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Phaeoclavulina liliputiana is a new endemic species from Tlaxcala, from the conifer and oak forests at an altitude of 2700 m asl, characterized by a very small basidiome size and, subellipsoid and usually more or less lacrymoid spores of 4.3–6.2 × 2.7–3.5 µm, with rounded warted ornamentation. We proposed this new species based on evidence from morphological and molecular data. We provide macro- and microscopic descriptions including illustrations of the basidiocarp, scanning electron micrographs of the basidiospores and also discuss the taxonomic position of this new species. We undertook a molecular analysis using the atp6 and SSU mitochondrial loci and nuclear ribosomal LSU.

This article analyzes the knowledge and attitudes of high school students regarding the temperate mountain forest of La Malinche National Park, Tlaxcala, Mexico, before and after the implementation...

Land-use change has been identified as the most severe threat to biodiversity. Soils are important biodiversity reservoirs, but to what extent conversion of high-altitude temperate forest to arable land affects taxonomic and functional soil biodiversity is still largely unknown. Shotgun metagenomics was used to determine the taxonomic and functional diversity of bacteria, archaea and DNA virus in terms of effective number of species in high-altitude temperate oak and pine-oak forest and arable soils from Mexico. Generally, the soil ecosystem maintained its microbial species richness notwithstanding land-use change. Archaea diversity was not affected by land-use change, but the bacterial diversity decreased with 45-55% when the oak forest was converted to arable land and 65-75% when the pine-oak forest was. Loss in bacterial diversity as a result of land-use change was positively correlated (R2 = 0.41) with the 10-25% loss in functional diversity. The archaeal communities were evener than the bacterial ones, which might explain their different response to land-use change. We expected a decrease in DNA viral communities as the bacterial diversity decreased, i.e. their potential hosts. However, a higher viral diversity was found in the arable than in the forest soils. It was found that converting high altitude oak and pine-oak forests to arable land more than halved the bacterial diversity, but did not affect the archaeal and even increased the viral diversity.

BackgroundHigh-altitude ecosystems are extreme environments that generate specific physiological, morphological, and behavioral adaptations in ectotherms. The shifts in gut microbiota of the ectothermic hosts as an adaptation to environmental changes are still largely unknown. We investigated the food ingested and the bacterial, fungal, and protistan communities in feces of the lizardSceloporus grammicusinhabiting an altitudinal range using metabarcoding approaches.ResultsThe bacterial phylaBacteroidetesandFirmicutes, and the generaBacteroidesandParabacteroidesdominated the core fecal bacteriome, whileZygomycotaandAscomycota, and the speciesBasidiobolus ranarumandBasidiobolus magnusdominated the core fecal mycobiome. The diet ofS.grammicusincluded 29 invertebrate families belonging toArachnida,Chilopoda, andInsecta. The diversity and abundance of its diet decreased sharply at high altitudes, while the abundance of plant material andAgaricomyceteswas significantly higher at the highest site. The composition of the fecal microbiota ofS.grammicuswas different at the three altitudes, but not between females and males. Dietary restriction inS.grammicusat 4150 m might explain the high fecal abundance ofAkkermansiaandOscillopira, bacteria characteristic of long fasting periods, while low temperature favoredB.magnus. A high proportion of bacterial functions were digestive inS.grammicusat 2600 and 3100, while metabolism of aminoacids, vitamins, and key intermediates of metabolic pathways were higher at 4150 m. Different assemblages of fungal species in the lizard reflect differences in the environments at different elevations. Pathogens were more prevalent at high elevations than at the low ones.ConclusionsLimiting food resources at high elevations might obligeS.grammicusto exploit other food resources and its intestinal microbiota have degradative and detoxifying capacities.Sceloporus grammicusmight have acquiredB.ranarumfrom the insects infected by the fungus, but its commensal relationship might be established by the quitinolytic capacities ofB.ranarum.The mycobiome participate mainly in digestive and degradative functions while the bacteriome in digestive and metabolic functions.

A new species of Didymium (Myxomycetes), D. azorellae, isolated from plant debris in a moist chamber, collected during studies of cold arid areas of Argentina and Peru, is described. It can be distinguished by its small size, the tightly packed layer of lime crystals on the peridium, the very scant, or absent, capillitium, and the unique spore ornamentation, especially by scanning electron microscopy. The species developed on dead leaves of cushion plants growing in the extremely harsh environments of the central Andean puna at almost 5000 m elevation and the Andino-Patagonian steppe. Morphology was examined with scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy, and micrographs of relevant details are included here. In order to confirm the identity of the new species described in this paper, a molecular study was conducted based on partial sequences of both the 18S rRNA and the elongation factor 1-alpha gene. Phylogenetic analysis including two specimens from different countries of the newly described species, Didymium azorellae, strongly supports the grouping of these specimens as a separate clade from the rest of the analyzed species.

A new sessile species of myxomycete, Licea aurea is described, based on material from the Andean puna in Peru at almost 5000 m. It was isolated from moist chamber cultures of Azorella compacta litter and cultured on agar from spore to spore. It can be distinguished from other species in the genus by its small size, golden colour, dehiscence and smooth thick-walled spores with a thinner area. Life-cycle events are described and illustrated, from germination to sporulation. The morphology of the myxomycete specimens was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy, and both light and SEM micrographs of relevant details are included.

The results obtained from a second survey for Myxomycetes in the arid areas of Peru are reported. A total of 37 localities from the cactus belt (‘cardonal’), between 1500 and 3000 m a.s.l., were sampled over six years. This survey is based on 601 identifiable collections of myxomycetes, developed in the field under natural conditions or those that were recovered from moist chamber cultures. In total, 84 taxa representing 19 genera were recorded. One new species, Cribraria spinispora Lado & D.Wrigley sp. nov., is described, three species new to South America and 22 additional new species for Peru are reported as well. Endemic plants, expecially cacti, had a particular relevance as myxomycete substrates. The predominance of the order Physarales T.Macbr. in arid areas is reinforced. Comments are included on some collections, as well as SEM micrographs of several species. A statistical evaluation of the diversity of myxomycetes in the cardonal area and a comparison of this area with the dry coastal desert of Peru and other Neotropical xeric environments are also included. Results show that the arid areas are rich in myxomycetes, and that each area has a unique assemblage. The differences appear to be related to the host plants. Se presentan los resultados de un segundo estudio sobre Myxomycetes de zonas áridas de Perú. Un total de 37 localidades del cardonal, situadas entre 1500 y 3000 m s.n.m., fueron muestreadas durante seis años. Este estudio está fundamentado en 601 recolecciones de mixomicetes, obtenidas en el campo o por cultivo en cámara húmeda. En total, se han identificado 84 táxones que corresponden a 19 géneros. Se describe una nueva especie, Cribraria spinispora Lado & D.Wrigley sp. nov., además se registran por primera vez tres especies para Sudamérica y 22 para Perú. Las plantas endémicas, especialmente los cactus, han tenido una especial importancia como substrato para los mixomicetes. Se reafirma el predominio del orden Physarales T.Macbr. en zonas áridas. Se incluyen comentarios sobre algunas recolecciones, así como micrografías al MEB de algunas especies. Se realizó una evaluación estadística de la diversidad de mixomicetes en el cardonal y una comparación entre esta zona, la costa seca de Perú y otros ambientes neotropicales xéricos. Los resultados muestran que las zonas áridas son ricas en mixomicetes y que cada una tiene un conjunto exclusivo de especies. Las diferencias parecen estar relacionadas con las plantas anfitrionas.

This paper describes the results from a survey for myxomycetes (plasmodial slime molds or myxogastrids) in the Namib Desert. There are no previous records of this group of organisms from Namibia, so the results are all first records for the country and demonstrate that even the world's oldest desert has a surprising number of these visible and important microorganisms, which form an integral part of the desert microbiota. The survey recovered eight species that have never previously been reported from any country in Africa, and reveals the presence of two species Physarum atacamense and Licea eremophila, recently described from arid areas in South America. Three of the species collected are possibly new to science, but there was insufficient material to develop formal descriptions. Comments on the most interesting collections are included, and the results are compared with surveys for myxomycetes in other arid environments. These results show similarities with the coastal desert of Peru, as well as a disjunct distribution and evidence of area specificity. The fact that deserts harbor a notable diversity of myxomycetes is confirmed., The research reported herein was supported by a grant from the National Geographic Society grant number 9379-13 to S.L. Stephenson. The research permit was issued by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of the Government of the Republic of Namibia; research permit number 1988/2014. The Myxotropic project (CGL2014-52584P), funded by the Spanish government (CSIC), provided technical support for laboratory work. We are grateful to Gillian Maggs-Kölling and her team at the Gobabeb Research and Training centre (www.gobabebtrc.org) for their help on the ground in Namibia, and to Carlos de Mier (RJB) for his help with the graphics.

Studies of abundance and distribution of organisms are fundamental to ecology. The identity of host species is known to be one of the major factors influencing ectoparasitic flea abundance, but explanations are still needed regarding how host taxa influence abundance parameters of different flea species. This study was carried out at La Malinche National Park (LMNP), Tlaxcala, Mexico, where previously 11 flea species had been recorded on 8 host species. Our aims were to list micromammal flea species, to determine flea infection parameters [flea prevalence (FP) and flea mean abundance (FMA)] and to analyse the influence of host species on these parameters. A total of 16 species of fleas were identified from 1178 fleas collected from 14 species of 1274 micromammals captured with Sherman®traps from March 2014 to December 2015 in 18 sites at LMNP. Some host species influence FP and FMA, in particular,Microtus mexicanusandPeromyscus melanotisshowed particularly higher infection values than other host species.Plusaetis aztecusandPlusaetis sibynuswere identified as the most abundant flea species.

— The aim of this study was to explore the systematic position of the fungi associated with the roots of M. uniflora in two localities of Tlaxcala, Mexico, using a phylogenetic approach. Thirty plants were sampled, fifteen from a coniferous forest dominated by Abies religiosa in La Malinche National Park, and fifteen from a mixed conifer-broadleaf forest dominated by Pseudotsuga menziesii in Sierra de Tlaxco. Our ITS analysis confirms the preference of M. uniflora to associate with Russulaceae, in particularly with Russula species. The roots of each plant were associated with a single fungal ITS sequence. They were analyzed phylogenetically by maximum likelihood, and were recovered in 12 moderate to well-supported clades within the genus Russula. In each of these clades only a single Russula species was associated with Monotropa in Mexico, except for clade Integrae for which two Mexican species were retrieved. A total of 13 Russula species were retrieved from the 30 Monotropa plants, four from La...

Some of the effects of past climate dynamics on plant and animal diversity make-up have been relatively well studied, but to less extent in fungi. Pleistocene refugia are thought to harbour high biological diversity (i.e. phylogenetic lineages and genetic diversity), mainly as a product of increased reproductive isolation and allele conservation. In addition, high extinction rates and genetic erosion are expected in previously glaciated regions. Some of the consequences of past climate dynamics might involve changes in range and population size that can result in divergence and incipient or cryptic speciation. Many of these dynamic processes and patterns can be inferred through phylogenetic and coalescent methods. In this study, we first delimit species within a group of closely related edible ectomycorrhizal Amanita from North America (the American Caesar's mushrooms species complex) using multilocus coalescent-based approaches; and then address questions related to effects of Pleistocene climate change on the diversity and genetics of the group. Our study includes extensive geographical sampling throughout the distribution range, and DNA sequences from three nuclear protein-coding genes. Results reveal cryptic diversity and high speciation rates in refugia. Population sizes and expansions seem to be larger at midrange latitudes (Mexican highlands and SE USA). Range shifts are proportional to population size expansions, which were overall more common during the Pleistocene. This study documents responses to past climate change in fungi and also highlights the applicability of the multispecies coalescent in comparative phylogeographical analyses and diversity assessments that include ancestral species.

The first field collections of Cornuvia serpula (Wigand) Rostaf. from the Neotropics are reported herein. They were recovered from accumulated leaf litter of Quercus sp. in a cloud forest in Chiapas, Mexico. This paper includes a full taxonomic description based on the Mexican specimens and is supported by micrographs obtained from light and scanning electron microscope examinations. Some comments on the ecology of the species based on information in the literature and from observations of the field collected specimens are included.

El Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello es un area natural protegida ubicada en Chiapas, Mexico. Su vegetacion se compone de bosques de pino, encino y mesofilo de montana que albergan comunidades ricas en hongos ectomicorrizogenos. El conocimiento sobre estos organismos es pobre. El objetivo de este trabajo es contribuir con el inventario de los hongos ectomicorrizogenos del parque. Se realizaron 6 exploraciones de 2004 a 2006 para su recoleccion en 12 localidades. Se estimo la completitud de los inventarios, la riqueza de especies con el metodo de rarefaccion-extrapolacion, un analisis de disimilitud y otro de ordenacion, para determinar la similitud entre los sitios con base en las especies encontradas. Se recolectaron 671 ejemplares pertenecientes a 93 taxones. Las especies mas abundantes fueron: Laccaria amethystina, Craterellus lutescens, Suillus decipiens, Craterellus ignicolor, Cantharellus minor y Coltricia cinnamomea . Los sitios con mayor similitud fueron las lagunas Encantada y Ensueno. Seis especies son empleadas para alimento y venta en la zona. Se ilustran 8 especies ( Amanita fuligineodisca, Cortinarius pholideus, Leccinum cartagoense, Lactarius costaricensis, Pseudocraterellus calyculus, Russula austromontana, Russula pulverulenta y Russula versicatoria ) que son nuevos registros para Mexico.

The aim of this paper is to compare edible mushroom availability between the two slopes of La Malinche National Park in central México, and to discuss the possible relation between their availability and traditional use. Eight transects were set up. Samples were collected weekly during the rainy seasons of years 1998–2000. Sixty-one edible mushroom species were collected from a total area of 3200 m2 (0.32 ha). Over the three-year period, the diversity of mushrooms ranged from 21 to 28 taxa per transect line. Sporocarps were produced at a rate from 2.06 to 6.05 kg/401.51 m2. The highest species richness and production values for spatio-temporal frequency were obtained in Southeast slope. Edible mushrooms availability in the Southeast slope showed a strong dominance, driven mainly by Laccaria trichodermophora and Hebeloma mesophaeum. The Southwest slope had more diversified availability in time and space, with the most representative species, being L. trichodermophora. The characteristics of traditional management on each slope determined the differences found.

The results obtained from a second survey for Myxomycetes in the arid areas of Peru are reported. A total of 37 localities from the cactus belt (‘cardonal’), between 1500 and 3000 m a.s.l., were sampled over six years. This survey is based on 601 identifiable collections of myxomycetes, developed in the field under natural conditions or those that were recovered from moist chamber cultures. In total, 84 taxa representing 19 genera were recorded. One new species, Cribraria spinispora Lado & D.Wrigley sp. nov., is described, three species new to South America and 22 additional new species for Peru are reported as well. Endemic plants, expecially cacti, had a particular relevance as myxomycete substrates. The predominance of the order Physarales T.Macbr. in arid areas is reinforced. Comments are included on some collections, as well as SEM micrographs of several species. A statistical evaluation of the diversity of myxomycetes in the cardonal area and a comparison of this area with the dry coastal desert of Peru and other Neotropical xeric environments are also included. Results show that the arid areas are rich in myxomycetes, and that each area has a unique assemblage. The differences appear to be related to the host plants.

A rapid biodiversity assessment of myxomycetes from Yasuní National Park in eastern Ecuador revealed a high diversity of these microorganisms, with a total of 86 taxa (81 species and 5 varieties) from 559 collections, being recorded. One new species (Arcyria annulata), characterized by orange, minute, dispersed sporocarps, is described. Badhamia gigantospora and Hemitrichia cf. pseudoleiocarpa are new records for the Neotropics, and 13 species are new records for Ecuador. This is the first comprehensive study of myxomycetes from a primary lowland moist forest of the Amazon basin and serves as a baseline of the myxomycetes from this region of Ecuador. The surprisingly high number of species in a relatively small area confirms the rich myxobiota of this national park, and the abundance of myxomycetes as a regular component of these tropical forests. SEM micrographs are used to illustrate some species, and data on species distribution are also included.

The myxomycetes, as the name suggests, were traditionally thought to be closely related to fungi and to be present primarily in temperate forests. As research has progressed, they have been found to form part of a supergroup, the Amoebozoa. Myxomycetes have been recorded and/or isolated from every type of plant, plant detritus, and vegetation type in every terrestrial ecosystem investigated to date. In this chapter, a review of methods used to collect myxomycetes from the field and isolate these organisms in laboratory culture is presented. The methods are based to a large extent on our own experience of studying these organisms for more than 30 years, to which we have added as much helpful additional information and as many alternative protocols as possible from the literature. Obviously, the latter is a small selection of all the available literature and thus is not exhaustive, but we hope to have covered the majority of methods used by researchers to obtain these organisms, both those traditionally used, as well as others only recently developed.

Laccases are enzymes that have a great potential for use in breaking down toxic compounds. Fungal laccases show high enzymatic activity, especially those produced by basidiomycetes. Depending on the culture conditions and the strain used, a variety of isoenzymes and/or enzymatic activities can be obtained. In this study, extracellular laccase enzymes produced by Pleurotus ostreatus was identified in a submerged culture (SmF), with and without copper sulphate as a chemical inducer, and in a solidstate culture (SSF), using wheat straw as natural inducer. This study was conducted to observe the expression of the enzymes produced under the culture conditions tested and their persistence during the culture, as well as the extracellular activity produced and the correspondence that the isoenzymes presented between the intracellular and extracellular media. A positive effect of the inducers on the specific laccase activity was observed either in SmF with copper sulphate or SSF (41.11 and 40.43 UI/mg protein, respectively), compared with that obtained in SmF without copper sulphate (2.87 UI/mg protein). This effect was different only at the time when the highest activity appeared (360 and 120 h, respectively), showing advantages in SSF. The same three isoenzymes were observed in the three kinds of cultures. The main differences among the laccase profiles reside in the time when they appeared in each culture and only an additional form of lower molecular weight was observed in SSF. The laccase enzymes in the intracellular extracts were equal to those in the extracellular ones. The laccase isoenzymes profiles suggest that the presence of inducers helps in maintaining the activity through the culture time. Keywords: Phenol oxidases, basidiomycete, enzymatic activity, copper, wheat straw, solid-state culture (SSF), submerged culture (SMF)

[EN]Results obtained from the first survey for myxomycetes in the hyperarid areas of Peru are reported. Sampling over three consecutive years was carried out at 96 localities between 0 and 1500 m elevation. A total of 78 species from 23 genera in all 6 myxomycete orders were determined from 723 collections of myxomycetes. One new species, Didymium peruvianum, is described, 2 species new to the Neotropics, 4 new records for South America and 41 additional new species for Peru are reported, increasing the country catalogue by over 50%. Results show that arid areas are rich in myxomycetes, and that each area has a unique species assemblage. Endemic plants had a particular relevance as myxomycete substrates. The predominance of the order Physarales in arid areas is reinforced, and the ecological importance of coastal fogs (garúas) is evident from the results. Comments are included on interesting or rare collections, as are SEM micrographs of several species and statistical evaluation of the results.[ES] Se dan a conocer los resultados del primer estudio realizado sobre los Myxomycetes de las regiones hiperáridas de Perú. El muestreo, realizado en tres años consecutivos, se ha llevado a cabo en 96 localidades situadas entre 0 y 1500 m de altitud. En total se obtuvieron 723 colecciones de mixomicetes, pertenecientes a 6 órdenes, 23 géneros y 78 especies. Se describe una nueva especie, Didymium peruvianum, 2 especies se citan por primera vez en el Neotrópico, 4 son nuevos registros para América del Sur y 41 especies más son nuevos registros para Perú, con lo que el catálogo del país se incrementa en un 50%. Los resultados muestran que las zonas áridas son ricas en mixomicetes, y que cada area tiene un conjunto único de especies. Las plantas endémicas, dominantes en estos ambientes, tuvieron una relevancia especial como sustrato para los myxomycetes. Se pone de manifiesto el predominio de los representantes del órden Physarales en las zonas áridas, lo que refuerza resultados previos, así como la importancia ecológica de las nieblas costeras (garúas). Se incluyen comentarios de las especies más interesantes o poco comunes, así como fotografías realizadas con microscopio electrónico de barrido, y una evaluación estadística de los resultados.

Myxomycetes are microorganisms frequently considered to be of cosmopolitan distribution, however as studies in unexplored areas have intensified, more information has become available on the patterns of distribution of these organisms, but no historical or cladistic biogeographic approaches have been applied to understand such patterns. In this study a parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) was used in order to generate a preliminary hypothesis on the biogeographic relationships of 13 American areas in which a well-known myxomycete biota exists. In general terms the hypotheses of the relationship between the myxomycete assemblages of areas used in this study agree with those reported for other groups of organisms. They appear to show that a historical-geographic pattern influences the distribution of myxomycetes as much as environmental factors. Three main clades were found in the analysis, with the first one including the two subantarctic localities, the second one representing the South American transition zone and the last one including all the Neotropical and Nearctic areas, but arranged into two subclades, one with the arid areas and the other with the tropical and temperate humid areas. Each clade or subclade in the cladogram is supported by the presence of several morphospecies, some of which appear to represent endemic species restricted to specific geographic areas. The results of this analysis are proposed as a working hypothesis that can perhaps be supported in the future with new data from other complementary regions of America or with more intense surveys in the areas already explored. They are inconsistent with the hypothesis of cosmopolitan distribution for these microorganisms, as they appear to indicate groups of species that are restricted to certain geographic areas, some of which may be endemic, such as those from the subantarctic forests of South America, those found exclusively in the South American arid areas or those that have been recently described from arid areas of North America.

The results of the first comprehensive study of myxomycetes from the island of Madagascar, a world biodiversity hotspot, are reported in this paper. The island is of continental origin, the fourth largest in the world, and has been geographically isolated for more than 160 million years, since its separation from Gondwanaland. The isolation, size and topography of Madagascar have triggered the development of a great variety of different habitats and favoured multiple evolutionary pathways, resulting in many animals and plants that exist nowhere else on earth. Fieldwork for the biodiversity survey of the central and southern parts of the island took place in May 2009, to coincide with the end of the rainy season. Tropical moist forest, sclerophyll forest and dry forest were selected for sampling in Ranomafana, Andringitra, Andohahela and L’Isalo National Parks. Some unique vegetation was sampled in the spiny dry forest and succulent scrub with plants from the genera Alluaudia, Euphorbia, Kalanchoe and Pachypodium. The survey produced 124 species from 22 different genera in more than 750 myxomycete collections. In this paper one species, Perichaena madagascariensis, is described as new to science, 21 species are new records for Africa, and 106 are reported for the first time from Madagascar. Some unusual collections included Physarum lakhanpalii that appeared on Ravenala madagascariensis, Fuligo intermedia and Licea nannengae found on Adansonia grandidieri, Perichaena pulcherrima, Physarum dictyosporum, and P. echinosporum on Euphorbia and Licea rufocuprea on bark. The scope, methods and results of this survey are included in this paper, and comments are made on the ecology, distribution and substrate association of the myxomycetes of these areas of Madagascar. Macrographs, micrographs and SEM images of interesting species are included. The results indicate that the island of Madagascar has a unique assemblage of species of myxomycetes, different from neighbouring islands and from similar but distant environments.

A new species of Physarum (Myxomyce- tes), Physarum atacamense is described in this paper, and details are provided on its life cycle as observed in spore-to-spore culture in agar. The new species was collected during studies of the Atacama Desert in Chile. It has been collected directly in the field and isolated in moist chamber cultures prepared with material from an endemic cactus. The combination of characters that make this species unique in the genus are its large fusiform nodes of the capillitium, its long, bicolored stalk and the very dark brown and densely warted angular spores. The morphology of specimens of this myxomycete was examined with scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy, and micrographs of relevant details and life cycle stages are included in this paper. The importance of resistant stages in the life cycle of this myxomycete is stressed, and the close association of this myxomy- cete with its plant substrates is discussed.

This study represented an effort to apply some of the relatively well-known biogeographical and macroecological models to the observed structure of myxomycete assemblages, with emphasis on the northern Neotropical region. A series of 28 experimental plots located in 14 study sites within five different countries was surveyed during two consecutive years using a standard methodology that included both field collections and specimens obtained from moist chamber cultures. Results showed that myxomycetes in high-elevation areas of the northern Neotropics seem to have different levels of preference for macro- and microenvironments, varying degrees of niche breadth and overlap, and different patterns of species occurrence in comparable areas. In a similar manner, species assemblages along a latitudinal gradient that extends from Mexico to Costa Rica showed a decreasing level of similarity with an assemblage studied in the temperate forests of the eastern United Stated and were clearly distinct from an assemblage in Thailand. National Science Foundation/[DEB-0316284]/NSF/Estados Unidos UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de Biología UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ingeniería::Instituto Investigaciones en Ingeniería (INII)

The purpose of this study was to determine the cultural significance of wild mushrooms in 10 communities on the slopes of La Malinche volcano, Tlaxcala. The frequency and order of mention of each mushroom species in interviews of 200 individuals were used as indicators of the relative cultural significance of each species. A X(2) analysis was used to compare the frequency of mention of each species between males and females, and a Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the difference in the total number of fungi mentioned by either gender. Traditional names for mushroom species were documented and frequency of mention assessed through multivariate statistics. The fungi with highest frequency of mention were Amanita basii, Lyophyllum decastes, Boletus pinophilus, Gomphus floccosus and Cantharellus cibarius complex. We found significant differences in the frequency of mention of different fungi by males and females but no significant difference was found for the total number of fungi mentioned by either gender. Principal component analysis suggested a cultural regionalization of La Malinche volcano communities based on preferences for consumption and use of traditional names. We observed two groups: one formed by communities on the eastern part of the volcano (with mixed cultures) and the other including communities on the western slope (ethnic Nahua towns). San Isidro Buensuceso is the most distinct community, according to the criteria in this study.

The results obtained from two expeditions to survey the biodiversity of myxomycetes in Central Chile are reported in this paper. The surveys were carried out as part of Global Biodiversity of Eumycetozoans project funded by the National Science Foundation (USA) and the Myxotropic project funded by the Spanish Government. The expeditions were made to the temperate zone of the central part of the country between 23° and 39° South latitudes, which is characterized by Mediterranean vegetation, as well as to the transition areas between the arid and semi-arid regions of northern Chile, and the humid, cold Valdivian and Andean-Patagonian forests of the far South. Eight of the fifteen regions of the country, from Antofagasta to Araucania, in selected areas where the native vegetation is well preserved, were included in these surveys. Over 600 collections were obtained, and a total of 110 species of myxomycetes representing 29 genera have been identified. Two of these (Dianema succulenticola, Didymium chilense) are species new to science and are described in this paper, 12 species (Collaria nigricapillitia, Comatricha alta, Cribraria oregana, Dianema depressum, Didymium eximium, D. nivicolum, Enerthenema melanospermum, Lepidoderma chailletii, Macbrideola ovoidea, Physarum clavisporum, Ph. newtonii and Trichia alpina) were previously unknown for either the Neotropics or South America, and 49 additional species are new records for Chile. Comments are provided on the morphology, distribution and ecology of selected species and light and SEM micrographs of the most significant species are included. An evaluation of the biodiversity of myxomycetes in Chile, with special emphasis on the endemic plants that provided the substrates with which they were associated, and a comparative analysis of our results with those from other countries of South America is presented.

A new species of Didymium (Myxomyce- tes), D. operculatum, is described in this paper, and details of its life cycle are provided. The new species was recorded during studies of the Atacama Desert in Chile. It has been collected directly in the field and isolated in moist chamber cultures prepared with material from an endemic cactus. The distinguishing characters of this species are its dehiscence by means of an apical operculum combined with a whitish calcareous stalk and the banded reticulate ornamen- tation of the spores. The morphology of this new myxomycete was examined with scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy, and micrographs of relevant details are included in this paper. Some comments are made on the patterns of distribution of Didymium species in arid lands and adaptive charac- ters enabling this genus to colonize such extreme environments. It is proposed that a longer cycle and the ability to resort to resistant forms many times during their development reflect the response of these myxomycetes to the largely unfavorable condi- tions of their environment.

[EN]A biodiversity survey for myxomycetes was carried out in the Monte Desert (Argentina) and surrounding areas in November 2006 and late February and March 2007. Specimens were collected in seven different provinces (Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, San Juan, San Luis and Tucumán), between 23º and 33º S latitude, and a total of 105 localities were sampled. Cacti and succulent plants were the most common type of substrate investigated, but shrubs and herbs characteristic of this biome were also included in the survey. Almost six hundred specimens of myxomycetes from 72 different species in 22 genera were collected either in the field, or from moist chamber cultures prepared with samples of plant material obtained from the same collecting sites. The results include 1 species new to science, Macbrideola andina three more species recently described based on material from this survey, 5 species cited for the first time for the Neotropics, 11 new records for South America and 38 new records for Argentina. Taxonomic comments on rare or unusual species are included and illustrated with photographs by LM and SEM. Data are presented on the development of some species and microenvironmental factors are discussed. An analysis of the biodiversity of myxomycetes in this area, and a comparison with other desert areas, are included., [ES]Con el objetivo de estudiar la biodiversidad de Myxomycetes en el Desierto de Monte (Argentina) y áreas circundantes, se realizó un muestreo en los meses de noviembre de 2006 y febrero y marzo de 2007. Se recolectaron especímenes en un total de 105 localidades pertenecientes a siete provincias (Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, San Juan, San Luis y Tucumán), situadas entre los paralelos 23º y 33º de latitud sur. Los cactus y plantas suculentas fueron los tipos de sustratos más estudiados, pero también se analizaron arbustos y plantas herbáceas características de este bioma. Casi 600 especímenes de mixomicetes pertenecientes a 72 especies y 22 géneros fueron recolectados en el campo o se obtuvieron en el laboratorio, por cultivo en cámara húmeda, a partir de plantas procedentes de las mismas localidades. Los resultados incluyen una nueva especie, Macbrideola andina, otras tres recientemente descritas y basadas en material de este estudio, 5 especies que se citan por primera vez para el Neotrópico, 11 nuevos registros para América del Sur y 38 nuevos registros para Argentina. Se añaden comentarios taxonómicos e ilustraciones fotográficas, tanto con microscopía óptica como electró ni ca, de aquellas especies raras o poco comunes. Se discuten nuevos datos sobre el desarrollo de algunas especies y cómo influyen determinados factores microambientales. También se incluye un análisis de la biodiversidad de mixomicetes en esta zona árida y se compara con la obtenida en otros desiertos de América., This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain (projects CGL2005-00320/BOS and CGL2008- 00720/BOS).

A biodiversity survey for myxomycetes was carried out in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) in late January and early February 2005. Specimens were collected from six National Parks, located in five different provinces between 39° and 55°S latitude. Nothofagus forests represented the primary vegetation type investigated, but Valdivian temperate rainforests also were included in the survey, as were coniferous forests dominated by species of Araucaria, Astrocedrus and Fitzroya. More than four hundred (442) specimens of myxomycetes representing 67 different species in 23 genera were collected either in the field, or from moist chamber cultures prepared with samples of bark and litter obtained from the same collecting sites. The total species list generated from both the field and laboratory components of the survey includes six new records for South America and 13 new records for Argentina. Two species of the genus Diderma, D. gracile and D. robustum, described originally from Tierra del Fuego 35 years ago and not reported since, were among the more interesting collections. A third species of the genus, D. antarcticum, found only once since its description in 1887, was found for the third time in the world during the survey. These collections were compared to the type material deposited in La Plata, Argentina (LPS) and the first photographs of these species by LM and SEM are included. Ecological comments are made on how macroenvironmental factors as well as microhabitats, influence patterns of myxomycete distribution.

A cladistic study of the Cribrariaceae was performed to examine its phylogenetic position among the Myxomycetes based on a data matrix comprising 54 morphological characters and 55 exemplar myxomycete species. Parsimony ratchet with implied weighting was employed as tree search strategy. Results show the Cribrariaceae as a monophyletic group that includes Cribraria and Dictydium but not Lindbladia and suggest Trichiales as the sister group. Our analyses neither support Dictydium as a genus separated from Cribraria nor the Liceales as monophyletic. This is the first attempt to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of this group using morphological characters from representative species of all Myxomycetes within a cladistic framework.

A new species of the myxomycete genus Perichaena is described in this paper. The new species, named Perichaena calongei, was found during intensive studies of arid areas of the Monte desert in Argentina. It has been found directly in the field from the provinces of Catamarca, La Rioja, Salta and San Juan, in the Northwest of Argentina, and isolated from moist chamber cultures of native plant species collected in Catamarca, Jujuy, Salta and San Juan. The characters that make this species unique in the genus are the combination of the morphology of the sporocarps, the structure and dehiscence of the peridium, and the ornamentation of the capillitium. The morphology of the my xo - mycete specimens was examined using light microscopy with Nomarski interference contrast, and scanning electron microscopy. Micrographs of relevant morphological characters are included. A key to facilitate the identification of the stipitate species of Perichaena is also proposed.Se describe una nueva especie, Perichaena calongei, que fue encontrada en el desierto de Monte, en las zonas áridas del nor - oeste de Argentina. Los cuerpos fructíferos se encontraron fructificados en el campo, también se obtuvieron por cultivo en cámara húmeda de plantas recolectadas en las provincias de Catamarca, Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta y San Juan. La combinación de caracteres de la morfología del esporocarpo, de la estructura y tipo de dehiscencia del peridio, y de la ornamentación del capilicio, distinguen esta especie del resto de las conocidas en el género. La morfología de la especie se analizó con un microscopio óptico dotado de contraste interferencial de Nomarski y con un microscopio electrónico de barrido, se incluyen ilustraciones de las estructuras observadas. Se propone una clave dicotómica para la identificación, a nivel mundial, de las especies estipitadas del género Perichaena.

A new species of Didymium (Myxomycetes), D. infundibuliforme, is described herein, and details are provided on its life cycle as observed in spore to spore culture on agar. The new species was recorded during intensive studies of areas of the Monte Desert in Argentina and the Atacama Desert in Chile. It has been collected directly in the field in both countries on several occasions over 4 y and isolated in moist chamber cultures prepared with material from native plant species. The characters that make this species unique in the genus are its funnel-shape sporocarps with white stalks, the apical circumscissile dehiscence of the sporotheca that causes the base to resemble a calyculus and the ornamentation on the spores. The morphology of specimens of this new myxomycete was examined with scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy, and micrographs of relevant details are included in this paper.