Hypholoma Capnoides Research Articles

BEECH FORESTS OF THE "VYZHNYTSKYI NATIONAL NATURAL PARK": CURRENT SANITARY CONDITION AND PROBLEMS OF PRESERVATION

The beech primeval forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park are a unique cultural heritage and play a special role for the Carpathian region and Ukraine as a whole, therefore they are strictly protected in the territories of the nature reserve fund, performing ecological, educational and scientific-cognitive functions. In this regard, monitoring the current state of the beech forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park and highlighting the problem of their preservation becomes relevant. In the course of conducting research, classical and modern methods of forestry research were used, as well as specific methods of phytosanitary monitoring and comparative ecology. The massif of primeval beech forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park is characterized by a remarkable diversity of fungi. We identified fruiting bodies of wood-destroying fungi on the trunks of beech trees: Fomes fomentarius (L. ex Fr.) Gill., Daedalea quercina L. ex Fr., Phellinus igniarius (L.: Fr.) Quel, Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.: Fr.) Bond. et Sing., Coriolus versicolor (L.) Quél., Stereum hirsutum (Willd.) Pers., Daldinia concentrica (Bolton) Ces. & De Not., Аrmillariella mellea (Vahl) P.Karst., and Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P.Kumm. Groups of Coprinus micaceus (Fr.) and Hypholoma capnoides (Fr. ex Fr.) Kumm were noted near rotten beech stumps. We also came across a unique find the invasive red-listed Clathrus archeri (Berk.) Dring. In the course of surveys, fruiting bodies of typical representatives of the marsupial class Xylaria polymorpha (Pers.) Grev., and Xylaria hypoxylon (L.: Fr.) Grev). Representatives of xylophilic ascomycetes were identified on the dead trunk of a European beech Bisporella citrina (Batsch) Korf et S.E. Carp. Symptoms of dieback of central shoots and side branches, dieback of European beech bark, which is directly related to the vital activity of Nectria ditissima Tul., were recorded. & C.Tul. Cumulative manifestations of infectious and non-infectious pathologies were noted. The problems of preserving the beech forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park should include: intensive and uncontrolled economic activity; irresponsible behavior of tourists (arson, mechanical damage, littering, poaching, etc.); construction of highways and tourist centers in the immediate vicinity of primeval forests; damage to forest stands due to atmospheric air pollution, climate change; significant spread of pests or pathogens of forest diseases; danger of forest fires; recreational load and livestock grazing. Given the role and importance of the beech forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park, a comprehensive study of the forest systems is necessary to preserve these unique resources.

<i>In vitro</i> influence on fibrinolysis parameters of aqueous extracts of mushrooms growing on woody plants

Introduction. Various compounds of mushroom extracts are of interest as a source of new active pharmaceutical substances with antithrombotic activity.Aim. The aim of the work is to determine the potential antithrombotic activity in vitro of aqueous extracts of xylotrophic mushrooms: Lentinula edodes, Pholiota squarrosa, Flammulina velutipes (Curtis) Signer, Kuehneromyces mutabilis, Armillaria cepistipes, Armillaria borealis, Hypholoma capnoides, Lentinellus cochleatus, Léccinum aurantíacum, Pleurotus ostreatus.Materials and methods. The study of fibrinolytic activity of water extracts of mushrooms in vitro was carried out. The effect of test objects on plasminogen activation, on the activity of enzyms of the fibrinolysis system α2-antiplasmin, on the time of euglobulin clot lysis and on the concentration of fibrinogen was evaluated. For the analysis we used reagent kits of SPD «RENAM» and LLC Company «Тechnology-Standard» (Russia).Results and discussion. Pronounced antithrombotic activity is demonstrated by an aqueous extract of L. edodes and fractions of aqueous extract. Extracts of L. edodes affect all studied parameters of fibrinolysis to varying degrees. Caps and stems of P. squarrosa, K. mutabilis, and F. velutipes aqueous extracts and fractions of aqueous extracts also demonstrate antithrombotic (fibrinolytic) activity in vitro, having a statistically significant effect on various parameters of fibrinolysis. A less pronounced effect on fibrinolysis parameters in comparison with the above samples is observed when using an aqueous extract of L. cochleatus marked. A. cepistipes, A. borealis, H. capnoides, L. aurantiacum, P. ostreatus fruiting bodies aqueous extracts do not affect the studied parameters of fibrinolysis and the concentration of fibrinogen.Conclusion. The data obtained make it possible to recommend extracts from L. edodes, F. velutipes, P. squarrosa and K. mutabilis for further study, for example, in order to develop functional food products for cardiovascular diseases or to create antithrombotic drugs.

Sesquiterpenoid derivatives isolated from a liquid culture of Hypholoma capnoides 819

Nine previously undescribed sesquiterpenoids, named as capnoidones A–G (1–6 and 8) and capnoidols A and B (7 and 9), along with three known sesquiterpenoids, fascicularones A, B, and G (12, 11 and 10), were isolated from the fermentation products of the mushroom Hypholoma capnoides 819 (Strophariace). The structures of these compounds were determined through MS and NMR experiments along with electronic circular dichroism analysis. Optical rotation calculations and X-ray diffraction experiments were also conducted for confirmation of the structures. Compounds 1 and 4 displayed mild cytotoxicity towards BV2 microglial cells in mice, while compound 4 exhibited mild cytotoxicity against breast cancer MCF-7 cells. However, none of the compounds demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli.

Assessment of utilized species of macrofungi and evaluation of mycochemical composition and bioactive properties of Phellinus robiniae collected from Benguet Province, Philippines

Macrofungi have long been used as food, medicine and other purposes. Several studies have been conducted on various macrofungi, however little is known about the wild useful macrofungi from the mountainous areas in the Philippines. Therefore, this study was conducted to document the diversity of wild utilized macrofungi in Kabayan, Benguet to come up with the species listing of wild utilized macrofungi in the area and assessment of the mycochemical composition, anti-oxidant activity and cytotoxic property of the basidiocarps of Phellinus robiniae. Seven wild utilized macrofungi were documented, all were identified morphologically, while four were subjected through molecular techniques to confirm identity; of the 7 mushrooms identified, five are edible (Hypholoma capnoides, Lentinula lateritia, Tremella fuciformis, Tremella mesenterica and Albatrellus confluens) and two are medicinal (Heterobasidion annosum and Phellinus robiniae). The identified mushrooms were: Hypholoma capnoides 92% (MF511082), Lentinula lateritia 99% (AF031192), Tremella fuciformis 94% (KY105682), Albatrellus confluens, Heterobasidion annosum 97% (KU645332), Tremella mesenterica and Phellinus robiniae. Assessment of bioactive properties of P. robiniae showed that the basidiocarp contains eleven bio-active secondary metabolites (essential oils, phenols, sugars, triterpenes, coumarines, anthraquinones, anthrones, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and steroids). This study also revealed that P. robiniae exhibited anti-oxidant activity with a DPPH radical scavenging activity of 34.59% and a total phenolic content of 49.42 mg GAE/g. Moreover, the ethanolic extract of P. robiniae showed an LC50 of 328.05 ppm which is considered as moderately toxic. This study provides baseline information on the utilized species of wild mushrooms that are found in the area.

EXTRACTIVE SUBSTANCES OF SAPROTROPHIC MUSHROOMS: FLAMMULINA VELUTIPES, HYPHOLOMA CAPNOIDES, ARMILLARIA BOREALIS, ARMILLARIA CEPISTIPES. HEAVY METAL CONTENT

The article is concerned to the study and comparison of the extractive substances chemical composition of typical saprotrophic mushrooms that grow in the forests of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region: Flammulina velutipes, Hypholoma capnoides, Armillaria borealis, Armillaria cepistipes. The article analyzed and compared the chemical composition of low-molecular compounds of caps and legs separately. The composition of heavy metals was compared: cadmium, mercury, iron. The content of heavy metals in the studied fungi was compared with those studied earlier (Lentinula edodes and Pholiota squarrosa). Cadmium and mercury are found mainly in the caps of autumn mushrooms.
 The composition of fatty acids, sterols, carbohydrates and sugar alcohols in various parts of mushrooms (stems and caps) was determined and compared. It was revealed that glycerin is presented in all types of mushrooms and is contained in large quantities in the stems and caps of F. velutipes. The qualitative composition of sugar alcohols is approximately the same in all mushrooms, but the quantitative composition has specific differences. Sugar alcohol threitol is contained in Armillaria.

Metabolomic discrimination of the edible mushrooms Kuehneromyces mutabilis and Hypholoma capnoides (Strophariaceae, Agaricales) by NMR spectroscopy.

Two edible, cultivable mushroom species of the family Strophariaceae, Kuehneromyces mutabilis (sheathed woodtuft) and Hypholoma capnoides (conifer tuft), were studied using proton nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomic approach. The variation in the metabolites of the two species and their metabolic behaviour regarding caps and stipes and different collection sites were analysed by multivariate analysis methods. Altogether 169 cap and stipe samples of the mushrooms were investigated. The clearest difference between the species was in the sugar composition, which was more diverse in H. capnoides. When mushroom samples collected from different locations were compared, more variance was found in H. capnoides, whereas K. mutabilis appeared more homogeneous as a species. As far as the caps and stipes were concerned, in both species the amount of α-α-trehalose was clearly higher in the stipes, and the caps contained a larger proportion of the amino acids and organic acids.

Suitability of dried herbarium specimens for NMR metabolomics of mushrooms. A comparison of four species of the genera Kuehneromyces and Hypholoma (Strophariaceae)

Herbarium specimens are a treasure trove for biochemical studies. However, this implies understanding of the chemical changes during the drying and storage of the specimen. We compared herbarium specimens at different ages and fresh samples of four mushroom species (Kuehneromyces mutabilis, Hypholoma capnoides, Kuehneromyces lignicola, Hypholoma fasciculare) of two genera in the family Strophariaceae by using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy combined with principal component analysis (PCA). 25 metabolites were identified. No significant alterations were found between herbarium samples at different ages, suggesting that they are stable enough for comparative studies. The most dominant differences between fresh and herbarium samples was that sugars such as α-α-trehalose, and fumaric and malic acids were more abundant in fresh fungi. Total contents of fatty and amino acids, uracil and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were higher in herbarium specimens. In addition, pyroglutamic acid was observed only in Kuehneromyces mutabilis and fasciculic acid E in Hypholomafasciculare. Hence, based on results of the studied taxa, we conclude that NMR metabolomics can be used for both fresh and dried mushrooms when such alterations are properly addressed.

Population responses of oribatids and enchytraeids to ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi in plant–soil microcosms

The oribatid mites Oppiella nova, Tectocepheus velatus and Nothrus silvestris and the enchytraeid worm Cognettia sphagnetorum are four common animal species in boreal forest soils. According to the literature, they respond differently to clear-cutting of forest stands. O. nova responds with population decreases, T. velatus and N. silvestris with small changes and C. sphagnetorum with population increases. We hypothesised that the presence/absence of ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi is a major factor in explaining these reactions. The population responses of these soil animals to inoculation of five species of EM fungi growing in symbiosis with their host tree ( Pinus sylvestris L.) and one saprotrophic fungus, Hypholoma capnoides, growing on wood were tested in pot microcosms with artificial soil (peat and vermiculite) for 70–84 days. Additionally, plants without inoculation of EM fungi, plants growing in forest soil (FS) and plant-free peat and vermiculite (PV) were included. O. nova increased significantly in abundance in the treatments with the EM fungi Suillus variegatus and Paxillus involutus, but not in the other treatments. T. velatus increased significantly in abundance in FS, but declined in most of the other treatments, and N. silvestris showed a similar, albeit not significant, response. C. sphagnetorum did not increase in abundance in any of the treatments with EM fungi but increased its abundance four times in both FS and PV. The results show that the fungivore O. nova preferentially feeds on certain EM fungi, especially S. variegatus, whereas the EM fungus Piloderma fallax and the saprotrophic H. capnoides are not preferred. In contrast, C. sphagnetorum is restricted in its population growth by the EM fungi studied, and this dominant microbi-detritivore is clearly favoured by the absence of EM fungi.

Tocopherols composition of Portuguese wild mushrooms with antioxidant capacity

The antioxidant composition and properties of 18 Portuguese wild mushrooms ( Clitocybe alexandri, Cortinarius glaucopus, Fistulina hepatica, Hydnum repandum, Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca, Hypholoma capnoides, Laccaria amethystina, Laccaria laccata, Lactarius aurantiacus, Lactarius salmonicolor, Lepista inversa, Lepista sordida, Mycena rosea, Russula delica, Russula vesca, Suillus collinitus, Suillus mediterraneensis, Tricholoma sulphureum) were evaluated, in order to contribute to the overall characterisation of these products. Their radical-scavenging capacity, reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation measured in liposome solutions was fully studied. Furthermore, the tocopherols composition was determined by HPLC-fluorescence. The analysed mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants such as phenols (0.51–7.90 mg/g) and tocopherols (0.02–8.04 μg/g). β-Tocopherol was the vitamer detected in higher amounts, while δ-tocopherol was not detected in the majority of the samples. All the species proved to have antioxidant activity being more significant for H. aurantiaca (EC 50 values lower than 1.35 mg/ml) due to the contribution of antioxidants such as phenols (7.90 mg/g) and tocopherols (0.02–1.94 μg/g). The ongoing research states the nutraceutical potential of all these unique species, making the information available for a better management and conservation of mushrooms and related habitats.

In vitro interactions between Armillaria species and potential biocontrol fungi

Interaction between Armillaria species and seven other fungi were tested in vitro. Tree antagonistic (Trichoderma viride, Trichotecium roseum and Penicillium sp.) and four decaying (Hypholoma fasciculare? Hypholoma capnoides, Phlebiopsis gigantea, and Pleurotus ostreatus) fungi were chosen for this study. The best results were noted for Trichoderma viride, because fungus was able to kill both mycelia and rhizomorphs of Armillaria species, while Hypholoma spp. inhibited both growth of Armillaria colonies and rhizomorph production.

Anamorphs in the Strophariaceae (Basidiomycota, Agaricales)

We describe and illustrate conidiogenesis in 21 species of Strophariaceae sensu Singer in culture, including first reports of conidiogenesis from nine species. Two modes of thallic conidiogenesis were revealed. The first mode, present in Hypholoma capnoides (Fr.) P. Kumm., Hypholoma fasciculare (Fr.) P. Kumm., Hypholoma marginatum (Pers.) J. Schröt., Hypholoma subericaeum (Fr.) Kühner, Hypholoma sublateritium (Schaeff.) Quél., Kuehneromyces mutabilis (Schaeff.) Singer & A.H. Sm., Pholiota lenta (Pers.) Singer, Pholiota lucifera (Lasch) Quél., Pholiota mixta (Fr.) Kuyper & Tjall.-Beuk., Pholiota spumosa (Fr.) Singer, Psilocybe cf. coprophila (Bull.) P. Kumm., Psilocybe inquilina (Fr.) Bres., Psilocybe semilanceata (Fr.) P. Kumm., Psilocybe sp., Stropharia rugosoannulata Farl. ex Murrill, and Stropharia semiglobata (Batsch) Quél., is characterized by straight or often coiled conidiogenous hyphae, not or only slightly sympodially proliferating conidiophores lacking geniculate parts, and hyaline, rod-shaped conidia. Conidiogenesis in Pholiota aurivella (Batsch) P. Kumm., Pholiota gummosa (Lasch) Singer, and Pholiota squarrosa (Batsch) P. Kumm. followed a second mode, distinguished by straight conidiogenous hyphae, sympodially proliferating geniculate conidiophores, and coloured, swollen conidia formed on older mycelia. These two modes also differed concerning the number of nuclei in the conidia. Pholiota alnicola (Fr.) Singer and Pholiota tuberculosa (Schaeff.) P. Kumm. possessed specific modes of conidiogenesis that deviated from the two prevalent modes described above. Careful analysis of anamorph descriptions compiled from literature supports these modes and allows conidia to be distinguished from nondetaching hyphal swellings that have also been designated as conidia in the past.

Quantitative analysis of exudates from soil-living basidiomycetes in pure culture as a response to lead, cadmium and arsenic stress

Six different ectomycorrhizal fungi ( Hebeloma velutipes, Piloderma byssinum, Paxillus involutus, Rhizopogon roseolus, Suillus bovinus and Suillus variegatus) and two saprotrophic fungi ( Hypholoma fasciculare and Hypholoma capnoides) were exposed to metal stress induced by Pb, Cd and As. After pre-growth in a nutrient solution in Petri dishes, metal exposure was performed either in a nutrient rich solution or in a nutrient poor solution for seven days. The fungi were exposed to two different metal concentrations, low and high (Pb: 10 + 100 μM; Cd: 1 + 10 μM; As: 1 + 10 μM). Exudation of low molecular weight organic compounds (low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA), amino acids and dissolved monosaccharides), as well as dissolved organic carbon was quantified as a potential response to the metal stress. The main LMWOA identified was oxalate. Oxalate exudation increased significantly in response to both low and high Pb and Cd concentrations, as well as low As exposure, relative to nutrient controls. Exposure to As and mixtures of metals (Pb + Cd, Pb + As) did not result in any significant increase in oxalate production compared to controls. The presence of a carbon source (glucose) in this study is likely to have been important for exudation of organic compounds. For the nutrient rich (+1 mM glucose) metal treatments exposure to Pb and Cd mainly increased exudation of oxalate and total amino acids. Production of dissolved monosaccharides, as well as DOC, did not increase significantly in response to metal exposure, irrespective of nutrient conditions. This may be explained by re-absorption of the organic compounds by the mycelium or by the fact that metals had no effect on exudation of these compounds.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF METABOLITES FROM MYCELIAL CULTURES OF CHILEAN BASIDIOMYCETES

We reported seven compounds isolated from mycelial cultures of Chilean Basidiomycetes. The compound structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Two polyacetylenes were isolated from Gymnopilus spectabilis: hepta-4,6-diyn-3-ol (1) and 7-chloro-hepta-4,6-diyn-3 ol (2). We isolated the aromatic compounds p-anisaldehyde (3) and 3-chloro-p-anisaldehyde (4) from Hypholoma capnoides. H. fasciculare produced the compounds (3), (4), 3,5-dichloro-4-metoxi-benzyl alcohol (5) and the sesquiterpen naematolon (6). Finally, H. sublateritium produced (5) and another sesquiterpen, marasmal (7). The compounds (1), (2), (5), and (7) showed biological activity against the tested model microorganism.

Direct analysis of ribosomal DNA in denaturing gradients: application on the effects of Phlebiopsis gigantea treatment on fungal communities of conifer stumps

The aim of this study was to test the usefulness of direct PCR-amplification in analysing fungal diversity in stumps. The analysis was conducted on stumps treated against Heterobasidion spp. using a commercial formulation of Phlebiopsis gigantea (Rotstop), and carried out using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) fragments PCR-amplified directly from wood DNA samples using two separate fungus-specific primer pairs. On average, two (range 0-9) different amplification products were observed by DGGE in single wood samples of approximately 500 mm3. The PCR products were classified into operational taxonomical unit (OTU) groups based on their DGGE mobility. Six OTUs could be affiliated with a known species based on a reference fungal collection of 37 species: Heterobasidion annosum, H. parviporum. Hypholoma capnoides, P. gigantea, Resinicium bicolor and Stereum sanguinolentum. Sequence analyses did not give further identifications. OTU profiles from old (6 yr-old) and fresh (1-year-old) Scots pine and Norway spruce stumps from treated and untreated forest plots were compared statistically, and some significant differences were observed in the species composition between the treated and untreated plots. However, the frequency of most of the OTUs did not seem to be affected, and the treatment did not seem to have reduced the overall level of fungal diversity. Based on these results, direct PCR-amplification seems to be useful in analyses of fungal communities in decaying conifer stumps.

Persistence and long-term impact of Rotstop biological control agent on mycodiversity in Picea abies stumps

To prevent infection by the root rot fungi Heterobasidion spp., surfaces of freshly cut Picea abies stumps are sprayed with Rotstop biocontrol agent, which constitutes a spore suspension of a single genotype of the competitive fungus Phlebiopsis gigantea. In Fennoscandia, the agent is applied on 47,000 ha of forestland yearly. The aims of the present work were to estimate the persistence of Rotstop P. gigantea strain and its impact on mycodiversity in 4- to 6-year-old P. abies stumps. Fungal isolation was done from 947 wood samples taken from 130 stumps, 60 of which were Rotstop-treated and 70 were untreated controls. Half of the stumps were 4-year, and another half 6-year-old. 705 fungal strains representing 81 species were isolated. Species richness was lower in Rotstop-treated stumps, both after 4 (by 32%; P = 0.08) and after 6 years (46%; P = 0.01). The majority of species (65–75%) isolated from Rotstop-treated stumps were also found in controls. In 4-year-old Rotstop-treated stumps, the fungal community was dominated by P. gigantea, both in terms of isolated strains and observed fruitbodies. Of P. gigantea isolates, only Rotstop genotypes were found in treated stumps, while control stumps harboured wild strains of the species. In 6-year-old both treated and control stumps, P. gigantea was seldom detected and no fruitbodies were observed. Here, the occurrence of other fungi increased, e.g., Resinicium bicolor, Sistotrema brinkmannii, and Hypholoma capnoides. The pathogen, Heterobasidion spp., was the only basidiomycete with a significantly reduced incidence in Rotstop-treated stumps.

Multivariate analysis of fatty acids in spores of higher basidiomycetes: a new method for chemotaxonomical classification of fungi

The aim of the present work was to study the possibility of using the fatty acid content in the basidiospores as a taxonomic tool. Basidiospores of Armillaria borealis, Amanita muscaria, Agaricus sylvicola, Hypholoma capnoides, Cortinarius nemorensis and Russula delica were used. The content of fatty acids as well as other substances may vary to a certain degree depending on the part (pileus, stipe, lamella) or stage of development of the actual basidiocarp analysed. Moreover, substances from fungivorous invertebrates, parasitic fungi or bacteria may be found in the chemical analyses of the basidiocarps. Chemotaxonomic conclusions may, therefore, be burdened with serious uncertainties. On the other hand, the ripe basidiospores are terminated structures and belong to the most homogenous structures encountered from a basidiocarp. Their shape, size, colour and ornamentation are considerably homogenous within an actual species. Therefore, the basidiospores are often used as a reliable differentiating characteristic separating species as well as taxa of higher categories. From a practical point of view, ripe spores are easy to obtain in relatively large quantities with simple techniques, and they are not so prone to decay as the carpophore tissue. In the present study, gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), after methanolysis of the fungus spores, were used to map essential fatty acids in basidiomycetes. Gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed the presence of fatty acids of C12:0–C24:0 size in the basidiospores of these higher basidiomycetes. The major fatty acid in H. capnoides is C18:2, and the major fatty acid in the other species is C18:1. The basidiospores proved to be a good source of fatty acids for chemotaxonomic investigations of agarics.

Cortinarius Phylogeny and Possible Taxonomic Implications of ITS rDNA Sequences

Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences of 27 species of Cortinarius representing the subgenera Cortinarius, Dermocybe, Leprocybe, Myxacium, Phlegmacium, Sericeocyb...

Cortinarius phylogeny and possible taxonomic implications of ITS rDNA sequences

Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences of 27 species of Cortinarius representing the subgenera Cortinarius, Dermocybe, Leprocybe, Myxacium, Phlegmacium, Sericeocybe, and Telamonia were studied and compared with ITS rDNA of Rozites caperatus and three outgroup taxa: Gymnopilus sapineus, Hypholoma capnoides, and Tricholoma equestre. With two different gap treatments, the sequence data were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of Cortinarius using maximum parsimony (PAUP). Alternative outlines of the subgenera compiled from literature were used to create phylogenetic constraints which were subjected to parsimony analysis using the ITS data. Unconstrained and constrained parsimony trees were compared using a maximum likelihood method (DNAML/PHYLIP). In the ITS based phylogenies Cortinarius s. 1. was consistetly divided into two lineages, one centered around the members of the subgenus Telamonia, the other comprising the majority of ingroup taxa including Rozites. Because additional data are needed before nomenclatorial changes are considered, we present an outline of what may be regarded as two separate genera, Cortinarius s. s. and “Telamonia.” The status of Rozites will depend on similar future studies.

Aluminium in wild mushrooms and cultivated Agaricus bisporus

The aluminium content in wild mushrooms (n = 271, 19 species) and in cultivated Agaricus bisporus (n = 15) was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. With an aluminium content of 30 – 50 μ/g dry matter (DM) Boletus and Xerocomus species, the most well-known and most popular mushrooms, proved to be poor in aluminium. Several species of the genus Suillus, Macrolepiota rhacodes, Hypholoma capnoides as well as individual samples of Russula ochroleuca and Amanita rubescens contained high aluminium concentrations of about 100 μg/g DM and more. Cultivated Agaricus bisporus had the lowest aluminium content, i. e. 14 μg/g DM. The site, its geological origin as well as the mushroom species influenced the aluminium content in the fruitbodies: these factors require further investigation. Mushrooms do not contribute significantly to aluminium intake by humans.

Diffuse competition for heterogeneous substrate in soil among six species of wood-decomposing basidiomycetes.

Competition among six wood decay fungi was studied using 15×15 mm wood blocks placed in 250×250 mm plastic trays filled with unsterilized sand or clay. The wood blocks were preinoculated with Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref., Resinicium bicolor (Alb. & Schw. ex Fr.) Parm., Phanerochaete sanguinea (Fr.) Hjortstam, Coniophora sp. DC. ex Me"rat, Armillaria borealis Marxmuller and Korhonen and Hypholoma capnoides (Fr.) Kummer before they were combined in all possible combinations in the trays. Two methods were used, one with all wood blocks inoculated, and one with sterilized non-inoculated wood blocks distributed between the inoculated ones. Wood blocks preinoculated with the six species were also used in a pairwise competition test. Following incubation for 9 months in darkness at 21°C, mycelia were reisolated and identified. R. bicolor was most successful at invading through the soil and replacing other species in the wood blocks. P. sanguinea, Coniophora sp. and H. capnoides also had some success.