Basidiocarp Morphology Research Articles

Taxonomy and ecology of Physisporinus forming synnema-like structures in freshwater environments

ABSTRACT Since 2011, we have collected fungi that form synnema-like structures (SSs) bearing many acanthophyses at the apex on water-splashed wood in streams in various regions of Japan. A provisional phylogenetic analysis of strains isolated from SSs based on their nrDNA sequences implied affinity with Physisporinus (Polyporales, Basidiomycota). However, it has not been reported that this genus forms SSs in freshwater habitats. We found a fungus forming not only SSs on the water-boundary part of wood but also resupinate basidiocarps with poroid hymenophores on nonsubmerged parts, and the morphological characteristics of the basidiocarps matched those of Physisporinus. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between SS-forming fungi and their sexual states by taxonomic approaches. Phylogenetic analyses based on nrDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) sequences indicated that SS-forming fungi diverged into five clades in Physisporinus. Each clade was discriminated by the color of SSs, morphology of acanthophyses, and cultural characteristics. Of the five clades, Clade 1, which consisted only of sequences of strains isolated from SSs and basidiocarps produced on rhizomorphs, was closely related to P. eminens and P. undatus, but the morphology of basidiocarps and the manner of basidiocarp development differed. Clade 5 was closely related to P. castanopsidis, P. crocatus, P. pouzarii, P. sanguinolentus, P. subcrocatus, P. tibeticus, and P. vitreus, but the basidiocarp morphology differed. Therefore, Clades 1 and 5 were described as two new species. Regarding Clades 2, 3, and 4, further taxonomic studies with additional specimens are required. SS and acanthophysis formation in wet habitats in streams and in culture could be recognized as new taxonomic and ecological characters of Physisporinus.

Diversity, Distribution and Morphological Characterization of Wild Macro Fungi from Gajni Forest

Survey on macro fungi was made in Gajni forest, Sherpur, Bangladesh which is located in between 24°18' and 25°18' north latitudes and in between 89°53' and 90°91' east longitudes. It is bounded by Meghalaya state of India on the north, Mymensingh and Jamalpur districts on the south with a wide range of ecosystem. The survey was conducted on July to December, 2018 to identify and preserve wood-rot causal macro fungi for future industrial utilization. Morphology of basidiocarp and characteristics of basidiospore were recorded. A total of 20 samples were collected and identified to 12 species belonging 7 families. Dominant species was Ganoderma species. The identified four species were from Ganodermataceae family and these were G. applanatum, G. lucidum, G. tropicum and G. lobetum. Other dominant genus was Russula. Other recorded genera were Hebeloma, Boletus, Phlebopus and Entoloma. Among them the highest frequency (85.72%) was recorded for G. applanatum and lowest frequency (7.14%) was recorded for Phlebopus marginatus. Similarly highest density (20.25%) was recorded for Agaricus sp. followed by G. lucidum (15.85%). The lowest density was (2.14%) was recorded for Phlebopus marginatus. Collected specimens were preserved in Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Herberium of Macro fungi (SHMF) for further study.

Distinguishing commercially grown Ganoderma lucidum from Ganoderma lingzhi from Europe and East Asia on the basis of morphology, molecular phylogeny, and triterpenic acid profiles

In China and other countries of East Asia, so-called Ling-zhi or Reishi mushrooms are used in traditional medicine since several centuries. Although the common practice to apply the originally European name ‘Ganoderma lucidum’ to these fungi has been questioned by several taxonomists, this is still generally done in recent publications and with commercially cultivated strains. In the present study, two commercially sold strains of ‘G. lucidum’, M9720 and M9724 from the company Mycelia bvba (Belgium), are compared for their fruiting body (basidiocarp) morphology combined with molecular phylogenetic analyses, and for their secondary metabolite profile employing an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESIMS) in combination with a high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). According to basidiocarp morphology, the strain M9720 was identified as G. lucidum s.str. whereas M9724 was determined as Ganoderma lingzhi. In molecular phylogenetic analyses, the M9720 ITS and beta-tubulin sequences grouped with sequences of G. lucidum s.str. from Europe whereas those from M9724 clustered with sequences of G. lingzhi from East Asia. We show that an ethanol extract of ground basidiocarps from G. lucidum (M9720) contains much less triterpenic acids than found in the extract of G. lingzhi (M9724). The high amount of triterpenic acids accounts for the bitter taste of the basidiocarps of G. lingzhi (M9724) and of its ethanol extract. Apparently, triterpenic acids of G. lucidum s.str. are analyzed here for the first time. These results demonstrate the importance of taxonomy for commercial use of fungi.

Tomentella brunneoincrustata, the first described species of the Pisonieae-associated Neotropical Tomentella clade, and phylogenetic analysis of the genus in Mexico

The /tomentella-thelephora lineage is one of the most highly dominant clades among ectomycorrhizal communities worldwide. Despite its importance as a root symbiont, its fruit bodies are inconspicuous and rarely found. Knowledge regarding the diversity of Tomentella in the Neotropics is scarce, and is based largely on environmental samples. Here, we describe a new species, Tomentella brunneoincrustata, including its basidiocarp morphology, mycorrhizal anatomy, and ecology. Because knowledge of Tomentella in Mexico is scarce, we provide the first phylogenetic analysis of this genus in the country. We sequenced the nrITS region of the fungal samples, and sequenced the rbcL and trnL regions to identify the host plant. The phylogenetic analyses were conducted by Bayesian inference. The Bayesian analysis showed that several paraphyletic clades within the lineage /tomentella-thelephora are associated with Pisonieae present across tropical regions of the world. However, the ectomycorrhizae sequences from Puerto Rico, Florida, Dominica, and Mexico constituted a well-supported monophyletic clade that we denote as the “Pisonieae-associated Neotropical Tomentella clade”. Within this clade, T. brunneoincrustata was characterized as follows: a thin crustose, strongly attached to the substrate basidiome; concolorous subiculum, undifferentiated and sterile margin; two types of subiculum hyphae; and small (<8 μm) globose to ellipsoid spores. This species develops in tropical dry forests, where it associates with hosts in the Pisonieae tribe within the Nyctaginaceae. The remaining Tomentella fruit body vouchers collected in temperate forests of Mexico belonged to clades related to T. atramentaria, T. pilosa, T. muricata, T. fuscocinerea, T. stuposa, T. punicea, T. atroarenicolor, T. bryophila, and T. lateritia. Five fruit body vouchers had unique sequences forming independent and unknown clades of Tomentella.

Armillaria ectypa, a rare fungus of mire in Poland

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Armillaria ectypa&lt;/em&gt; is a saprotroph that occurs on active raised bogs and alkaline fens, as well as Aapa mires and transitional bogs. It is a very rare and threatened Eurasian species and one of the 33 fungal species proposed for inclusion into the Bern Convention. Its distribution in Poland, ecological notes and morphology of basidiocarp based on Polish specimens are presented.&lt;/p&gt;

Exploring the phylogenetic affiliations and the trophic mode of Sedecula pulvinata (Sedeculaceae)

Sedecula is a monotypic genus of hypogeous fungi that is rare and endemic to dry conifer forests of the western United States. The only known species, Sedecula pulvinata, was described in 1941 and its taxonomic placement and trophic status have remained uncertain ever since. Here we employ isotopic and molecular phylogenetic analyses to determine its nutritional mode and placement on the fungal tree of life. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that S. pulvinata is closely related to the genus Coniophora, in Coniophoraceae (Boletales). Stable isotope comparisons with known ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi together with phylogenetic evidence also suggest that S. pulvinata is saprotrophic. We conclude that Sedecula likely represents a unique morphological transition between a resupinate basidiocarp morphology (in Coniophora and relatives) and a hypogeous, sequestrate basidiocarp morphology (in Sedecula). Spore dimensions are amended from the original description.

Phylogenetic relationships among biological species of Armillaria from China

Fourteen Chinese Biological Species (CBS) of Armillaria were previously identified in a collection of Chinese isolates. CBS C, F, G, H, J, L, N and O remained unnamed, while the remaining isolates included A. borealis, A. cepistipes, A. gallica, A. mellea, A. sinapina and A. tabescens. CBS F was suggested to represent A. singula based on basidiocarp morphology. In this study, phylogenetic relationships between Chinese Armillaria isolates and those from other parts of the world were determined based on DNA sequence data. Results of this study suggest that CBS F might not represent A. singula, and that A. monadelpha (a name applied to the North American form of A. tabescens by some authors) and A. tabescens should be treated as a single species. Four main phylogenetic lineages, referred to as the A. ostoyae, A. gallica, A. tabescens and A. mellea clusters, were identified on the phylogenetic trees. The unnamed biological species grouped within the “A. gallica cluster” and were phylogenetically closely related. The results of this study contribute to our current understanding of the systematics of Armillaria from South East Asia where these fungi are relatively poorly known.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of wood-inhabiting hydnoid species in Russulales: two new genera, three new species and two new combinations

Russulales comprises a highly diverse group of species with respect to basidiocarp morphology and hymenophore type. We reconstructed evolutionary histories of Russulales using ITS and nLSU rDNA sequence data with an emphasis on phylogeny of wood-inhabiting hydnoid species in this order. Based on the combination of morphological and molecular evidence, two new genera, three new species and two new combinations are proposed. Dentipellis microspora and D. coniferarum, newly described, were placed outside Hericiaceae but are provisionally treated in Dentipellis due to their morphological similarity to the generic type. Dentipellis leptodon and D. taiwaniana are transferred to the new genus Dentipellicula as D. leptodon and D. taiwaniana, which is designated as the generic type. The new genus Dentipellopsis was erected to accommodate a newly described species D. dacrydicola. Characters are provided in a generic key to distinguish Dentipellicula, Dentipellis and Dentipellopsis that morphologically are highly similar in addition to a key to the current species in Dentipellis. A new species of Gloeodontia was described based on both molecular and morphological data, and a key to this genus also is provided.

Biodiversity in wood-decay macro-fungi associated with declining arid zone trees of India as revealed by nuclear rDNA analysis

Wood-decay macro-fungi have been reported to be a major cause of decline of arid zone trees in the genera Acacia, Prosopis, Ziziphus and Azadirachta; the identity of these fungi, however, has not been confirmed in the state of Rajasthan in northwestern India. Direct sequencing of PCR amplified ITS regions of rDNA facilitated molecular identification of 26 isolates into species in eight genera (Ganoderma, Inonotus, Phellinus, Ceriporia, Schizophyllum, Phanerochaete, Pleurotus, Leucoagaricus) and one incompletely characterized Basidiomycota species. In addition to intra-specific phenotypic variations in basidiocarp morphology, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were recorded among isolates of P. pulmonarius, S. commune, G. lucidum and Ganoderma species. Both SNPs and insertions/deletions (INDELS) were recorded amongst Inonotus species. A phylogram based on multiple sequence alignment delineated all isolates into separate intra-specific subgroups along with their GenBank reference sequences with high bootstrap values. Phellinus repandus, L. meleagris, C. lacerata and three Inonotus species (I. rickii, I. patouillardii, and I. porrectus) reported herein are new fungal records from India.

Phylogenetic relationships among species of Ganoderma (Ganodermataceae, Basidiomycota) from Cameroon

Ganoderma is an important genus of the Polyporales in the tropics. Identification of tropical species has mainly been based on morphology, which has led to misidentification. This study aimed to elucidate the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Ganoderma isolates from different hosts in Cameroon using morphological and molecular techniques. Analyses of basidiocarp morphology and the internal transcribed spacer and mitochondria small subunit were undertaken for 28 isolates from five plant species. The results show that the isolates belong to eight species. Three of the species were identified to species level; of these only G. ryvardense has been previously described from Cameroon while G. cupreum and G. weberianum are new records. The five remaining species did not match with any previously described species and have been designated as Ganoderma with different species affinities.

Natural infection of an herbaceous host by Armillaria: a case study on Hemerocallis †

Symptoms of Armillaria root rot were observed on the herbaceous ornamental, Hemerocallis sp. (daylily), in a residential area in Walhalla, South Carolina, which was surrounded by dense, hardwood forest that also contained diseased hosts. Our objectives were to describe a natural occurrence of Armillaria root rot on daylily, a newly discovered host for the pathogen, and to characterize the Armillaria species involved. To characterize the Armillaria species collected from daylily, we used all available methods, including both traditional (sexual compatibility tests, basidiome morphology) and molecular (phylogenetic analyses of rDNA internal transcribed spacer, ITS, and intergenic spacer I, IGS-I) approaches. The presence of rhizomorphs in the topsoil of daylily beds and on the roots of symptomatic daylilies, coupled with our finding of identical ITS1 sequences among isolates originating from each of a rhizomorph, a daylily, and a neighbouring dogwood, suggests that Armillaria rhizomorphs had spread from native hosts to infect the daylilies. Basidiocarp morphology and basidiospore size best matched that documented for A. gallica. However, rDNA sequence analysis and sexual compatibility were not 100% conclusive. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences revealed that the unknown Armillaria isolates were most closely related to A. calvescens and A. gallica. Analysis of IGS-I sequences was even less informative, grouping our isolates with A. cepistipes, A. gallica and A. sinapina. Sexual compatibility (mating) tests revealed that haploid isolates from daylily were compatible with three of the A. gallica tester isolates, but also one of the A. calvescens tester isolates. Our findings suggest a possible southerly distribution and expanded host range for A. gallica, and raise further questions about the Armillaria species concept as it pertains to the two closely related species, A. calvescens and A. gallica.

Sequence analyses of the 28S rRNA gene D1/D2 region suggest Dacrymyces (Heterobasidiomycetes, Dacrymycetales) is polyphyletic

For the purpose of determining phylogenetic relationships within the Dacrymycetales, we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the 28S rRNA gene D1/D2 region using neighbor-joining and maximum-likelihood methods. Although the phylogenetic relationships at higher taxonomic levels were not resolved, we obtained some new information about inter- and intrageneric relationships in this order. Dacrymyces punctiformis formed a clade with Cerinomyces spp., and D. stillatus, D. minor, D. chrysospermus, and D. subalpinus constituted a clade with Guepiniopsis buccina. These clades and other Dacrymyces species were scattered over the Dacrymycetales lineage. The results suggest that Dacrymyces is polyphyletic. Our study suggests that basidiocarp morphology has limited taxonomic value at the generic or familial level and that there is a need for a taxonomic reassessment of this order, including a redescription of Dacrymyces.

Identification of the Armillaria root rot pathogen in Ethiopian plantations

SummaryArmillaria root rot is a well‐known disease on a wide range of plants, world‐wide. In Ethiopia, the disease has previously been reported on Pinus spp., Coffea arabica and on various native hardwoods. The causal agent of the disease has been attributed to Armillaria mellea, a species now known to represent a complex of many different taxa. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of Armillaria root rot and the identity of the Armillaria sp. in Ethiopian plantations. As part of a plantation disease survey in 2000 and 2001, samples were collected in plantations at and around Munessa Shashemene, Wondo Genet, Jima, Mizan and Bedele, in south and south‐western Ethiopia. Basidiocarps were collected and their morphology studied. Morphological identification was confirmed by sequencing the intergenic spacer (IGS‐1) region of the ribosomal rRNA operon and comparing data with published sequences of Armillaria spp. Armillaria isolates were collected from Acacia abyssinica, Pinus patula, Cedrela odorata and Cordia alliodora trees. Sporocarps were found on stumps of native Juniperus excelsa. Basidiocarp morphology and sequence data suggested that the fungus in Ethiopia is similar to that causing disease of Pinus spp. in South Africa and previously identified as A. fuscipes. This identification was confirmed for all isolates, based on sequence data. Armillaria fuscipes is known to be common in southern Africa. Its widespread occurrence in Ethiopia suggests that it is also the major cause of Armillaria root rot in that country.

Studies on Eight Species of Polypores from Taiwan

Eight species of polypores (Aphyllophorales) from Taiwan are studied on the basis of basidiocarp morphology and cultural characteristics: They are Antrodiella liebmannii, Inonotus rickii, Oligoporus lowei, Rigidoporus lineatus, R. vinctus, Skeletocutis liacina, Trichaptum durum, and T. fuscoviolaceum. All except R. lineatus and R. vinctus are new records for Taiwan.

Morphological and RAPD analyses of Cyathus olla from crop residue

Cyathus olla (Nidulariaceae), a bird's nest fungus, has the potential of being developed into a microbial inoculant aimed at reducing the incidence of stubble-borne diseases of canola. Isolates were cultured from field collected specimens and also obtained from culture collections for morphological and molecular studies. Initial examination of basidiocarps showed much variation among the various collections, and identified morphological characters that conflicted with the present taxonomic description of the species. Based on these observations, all field collected accessions were characterized on the basis of basidiocarp morphology. PCR-based RAPD analysis distinguished among accessions, and UPGMA analysis generated a dendrogram consisting of three distantly branched groups. Morphological and RAPD data supported the distinction of a new form of C. olla which is described as C. olla f. brodiensis.

Morphological and RAPD Analyses of Cyathus olla from Crop Residue

Cyathus olla (Nidulariaceae), a bird's nest fungus, has the potential of being developed into a microbial inoculant aimed at reducing the incidence of stubble-borne diseases of canola. Isolates were cultured from field collected specimens and also obtained from culture collections for morphological and molecular studies. Initial examination of basidiocarps showed much variation among the various collections, and identified morphological characters that conflicted with the present taxonomic description of the species. Based on these observations, all field collected accessions were characterized on the basis of basidiocarp morphology. PCR-based RAPD analysis distinguished among accessions, and UPGMA analysis generated a dendrogram consisting of three distantly branched groups. Morphological and RAPD data supported the distinction of a new form of C. olla which is described as C. olla f. brodiensis.

Cultural Studies on theFomitopsis RoseaComplex

Cultural studies confirmed the separation of seven species of the Fomitopsis rosea complex. These fungi are all brown-rotters, and can be placed three groups according to their optimum temperature for growth. Decay tests showed that Fomitopsis feei and F. lilacino-gilva reported only on hardwoods are also capable of decaying conifers in vitro. A heterothallic, bipolar mating system was demonstrated for F. feei. Vegetative incompatibility was found when pairing dikaryons of different isolates of the same species. The Fomitopsis rosea complex contains 7 species: F. cajanderi (Karst.) Kotl. et Pouz., F. carnea (Blume et Ness) Imaz., F. cupreo-rosea (Berk.) Carranza et Gilbn., F. dochmia (Berk. et Br.) Ryv., F. feei (Fr.) Kreisel, F. lilacino-gilva (Berk.) Wright et Desch., and F. rosea (Alb. et Schw.: Fr.) Karst. The interrelations among members of this complex have been difficult to establish due to the common sterility of specimens, especially tropical ones. A taxonomic analysis based on basidiocarp morphology has been presented another paper (Carranza-Morse and Gilbertson, 1986). Cultural studies (morphology, temperature responses, and sexual behavior) have been suggested by many authors (Campbell, 1938; McKay, 1959; Snell et al., 1928) as a tool the identification of fungi whose taxonomic position is uncertain or when basidiocarps or hymenial structures are absent. Temperature studies on members of this complex have been carried out by Snell (1922), who reported an optimum of 30 C for growth of F. rosea [as Fomes roseus (Alb. et Schw.: Fr.) Cooke]. Snell et al. (1928) compared growth rates of three rose-colored polypores at different temperatures: F. rosea (as Fomes roseus) with an optimum of 26-28 C (2.5-3.0 cm/wk); F. cajan

Fine Structures of the Fungal Septa on Varieties of Basidiomycetes

SUMMARYIn this work the authors limite their researches to species belonging to several genera of superclass Homobasidiomycia (MOORE 1978) and to some species belonging to Dacrymycetales that is considered a thorough order towards the class Holobasidiomycetes. All the species considered here possess dolipores with well defined pore caps which may be perforate or imperforate but the differences in dolipore ultrastructures cannot contribute to clarify the taxonomy of Basidiomycetes but not in conjunction with other characters and functions, as basidiocarp morphology and so on.

Induced cytological aberrancies in basidiocarp morphology of Schizophyllum commune Fr.

Compatible strains of Schizophyllum commune Fr. were grown on a minimal medium with adjustments in the CO2 level and the carbon source. Acetate with glucose initiated reduced stipes and pilei of fruit-bodies, and changed lamellar cell structure. Sealed growth chambers increased CO2 levels and inhibited basidiocarp formation while growth of dense hyphal aggregates in the dikaryotic mycelium was stimulated.

Poria Luteoalba and Some Related Species in North America

Poria luteoalaba (Karst.) Sacc, P. eupora Karst., and P. rixosa Karst. have been generally considered to be closely related because of similarity in basidiocarp morphology. One other closely related species, P. radula Pers. ex Fr., occurs in North America, but cultures of this species have not been obtained. Bondarzew and Singer (9) have placed P. eupora, P. rixosa, and P. radula in the genus Chaetoporus Karst. em. Bond., which is described as lacking clamp connections. In 1953, Bon? darzew (8) proposed a new genus, Chaetoporellus, which he described as similar to Chaetoporus but having clamp connections and in which he placed P. luteoalba. Christiansen (12) proposed the new combination Chaetoporus luteoalbus (Karst.) Christiansen. Domanski (16) includes these three species in the genus Chaetoporus but considers P. luteoalba to be a synonym of C. variecolor (Karst.) Parm. (basionym: Physisporus variecolor Karst., in Thuem., Mycotheca Univ., Cent. XIX, No. 1803. 1881). Our studies of these species show a very similar dimitic hyphal system in all three, with nodose-septate generative hyphae and aseptate skeletal hyphae readily discernible. Other characters shared by these three species are the thick-walled, often incrusted hymenial cystidia, and an associated white rot. Other species that have been placed in Chaetoporus [i.e., Poria ambigua Bres., P. corticola (Fr.) Cke., P. pearsonii Pilat, and P. subacida (Pk.) Sacc] do not show close relationship to the three species treated here, having in com? mon only the cystidia, but difrering markedly in spore and hyphal char? acters. Until a better understanding of the relationship of these species to other resupinate polypores is developed, we prefer to use the older generic name, Poria. The three species studied are apparently slash-rotting organisms, found only on dead timber. There are no records of any association with heart-rot in living trees. All three are cosmopolitan species in the North Temperate Zone and are widely distributed in North America. Poria luteoalba and P. rixosa are found on coniferous wood, and P. eupora, with rare exceptions, occurs on angiosperms. 827