Mating biology in Peniophora cinerea (Basidiomycetes)

Abstract

Mating tests were performed to analyze the genetic relationship between two intersterile sibling species in Peniophora cinerea (Fr.) Cooke in Europe. Two newly collected specimens from North Europe were found to be compatible with both sibling species, which strongly suggests a close genetic relationship and a sterility barrier of simple genetic origin. The two sibling species, which differ in their substrate selectivity, are accepted as subspecies. One subspecies is restricted to decorticated wood of Fagus, and occasionally the fruit bodies are associated with insect galls. Intersterility was also found in some combinations with two other specimens from Canada and Turkey, but no linkage was found with a particular substrate. Specimens from Taiwan were found to be partially compatible with specimens from Europe, Turkey, and Canada. Distinct differences between the subspecies were found in banding patterns from isoelectric focusing of buffer-soluble mycelial proteins. It is proposed that the kind of intersterility found here is intraspecific and should be looked upon as part of a propagation strategy. Key words: speciation, evolution, Basidiomycetes, isoelectric focusing, insect gall, mating test.