would match those of saprotrophic fungi and that radiocarbon (Δ14C) analyses would indicate that Morchella was assimilating old carbon not current-year photosynthate. We compared radiocarbon and stable isotopes in Morchella with values from concurrently collected foliage, the ectomycorrhizal Geopyxis carbonaria (Alb. & Schwein.) Sacc., the saprotrophic Plicaria endocarpoides (Berk.) Rifai, and with literature to determine isotopic values for ectomycorrhizal or saprotrophic fungi. Geopyxis, Plicaria and Morchella, respectively, were 3‰, 5‰and 6‰ higher in 13C than foliage and 5‰, 7‰ and 7‰ higher in 15N. High 15N enrichment in Morchella indicated that recent litter was not the primary source for Morchella nitrogen, and similar 13C and 15N enrichments to Plicaria suggest that Morchella assimilates its carbon and nitrogen from the same source pool as this saprotrophic fungus. From radiocarbon analyses Morchella averaged 11 ± 6 y old (n = 19), Plicaria averaged 17 ± 5 y old (n = 3), foliage averaged 1 ± 2 y old (n = 8) and Geopyxis (n = 1) resembled foliage in Δ14C. We conclude that morels fruiting in post-fire environments in our study assimilated old carbon and were saprotrophic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactarius (Russulales) is an important component of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities in cold-dominated contiguous arctic and disjunct alpine habitats where it associates primarily with Betula, Dryas and Salix. However, little is known of this genus in the central and southern Rocky Mountain alpine zone (3000-3900 m) of North America. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS barcode) and the second largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II gene (RPB2) partial sequences in conjunction with detailed morphological examination confirm at least six species occurring above treeline. Most have intercontinental distributions in North America and Eurasia according to molecular comparison with type material and collections from Europe, Fennoscandia, Svalbard and Alaska. Rocky Mountain collections of L. lanceolatus (subgenus Russularia), along with the type from Alaska are paraphyletic with respect to L. aurantiacus and North American taxa L. luculentus and L. luculentus v. laetus. Rocky Mountain collections of L. nanus, L. glyciosmus, L. repraesentaneus and L. salicis-reticulatae (subgenus Piperites) all form clades with European material from type localities and other arctic-alpine habitats. The arctic-alpine L. pseudouvidus/L. brunneoviolaceus group appears to be a complex containing additional taxa. North American material originally described as part of this group is well-separated phylogenetically and is described here as L. pallidomarginatus sp. nov. Lactarius lanceolatus, L. nanus and L. salicis-reticulatae appear largely restricted to arctic-alpine habitats with Salix. Lactarius glyciosmus and L. repraesentaneus occur in arctic-alpine, subalpine and boreal habitats with Betula and also Picea and possibly Salix for the latter. Species distributions are hypothesized to be shaped by host ranges, glaciation and long distance dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]