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Fungal taxonomy is a fundamental discipline that aims to recognise all fungi and their kinships. Approximately 5% of a practical estimate of 2.2–3.8 million species globally are currently known, and consequently the Fungal Tree of Life (FTOL) is very incompletely reconstructed. With the advances of new technologies, mycology is marching into the interdisciplinary and globalisation era. To make fungal taxonomy relevant, innovative sampling methods and phylogenomics analyses should be performed to reconstruct a much more comprehensive FTOL. In association with this densely sampled FTOL, multiomics will reveal what drives fungal species diversification and how fungal traits evolve to adapt to various environments, while metagenomics will facilitate the understanding and protection of the ecological functions of fungi. A coordinated approach to pursuing these research agendas that includes conceiving of and costing a mission to describe all the fungi on the planet will unlock potential of fungi to support sustainable development of our society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serendipita is one of the main fungal genera that form mutualistic associations with species of orchids (Orchidaceae). Here, seven new Serendipita species associated with various Australian orchid genera are described. These Serendipita species were originally characterized by multilocus DNA sequence species delimitation analyses (three mtDNA and four nuclear genes) and confirmed as distinct with addition of further isolates and reanalysis of nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and nuc 28S rDNA (28S). Culture morphology and microscopic features are presented for each species, three of which are binucleate and four multinucleate. For the ITS region, the seven species have within-species sequence divergence between 1.07% and 4.31%, and all but one of the species pairs is separated by interspecific divergence of at least 4.35%. The newly described Serendipita species, S. australiana, S. communis, S. occidentalis, S. rarihospitum, S. secunda, S. talbotii, and S. warcupii, are shown to be separate species from S. vermifera on the basis of comparison against a sequence from the type. Isolates originally identified by Warcup as Sebacina "vermifera" from Caladenia orchids are revised and shown to belong to three of the species newly described here. Some non-Caladenia isolates identified by Warcup as S. "vermifera" are also shown to be non-conspecific with the type of S. vermifera. On the basis of ITS sequences, 346 isolates from 26 other studies, previously identified under provisional designations, are accommodated under the novel species. The species of Serendipta described here associate with the Australian orchid genera Caladenia, Cyanicula, Elythranthera, Ericksonella, Eriochilus, Glossodia, and Pheladenia. Most of the novel Serendipita species occur widely across Australia, often with widely distributed hosts, but one species, Serendipita rarihospitum, associates with narrowly distributed orchid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyphodontia sensu lato, belonging to Hymenochaetales, accommodates corticioid woodinhabiting basidiomycetous fungi with resupinate basidiocarps and diverse hymenophoral characters. Species diversity of Hyphodontia sensu lato has been extensively explored worldwide, but in previous studies the six accepted genera in Hyphodontia sensu lato, viz. Fasciodontia, Hastodontia, Hyphodontia, Kneiffiella, Lyomyces and Xylodon were not all strongly supported from a phylogenetic perspective. Moreover, the relationships among these six genera in Hyphodontia sensu lato and other lineages within Hymenochaetales are not clear. In this study, we performed comprehensive phylogenetic analyses on the basis of multiple loci. For the first time, the independence of each of the six genera receives strong phylogenetic support. The six genera are separated in four clades within Hymenochaetales: Fasciodontia, Lyomyces and Xylodon are accepted as members of a previously known family Schizoporaceae, Kneiffiella and Hyphodontia are, respectively, placed in two monotypic families, viz. a previous name Chaetoporellaceae and a newly introduced name Hyphodontiaceae, and Hastodontia is considered to be a genus with an uncertain taxonomic position at the family rank within Hymenochaetales. The three families emerged between 61.51 and 195.87 million years ago. Compared to other families in the Hymenochaetales, these ages are more or less similar to those of Coltriciaceae, Hymenochaetaceae and Oxyporaceae, but much older than those of the two families Neoantrodiellaceae and Nigrofomitaceae. In regard to species, two, one, three and 10 species are newly described from Hyphodontia, Kneiffiella, Lyomyces and Xylodon, respectively. The taxonomic status of additional 30 species names from these four genera is briefly discussed; an epitype is designated for X. australis. The resupinate habit and poroid hymenophoral configuration were evaluated as the ancestral state of basidiocarps within Hymenochaetales. The resupinate habit mainly remains, while the hymenophoral configuration mainly evolves to the grandinioid-odontioid state and also back to the poroid state at the family level. Generally, a taxonomic framework for Hymenochaetales with an emphasis on members belonging to Hyphodontia sensu lato is constructed, and trait evolution of basidiocarps within Hymenochaetales is revealed accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strain of Podosphaera clandestina has been highlighted as a priority pest threat to the Australian cherry industry. Australia currently has no records of powdery mildew on cherry (Prunus avium). P. clandestina is reported to cause disease on a range of Rosaceae genera including Crataegus and Prunus; in Australia, P. clandestina has only been recorded on Crataegus. A recent species revision identified Podosphaera cerasi on P. avium as a separate species from P. clandestina. Therefore, a revision of which powdery mildew species is present in Australia on Crataegus is required to inform Australian plant biosecurity. Reference collection specimens from the Victorian Plant Pathology Herbarium (VPRI) recorded as Podosphaera spp. collected between 1889 to 2008 on cherry and three other host plant genera from Australia and overseas were sampled for DNA extraction and next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Sequence data from preserved specimens were successfully mapped to internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of P. clandestina in the strict sense, P. cerasi, and Podosphaeraprunicola, and chloroplast matK sequences were used to identify plant hosts. Australian specimens on Crataegus hosts were P. clandestina in the strict sense and specimens on Prunus from the USA were identified as P. cerasi and P. prunicola. The outcome of this study confirmed the powdery mildew on Australian Crataegus specimens to be P. clandestina and none of the cherry powdery mildews (Podosphaerapruni‐avium, P. cerasi, or P. prunicola) are present on Australian specimens in the VPRI collection, which suggests they are not present in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Podosphaera tridactyla species complex is highly variable morphologically and causes powdery mildew on a wide range of Prunus species, including stone fruit. A taxonomic revision of the Po. tridactyla species complex in 2020 identified 12 species, seven of which were newly characterised. In order to clarify which species of this complex are present in Australia, next generation sequencing was used to isolate the fungal ITS+28S and host matK chloroplast gene regions from 56 powdery mildew specimens of stone fruit and ornamental Prunus species accessioned as Po. tridactyla or Oidium sp. in Australian reference collections. The specimens were collected in Australia, Switzerland, Italy and Korea and were collected from 1953 to 2018. Host species were confirmed using matK phylogenetic analysis, which identified that four had been misidentified as Prunus but were actually Malusprunifolia. Podosphaera species were identified using ITS+28S phylogenetic analysis, recognising three Podosphaera species on stone fruit and related ornamental Prunus hosts in Australia. These were Po.pannosa, the rose powdery mildew, and two species in the Po. tridactyla species complex: Po. ampla, which was the predominant species, and a previously unidentified species from peach, which we describe here as Po. cunningtonii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many orchids have an obligate relationship with Tulasnella mycorrhizal fungi for seed germination and support into adulthood. Despite the importance of Tulasnella as mycorrhizal partners, many species remain undescribed. Here, we use multiple sequence locus phylogenetic analyses to delimit and describe six new Tulasnella species associated with Australian terrestrial orchids from the subtribes Cryptostylidinae and Drakaeinae. Five of the new species, Tulasnella australiensis, T. occidentalis, T. punctata, T. densa, and T. concentrica, all associate with Cryptostylis (Cryptostylidinae), whereas T. rosea associates with Spiculaea ciliata (Drakaeinae). Isolates representing T. australiensis were previously also reported in association with Arthrochilus (Drakaeinae). All newly described Tulasnella species were delimited by phylogenetic analyses of four loci (nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 [ITS], C14436 [ATP synthase], C4102 [glutamate synthase], and mt 16S rDNA [mtLSU]). The pairwise sequence divergence between species for the ITS region ranged from 5.6% to 25.2%, and the maximum sequence divergence within the newly described species ranged from 1.64% to 4.97%. There was a gap in the distribution of within- and between-species pairwise divergences in the region of 4–6%, with only one within-species value of 4.97% (for two T. australiensis isolates) and one between-species value of 5.6% (involving an isolate of T. occidentalis) falling within this region. Based on fluorescence staining, all six new Tulasnella species are binucleate and have septate, cylindrical hyphae. There was some subtle variation in culture morphology, but colony diameter as measured on 3MN+vitamin medium after 6 wk of growth did not differ among species. However, T. australiensis grew significantly (P < 0.02) slower than others on ½ FIM and ¼ potato dextrose agar (PDA) media. Formal description of these Tulasnella species contributes significantly to documentation of Tulasnella diversity and provides names and delimitations to underpin further research on the fungi and their relationships with orchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A revised version of Chapter F of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants is presented, incorporating amendments approved by the Fungal Nomenclature Session of the 11th International Mycological Congress held in San Juan, Puerto Rico in July 2018. The process leading to the amendments is outlined. Key changes in the San Juan Chapter F are (1) removal of option to use a colon to indicate the sanctioned status of a name, (2) introduction of correctability for incorrectly cited identifiers of names and typifications, and (3) introduction of option to use name identifiers in place of author citations. Examples have been added to aid the interpretation of new Articles and Recommendations, and Examples have also been added to the existing Art. F.3.7 concerning the protection extended to new combinations based on sanctioned names or basionyms of sanctioned names (which has been re-worded), and to Art. F.3.9 concerning typification of names accepted in the sanctioning works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warning: Readers of this article are warned that it may contain terms, descriptions and opinions that are culturally sensitive and/or offensive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Silesian-born Lothar Becker spent two periods in Australia, during which he made observations on a range of natural history topics, including fungi—a group of organisms rarely noticed by contemporary naturalists. Becker compiled notes, sketches and collections of Australian fungi that he sent to Elias Fries in Sweden for identification. Unfortunately, this material has not survived, but Becker's accounts of his time in Australia, especially that published in Das Ausland in 1873, contain remarkable first-hand observations, including some on exotic fungi. Becker's article is one of the earliest stand-alone analyses of the affinities of the Australian mycota. Remarks on the use of fungi by Aboriginal peoples of south-eastern Australia are particularly significant, due to inclusion of a word presumed to be from Aboriginal language and the suggestion of gendered roles in the collection of edible fungi. Warning Readers of this article are warned that it may contain terms, descriptions and opinions that are culturally sensitive and/or offensive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Article impact statement: Conservation mycology is a newly introduced discipline relevant to conservation biologists, mycologists, ecologists, and conservation policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A commentary is provided on the seven formally published proposals to modify the provisions of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) that will be dealt with by the Fungal Nomenclature Session (FNS) of the 11th International Mycological Congress (IMC11) in July 2018. The proposals deal with four issues: (1) clarification of the meaning of "original material" in relation to the typification of sanctioned names; (2) indication of the nomenclatural status of sanctioned names in author citations; (3) use of DNA sequences as nomenclatural types; and (4) use of repository identifiers as an alternative to author citations. Information is also provided on the composition and role of the Fungal Nomenclature Bureau and the operation of the FNS and the pre-Congress Guiding vote. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarizes the key changes in the rules relating to the nomenclature of fungi made at the XIX International Botanical Congress in Shenzhen, China, in July 2017. Most significant was the decision to transfer decision-making on matters related only to the naming of fungi from International Botanical to International Mycological Congresses (IMCs). The rules relating to fungi are to be grouped together in a separate section of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN). The way in which the Fungal Nomenclature Session will operate at the upcoming IMC in Puerto Rico in 2018 is summarized and the timetable for new proposals is presented. In addition, approval for names included on lists of protected names to be protected against unlisted as well as known competing names were passed, as were some simplifications relating to the naming of pleomorphic fungi. From 1 January 2019, it will also be necessary to deposit details of lecto-, neo-, and epitypifications in one of the recognized repositories of fungal names in order for them to be validly published and to establish their priority. Various aspects relating to typifications were referred to a new Special Committee, with a separate Special Subcommittee charged with addressing the issue of using DNA sequences as types for all groups covered by the ICN. It is anticipated that the Shenzhen Code will be published in the first half of 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ratification of appointment of repositories by the International Mycological Congress is reported. The following two family names are recommended for conservation: Chrysotrichaceae against Pulverariaceae; and the teleomorphtypified Erysiphaceae against the anamorph-typified Oidiaceae. The following family name is not recommended for conservation: Dothioraceae against Saccotheciaceae. The following 10 generic names are recommended for conservation: the teleomorph-typified name Blumeria against the conserved anamorph-typified name Oidium; Catenaria Sorokīn (Fungi) against Catenaria Roussel (Algae); Chrysothrix, nom. cons., against an additional name, Alysphaeria; Flammula (Fr.: Fr.) P. Kumm. (Fungi) against Flammula (Webb ex Spach) Fourr. (Spermatophyta) with a conserved type; Fuscopannaria against Moelleropsis; Geastrum with a conserved type; Hebeloma with a conserved type; Polycaryum with that spelling; Pseudocyphellaria with a conserved type; and Talaromyces against Lasioderma. Conservation of Detonia Freng. (Algae) against Detonia Sacc. (Fungi) is not opposed. The following generic name is not recommended for conservation: Catillaria with a conserved type. The proposal to conserve the generic name Wickerhamomyces against Hansenula was withdrawn. The following 17 species names are recommended for conservation: Agaricus laterinus (Hebeloma laterinum) against the sanctioned A. fastibilis (H. fastibile); Agaricus tabescens against A. socialis; Alectoria fuscescens (Bryoria fuscescens) against Lichen chalybeiformis and A. subcana; Armillariella ostoyae (Armillaria ostoyae) against Agaricus obscurus, A. occultans, and Armillaria solidipes; Ganoderma camphoratum with a conserved type; Hebeloma fragilipes against Hebelomina domardiana (Hebeloma domardianum); Helminthosporium maydis Y. Nisik. & C. Miyake (Bipolaris maydis) against H. maydis Brond. and Ophiobolus heterostrophus; Lecidea oederi (Rhizocarpon oederi) against L. koenigii; Lichen fuscatus Schrad. (Acarospora fuscata) against L. fuscatus Lam. with a conserved type; Lichen leucomelos (Heterodermia leucomelos) with that spelling; Lichen muralis (Lecanora muralis, Protoparmeliopsis muralis) with a conserved type; Lichen vulgatus (Opegrapha vulgata) with a conserved type; Morchella semilibera against Phallus crassipes, P. gigas and P. undosus; Peziza ammophila Durieu & Lév. against P. ammophila Saut.; Polycaryum branchipodianum with that spelling; Stereocaulon pileatum with a conserved type; and Torula stilbospora with a conserved type. The following 22 species names (teleomorph-typified) are recommended for conservation against anamorph-typified names: Erysiphe arcuata against Oidium carpini; Erisyphe biocellata against Oidium erysiphoides; Erysiphe buhrii against Oidium dianthi; Erysiphe catalpae against Oidium bignoniae; Erysiphe celosiae against Oidium amaranthi; Erisyphe magnicellulata against O. drummondii; Erysiphe quercicola against Oidium anacardii; Erisyphe verbasci against Oidium balsamii; Golovinomyces sonchicola against Oidium sonchi-arvensis; Leveillula rutae against Oidium haplophylli; Microsphaera azaleae against O. ericinum; Microsphaera oehrensii against Oidium robustum; Phyllactinia alni against Ovulariopsis alni-formosanae; Phyllactinia ampelopsidis against Ovulariopsis ampelopsidis-heterophyllae; Phyllactinia chubutiana against Oidium insolitum; Phyllactinia dalbergiae against P. subspiralis; Phyllactinia gmelinae against Ovulariopsis gmelinae-arboreae; Phyllactinia populi against Ovulariopsis salicis-warburgii; Podosphaera solanacearum against Oidium saeforthiani; Sphaerotheca euphorbiae-hirtae against Oidium pedilanthi; Sphaerotheca filipendulae against Torula botryoides; and Sphaerotheca leucotricha against Oidium farinosum. The following two species names are not recommended for conservation: Cylindrocladium buxicola against C. pseudonaviculatum; and Verrucaria subcerasi (Arthopyrenia subcerasi) against A. subalbicans. It is recommended that the generic name Aspidelia and the species name Lichen quisquiliaris not be rejected under Art. 56. The following two species names are recommended for rejection under Art. 56: Botrytis farinosa (Peronospora farinosa) and Saccharomyces sphaericus. As a result of reference under Art. 53.5, it is recommended that the following two pairs of names are not to be treated as homonyms: Bertia De Not. and Bertya Planch.; and Otidea (Pers.) Bonord. and Otidia Sweet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six lists of names from working groups set up under Art. 14.13 are approved, consisting of three names of families, 43 names of genera and five names of species, to be treated as conserved against the listed synonymous or homonymous names. Lists were compiled by working groups approved by the International Commission on the Taxonomy of Fungi and the Nomenclature Committee for Fungi: on Cordyceps, Diaporthales, Dothideomycetes, Hypocreales, Leotiomycetes, and Trichoderma and Hypocrea. Issues around interpretation of Art. 14.13 and 56.3 and implementation of Art. 57.2 are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies using sequence data from eight sequence loci and coalescent-based species delimitation methods have revealed several species-level lineages of Tulasnella associated with the orchid genera Arthrochilus, Caleana, Chiloglottis, and Drakaea in Australia. Here we formally describe three of those species, Tulasnella prima, T. secunda, and T. warcupii spp. nov., as well as an additional Tulasnella species associated with Chiloglottis growing in Sphagnum, T. sphagneti sp. nov. Species were identified by phylogenetic analyses of the ITS with up to 1.3 % sequence divergence within taxa and a minimum of 7.6 % intraspecific divergence. These new Tulasnella (Tulasnellaceae, Cantharellales) species are currently only known from orchid hosts, with each fungal species showing a strong relationship with an orchid genus. In this study, T. prima and T. sphagneti associate with Chiloglottis, while T. secunda associates with Drakaea and Caleana, and T. warcupii associates with Arthrochilus oreophilus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the accuracy of three popular mushroom identification software applications in identifying mushrooms involved in exposures reported to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Over the past 10 years, an increasing number of software applications have been developed for use on smart phones and tablet devices to identify mushrooms. We have observed an increase in poisonings after incorrect identification of poisonous species as edible, using these applications. We compared the accuracy of three iPhone™ and Android™ mushroom identification applications: Picture Mushroom (Next Vision Limited©), Mushroom Identificator (Pierre Semedard©), and iNaturalist (iNaturalist, California Academy of Sciences©). Each app was tested independently by three researchers using digital photographs of 78 specimens sent to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria over a two-year period, 2020–2021. Mushroom identification was confirmed by an expert mycologist. For each app, individual and combined results were compared. Picture Mushroom was the most accurate of the three apps and correctly identified 49% (95% CI [0–100]) of specimens, compared with Mushroom Identificator (35% [15–56]) and iNaturalist (35% [0–76]). Picture Mushroom correctly identified 44% of poisonous mushrooms [0–95], compared with Mushroom Identificator (30% [1–58]) and iNaturalist (40% [0–84), but Mushroom Identificator identified more specimens of Amanita phalloides correctly (67%), compared to Picture Mushroom (60%) and iNaturalist (27%). Amanita phalloides was falsely identified, twice by Picture Mushroom and once by iNaturalist. Mushroom identification applications may be useful future tools to assist clinical toxicologists and the general public in the accurate identification of mushrooms species but, at present, are not reliable enough to exclude exposure to potentially poisonous mushrooms when used alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal species are not immune to the threats facing animals and plants and are thus also prone to extinction. Yet, until 2015, fungi were nearly absent on the IUCN Red List. Recent efforts to identify fungal species under threat have significantly increased the number of published fungal assessments. The 597 species of fungi published in the 2022-1 IUCN Red List update (21 July 2022) are the basis for the first global review of the extinction risk of fungi and the threats they face. Nearly 50% of the assessed species are threatened, with 10% NT and 9% DD. For regions with a larger number of assessments (i.e., Europe, North America, and South America), subanalyses are provided. Data for lichenized and nonlichenized fungi are also summarized separately. Habitat loss/degradation followed by climate change, invasive species, and pollution are the primary identified threats. Bias in the data is discussed along with knowledge gaps. Suggested actions to address these gaps are provided along with a discussion of the use of assessments to facilitate on-the-ground conservation efforts. A research agenda for conservation mycology to assist in the assessment process and implementation of effective species/habitat management is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tulasnella (Tulasnellaceae) is a genus of fungus that can form mycorrhizal associations with orchids (Orchidaceae). Here we used molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological characteristics of pure cultures across four different media to support the description of five new Tulasnella species associated with commonly occurring and endangered Australian orchids. Tulasnella nerrigaensis associates with Calochilus; T. subasymmetrica and T. kiataensis with Thelymitra; and T. korungensis and T. multinucleata with Pyrorchis and Rimacola respectively. The newly described species were primarily delimited by analyses of five loci: nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), C14436 (adenosine triphosphate [ATP] synthase), C4102 (glutamate synthase), C3304 (ATP helicase), and mt large subunit 16S rDNA (mtLSU). Tulasnella subasymmetrica is introduced for some isolates previously identified as T. asymmetrica, and this latter species is characterized from multilocus sequencing of a new isolate that matches ITS sequences from the ex-type culture. Morphological differences between the new species are slight. Tulasnella multinucleata has 6–12 nuclei per hyphal compartment which is the first instance of multinucleate rather than binucleate or trinucleate hyphal compartments in Tulasnella. The formal description of these species of Tulasnella will aid in future evolutionary and ecological studies of orchid-fungal interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Procedures for preparing and submitting proposals to amend or enhance Chapter F of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants are provided. Such proposals will be considered by the Fungal Nomenclature Session of the XII International Mycological Congress to he held in Amsterdam in 2022. A timetable is laid out for the submission of proposals, due by 31 December 2021, their publication in IMA Fungus, the appearance of the 'Synopsis of proposals" and the conduct of the pre-Congress guiding vote. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the change to one scientific name for fungal taxa, generic names typified by species with sexual or asexual morph types are being evaluated to determine which names represent the same genus and thus compete for use. In this paper generic names of the Agaricomycotina (Basidiomycota) were evaluated to determine synonymy based on their type. Forty-seven sets of sexually and asexually typified names were determined to be congeneric and recommendations are made for which generic name to use. In most cases the principle of priority is followed. However, 16 generic names are recommended for use that do not have priority and thus need to be protected: Aleurocystis over Matula; Armillaria over Acurtis and Rhizomorpha; Asterophora over Ugola; Botryobasidium over Acladium, Allescheriella, Alysidium, Haplotrichum, Physospora, and Sporocephalium; Coprinellus over Ozonium; Coprinopsis over Rhacophyllus; Dendrocollybia over Sclerostilbum and Tilachlidiopsis; Diacanthodes over Bornetina; Echinoporia over Echinodia; Neolentinus over Digitellus; Postia over Ptychogaster; Riopa over Sporotrichum; Scytinostroma over Artocreas, Michenera, and Stereofomes; Tulasnella over Hormomyces; Typhula over Sclerotium; and Wolfiporia over Gemmularia and Pachyma. Nine species names are proposed for protection: Botryobasidium aureum, B. conspersum, B. croceum, B. simile, Pellicularia lembosporum (syn. B. lembosporum), Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Polyporus metamorphosus (syn. Riopa metamorphosa), Polyporus mylittae (syn. Laccocephalum mylittae), and Polyporus ptychogaster (syn. Postia ptychogaster). Two families are proposed for protection: Psathyrellaceae and Typhulaceae. Three new species names and 30 new combinations are established, and one lectotype is designated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of Haploporus, H. angustisporus, H. crassus, H. gilbertsonii and H. microsporus are described as new and H. pirongia is proposed as a new combination, based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses inferred from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU) sequences. Haploporus angustisporus, H. crassus and H. microsporus occur in China, H. gilbertsonii occurs in the USA, and the distribution of H. pirongia is extended from New Zealand to Australia. Haploporus angustisporus is characterized by the distinct narrow oblong basidiospores measuring 10.5-13.5 x 3.9-5 µm. Haploporus crassus is characterized by the presence of ventricose cystidioles occasionally with a simple septum, dissepimental hyphae usually with a simple septum, unique thick-walled basidia and distinctly wide oblong basidiospores measuring 13.5-16.5 x 7.5-9.5 µm. Haploporus gilbertsonii is characterized by its large pores (2-3 per mm), a dimitic hyphal structure with non-dextrinoid skeletal hyphae and wide oblong basidiospores measuring 12-15 x 6-8 µm. Haploporus microsporus is characterized by distinctly small pores (7-9 per mm), the presence of dendrohyphidia, and distinctly small ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 5.3-6.7 x 3-4.1 µm. Haploporus pirongia is proposed as a new combination. Haploporus amarus is shown to be a synonym of H. odorus and Pachykytospora wasseri is considered a synonym of H. subtrameteus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Billions of microorganisms perform critical below‐ground functions in all terrestrial ecosystems. While largely invisible to the naked eye, they support all higher lifeforms, form symbiotic relationships with ~90% of terrestrial plant species, stabilize soils, and facilitate biogeochemical cycles. Global increases in the frequency of disturbances are driving major changes in the structure and function of forests. However, despite their functional significance, the disturbance responses of forest microbial communities are poorly understood. Here, we explore the influence of disturbance on the soil microbiome (archaea, fungi and bacteria) of some of the world's tallest and most carbon‐dense forests, the Mountain Ash forests of south‐eastern Australia. From 80 sites, we identified 23,277 and 19,056 microbial operational taxonomic units from the 0–10 cm and 20–30 cm depths of soil respectively. From this extensive data set, we found the diversity and composition of these often cryptic communities has been altered by human and natural disturbance events. For instance, the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi declined with clearcut logging, the diversity of archaea declined with salvage logging, and bacterial diversity and overall microbial diversity declined with the number of fires. Moreover, we identified key associations between edaphic (soil properties), environmental (slope, elevation) and spatial variables and the composition of all microbial communities. Specifically, we found that soil pH, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and nitrate were associated with the composition of all microbial communities. In a period of widespread degradation of global forest ecosystems, our findings provide an important and timely insight into the disturbance responses of soil microbial communities, which may influence key ecological functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auriculariales accommodates species with diverse basidiomes and hymenophores. From morphological and phylogenetic perspectives, we perform a taxonomic study on Heteroradulum, a recently validated genus within the Auriculariales. The genus Grammatus is merged into Heteroradulum, and thus its generic type G. labyrinthinus is combined with Heteroradulum and G. semis is reaccepted as a member of Heteroradulum. Heteroradulum australiense is newly described on the basis of three Australian specimens. Heteroradulum yunnanense is excluded from this genus and its taxonomic position at the generic level is considered uncertain. Accordingly, the circumscription of Heteroradulum is re-delimited and the concept of this genus is adjusted by including irpicoid to poroid hymenophores and a hyphal system with clamp connections or simple septa. A key to all nine accepted species of Heteroradulum is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Cluster analysis of morphological and pigment data for Australian dermocyboid Cortinarius yielded 17 phenotypic species. [•] Genealogical concordance across seven loci recovered 35 phylogenetic species among these phenotypic species. [•] All loci except for LSU recovered most phylogenetic species but only rpb1 correctly identified all phylogenetic species. [•] A standard ITS pairwise distance threshold of 2.0% is proposed to DNA barcode Australian Cortinarius taxa. [•] Australian dermocyboid fungi belong in separate clades to the boreal clade Dermocybe, mostly in the clade Splendidi. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our knowledge of cryptogam taxonomy and species distributions is currently too poor to directly plan for their conservation. We used inventory data from four distinct vegetation types, near Hobart Tasmania, to address the proposition that vegetation type, vascular plant taxon composition, and environmental variables can act as surrogates for mosses and macrofungi in reservation planning. The four vegetation types proved distinct in their taxon composition for all macrofungi, mosses, and vascular plants. We tested the strength of the relationships between the composition of cryptogam taxonomic groups and vascular plant composition and between the environmental variables and canopy cover. Taxon composition of woody vascular plants and vascular plants was the best predictor of the taxon composition of mosses and macrofungi. Combinations of environmental variables and canopy cover were also strong predictors of the taxon composition of mosses and macrofungi. We used an optimization routine for vascular plant taxa and woody plant species and determined the representation of cryptogam taxa in these selections. We identified sites with approximately 10% and 30% of the greatest proportions of vascular plants and woody vascular plants and calculated representation of mosses and macrofungi at these sites. We compared the results of these site selections with random site selections and random selections stratified by vegetation type. Random selection of sites by vegetation type generally captured more cryptogams than site selection by vascular plants at the 10% level. Vascular plant and woody plant taxon composition, vegetation type, and environmental and structural characteristics, all showed promise as surrogates for capturing common cryptogams in reserve systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human and natural disturbances are key drivers of change in forest ecosystems. Yet, the direct and indirect mechanisms which underpin these changes remain poorly understood at the ecosystem level. Here, using structural equation modelling across a 150+ year chronosequence, we disentangle the direct and indirect effects of major disturbances in a temperate forest ecosystem. We show that wildfires, logging and post‐fire (salvage) logging can affect plant and microbial communities and abiotic soil properties both directly and indirectly through plant–soil–microbial interactions. We quantified 68 direct and indirect disturbance effects across these components, with the majority resulting in ecosystem‐wide adverse effects. Indirect disturbance effects accounted for 43% of total disturbance effects, with some amplifying or partially mitigating direct disturbance effects. Overall, human disturbances were associated with more negative effects than natural disturbances. Our analyses provide novel insights into the multifaceted dynamics of forest disturbances and the mechanisms which underpin their relative impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A second genus in Chlorociboriaceae is described here as Brahmaculus gen. nov. Macroscopically distinctive, all species have bright yellow apothecia with several apothecial cups held on short branches at the tip of a long stipe. The genus is widely distributed across the Southern Hemisphere; the four new species described here include two from Chile (B. magellanicus sp. nov., B. osornoensis sp. nov.) and one each from New Zealand (B. moonlighticus sp. nov.) and Australia (B. packhamiae sp. nov.). They differ from species referred to Chlorociboria, the only other genus in Chlorociboriaceae, in their terrestrial habitat and ascomata that are noticeably more hairy than the known Chlorociboria species, most of which have apothecia with short, macroscopically indistinct hair-like elements. Based on our analyses, Chlorociboria as accepted here is paraphyletic. Additional study is needed to clarify where alternative, monophyletic generic limits should be drawn and how these genera may be recognised morphologically. Also described here are three new Chlorociboria spp. from New Zealand (C. metrosideri sp. nov., C. solandri sp. nov., C. subtilis sp. nov.), distinctive in developing on dead leaves rather than wood and in two of them not forming the green pigmentation characteristic of most Chlorociboria species. New Zealand specimens previously incorrectly identified as Chlorociboria argentinensis are provided with a new name, C. novae-zelandiae sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is now a decade since The International Commission on the Taxonomy of Fungi (ICTF) produced an overview of requirements and best practices for describing a new fungal species. In the meantime the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICNafp) has changed from its former name (the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature) and introduced new formal requirements for valid publication of species scientific names, including the separation of provisions specific to Fungi and organisms treated as fungi in a new Chapter F. Equally transformative have been changes in the data collection, data dissemination, and analytical tools available to mycologists. This paper provides an updated and expanded discussion of current publication requirements along with best practices for the description of new fungal species and publication of new names and for improving accessibility of their associated metadata that have developed over the last 10 years. Additionally, we provide: (1) model papers for different fungal groups and circumstances; (2) a checklist to simplify meeting (i) the requirements of the ICNafp to ensure the effective, valid and legitimate publication of names of new taxa, and (ii) minimally accepted standards for description; and, (3) templates for preparing standardized species descriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

True fungi (Fungi) and fungus-like organisms (e.g. Mycetozoa, Oomycota) constitute the second largest group of organisms based on global richness estimates, with around 3 million predicted species. Compared to plants and animals, fungi have simple body plans with often morphologically and ecologically obscure structures. This poses challenges for accurate and precise identifications. Here we provide a conceptual framework for the identification of fungi, encouraging the approach of integrative (polyphasic) taxonomy for species delimitation, i.e. the combination of genealogy (phylogeny), phenotype (including autecology), and reproductive biology (when feasible). This allows objective evaluation of diagnostic characters, either phenotypic or molecular or both. Verification of identifications is crucial but often neglected. Because of clade-specific evolutionary histories, there is currently no single tool for the identification of fungi, although DNA barcoding using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) remains a first diagnosis, particularly in metabarcoding studies. Secondary DNA barcodes are increasingly implemented for groups where ITS does not provide sufficient precision. Issues of pairwise sequence similarity-based identifications and OTU clustering are discussed, and multiple sequence alignment-based phylogenetic approaches with subsequent verification are recommended as more accurate alternatives. In metabarcoding approaches, the trade-off between speed and accuracy and precision of molecular identifications must be carefully considered. Intragenomic variation of the ITS and other barcoding markers should be properly documented, as phylotype diversity is not necessarily a proxy of species richness. Important strategies to improve molecular identification of fungi are: (1) broadly document intraspecific and intragenomic variation of barcoding markers; (2) substantially expand sequence repositories, focusing on undersampled clades and missing taxa; (3) improve curation of sequence labels in primary repositories and substantially increase the number of sequences based on verified material; (4) link sequence data to digital information of voucher specimens including imagery. In parallel, technological improvements to genome sequencing offer promising alternatives to DNA barcoding in the future. Despite the prevalence of DNA-based fungal taxonomy, phenotype-based approaches remain an important strategy to catalog the global diversity of fungi and establish initial species hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify a reliable DNA extraction protocol to use on 25-year-old powdery mildew specimens from the reference collection VPRI in order to produce high quality sequences suitable to address taxonomic phylogenetic questions. We tested 13 extraction protocols and two library preparation kits and found the combination of the E.Z.N.A.® Forensic DNA kit for DNA extraction and the NuGen Ovation® Ultralow System library preparation kit was the most suitable for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P. tristis is an ectomycorrhizal, corticioid fungus whose name is frequently assigned to collections of basidiomata as well as root tip and soil samples from a wide range of habitats and hosts across the northern hemisphere. Despite this, its identity is unclear; eight heterotypic taxa have in major reviews of the species been considered synonymous with or morphologically similar to P. tristis, but no sequence data from type specimens have been available. With the aim to clarify the taxonomy, systematics, morphology, ecology and geographical distribution of P. tristis and its morphologically similar species, we studied their type specimens as well as 147 basidiomata collections of mostly North European material. We used gene trees generated in BEAST 2 and PhyML and species trees estimated in STACEY and ASTRAL to delimit species based on the ITS, LSU, Tef1a and mtSSU regions. We enriched our sampling with environmental ITS sequences from the UNITE database. We found the P. tristis group to contain 13 molecularly and morphologically distinct species. Three of these, P. tristis, P. umbrina and P. atrofusca, are already known to science, while ten species are here described as new: P. sciastra sp. nov., P. tristoides sp. nov., P. umbrinascens sp. nov., P. pinophila sp. nov., P. alnophila sp. nov., P. alobata sp. nov., P. pluriloba sp. nov., P. abundiloba sp. nov., P. rotundispora sp. nov. and P. media sp. nov. We discovered P. rhizopunctata and P. atrofusca to form a sister clade to all other species in P. tristis s.l. These two species, unlike all other species in the P. tristis complex, are dimitic. In this study, we designate epitypes for P. tristis, P. umbrina and Hypochnopsis fuscata and lectotypes for Auricularia phylacteris and Thelephora biennis. We show that the holotype of Hypochnus sitnensis and the lectotype of Hypochnopsis fuscata are conspecific with P. tristis, but in the absence of molecular information we regard Pseudotomentella longisterigmata and Hypochnus rhacodium as doubtful taxa due to their aberrant morphology. We confirm A. phylacteris, Tomentella biennis and Septobasidium arachnoideum as excluded taxa, since their morphology clearly show that they belong to other genera. A key to the species of the P. tristis group is provided. We found P. umbrina to be a common species with a wide, Holarctic distribution, forming ectomycorrhiza with a large number of host species in habitats ranging from tropical forests to the Arctic tundra. The other species in the P. tristis group were found to be less common and have narrower ecological niches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australia supports a high diversity of sequestrate (truffle-like) macrofungi. This has long been thought to be related to the predominantly or seasonally dry climate. The present study posits that if aridity were a key factor in the evolution of sequestrate fruit-bodies, most sequestrate species would have emerged in Australia only after it began to aridify, which occurred post-separation with Antarctica (c. 32 million years ago). Focusing on the high phylogenetic diversity of sequestrate taxa in the Agaricomycetes in Australia, dates of sequestrate nodes were compiled directly from published phylogenies (four lineages) or created using sequences available on GenBank that were processed in BEAST using a secondary calibration method (nine lineages). Although the morphologically diverse Hysterangiales was found to be the first group to become sequestrate, c. 83 million years ago, overall sequestration in Australia occurred more recently. Models were created and compared and support was found for an increased rate of sequestration in Australia at some point between 34 and 13 million years ago (during the Oligocene and Miocene). Although the rate of sequestration is shown to have increased in Australia after separation from Antarctica, the timing also overlaps with the radiation of potential mycorrhizal plant associates, and the emergence of specialised mycophagous marsupials. Although aridification is evidently not the sole driver of sequestration, it is still likely to have had a major influence on the diversity of sequestrate fungi in Australia. Comparisons with other regions of high sequestrate diversity will be informative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The rigorous study of processes shaping geographic distributions of lineages is a relatively new and emerging field in mycology. While it was previously generally believed that most fungi have wide distributions and largely unstructured populations, recent studies have shown that this is not the case. The study of distributions in tandem with molecular approaches to phylogeny has recently made substantial advances to our understanding of the diversity and biogeography of fungi. Comprehensive species inventories have provided a better picture of the actual distribution of these organisms, while robust phylogenies based on molecular characters have provided both data that allow interpretation of current distributions and testable hypotheses regarding the processes responsible for distribution patterns. This commentary provides an introduction to five papers in this issue of Mycological Research that focus on fungal phylogeography. These papers are based on oral contributions given at two symposia at the International Mycological Congress (IMC8) held in Cairns (Australia) in August 2006. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lectins are non-immunoglobulin proteins that bind diverse sugar structures with a high degree of selectivity. Lectins play crucial role in various biological processes such as cellular signaling, scavenging of glycoproteins from the circulatory system, cell-cell interactions in the immune system, differentiation and protein targeting to cellular compartments, as well as in host defence mechanisms, inflammation, and cancer. Among all the sources of lectins, plants have been most extensively studied. However, more recently fungal lectins have attracted considerable attention due to their antitumor, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activities. Given that only 10% of mushroom species are known and have been taxonomically classified, mushrooms represent an enormous unexplored source of potentially useful and novel lectins. In this review we provide an up-to-date summary on the biochemical, molecular and structural properties of mushroom lectins, as well as their versatile applications specifically focusing on mushroom lectin bioactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laccaria (Hydnangiaceae, Agaricales, Basidiomycota) is one of the more intensively studied ectomycorrhizal genera; however, species boundaries within Laccaria and the closely related Hydnangium and Podohydnangium in Australia have not yet been examined with molecular sequence data. Based on morphological characters, eight native species of Laccaria are currently recognized in Australia, as well as three Hydnangium species and the monotypic Podohydnangium australe. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region of nuclear rDNA (ITS), RNA polymerase beta subunit II (rpb2) and translation elongation factor 1 alpha (teƒ1α.) were generated from 77 collections of Laccaria, Hydnangium and Podohydnangium from Australia. Ten phylogenetic species and a further 11 potential species (represented by singletons) of Laccaria in Australia are delimited from sequence analyses. Most of the morphological species contained cryptic phylogenetic species, but these species were always nested entirely within a given morphological species, although not always as sister taxa. The rpb2 locus performed best as a species barcode with pairwise and patristic distance measures. The ITS sequence region returned the least resolved gene tree of the three regions examined and was the least useful as a barcode region. Based on the phylogenetic topology, there appears to have been multiple gains and/or losses of the ectomycorrhizal association of some species with the myrtle beech, Nothofagus cunninghamii as well as of sequestrate basidiocarps and two-spored basidia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The yellow dihydroanthracenone dimer, austrocolorin B1 and the unique violet-red 1,4-anthraquinone dimer, austrocolorone B, were isolated from the Tasmanian mushroom Cortinarius vinosipes and their structures and stereochemistry were determined from spectroscopic data. Austrocolorin B1 and austrocolorone B were found to exhibit potent cytotoxic activity in vitro against the murine lymphoblast (P388D1) cell line with IC50 values in the range 10–31μg/mL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fifteen Australian macrofungi were investigated for cytotoxic activity. Ethanol, cold and hot water extracts of each species were screened for cytotoxic activity against normal mouse fibroblast cells (NIH/3T3), healthy human epithelial kidney cells (HEK-293), four cancer cell lines, gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS), two mammary gland adenocarcinoma cells (MDA-MB-231, MCF7) and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29) with a validated MTT assay. Most extracts derived from Omphalotus nidiformis, Cordyceps cranstounii and Cordyceps gunnii demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity toward a variety of cancer cell lines. In contrast only some extracts from Coprinus comatus, Cordyceps hawkesii, Hypholoma fasciculare, Lepista nuda, Leratiomyces ceres and Ophiocordyceps robertsii displayed significant cytotoxic activity, which was usually selective for only one or two cancer cell lines tested. The least cytotoxic species evaluated in this study were Agaricus bitorquis, Coprinopsis atrametaria, Psathyrella aspemspora, Russula clelandii, Tricholoma sp. AU2 and Xerula mundroola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions from 117 collections of Australian macrofungi belonging to the mushroom genus Cortinarius were screened for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Overall, the lipophilic fractions were more active than the aqueous fractions. The ethyl acetate fractions of most or all collections of 13 species, namely Cortinarius ardesiacus, C. archeri, C. austrosaginus, C. austrovenetus, C. austroviolaceus, C. coelopus, C. [Dermocybe canaria] [2] Denotes a species belonging in Cortinarius, but which has not been formally transferred to that genus. 2 , C. clelandii, C. [D. kula], C. memoria-annae, C. persplendidus, C. sinapicolor, C. vinosipes and forty seven collections of un-described Cortinarius species exhibited IC50 values of ⩽0.09mg/mL against S. aureus. In contrast, most or all collections of only four species, namely C. abnormis, C. austroalbidus, C. [D. kula], C. persplendidus, and eleven un-described Cortinarius collections exhibited similar effects against P. aeruginosa (IC50 ⩽0.09mg/mL). Anthraquinonoid pigments isolated from C. basirubescens together with emodin physcion and erythrogluacin were assessed for their antimicrobial activity. The fungal octaketides austrocortilutein, austrocortirubin, torosachrysone, physcion and emodin were found to strongly inhibit the growth of S. aureus (IC50 0.7–12μg/mL) whereas only physcion and emodin exhibited potency against P. aeruginosa (IC50 1.5 and 2.0μg/mL, respectively). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The isolation of a new diastereomer (3′ R)-fasciculic acid C (1) from the Australian mushroom Hypholoma australianum. • The configuration of the C-3′ position of fasciculic acid C (2) was determined to be in the S configuration. • Cancer specific cytotoxicity is influenced by the configuration of the C-3′ position of fasciculic acid C. Nine compounds including the new diastereomers (3′ R)-fasciculic acid C (1) and (3′ S)-fasciculic acid C (2), the triterpenes (3 – 5), the sesquiterpenes (6 – 7) and the diketopiperazines (8 – 9) were isolated from the Australian mushroom Hypholoma australianum. Several lanostane triterpenes have been isolated from the genus Hypholoma previously contain a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid or a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-glycine side chain. Only Hypholoma derived triterpenes possessing the S- configuration for these two side chains have been isolated previously. Compound 1 is the first example of a triterpene isolated from Hypholoma to have an R -configuration for the side chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were collected from 13 sites located in the Mobile (MRB), Apalachicola–Flint–Chattahoochee (ARB), Savannah (SRB), and Pee Dee (PRB) River Basins to document spatial trends in accumulative chemical contaminants, health indicators, and reproductive biomarkers. Organochlorine residues, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-like activity (TCDD-EQ), and elemental contaminants were measured in composite samples of whole fish, grouped by species and gender, from each site. Mercury (Hg) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were the primary contaminants of concern. Concentrations of Hg in bass samples from all basins exceeded toxicity thresholds for piscivorous mammals (>0.1 μg/g ww), juvenile and adult fish (>0.2 μg/g ww), and piscivorous birds (>0.3 μg/g ww). Total PCB concentrations in samples from the MRB, ARB, and PRB were >480 ng/g ww and may be a risk to piscivorous wildlife. Selenium concentrations also exceeded toxicity thresholds (>0.75 μg/g ww) in MRB and ARB fish. Concentrations of other formerly used (total chlordanes, dieldrin, endrin, aldrin, mirex, and hexachlorobenzene) and currently used (pentachlorobenzene, pentachloroanisole, dacthal, endosulfan, γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, and methoxychlor) organochlorine residues were generally low or did not exceed toxicity thresholds for fish and piscivorous wildlife. TCDD-EQs exceeded wildlife dietary guidelines (>5 pg/g ww) in MRB and PRB fish. Hepatic ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity was generally greatest in MRB bass and carp. Altered fish health indicators and reproductive biomarker were noted in individual fish, but mean responses were similar among basins. The field necropsy and histopathological examination determined that MRB fish were generally in poorer health than those from the other basins, primarily due to parasitic infestations. Tumors were found in few fish (n =5; 0.01%); ovarian tumors of smooth muscle origin were found in two ARB carp from the same site. Intersex gonads were identified in 47 male bass (42%) representing 12 sites and may indicate exposure to potential endocrine disrupting compounds. Comparatively high vitellogenin concentrations (>0.35 mg/mL) in male fish from the MRB, SRB, and PRB indicate exposure to estrogenic or anti-androgenic chemicals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), black bass (Micropterus spp. ), and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were collected from 14 sites in the Colorado River Basin (CRB) to document spatial trends in accumulative contaminants, health indicators, and reproductive biomarkers. Organochlorine residues, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-like activity (TCDD-EQ), and elemental contaminants were measured in composite samples of whole fish, grouped by species and gender, from each site. Selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) concentrations in fish were elevated throughout the CRB, and pesticide concentrations were greatest in fish from agricultural areas in the Lower Colorado River and Gila River. Selenium concentrations exceeded toxicity thresholds for fish (>1. 0 μg/g ww) at all CRB sites except the Gila River at Hayden, Arizona. Mercury concentrations were elevated (>0. 1 μg/g ww) in fish from the Yampa River at Lay, Colorado; the Green River at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Utah and San Rafael, Utah; the San Juan River at Hogback Diversion, New Mexico; and the Colorado River at Gold Bar Canyon, Utah, Needles, California, and Imperial Dam, Arizona. Concentrations of p,p′-DDE were relatively high in fish from the Gila River at Arlington, Arizona (>1. 0 μg/g ww) and Phoenix, Arizona (>0. 5 μg/g ww). Concentrations of other formerly used pesticides including toxaphene, total chlordanes, and dieldrin were also greatest at these two sites but did not exceed toxicity thresholds. Currently used pesticides such as Dacthal, endosulfan, γ-HCH, and methoxychlor were also greatest in fish from the Gila River downstream of Phoenix. Total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs; >0. 11 μg/g ww) and TCDD-EQs (>5 pg/g ww) exceeded wildlife guidelines in fish from the Gila River at Phoenix. Hepatic ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity was also relatively high in carp from the Gila River at Phoenix and in bass from the Green River at Ouray NWR. Fish from some sites showed evidence of contaminant exposure as indicated by fish health indicators and reproductive biomarker results. Multiple health indicators including altered body and organ weights and high health assessment index scores may be associated with elevated Se concentrations in fish from the Colorado River at Loma, Colorado and Needles. Although grossly visible external or internal lesions were found on most fish from some sites, histopathological analysis determined many of these to be inflammatory responses associated with parasites. Edema, exophthalmos, and cataracts were noted in fish from sites with elevated Se concentrations. Intersex fish were found at seven of 14 sites and included smallmouth bass (M. Dolomieu), largemouth bass (M. Salmoides), catfish, and carp and may indicate exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds. A high proportion of smallmouth bass from the Yampa River at Lay (70%) was intersex but the cause of this condition is unknown. Male carp, bass, and catfish with low concentrations of vitellogenin were common in the CRB. Comparatively high vitellogenin concentrations (>0. 2 mg/mL) were measured in male bass from the Green River at Ouray NWR and the Colorado River at Imperial Dam and indicate exposure to estrogenic or anti-androgenic chemicals. Anomalous reproductive biomarkers including low GSI and gonadal abnormalities (calcifications, edema, and parasites) observed in fish downstream of Phoenix are likely related to the poor water-quality of the Gila River in this area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It is common practice in scientific journals to print genus and species names in italics. This is not only historical as species names were traditionally derived from Greek or Latin. Importantly, it also facilitates the rapid recognition of genus and species names when skimming through manuscripts. However, names above the genus level are not always italicized, except in some journals which have adopted this practice for all scientific names. Since scientific names treated under the various Codes of nomenclature are without exception treated as Latin, there is no reason why names above genus level should be handled differently, particularly as higher taxon names are becoming increasingly relevant in systematic and evolutionary studies and their italicization would aid the unambiguous recognition of formal scientific names distinguishing them from colloquial names. Several leading mycological and botanical journals have already adopted italics for names of all taxa regardless of rank over recent decades, as is the practice in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, and we hereby recommend that this practice be taken up broadly in scientific journals and textbooks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]