Taxonomy of the Rhizopogon vinicolorspecies complex based on analysis of ITS sequences and microsatellite loci

We are re-addressing species concepts in the Rhizopogon vinicolorspecies complex (Boletales, Basidiomycota) using sequence data from the internal-transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal repeat, as well as genotypic data from five microsatellite loci. The R. vinicolorspecies complex by our definition includes, but is not limited to, collections referred to as R. vinicolorSmith, R. diabolicusSmith, R. ochraceisporusSmith, R. parvulusSmith or R. vesiculosusSmith. Holo- and/or paratype material for the named species is included. Analyses of both ITS sequences and microsatellite loci separate collections of the R. vinicolorspecies complex into two distinct clades or clusters, suggestive of two biological species that subsequently are referred to as R. vinicolorsensu Kretzer et al and R. vesiculosussensu Kretzer et al. Choice of the latter names, as well as morphological characters, are discussed.