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Stem rot by Ganoderma is a disease of major concern for coconut farmers. Many species (G. applanatum, G. boninense, G. lucidum, G. zonatum) have been implicated as the causal agents of the disease. Despite its importance, systematics of the rot-associated Ganoderma remains uncertain and unresolved. Morphologically heterogeneous basidiomata of the putative pathogen(s) from infected palms in multiple disease sites were collected during an outbreak in the coastal state of India, Kerala. Morphological and molecular investigations revealed that these specimens were distinct from all the Ganoderma species so far identified and reported from coconut. Although with a close morphological resemblance to many Ganoderma species collected from palms, they exhibited unique genetics and geographic distribution patterns. We present a taxonomic reassessment of the species collected from infected coconut palms in India and also propose two new species, Ganoderma keralense and G. pseudoapplanatum. A taxonomic key to Ganoderma species on palms is given.

Agaricus xanthodermus and other species of the yellow-staining section Xanthodermatei are responsible for mushroom-related poisoning cases that require treatment. However, longstanding anecdotal evidence indicates that this species appears to exhibit considerable variation in toxicity, resulting in gastrointestinal irritation of varying severity in most cases. We quantified the amount of phenol, hydroquinone, and catechol in mushrooms using a novel protocol for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and investigated their levels in different basidiomatal structures, different developmental stages, and on different nutritional substrates. Phenol concentration was greater in the pileus than the stipe, in mature compared with immature basidiomata, and in basidiomata occurring in woody mulch versus lawns. Variation in toxicity is suggested to be due in part to variation in phenol concentration, developmental stage and tissue type consumed, and substrate. Variation in human sensitivity to simple phenols may also play a role but was not formally investigated in this study.

The genus Claudopus (Entolomataceae) is characterised by its crepidotoid or pleurotoid basidiomata, a highly reduced and lateral or almost absent stipe, flesh-brown, salmon or pinkish-brown spore-p...

In this study, the potential of focus-variation microscopic imaging was evaluated in a study of morphological patterns of the potential medicinal fungus Hericium coralloides (Basidiomycota). We created three-dimensional reconstructions and visualizations using the imaging technique on a fresh H. coralloides basidioma. The aim was to approximate the spore dispersal efficiency of this basidiomata type regarding the investment of tissue biomass and its reproductive output (production of basidiospores). Results were correlated with published data gained from magnetic resonance imaging and micro-computed tomography. It is demonstrated that focus-variation microscopic imaging results in a more distinct picture of the morphology of the edible and potentially medicinal H. coralloides basidiomata. However, a direct measurement of spore production was not possible. Spore production could only be estimated in combination with a mathematical model because the surface was not directly measurable due to the cellular heterogeneity. However, focus-variation microscopic imaging allows a better and faster estimation of spore production compared with the published methods. Furthermore, it was found that a scanning resolution of 5× is sufficient for determining the fungal surface precisely because at a higher resolution artifacts occur, resulting in adulteration of the image.

The selection of fast-growing and high-yield-producing strains is required to satisfy the market demand on fungal food supplements. To that aim, three strains deposited in our collection as G. lucidum and G. oregonense were screened for polysaccharide production and biomass yield. Ganoderma strains deposited as G. lucidum were identified as G. sessile and G. lingzhi by nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) phylogenies. The identity of G. oregonense was confirmed by molecular phylogeny and biogeography. Additionally, mycelial antagonism confirmed species differentiation, and strains were further distinguished by morphology and protein profiles. Biomass and polysaccharide yields of G. sessile were clearly different from those of G. lingzhi and G. oregonense in both liquid culture and solid-state fermentation. The maximum polysaccharide yield (4.52 ± 0.83 g L-1) for G. sessile was obtained from submerged cultures at day 9. G. sessile also achieved the highest linear growth in lignocellulosic solid substrates. Consequently, basidiomata were successfully obtained by solid-state fermentation in polypropylene bags, whereas G. lingzhi and G. oregonense mushrooms were not produced in artificial solid substrates. G. sessile, a species frequently collected in America, showed to be a promising polysaccharide producer for the manufacture of dietary supplements.

Sequestrate fungi have enclosed hypogeous, subhypogeous, or epigeous basidiomes and have lost the ability to actively discharge their spores. They can be distinguished as gasteroid (basidiome fully enclosed with a loculated hymenophore) or secotioid (basidiome with some agaricoid or pileate-stipitate features, but the lamellae are misshapen and unexposed or mostly unexposed at maturity). There are only four reports of sequestrate taxa within the ectomycorrhizal family Inocybaceae, three from Australia and one from western North America. Recent field work in Nothofagaceae forests in the Chilean coastal range revealed novel sequestrate forms of Inocybe. We examined specimens using a combination of morphological and molecular data from nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and portions of nuc 28S rDNA (28S) and the gene encoding the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2). Here, we describe four new sequestrate Inocybe species, I. ranunculiformis, I. anfractuosa, I. illariae, and I. nahuelbutensis. Results of our phylogenetic analysis resolved the four new species as distinct species-level clades with strong support, suggesting that these fungi have convergently evolved sequestrate forms independently. The species described here were all placed along with members of the "smooth-spored temperate austral clade," which includes almost exclusively Australasian and South American species of Inocybe.

We studied species of Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus collected in the Dominican Republic over the past 10 years using morphological and molecular methods and carefully compared our collections with previously described neotropical taxa. Twelve new species, eight in Leucoagaricus (La. bulbiger, La. caeruleovertens, La. margaritifer, La. pegleri, La. roseovertens, La. silvestris, La. stillatus, La. turgipes) and four in Leucocoprinus (Lc. antillarum, Lc. fuligineopunctatus, Lc. microlepis, Lc. scissus) are described. Additional records of previously described taxa are also discussed, including the first molecularly annotated occurrences of Lepiota guatopoensis, Lepiota mucrocystis, and La. rubroconfusus in their putative natural habitats and of Lc. cretaceus in the neotropics. Lepiota guatopoensis and Lepiota mucrocystis are transferred here to Leucoagaricus based on their phylogenetic placement and morphological characteristics. Color photographs of fresh basidiocarps and line drawings of microscopic characters are provided for all species.

Phlebopus roseus is described as new based on collections from southwest China. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and portions of nuclear 28S rDNA (28S), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), and the largest and second largest subunits of RNA polymerase II (rpb1, rpb2) support P. roseus as a novel species in the genus Phlebopus (Boletinellaceae, Boletales). The new species resembles P. portentosus but differs from it in that mature basidiomata have a bright rose-red-colored stipe and a radiate tubular hymenophore with nested pores. Despite extensive searching, P. roseus has only been found at four sites within a 24-hectare orchard dominated by Eriobotrya japonica, which is agriculturally important given its fruit production (loquats). Therefore, this species appears to be endemic and geographically restricted. The ecology of this bolete is also unique. In line with the trophic behavior of other species in the Boletinellaceae, our observations indicate that P. roseus forms a symbiotic association with the scale insect Coccus hesperidum, identified through sequence analysis of its mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region, to form fungus-insect galls that develop on roots of E. japonica trees. Phlebopus roseus is an edible mushroom species and is collected from the type location by farmers and sold commercially in limited quantities at local markets alongside P. portentosus and other fungi.

Species of Laccaria (Hydnangiaceae, Agaricales, and Basidiomycota) are well-known ectomycorrhizal symbionts of a broad range of hosts. Laccaria species are characterized by brown, orange, or purple colored basidiocarps, and globose or oblong, echinulate and multinucleate basidiospores. While some Laccaria species are easily identified at the species level using only the morphological characteristics, others are hard to distinguish at the species level due to small differences in morphology. Heretofore, ten Laccaria species have been reported in Korea. While studying the fungal diversity in the National Parks of Korea, two new Laccaria species were discovered. Species identification was done based on molecular analyses (ITS, 28S rDNA, rpb2, and tef1), then were confirmed by their corresponding morphologies. The two newly discovered Laccaria species are proposed here as Laccaria macrobasidia and Laccaria griseolilacina. The unique morphological characters of L. macrobasidia that distinguish it from its closely related species are orange-brown colored basidiocarp, long basidia and the absence of cheilocystidia. L. griseolilacina is characterized by a light grayish lavender-colored pileus and the absence of cheilocystidia. Two new species are described and illustrated in the present paper.

is a species-rich ectomycorrhizal genus containing taxa that exhibit agaricoid or sequestrate basidiome morphologies. In New Zealand, one of the most recognizable and common Cortinarius species is the purple sequestrate fungus, C. porphyroideus. We used genome skimming of the almost 100-y-old type specimen from C. porphyroideus to obtain the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS barcode) and partial nuc rDNA 28S (28S) sequences. The phylogenetic position of C. porphyroideus was established, and we found that it represents a rarely collected species. Purple sequestrate Cortinarius comprise multiple cryptic species in several lineages. We describe four new species of Cortinarius with strong morphological similarity to C. porphyroideus: Cortinarius diaphorus, C. minorisporus, C. purpureocapitatus, and C. violaceocystidiatus. Based on molecular evidence, Thaxterogaster viola is recognized as Cortinarius violaceovolvatus var. viola. These species are associated with Nothofagus (southern beech) and have very similar morphology to C. porphyroideus but are all phylogenetically distinct based on molecular data.

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...

The genus Macrolepiota (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) is easy to recognize at the genus level because of big, fleshy basidiocarps with squamules covering the pileus; a single or double annulus; and big, thick-walled basidiospores with a germ pore. However, morphological identification is often unreliable in Macrolepiota due to similar morphological features among species. Due to the uncertainty of previous morphological identification in the genus Macrolepiota, it is necessary to re-examine Korean Macrolepiota using molecular data. We re-examined 34 Macrolepiota specimens collected from 2012 to 2018 in Korea using a reverse taxonomic approach, whereby species identification was first done based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region analysis, followed by morphological confirmation. We identified the presence of four species: M. detersa, M. mastoidea, M. procera, and M. umbonata sp. nov. Two species (M. detersa and M. mastoidea) were previously unrecorded from Korea and M. umbonata is a new species. Detailed descriptions of all four species and taxonomic key are provided in this study. Macrolepiota procera and M. umbonata are distributed through the country, but M. detersa and M. mastoidea are distributed only in limited areas. According to our results, the combination of ITS locus and morphology proved to be a robust approach to evaluate the taxonomic status of Macrolepiota species in Korea. Additional surveys are needed to verify the species diversity and clarify their geographic distribution.

Ganoderma is a cosmopolitan genus that encompasses species with cultural, economic, and pathogenic importance. Despite the importance of this genus, knowledge pertaining to the species diversity of Ganoderma in South Africa is limited. This study aimed at elucidating the identity and phylogenetic placements of Ganoderma samples obtained during a survey of wood-rotting fungi in the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) of South Africa, supplemented with isolates obtained from other localities across the country. Identification was achieved by means of multilocus phylogenetic inference combined with morphological evaluation. In total, eight distinct species of Ganoderma were recovered from different hosts and localities across the country. Of these, Ganoderma cf. cupreum and Ganoderma cf. resinaceum represent possible new records for South Africa. Two novel species are described, namely, G. eickeri. and G. knysnamense. Ganoderma eickeri, sp. nov., is characterized by a triquetrous and broadly attached basidiome, a sulcate or zonate yellowish brown to brown pilear surface, and ovoid to ellipsoid basidiospores. Ganoderma knysnamense is distinguished by an applanate to ungulate, sometimes convex, dimidiate to broadly attached basidiome, a chocolate-brown pilear surface covered with a hard woody-like crust and ellipsoid, broadly ellipsoid to ovoid basidiospores. The discovery of two new Ganoderma species in this study raises the known Ganoderma species in South Africa to 13.

The genus Fuscoporia of the Hymenochaetaceae is characterized by resupinate to pileate basidiocarps, a dimitic hyphal system with fine crystal aggregates and encrusted generative hyphae in dissepiment edge and tube trama, the presence of hymenial setae, and hyaline, thin-walled, smooth basidiospores. Members of the F. contigua group are easy to distinguish from other species of Fuscoporia because of the moderately large pores, presence of mycelial setae, and large hymenial setae. Here, we explore phylogenetic relationships among 20 species of Fuscoporia based on examination of some 90 collections sampled worldwide. Seven new species are recognized in the F. contigua group-F. americana, F. centroamericana, F. costaricana, F. latispora, F. monticola, F. septiseta, and F. sinica-described from China, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from DNA sequences of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS), D1-D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA (28S), and translation elongation factor EF-1 alpha (tef1) support the F. contigua group as one of two major clades within Fuscoporia comprising nine species worldwide.

Two new species, Fomitopsis mounceae and F. schrenkii (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) in the F. pinicola species complex in North America, are described and illustrated. Previous molecular phylogenetic analyses identified three well-delimited lineages that represent F. mounceae and F. ochracea from Canada, the Appalachian Mountains, and the northern United States and F. schrenkii from western and southwestern regions of the United States. Fomitopsis pinicola sensu stricto is restricted to Eurasia and does not occur in North America. Morphological descriptions of basidiocarps and cultures for F. mounceae, F. schrenkii, and F. ochracea are presented. The three species are readily differentiated by nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) sequence, geographic distribution, and basidiospore size. Polyporus ponderosus H. Schrenk is an earlier illegitimate synonym of F. schrenkii. Both F. mounceae and F. schrenkii have a heterothallic multiallelic incompatibility system.

Pleurotus giganteus (Berk.) Karunarathna & Hyde is one of the largest edible mushrooms which can be found either in groups or solitary and in soil and buried woods, but seldom in grassland. It has been recorded in Southeast Asia, Australasia, and China by either its common names or local names. Previously known as Lentinus/Panus giganteus, its unique physical characteristics and the utilization of molecular tools have since anchored its taxonomical position in the Pleurotus genus. A sawdust-based substrate coupled with soil casing method is described as a standard cultivation procedure for P. giganteus. The basidiocarp of P. giganteus is found to be rich in carbohydrates, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts of P. giganteus have been studied in vitro for its antioxidative, antifungal, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and neurite outgrowth capabilities. The review covers the optimum cultivation methods of P. giganteus, as well as its various biological activities and medicinal properties that have been studied by different approaches. Available data in regards to the chemical compounds present in P. giganteus are also compiled for future references. Overall, both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown significant bioactivity comparable to other recognized Pleurotoid mushrooms.

Armillaria mexicana (Agaricales, Physalacriaceae) is described as a new species based on morphology, DNA sequence data, and phylogenetic analyses. It clearly differs from previously reported Armillaria species in North, Central, and South America. It is characterized by the absence of fibulae in the basidioma, abundant cheilocystidia, and ellipsoidal, hyaline basidiospores that are apparently smooth under light microscope, but slightly to moderately rugulose under scanning electron microscope. It is differentiated from other Armillaria species by macromorphological characters, including annulus structure, pileus and stipe coloration, and other structures. DNA sequence data (nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacers [ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS], 28S D-domain, 3′ end of 28S intergenic spacer 1, and translation elongation factor 1-α [TEF1]) show that A. mexicana sequences are quite distinct from sequences of analogous Armillaria species in GenBank. In addition, sequences of ITS of the A. mexicana ex-type culture reveal an ITS1 of 1299 bp and an ITS2 of 582 bp, the longest ITS regions reported thus far in fungi. Phylogenetic analysis based on TEF1 sequences place A. mexicana in a well-separated, monophyletic clade basal to the polyphyletic A. mellea complex.

Fomitiporella accommodates polypores producing annual to perennial basidiocarps with an indistinct subiculum (very thin to almost lacking), mostly a dimitic hyphal structure, lacking any kind of setae, with brownish, thick-walled basidiospores, and causing a white rot. Previously, only a few samples of Fomitiporella were studied on the basis of morphological and nuc 28S rDNA (28S)-based phylogenetic analyses. In this study, we made a comprehensive study on Fomitiporella on the basis of collections from Central America, USA, Europe, and China. The phylogenetic analysis, including 28 nuc 28S rDNA and 29 nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer [ITS]) sequences newly generated, discovered 14 new lineages. Combined with morphological evidence, 4 new lineages are described and illustrated as new species, viz., Fomitiporella americana, F. micropora, F. sinica, and F. subinermis; 10 other new lineages, each with a single collection, are still treated as unidentified taxa; three new combinations, viz., Fomitiporella tenuissima, F. chinensis, and F. resupinata, are proposed. In addition, F. inermis is redescribed. A key to the 12 known species of Fomitiporella is provided.

Two new species of Phylloporus from Bangladesh forests dominated by Shorea robusta are described and illustrated, based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence. Phylloporus attenuatus is characterized by its wine-red to brownish-red pilei, decurrent lamellae that stain blue, downwards tapering stipe, a trichodermium pileipellis, and ellipsoidal-ovoid to ellipsoidal basidiospores (7-8 × 4-5 µm). Phylloporus catenulatus is characterized by its small-sized basidiomata with reddish-brown pilei, narrowly decurrent with distant lamellae that stain blue, a subepithelium pileipellis, and ellipsoidal to ellipsoidal-ovoid basidiospores (8-9.5 × 4-5 µm). Both new species of Phylloporus are distinctive from any known taxa based on phylogenetic analyses of partial sequences of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS; including ITS1-ITS2 but not 5.8S) region, partial sequence of nuclear ribosomal large subunit (28S) domains D1 and D2, and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1α). Both species are compared with phenotypically similar taxa and illustrated with line drawings and photographs. A key to the species of Phylloporus known from Bangladesh is provided.

Onnia includes white rotting polypores with annual basidiocarps, a duplex context, monomitic hyphal structure, hymenial setae, and hyaline, thin-walled, smooth basidiospores. Specimens of Onnia, originating mainly from East Asia, Europe, and North America, were studied using both morphology and phylogenetic analyses. Our concatenated data set was derived from 25 collections and included (i) 25 nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region sequences (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS), 17 generated in this study; and (ii) 14 nuc rDNA 28S rDNA sequences, including the D1-D2 domains, 11 of them generated in this study. The resulting maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenies recovered all sampled collections of Onnia as a well-supported clade. In this clade, three previously accepted species, viz., Onnia leporina, O. tomentosa, and O. triquetra, received strong support, whereas three additional lineages with strong support represent the new species described in this paper, O. subtriquetra, O. microspora, and O. tibetica. Of the six Onnia species occurring on gymnosperms, O. tomentosa and O. leporina grow mainly on Picea and have circumboreal distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, other species that mostly grow on Pinus are geographically restricted to limited regions, viz., O. triquetra in Europe, O. subtriquetra in North America, and O. microspora and O. tibetica in Asia.

Neomensularia (Hymenochaetaceae) is a new genus introduced for N. duplicata sp. nov. (generic type), N. crocitincta and N. kanehirae combs. nov., based on a combination of distinct morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses inferred from nuc rDNA partial 28S and ITS datasets. The new genus is characterized by annual, pileate, brown to fuscous basidiocarps, duplex context, dimitic hyphal structure, ventricose, and hooked hymenial setae, golden yellow, thick-walled, smooth basidiospores that are negative in both Melzer's reagent and Cotton Blue and a growth habit in tropical forests. Neomensularia duplicata closely resembles Mensularia radiata by hooked hymenial setae, but M. radiata has a homogenous context, larger pores (5-7 per mm), monomitic hyphal structure, hyphoid setae, larger cyanophilic basidiospores and occurs in temperate forests. Central American specimens labeled as Inonotus crocitinctus and Asian specimens identified as Fulvifomes kanehirae were re-examined. The duplex context, hooked hymenial setae and colored basidiospores are similar to N. duplicata Phylogenetic inferences based on 28S and ITS sequence data confirm their affinities with N. duplicata and result in the proposal of new combinations, Neomensularia crocitincta and N. kanehirae.

A Dacryopinax species that was cultured in Costa Rica and fruited in the laboratory provided DNA for the first sequenced genome for the Dacrymycetes. Here we characterize the isolate morphologically and cytologically and name it D. primogenitus Molecular sequences from the nuclear large subunit gene and internal transcribed spacer indicated that it is closely related to the South American D. indacocheae with which it agrees structurally. Both species form conidia on the basidiocarp, and D primogenitus also forms them on the mycelium. Unlike previous reports for the Dacrymycetales postmeiotic nuclear division results in uninucleate basidiospores and six residual nuclei in the basidium after basidiospore discharge. Ultrastructural analysis shows the characteristic septal-pore apparatus for the class and endogenous origin of the epibasidia/sterigmata, which may be a common occurrence in Dacrymycetes and the early diverging orders of its sister class, the Agaricomycetes.

Three new and one previously described species of Physalacria (Physalacriaceae, Agaricales) are reported from China. Specimens of two additional species described from Malaysia and North America were studied for comparison. Placements of these species were corroborated based on morphological observations and molecular evidence from partial sequences of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) and the 28S D1-D3 region, and genes for translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1α) and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2). These new species of Physalacria distributed in subtropical China were found on rotten wood of broadleaf trees or bamboo and possess stipitate-capitate basidiomata with four-spored basidia, clamp connections and smooth, inamyloid basidiospores. To facilitate studies of the genus in Asia, a key is provided for all Physalacria species reported from this region.

Agaricus gemloides sp. nov. is characterised by its reddish brown fibrillose squamose on the pileus, relatively slender basidiome and broader basidiospores. In this article, it is introduced based on its distinguished morphological features and molecular phylogenetic position.

The polypore genus Abundisporus Ryvarden is characterized by resupinate to pileate fruitbodies with a purplish brown hymenophore, slightly thick-walled, pale yellowish and non-dextrinoid basidiospores, and causing white rot. A purple color hymenophore, an easily observable and striking character, was considered the main distinctive feature at the generic level within polypores. However, due to highly similar basidiocarp features, species identification within these purple polypores is particularly difficult. Three species of purple colored polypores have been reported in Korea (Abundisporus fuscopurpureus, A. pubertatis, and Fomitopsis rosea). Based on morphological re-examination, ecological information, and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer, we showed that previous classification was incorrect and there is only one species (A. pubertatis) in Korea. We provide a detailed description of A. pubertatis in Korea, as well as a taxonomic key to distinguish wood rot fungi with a purple hymenophore.

Four species are added to Phylloporia. Three species, originating from the western edge of the Guineo-Congolian rainforest in Gabon (central Africa), are described as new. Phylloporia afrospathulata sp. nov. forms seasonal, stipitate, solitary basidiomata emerging from soil, more likely connected to buried roots, and has broadly ellipsoid basidiospores. Phylloporia inonotoides sp. nov. forms seasonal sessile, soft basidiomata, solitary at the base of small-stemmed trees including Crotonogyne manniana (Euphorbiaceae) and Garcinia cf. smeathmannii (Clusiaceae). It has a homogeneous context, large pores (2-3 mm), and oblong-ellipsoid to suballantoid basidiospores. Phylloporia fulva sp. nov. forms sessile, conchate, mostly pendant, gregarious basidiomata emerging from the trunk of an unidentified small-stemmed tree and has small, subglobose basidiospores. This species is compared to Polyporus pullus and Phylloporia pulla comb. nov. and proposed based on the study of the type specimen. Phylogenetic inferences using partial nuc 28S DNA sequence data (region including the D1/D2/D3 domains) and the most exhaustive dataset available to date resolved these new morphospecies as three distinct terminal lineages. No sequence data of P. pulla currently is available. The 28S-based phylogenic inferences poorly resolved the interspecific relationships within the Phylloporia clade.

The potential of 3-D nondestructive imaging techniques such as micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was evaluated to study morphological patterns of the potential medicinal fungus Hericium coralloides (Basidiomycota). Micro-CT results were correlated with histological information gained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM). It is demonstrated that the combination of these imaging methods results in a more distinct picture of the morphology of the edible and potentially medicinal Hericium coralloides basidiomata. In addition we have created 3-D reconstructions and visualizations based on micro-CT imagery from a randomly selected part of the upper region of a fresh H. coralloides basidioma: Analyses for the first time allowed an approximation of the evolutionary effectiveness of this bizarrely formed basidioma type in terms of the investment of tissue biomass and its reproductive output (production of basidiospores).

Two Laetiporus species, L. ailaoshanensis and L. zonatus spp. nov., are described from southwestern China based on morphological and molecular characters. Laetiporus ailaoshanensis is characterized by orange-yellow to reddish orange pileal surface and cream to buff pores when fresh, azonate to faintly zonate pileus, ovoid to ellipsoid basidiospores (5.0-6.2 × 4.0-5.0 μm), and it has been observed only on Lithocarpus. Laetiporus zonatus is characterized by white to cream pileal surface with buff to clay-buff base when fresh, concentrically zonate basidiocarps, ellipsoid to pyriform or drop-shaped basidiospores (5.8-7.2 × 4.3-5.5 μm), and it has been found only on Quercus. The phylogenetic relationships of all recognized Laetiporus species were inferred from a combined dataset of ITS and nLSU-rDNA sequences, and L. ailaoshanensis and L. zonatus represent two new lineages in this group.

In Seoul, a majority of plant communities have undergone significant changes over the last few decades; however, how wood decay fungi have responded and adapted to the changes in vegetation remains unknown. Through an ongoing investigation of Korean indigenous fungi, ca. 300 specimens with poroid basidiocarp were collected in Seoul during 2008~2012. Morphological examination and molecular analysis using the internal transcribed spacer and nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA region sequences helped identify 38 species belonging to 28 genera, 10 families, and 5 orders in this area. Among them, three polypores, Abundisporus pubertatis, Coriolopsis strumosa, and Perenniporia maackiae were found to be new to South Korea.

The butter boletes (Boletus s.l. sect. Appendiculati) are an economically important group of ectomycorrhizal fungi whose basidiocarps have a yellow tube layer that often bruises blue, yellow reticulate stipe, mild flavor and firm yellow-tinged flesh that may or may not turn blue when exposed. Morphological characters and molecular data (ITS and LSU) place this group in a separate phylogenetic clade from Boletus sensu stricto. Here we establish a new genus, Butyriboletus, to accommodate 14 species of butter boletes that range from Asia to Europe, north Africa and North America. We recombine eight previously described butter bolete species and we describe six new species: four from western USA (Bu. persolidus, Bu. primiregius, Bu. autumnigius, Bu. querciregius) and two from Yunnan, China (Bu. yicibus, Bu. sanicibus).

The wood-decay fungi Fomes fasciatus and F. fomentarius share many morphological characters that historically have made species delimitation challenging. We examined morphological, molecular and physiological characters of basidiomata and pure cultures of F. fasciatus and F. fomentarius sampled from multiple plant hosts and geographic regions in the United States to determine whether they support separation of the two species. We find that mean basidiospore size is significantly larger in F. fomentarius and represents the most informative morphological character for delineating the species. Basidiomata and pore-surface shape provided additional resolution of the species, but these characters often overlap and are more variable than basidiospore size. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS and RPB2 sequences suggest that F. fasciatus and F. fomentarius represent distinct evolutionary lineages. The two species share less than 88% maximum identity for the ITS region. Limited intraspecific sequence variation at each locus also was observed. In vitro experiments of hyphal-growth response to a wide range of temperatures support differences in physiology between the two species.

We analyzed the DNA sequences of four gene regions, 28S and 18S rDNA, the ITS region and rpb2, to obtain a high resolution phylogenetic tree of Dacrymycetes. In addition, we comparatively studied micro- and macromorphological characteristics of representative species. The traditional generic classification based on morphological characteristics was not reflected by our molecular phylogenies. Ancestral state reconstructions indicated that the morphology of basidia and clamp connections are evolutionarily stable. In contrast, basidiocarps and basidiospore septation patterns appear variable. Dacrymyces unisporus shares the dolipores with non-perforate parenthesomes typical of other dacrymycetous taxa but is a unique species having predominantly non-bifurcate basidia and subglobose to ovoid basidiospores with transverse and longitudinal septa. In molecular phylogenies this species is a member of Dacrymycetes but always occupies a sister position in relation to the rest of the Dacrymycetes. Based on our results we propose a new genus, Unilacryma, for D. unisporus. For proper accommodation of this taxon, we introduce the family Unilacrymaceae and the order Unilacrymales.

Phlebopus portentosus is a popular wild edible ectomycorrhizal fungus in northern Thailand. In general ectomycorrhizal fungi produce basidiomes when associated with a host plant. In this paper mycelium growth and basidiome production of P. portentosus were examined in pure culture both in vitro and in pot-culture experiments. Five mycelial strains of P. portentosus were isolated from basidiomes and used in the experiments. The mycelia grew fastest on sorghum grains supplemented with fungal-host solution. The mycelia produced sclerotia-like structures after 3 wk incubation in darkness at 30 C. All strains of P. portentosus had the ability to form primordia. The primordia were formed under lowered temperature, high humidity and a 12 h photo-period. They developed to mature basidiomes after 8-12 d in in vitro. In the pot-culture primordia were found after 28-35 d incubation in the greenhouse and mature basidiomes released basidiospores within 6-8 d. Basidiospores were germinated on fungal-host medium and formed mycelial colonies. This fungus showed an ability to produce basidiomes even 2 y after the original isolation from tissues. This research provides valuable information concerning the techniques and protocols for the large scale commercial production of P. portentosus basidiomes in the absence of a host plant.

Two new species of Hypocrea are added here to the European funga. Hypocrea britdaniae, a fungus with unknown anamorph and large, conspicuous stromata resembling basidiomata of a corticiaceous fungus, is a sister species to the Longibrachiatum clade, while H. foliicola, a leaf-dwelling species that forms pulvinate stromata, is recognized as an additional member of the pachybasium core group. Hypocrea foliicola sporulates in culture in a reduced verticillium-like manner, while it produces a white, typical pachybasium-like anamorph in nature. Ecologically H. foliicola is remarkable in inhabiting leaves, a substrate rarely recorded for Hypocrea. All relevant morphological teleomorphic and anamorphic traits are given. The phylogenetic placement of the new species within Hypocrea/Trichoderma was determined with combined analyses of rpb2 and tef1 exon sequences.

Three new species of Clavulina (Canthar- ellales, Basidiomycota) are described from rainforests dominated by ectomycorrhizal trees of the legumi- nous genus Dicymbe (Fabaceae subfam. Caesalpinioi- deae) from the central Guiana Shield. Species of Clavulina typically form branched, coralloid basidio- mata with amphigenous hymenia. However, the three species described here form resupinate or effuso- coralloid basidiomata, macromorphological forms previously unknown in Clavulina. Macromorphologi- cal, micromorphological, habitat and DNA sequence data are provided for each new species. Micromor- phological features and DNA sequence data from the second largest subunit of DNA-dependant RNA polymerase II (rpb2) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (28S) of the ribosomal repeat justify placement of these new species in Clavulina. Comparisons with described Clavulina species and other resupinate taxa within the Cantharellales are provided.

Agaricus blazei Murrill ss. Heinemann (Agaricus brasiliensis Wasser et al.; Agaricus subrufescens Peck) has raised interest in the scientific community due to its therapeutic properties. Although there are numerous studies about this fungus a few of them study the anti-inflammatory activity and the relationship with basidiocarp development phases. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of A. blazei extracts of closed and opened basidiocarp on the cell migration of rats submitted to an inflammatory challenge. The basidiocarp extracts were administered by gavage at 55 or 110 mg/kg. The inflammatory challenge was performed by administering phlogistic agent (carrageenan 2%) in an air-pouch induced in the animal subcutaneous tissue. It was concluded that the extracts affect leukocyte mobilisation regulation; closed basidiocarp extract in doses of 55 and 110 mg/kg and opened basidiocarp extract in 110 mg/kg modulate the anti-inflammatory response.

Eight peptide toxins were isolated and purified from basidiocarps of Amanita exitialis with high performance liquid chromatography and were subjected to ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. We identified seven peptide toxins, α-amanitin, β-amanitin, amaninamide, phallacin, phallacidin, phallisacin and desoxoviroidin. The molecular weight (729.5 Da) of the eighth compound did not match that of any reported Amanita toxins and, although the UV absorption spectrum indicated it to be a phallotoxin, further studies are required to identify this component. This is the first report of amaninamide, phallacin, phallisacin and desoxoviroidin in this lethal mushroom species.

Symptoms of Armillaria root rot were observed on the herbaceous ornamental, Hemerocallis sp. (daylily), in a residential area in Walhalla, South Carolina, which was surrounded by dense, hardwood forest that also contained diseased hosts. Our objectives were to describe a natural occurrence of Armillaria root rot on daylily, a newly discovered host for the pathogen, and to characterize the Armillaria species involved. To characterize the Armillaria species collected from daylily, we used all available methods, including both traditional (sexual compatibility tests, basidiome morphology) and molecular (phylogenetic analyses of rDNA internal transcribed spacer, ITS, and intergenic spacer I, IGS-I) approaches. The presence of rhizomorphs in the topsoil of daylily beds and on the roots of symptomatic daylilies, coupled with our finding of identical ITS1 sequences among isolates originating from each of a rhizomorph, a daylily, and a neighbouring dogwood, suggests that Armillaria rhizomorphs had spread...

Leucoagaricus decipiens and La. erythrophaeus, are described as new from Sardinia, Italy, and California, USA, respectively. These sister species show distinct reddening when touched on all parts of the basidiocarps and darken on drying. Their collariate lamellae, broadly cylindrical to utriform cheilocystidia and trichodermal pileus covering distinguish them morphologically from other species in sect. Piloselli, while nrITS and EF1-alpha sequences distinguish them from each other. Leucoagaricus erythrophaeus has been known under the name Lepiota roseifolia, but the type collection of this species does not fit the interpretation.

A new genus, Neoaleurodiscus, is proposed as a segregate from Aleurodiscus (Basidiomycota), and the new species, Neoaleurodiscus fujii, is described. It was collected at the timberline of Mount Fuji, Japan. Specimens were found on trunks of Rhododendron sp. Morphological study and phylogenetic analysis based on sequence data derived from LSU nrDNA indicated that Neoaleurodiscus is separate from other segregate genera from Aleurodiscus s.l. Neoaleurodiscus is characterized by having a disciform basidiocarp; microscopically it has moniliform gloeocystidia, absence of acanthophyses, nodose-septate hyphae, hyphidia, and basidiospores, which are amyloid, smooth and +/- thick-walled. Among genera studied Acanthobasidium and Aleurodiscus (s.s.) are most closely related to Neoaleurodiscus, but these genera have warted or spiny basidiospores. Two new combinations, Acanthobasidium penicillatum and Neoaleurodiscus monilifer, are proposed.

The principal decay fungi active within the decomposing stems of six uprooted trees of Beilschmiedia tawa in a dense podocarp forest were determined by isolating onto a culture medium selective for basidiomycetes. The most common fungi obtained were species of Armillaria and Ganoderma applanatum sensu Wakef., a finding consistent with comparable results from other indigenous tree species in earlier central North Island studies. The ascomycete species Kretzschmaria zelandica, present in two of the trees, was obtained only after eliminating benomyl and streptomycin as constituents from the selective culture medium. A previously determined spatial relationship between fruiting by G. cf. applanatum and presence within the stem, as revealed by isolation, was supported in this study. It therefore appears that for B. tawa, also, distribution of fruitbodies is a reliable indicator of internal colonisation by this species.

The distribution of wood inhabiting fungi concentrating on some pileate polypores based on the presence of basidiomes lying on the forest floor, on twigs, branches and standing dead spars of Acacia mangium trees at two Acacia mangium Willd. plantation forests ie. in Kemasul, Pahang and Ulu Sedili, Johore in Peninsular Malaysia was investigated. The study was designed to see dominant species and the frequency of occurrence of various fungal species in A. mangium plantation forests. This project is a continuation of a study conducted in 1993 to see whether the same fungal species occur at the same site as before. The sites selected in the plantation forests were visited three times in a year (January, June and December) in 2005 and the occurrence of fungi was noted. A total of 16 species assigned to 11 genera was recorded during the visits in 2005. Pycnoporus sanguineus and Schizophyllum commune were two common fungi which appeared in all visits.

Hydnangium echinulatum, described originally from a single specimen collected in Malaysia, has been recollected, and based on morphological and molecular characters is recognized as representing a new gasteroid genus of boletes with affinities to the Boletineae, herein named Durianella. Diagnostic features include an epigeous, ovoid, pyramidal-warted, durian fruit-like basidiome with gelatinized glebal locules and a columella that turns indigo blue upon exposure, and subglobose basidiospores with long, curved, thin-walled and collapsible spines. A redescription, phylogenetic analysis and comparison with allied taxa are presented.

Molecular diagnosis, chemo-diagnosis and physiological parameter have been applied for detecting the Ganoderma disease of coconut. Polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) raised against mycelial protein of Ganoderma, specific mycelial protein (62 kDa) of Ganoderma isolates and basidiocarp protein of Ganoderma were used for detection. All the PAbs could detect Ganoderma in diseased coconut root tissues in early stage of the disease before symptom expression by indirect – ELISA at the antiserum dilution of 1:1000 for mycelial protein, 1:700 for specific protein and 1:3000 for basidiocarp protein. Low cross reactions were observed with saprophytic fungi occurring in coconut roots and also with other basidiomycetous fungi. For polymerase chain reaction tests, the primer was generated from the internal transcribed spacer region one (ITS 1) of rDNA of Ganoderma, which produced a PCR product of 167 bp in size. Utility of this method was confirmed at the field level.

Gloeodontia xerophila sp. nov. is described and illustrated from material collected on dead xerophyte debris in the Canary Islands. This species is characterized by the odontioid hymenophore with short aculei, up to 2 mm long, dimitic hyphal system and amyloid, subglobose and verrucose spores, 4-5 x 3-4 microm. The new taxon is compared with other species in the genus and a key to the species of Gloeodontia is provided.

A new species, Gloiocephala cerkezii, is described from Croatia. It is characterized by a pale brown to rusty brown pileus, an elongated central to slightly eccentric stipe, vein-like lamellae, large and elongate spores, subcapitate to capitate cystidia, a gelatinized trama, and the absence of hairs on the pileus and stipe. The description is accompanied by black and white photograph of basidiocarps and line drawings of microscopic elements. G. cerkezii is compared to closely related species, and a dichotomous key to European species of the genus Gloiocephala is provided. A new combination Gloiocephala pseudocaricis is made.

Nine species of basidiomycota and one species of ascomycota were grown in an ammonium sulphate media and on beech wood; and the general (15)N dynamic patterns of the hyphae were examined. The fungal body initially became depleted in (15)N in both the types of incubation. However, the underlying mechanisms were quite different, that is, significant fungal (15)N drop on the beech wood is associated with the fungal N reallocation and the uptake of atmospheric ammonia and/or NO(x), in addition to isotope fractionation during assimilation. Although the (15)N values of the wood-decomposing basidiocarps were generally close to the (15)N values of the wood, it does not always indicate that the wood derived N was the sole N source for the fungi throughout the growth periods as shown in our wood-decomposing experiment.

Evidence derived from molecular studies in recent years has revealed that corticioid fungal genera are present in all major clades of Homobasidiomycetes. Brunneocorticium pyriforme, a corticioid fungus is proposed as a new species and placed in a new genus belonging to the euagarics clade. This fungus has been collected in subtropical-tropical Taiwan and southern Yunnan Province, China. Basidiocarps often occur on bark of living Murraya spp. (Rutaceae). Basidiocarps of B. pyriforme are resupinate with a smooth hymenial surface, a dimitic hyphal system, with nodose-septate generative hyphae and abundant yellowish brown skeletal hyphae, and leptocystidia. It has 2-sterigmate basidia and pear-shaped basidiospores. Phylogenetic analysis based on sequence data derived from LSU rDNA included Brunneocorticium in the euagarics clade of Homobasidiomycetes, allied to the agaricoid genera Marasmiellus, Campanella, etc. The molecular analysis indicated that the Brunneocorticium was independent from other corticioid genera with similar morphological features.

Dissipation of the fungicides famoxadone and trifloxystrobin in basidiocarps of Agaricus bisporus was studied in mushroom growing rooms. The mushroom samples taken at all three consecutive production flushes following single or split applications of the fungicides were extracted with solvents and the residues were determined by using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Recoveries from the fortified control samples ranged from 87 to 105%. Following drench applications at 0.1-1 g/m2 of culture bed area, the highest famoxadone residue determined in basidiocarps was 0.1447 mg/kg. Analysis of trifloxystrobin revealed a quantitative relationship between the application rate (0.8-1.8 g/m2) and the residue levels of both the parent compound and its acid metabolite. The maximal combined residues of trifloxystrobin and its metabolite were 0.1313 mg/kg. Short- and long-term dietary risk assessment for both fungicides was carried out using consumption data from World Health Organization and the UK Pesticide Safety Directorate's Ten Consumer Model. The potential acute and chronic residue intakes via mushroom consumption were below toxicologically significant indicators.

In boreal coniferous forests, artificial edges often modify the habitat, increasing the likelihood that the diversity and composition of species changes. This study examined the assemblage of polypores and polypore-associated beetles at the edge of mature managed spruce-dominated forests and clear-cuts. The highest number of polypore occurrences and the greatest diversity of polypore species occurred at the clear-cut. In south-facing edges polypores occurred closer to the edge both in clear-cut and in forest than in the north-facing edges. The number of polypore-associated beetle individuals was greatest in the clear-cut, but there was no effect of edge on species richness of beetles. Orientation of the edge had no effect on the distribution of beetles in clear-cut, but in the forest beetles were closer to the edge in south-facing edges than in north-facing edges. The higher density of individuals and greater diversity of species in clear-cut may result from the rapid, short-term increase in dead-wood resource.