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O Reino Fungi desempenha um papel crucial na sustentação dos ecossistemas, destacando-se como um dos principais decompositores de matéria orgânica, possuindo distribuição cosmopolita e podendo ser encontrado em substratos orgânicos e inorgânicos. Este trabalho realizou um estudo de ocorrência de fungos macroscópicos e liquenizados na Serra do Periperi, Vitória da Conquista, Bahia. Foram realizadas nove expedições de coleta entre os meses de novembro/2022 e setembro/2023, totalizando 113 espécimes que foram depositados no herbário HVC. Encontraram-se 26 espécies de macrofungos e sete de fungos liquenizados, compondo os filos Ascomycota e Basidiomycota. As espécies mais frequentes na área foram: Cladonia aff. verticillaris, Lentinus crinitus, Pycnoporus sanguineus e Trametes villosa. Os resultados demonstram que há uma grande diversidade de espécies na Serra do Periperi, haja vista que 26 táxons foram registrados como novas ocorrências tanto para a Serra do Periperi, quanto para Vitória da Conquista. Dentre estes, Geastrum minimum, Panaeolus antillarum e Tulostoma brumale foram novas ocorrências para a Bahia.

Eight new species of fungi ( Acanthobasidium norvegicum , Amylocorticium laceratum , Hyphoderma transiens , Odonticium septocystidiatum , Phlebia cretacea , Ph. subulata , Steccherinum albidum , and Tubulicrinis calothrix ) were identified for Poland after a study of collections from large forests situated in the northeast part of the country. Leptosporomyces fuscostratus was confirmed for Polish mycobiota. Main diagnostic features, natural range, substratum preferences, and taxonomic position of these species are discussed. Color images of basidiomata for 9 species, line drawings of microscopic structures for 6 species, and scanning electron microscopy images of important microstructures for 4 species are provided.

Biogeographical and ecological knowledge of aphyllophoroid fungi has increased substantially after the publication of the Finnish aphyllophoroid checklist. In this paper, we describe the occurrence and distributions of both aphyllophoroid and heterobasidioid fungi in Finland. We introduce 13 species new to Finland: Hyphoderma lapponicum (Litsch.) Ryvarden, Mycostilla vermiformis (Berk. & Broome) Spirin & Malysheva, Proterochaete adusta (Burt) Spirin & V. Malysheva, Pseudotomentella alobata Svantesson, Pseudoxenasma verrucisporum K.H. Larss. & Hjortstam, Sistotrema subtrigonospermum D. P. Rogers, Spiculogloea minuta P. Roberts, Tomentella botryoides (Schwein.) Bourd. & Galz., Tomentella neobourdotii M.J. Larsen, Tomentella subtestacea Bourdot & Galzin, Tomentella subpilosa Litsch., Tulasnella anguifera P. Roberts, and Tulasnella interrogans P. Roberts. Proterochaete and Pseudoxenasma are new genera to Finland. We also present the record of Caudicicola gracilis Kotir., Kulju & Miettinen for only the second time globally. Furthermore, we present 115 new records (locations) of 53 rare or seldom collected species. In addition, we report 96 species considered new to a specific subzone of the boreal forest vegetation zone in Finland. The records contain notes on the substrata, and the ecology and distribution of nationally new species and are briefly discussed.

The ectomycorrhizae of a newly described club fungus Clavariadelphus pakistanicus were collected from Ayubia, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan and described morpho-anatomically. Its Pinus wallichiana associated ectomycorrhizae has been characterized by dichotomously branched, reddish brown color of mature and dark brown to blackish young ectomycorrhizal tips with frequent unbranched and septate emanating hyphae. During molecular and phylogenetic analyses, these mycobionts showed maximum similarity and were clustered with basidiocarps sequences of C. pakistanicus. Hence it was confirmed that these ectomycorrhizae belong to C. pakistanicus and being first time reported from Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogeographical and ecological knowledge of aphyllophoroid fungi has increased substantially after the publication of the Finnish aphyllophoroid checklist. In this paper, we describe the occurrence and distributions of both aphyllophoroid and heterobasidioid fungi in Finland. We introduce 13 species new to Finland: Hyphoderma lapponicum, Mycostilla vermiformis, Proterochaete adusta, Pseudotomentella alobata, Pseudoxenasma verrucisporum, Sistotrema subtrigonospermum, Spiculogloea minuta, Tomentella botryoides, Tomentella neobourdotii, Tomentella subtestacea, Tomentella subpilosa, Tulasnella anguifera, and Tulasnella interrogans. Proterochaete and Pseudoxenasma are new genera to Finland. We also present the record of Caudicicola gracilis for only the second time globally. Furthermore, we present 115 new records (locations) of 53 rare or seldom collected species. In addition, we report 96 species considered new to a specific subzone of the boreal forest vegetation zone in Finland. The records contain notes on the substrata, and the ecology and distribution of nationally new species and are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

West Bengal, a significant landmass of eastern India with its varied topography, edaphic, and climatic conditions facilitates diversified forest types and conducive microhabitats for a wide array of macro-fungal wealth and the members of Aphyllophorales in particular. Detailed macro-microscopic characterizations and chemical reactions were performed to systematically identify the specimens using standard key and literatures. Six members of Aphyllophorales collected from different parts of West Bengal, India and four species belonging to the family Polyporaceae [Hexagonia tenuis (Fr.) Fr., Polyporus arcularius (Batsch) Fr., P. tricholoma Mont. and Lenzites elegans (Spreng.) Pat.] were identified, and a single species was identified under Meripiliaceae [Physisporinus lineatus (Pers.) F. Wu, Jia J. Chen & Y.C. Dai] and Meruliaceae [Bjerkandera fumosa (Pers.) P. Karst.]. The detailed description along with field and herbarium photographs, macro-morphology, and microscopic features of six species are provided in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driftwood is woody debris that is floating on the sea or brought onto the shore by the sea. It can have a natural origin but often it originates from human activities. Driftwood has a significant ecological role as a microhabitat for a large range of species. Dead‐wood‐associated aphyllophoroid fungi on driftwood have been studied rather little globally, and there are hardly any studies conducted in the Baltic Sea. We studied the diversity and ecology of polypores and corticioids growing on driftwood (man‐made logs) on the shores of the Finnish SW‐archipelago. In total, 394 driftwood logs were surveyed for visible fungal sporocarps. We found altogether 145 species (1023 records) of which approximately three‐fourths were corticioids. The driftwood logs hosted several rare and noteworthy species, such as one new corticioid species, 16 nationally rare species, and 40 new species to the region. The five most common species accounted for one‐third of all observations, whereas 82 species (11% of all records) were recorded only once or twice. Larger logs hosted, on average, more species compared to small‐diameter logs. The mean number of species increased significantly when comparing the logs in the first and the middle stages of decay. Our results show that driftwood logs can host a wide variety of species and they provide an important substrate for many dead‐wood‐associated fungi, including species of conservation concern and species with restricted ecological requirements. Driftwood hosted several species that have not been previously found in the archipelago forests, and the logs clearly enrich the fungal diversity in the area. Our results encourage to increase dead wood for fungi in coastal forests where it has been dramatically decreased as a result of strong hemeroby. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we present a checklist of aphyllophoroid fungi of the Solovetsky Archipelago, located in the White Sea (Arkhangesk Region, European Russia). The annotated list contains 275 species belonging to 139 genera of aphyllophoroid basidiomycetes (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota). Eight species (Athelia bombacina, Ceraceomyces tessulatus, Clavariadelphus truncatus, Clavaria zollingeri, Clavulinopsis luteoalba, Hyphoderma obtusiforme, Phanerochaete jose-ferreirae, and Ramaria obtusissima) are recorded from the Arkhangelsk Region for the first time, and 23 species were recorded for the first time from the Solovetsky Archipelago. Most records are documented by herbarium specimens.

Knowledge of the Finnish aphyllophoroid funga has increased substantially in recent years. In this article, we present two species new to Finland: Spiculogloea subminuta Hauerslev and Typhula suecica I. Olariaga, G. Corriol, I. Salcedo & K. Hansen, and document Sistotrema luteoviride Kotir. & K.-H. Larss. for the third time globally. We also contribute 50 new records of 33 nationally rare species (with a maximum of ten previous records in Finland) and list 52 regionally new species, found for the first time in a certain subzone of the boreal vegetation zone in Finland. Each record is enclosed and contains notes on the substrate. Furthermore, the ecology of the nationally new species and the distribution of rare species are discussed.

Pterulaceae was formally proposed to group six coralloid and dimitic genera: Actiniceps (=Dimorphocystis), Allantula, Deflexula, Parapterulicium, Pterula, and Pterulicium. Recent molecular studies have shown that some of the characters currently used in Pterulaceae do not distinguish the genera. Actiniceps and Parapterulicium have been removed, and a few other resupinate genera were added to the family. However, none of these studies intended to investigate the relationship between Pterulaceae genera. In this study, we generated 278 sequences from both newly collected and fungarium samples. Phylogenetic analyses supported with morphological data allowed a reclassification of Pterulaceae where we propose the introduction of Myrmecopterula gen. nov. and Radulomycetaceae fam. nov., the reintroduction of Phaeopterula, the synonymisation of Deflexula in Pterulicium, and 53 new combinations. Pterula is rendered polyphyletic requiring a reclassification; thus, it is split into Pterula, Myrmecopterula gen. nov., Pterulicium and Phaeopterula. Deflexula is recovered as paraphyletic alongside several Pterula species and Pterulicium, and is sunk into the latter genus. Phaeopterula is reintroduced to accommodate species with darker basidiomes. The neotropical Myrmecopterula gen. nov. forms a distinct clade adjacent to Pterula, and most members of this clade are associated with active or inactive attine ant nests. The resupinate genera Coronicium and Merulicium are recovered in a strongly supported clade close to Pterulicium. The other resupinate genera previously included in Pterulaceae, and which form basidiomes lacking cystidia and with monomitic hyphal structure (Radulomyces, Radulotubus and Aphanobasidium), are reclassified into Radulomycetaceae fam. nov. Allantula is still an enigmatic piece in this puzzle known only from the type specimen that requires molecular investigation. A key for the genera of Pterulaceae and Radulomycetaceae fam. nov. is also provided here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the Finnish aphyllophoroid funga has increased substantially in recent years. In this article, we present two species new to Finland: Spiculogloea subminuta Hauerslev and Typhula suecica I. Olariaga, G. Corriol, I. Salcedo & K. Hansen, and document Sistotrema luteoviride Kotir. & K.-H. Larss. for the third time globally. We also contribute 50 new records of 33 nationally rare species (with a maximum of ten previous records in Finland) and list 52 regionally new species, found for the first time in a certain subzone of the boreal vegetation zone in Finland. Each record is enclosed and contains notes on the substrate. Furthermore, the ecology of the nationally new species and the distribution of rare species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphyllophorales is an unnatural group of fungi, which are mainly wood decaying saprobes but also mycorrhizal or parasites, and are phylogenetically diverse. In this study we focused on polypores, corticioids and hydnaceous wood decayers with the common feature to form basidiocarps on woody substrates or litter. The checklist is mainly based on material collected during 2008–2010 in the Archipelago Sea National Park and its surrounding area in Southwest Finland. The aim of the study was biogeographical and ecological research of wood-inhabiting aphyllophorales and their habitats. We list 303 species from the study area. It is 40% of all known species (756) of the target groups recorded in Finland. Six species new to Finland were collected during the field work, which are already reported earlier. Our collections include 26 species, which can be defined as rare, with only five or less earlier records in Finland, and 18 species that are red-listed.

This paper is the result of an on-going study on distribution and ecology of corticioid woodinhabiting fungi in Sicily. Twenty-five species not previously recorded in Sicily are here listed. For each taxon, ecological and distributional data are provided. Subulicystidium perlongisporum was recorded in Italy for the first time in two localities occurring on Quercus ilex L. wood. Description, distributional and ecological data of this rare taxon are also provided. Dendrophora versiformis and Kavinia alboviridis, considered rare species in Italy and Europe, are included in this report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dataset contains detailed distribution information on several fungal groups. The information has been revised, and in many times compiled, by expert mycologist(s) working on the monographs for the Flora Mycologica Iberica Project (FMI). Records comprise both collection and observational data, obtained from a variety of sources including field work, herbaria, and the literature. The dataset contains 59,235 records, of which 21,393 are georeferenced. These correspond to 2,445 species, grouped in 18 classes. The geographical scope of the dataset is Iberian Peninsula (Continental Portugal and Spain, and Andorra) and Balearic Islands. The complete dataset is available in Darwin Core Archive format via the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

De coletas efetuadas em três remanescentes de Mata Atlântica de Pernambuco, no período de outubro/1997 a setembro/1998, foram identificadas, entre outras espécies de Aphyllophorales, duas espécies que estão sendo referidas pela primeira vez para o Brasil: Phellinus aureobruneus Wright & Blumenfeld e Trichaptum abietinum (Dicks.: Fr) Ryv. Descrições macro e microscópicas, distribuição geográfica, discussão e ilustrações das espécies são fornecidas.Aphyllophorales was collected between October/1997 and September/1998 in three Atlantic Rain Forest remnants in the State of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. Two species are new records for Brazil: Phellinus aureobruneus Wright & Blumenfeld and Trichaptum abietinum (Dicks.: Fr) Ryv. Macro and microscopic descriptions, geographyc distribution, discussion and species illustrations are provided.

De coletas efetuadas em três remanescentes de Mata Atlântica de Pernambuco, no período de outubro/1997 a setembro/1998, foram identificadas, entre outras espécies de Aphyllophorales, duas espécies que estão sendo referidas pela primeira vez para o Brasil: Phellinus aureobruneus Wright & Blumenfeld e Trichaptum abietinum (Dicks.: Fr) Ryv. Descrições macro e microscópicas, distribuição geográfica, discussão e ilustrações das espécies são fornecidas.

Acanthocorticium brueggemannii gen. et sp. nov. is introduced based on specimens from Southern Brazil. This corticioid fungus is characterized by resupinate basidiomes with smooth to tuberculate hymenophore, a monomitic hyphal system with simple-septate hyphae, finely echinulate halocystidia, cylindrical to clavate, dextrinoid acanthophyses, and globose, hyaline, smooth, and thin-walled IKI- basidiospores. Phylogenetic analyses of a LSU data set and a combined data set of ITS and LSU were carried out and the new taxon was found to be related to cyphelloid fungi within the Agaricales. Descriptions and drawings of the microscopic features of A. brueggemannii are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article contributes to the knowledge of Finnish aphyllophoroid funga (mainly polypores and corticioids) with nationally or regionally new species and records of rare species. The record of Tubulicrinopsis cystidiata is the second in the world and Tomentella fuscocinerea is new to Finland. New records are provided for the following species with no more than 10 records in Finland: Antrodia sitchensis, Chaetoporellus curvisporus, Colacogloea peniophorae, Deviodontia pilaecystidiata, Luellia recondita, Phlebia femsioeensis, Phlebia subcretacea, Piloderma lanatum, Plicatura crispa, Polyporus badius, Pycnoporellus alboluteus, Rigidoporus obducens, Skeletocutis ochroalba, Trechispora caucasica, Trechispora laevis, Tretomyces microsporus, Tubulicrinopsis cystidiata, Tulasnella albida and Xylodon nespori. In addition, 49 aphyllophoroid fungi are reported as new to some subzones of the boreal vegetation zone in Finland. The ecology and distribution of some species are discussed and notes on the substrate of each record are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of wild mushrooms were collected in a forest on the Noto Peninsula, Japan, to determine the concentration of Cs and K. The wild mushroom species belong to the orders Agaricales and Aphyllophorales. The concentration of Cs varied widely (1.4-4,100 Bq/kg dry weight) in mushrooms growing in soil. On the contrary, Cs concentration levels were relatively low (1.9-20 Bq/kg-dry weight) in mushrooms growing on wood. The concentration of K varied widely (12-2,400 Bq/kg-dry weight) in contrast with several previous reports that suggest relatively constant K levels in mushrooms. Unusually low concentrations of K were observed in a few mushroom species that had very hard fruiting bodies with peculiar shapes. The mean and median of Cs concentration in the present study were similar to those previously reported for Japanese mushrooms. Among the Agaricales mushrooms, Entolomataceae and Tricholomataceae families growing in soil had the highest concentration of Cs. Among the Aphyllophorales mushrooms, Gomphaceae and Ramariaceae families growing in soil also had the highest Cs concentrations. The concentrations of Cs and stable Cs in mushroom samples were positively correlated. The concentration ratio of Cs/Cs differed between Agaricales and Aphyllophorales mushrooms. The average Cs/Cs ratio in mushrooms growing in soil was similar to that calculated for the top soil (<5 cm deep) alone because the mycelia of the mushrooms were mainly distributed near the surface of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Effects of forest management on wood-inhabiting fungi was studied at 16 forest sites. [•] Corticioid and polyporoid fungi was surveyed from 113,269 dead wood pieces. [•] Study included even the smallest dead wood diameter fractions. [•] Fungal communities differed among forest types and substrate diameter categories. [•] Natural spruce forests were the most species rich and hosted most rare species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three lignicolous macrofungal species, namely, Fomes fomentarius (L.ex Fr.) Fr., Fomitopsis pinicola (Fr.) Kar and Fomes igniarius (L.) Fr. belonging to aphyllophorales, collected from Kishtwar and Bhadarwah regions of district Doda of Jammu province (J&K), India, have been described in the present communication. Their taxonomic details, macro and micro-morphological characters have also been included. Critical microscopic observations and perusal of li terature revealed that Fomes igniarius is new addition to the macrofungal flora of Jammu and Kashmir while as Fomes fomentarius and Fomitopsis pinicola are the first authentic records for the Jammu province.

Nine species of Aphyllophorales from Colombia are described in diagnostic characters. Phellinus rhabarbarianus, Coriolopsis aspera, Junghuhnia nitida, Pachykytospora papiracea, Perenniporia medulla-panis, Polyporus blanchettianus and Tyromyces hydrophilus are new reports in Colombia. Se describen diagnósticamente nueve especies de Afiloforales colombianos, siete de ellas no registradas anteriormente en el país: Phellinus rhabarbarianus, Coriolopsis aspera, Junghuhnia nitida, Pachykytospora papiracea, Perenniporia medulla-panis, Polyporus blanchettianus y Tyromyces hydrophilus.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to characterise the genetic variation and molecular relationships of the brown rot polypore, Laetiporus sulphureus s. lat., from Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, using ITS sequences of the nu-rDNA and by comparing the growth rate in vitro. In a NJ analysis of the sequences of 130 individuals of L. sulphureus s. lat., eight distinct clusters emerged, supported by BS values of 70–100%. Within each cluster, the ITS rDNA sequence variation was below 3%. The sequences were also analysed together with Laetiporus sequences available from GenBank. Results demonstrated the possible presence of L. huroniensis in Europe (invalidly named L. montanus) and L. gilbertsonii in South America, and provided more information on the Pan-American and European distribution of one of the clades, currently known in North America as L. sulphureus. L. conifericola formed a separate distinct clade. Moreover, the analysis revealed two unknown Laetiporus taxa in Korea, one in South Africa, and one in Europe. As L. sulphureus is described from Europe (France), and we show that more than one taxon exist here, it is presently not possible to define L. sulphureus s. str. Certain biological differences between some of the clades (in vitro growth rates, chemical composition, and pigmentation) were demonstrated and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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 µm. The new taxon is compared with other species in the genus and a key to the species of Gloeodontia is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphyllophoraceous fungi are expected to reflect changes in the environmental conditions caused by forest use. To reveal the effects of forest uses on the fungal community structure, we performed a 3-month survey of aphyllophoraceous species in five forest types (undisturbed primary forest, isolated patches of primary forest, old and young fallow forest, and rubber plantations) in Sarawak, Malaysia in 2005. We used a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to reveal the relationships between fungal community composition and the environmental variables (canopy openness, soil water potential, amount and composition of coarse woody debris, litter mass, basal area, plant species composition). A total of 155 samples from 67 species were collected during the study period. The fungal species density represented by the number of species in a transect differed significantly among forest types. The fungal species density increased significantly with increasing number of pieces of coarse woody debris (CWD), but decreased significantly with increasing the scores of second axis of principal component analysis (PCA) for plant species composition. In the CCA ordination, automatic forward selection revealed that only the number of pieces of CWD significantly affected the fungal species composition. The occurrences of Flabellophora licmophora, Coriolopsis retropicta, Microporus vernicipes, and Amauroderma subrugosum were positively correlated with the number of pieces of CWD. Our study clearly demonstrated that forest use negatively affected aphyllophoraceous fungal diversity and suggest that the quantity of CWD would be an important determinant of fungal diversity and composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

103 polypores based on about 300 collections with their hosts are reported from the Altay and Tianshan in Xinjiang Autonomous Region of northwest China. Most of species are new to Xinjiang. Polyporus xinjiangensis is redescribed and illustrated based on a new record of this species, previously known only from the type specimen, which is sterile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of forest management on fungal diversity were investigated by sampling fruit bodies of polyporoid and corticioid fungi in forest stands that have different management histories. Fruit bodies were sampled in 15 northern hardwood stands in northern Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan. Sampling was conducted in five old-growth stands, five uneven-age stands, three even-age unthinned stands and two even-age thinned stands. Plots 100 m x 60 m were established and 3000 m² within each plot was sampled during the summers of 1996 and 1997. A total of 255 polyporoid and corticioid morphological species were identified, 46 (≈ 18%) of which could not be assigned to a described species. Species accumulation curves for sites and management classes differed from straight lines, although variability from year to year suggests that more than 2 y of sampling are needed to characterize annual variation. Mean species richness and diversity index values did not vary significantly by management class, although mean richness on large diameter wood (≥ 15 cm diam) varied with moderate significance. Richness values on small diameter debris varied significantly by year, indicating that a large part of year-to-year variability in total species richness is due to small diameter debris. Ten species had abundance levels that varied by management class. Two of these species, Cystostereum murraii and Rigidoporus crocatus, were most abundant in old-growth and might be good indicators of stands with old-growth characteristics. Oxyporus populinus, an important pathogen of Acer spp., was most abundant in even-age stands. Regression analyses indicated that substrate quality (diameter and species), quantity and management history of the stand were important in predicting the number of occurrences of the five most-abundant species. Changes in the diversity and species composition of the wood-inhabiting fungal community could have significant implications for the diversity, health and productivity of forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antagonistic/antifungal activity of mycelia of wood inhabiting medicinal mushrooms Daedalea quercina, Fomes fomentarius, Ganoderma applanatum, G. lucidum, Laetiporus sulphureus, Piptoporus betulinus (Aphyllophorales) against test-microfungi Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus wentii, Fusarium tricinctum, Penicillium griseofulvum and Microsporum gypseum (potentially pathogenic for humans and animals) have been investigated. The experiment was carried out under dual-culture condition on potatodextrose agar (pH=6, 25°C). Two main types of mycelial interactions between contacting colonies of macro- and filamentous fungi were observed: deadlock (mutual inhibition at the distance or at the contact) and replacement (partial or complete overgrowth after deadlock reaction). The tested micro fungi were overgrown by mushrooms in 68.5%, whereas mutual inhibition was recorded in 31.5% of cases. According to the index of antagonism, P. betulinus and F. fomentarius revealed the highest antifungal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractMost ciids (Ciidae) are strict fungivores specialized on fruit bodies of wood-rotting fungi. The Ciidae includes both specialist and generalist species. Recent evidence suggests that ciids locate and discriminate their potential hosts based mainly on fungal odours. In this study, we investigated the field distribution of ciids in a local woodland near Bath, U.K. We also evaluated experimentally the behavioural responses of ciids to host and non-host fungi in an olfactometer, and explored potential differences in putative aroma compounds in host fungi. Our field data showed that Octotemnus glabriculus, Cis boleti and Cis nitidus have preference for one host species, whereas C. bilamellatus has no preference. The experimental evidence was in accordance with the field observations. The specialists O. glabriculus, C. boleti and C. nitidus were specifically attracted to odour compounds of their preferred host fungi: Coriolus versicolor for the first two beetles and Ganoderma adspersum for the latter one. By contrast, the generalist C. bilamellatus was attracted to odours from C. versicolor, G. adspersum and Piptoporus betulinus. The evidence from this and other published studies suggest that ciids depend mainly on fruit body odours for location and discrimination of their host fungi. In accordance with this, we observed diffierential behavioural responses of ciids to aroma compounds of host and non-host species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have assembled a sequence database for 80 genera of Basidiomycota from the Hymenomycete lineage (sensu Swann & Taylor 1993) for a small region of the mitochondrial large subunit rRNA gene. Our taxonomic sample is highly biased toward known ectomycorrhizal (EM) taxa, but also includes some related saprobic species. This gene fragment can be amplified directly from mycorrhizae, sequenced, and used to determine the family or subfamily of many unknown mycorrhizal basidiomycetes. The method is robust to minor sequencing errors, minor misalignments, and method of phylogenetic analysis. Evolutionary inferences are limited by the small size and conservative nature of the gene fragment. Nevertheless two interesting patterns emerge: (i) the switch between ectomycorrhizae and saprobic lifestyles appears to have happened convergently several and perhaps many times; and (ii) at least five independent lineages of ectomycorrhizal fungi are characterized by very short branch lengths. We estimate that two of these groups radiated in the mid-Tertiary, and we speculate that these radiations may have been caused by the expanding geographical range of their host trees during this period. The aligned database, which will continue to be updated, can be obtained from the following site on the WorldWide Web: http://mendel.berkeley.edu/boletus.html. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proterospores are formed exclusively at the beginning of the sporulation period and independently of abiotic factors. They differ both morphologically and physiologically from other spores developed later by the same fruit-body. As seen in Ganoderma, proterospores germinate readily, whereas other spores must first pass through a fly larva gut. These proterospores are therefore well adapted to dispersal by air, the other spores, however, to dispersal by animals. In this respect, ontogenesis appears to recapitulate phylogeny. A comparative study of proterospores should further clarify systematic relationships within the fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various nitrogen and carbon sources were examined as inducers of the production of endoxylanase and β-xylosidase by Trametes trogii. T. trogii grown on xylan plus crystalline cellulose provided supernatants with the highest enzymatic activities. Organic nitrogen sources (especially asparagine and casamino acids) were the best for enzyme production. The increase in xylan concentration stimulated endoxylanase production whereas significant differences were not attained in β-xylosidase production with more than 5g xylan/l in the culture medium. pH 4.0 was optimal for endoxylanase production, while β-xylosidase production was maximum at pH 5.5. Temperatures in the range of 23–28°C stimulated enzyme production. The endoxylanase activity in the crude culture filtrate was greatest at 50°C and pH around 5.0. The optimum pH and temperature for β-xylosidase activity were 5.5 and 50°C respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]