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In this study we review recent collections and historical records of epigeous members of the Pezizales formerly placed in the large, heterogenous genus Peziza from temperate southern South America. Recent analyses using molecular phylogenetic methods allow placement of these species in several previously described genera in recognition of the heterogeneity of Peziza. We include species in nine genera, describe one new species (Peziza gamundiae sp. nov.), and propose one new combination (Phylloscypha nothofageti comb. nov.). We also demonstrate that Pustularia microspora is a synonym of the previously described taxon Peziza pseudosylvestris. Our purpose is to draw attention to these taxa in order to promote their collection and study in a modern framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychoactive mushrooms in the genus Psilocybe have immense cultural value and have been used for centuries in Mesoamerica. Despite the recent surge of interest in these mushrooms due to the psychotherapeutic potential of their natural alkaloid psilocybin, their phylogeny and taxonomy remain substantially incomplete. Moreover, the recent elucidation of the psilocybin biosynthetic gene cluster is known for only five of ~165 species of Psilocybe, four of which belong to only one of two major clades. We set out to improve the phylogeny of Psilocybe using shotgun sequencing of fungarium specimens, from which we obtained 71 metagenomes including from 23 types, and conducting phylogenomic analysis of 2,983 single-copy gene families to generate a fully supported phylogeny. Molecular clock analysis suggests the stem lineage of Psilocybe arose ~67 mya and diversified ~56 mya. We also show that psilocybin biosynthesis first arose in Psilocybe, with 4 to 5 possible horizontal transfers to other mushrooms between 40 and 9 mya. Moreover, predicted orthologs of the psilocybin biosynthetic genes revealed two distinct gene orders within the biosynthetic gene cluster that corresponds to a deep split within the genus, possibly a signature of two independent acquisitions of the cluster within Psilocybe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of international sustainability policies currently in negotiation will shape biodiversity conservation for decades to come. However, discussions of current sustainability policy have a huge blind spot: the absence of Fungi, one of the eukaryotic Kingdoms. Wild fungi are a key component of natural ecosystems (e.g., through parasitic symbiosis), maintain soil fertility by decomposing organic matter, and facilitate uptake of water and nutrients through mycorrhizal association with plant roots, enhancing carbon sequestration. Moreover, the harvest, use, and trade of wild fungi are essential economic and cultural activities, supporting livelihoods and providing food and medicinal ingredients. Still, the sustainability of wild fungi use is hard to assess because there is a lack of attention from research, legislation, and society at large. Here, we present a way forward for including wild fungi in international sustainability policy. We layout four key steps to foster a much‐needed policy and societal transformation: acknowledge the existence of Fungi as an independent Kingdom; tailor sustainability policy targets to include Fungi; implement comprehensive monitoring of wild fungi status and trends; and promote responsible use of wild fungi as a livelihood opportunity in rural areas. These steps can facilitate a transition toward better recognizing, valuing, and conserving the ecosystem services wild fungi provide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Callophyllis variegata is a red alga that has been exported to Japan as an edible seaweed over the past few years. Available data strongly suggest that after a few years of exploitation of the C. variegata stands in southern Chile, a decline of its abundance seems to be occurring. However, there is not sufficient knowledge available to sustain harvesting strategies or to develop cultivation techniques. This study describes the C. variegata landings in the south of Chile and also provides some basic data on the biology of this species. Experiments related to the cultivation of early developmental stages, frond cultivation under controlled conditions and the regeneration capacity of the holdfast of this red alga are also presented. Spore production occurs mainly in autumn and winter and survival of carpospores decreased as the temperature increased from 8 to 12°C. Survival of tetraspores increased significantly, from 50 to 60% to over 80%, when temperature was raised from 8 to 12°C. Carpospore survival was also significantly affected by the photon flux density. This effect was mainly at 8°C, whereas at 33 µmol m−2 s−1 the survival of the spores is always low. The cultivation of apical portions of C. variegata under laboratory conditions showed that lower temperatures (8°C) significantly increased growth. Salinity and photon flux density did not have an effect on specific growth rate. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that holdfasts can regenerate fronds and that these fronds can be excised and cultivated, and are far more tolerant to environmental factors than the apical portions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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