The saprotrophic Pleurotus ostreatus species complex: late Eocene origin in East Asia, multiple dispersal, and complex speciation

Shedding light on Pleurotus: An update on taxonomy, properties, and photobiology

Pleurotus genus (Jacq.) P. Kumm comprises widely known edible mushrooms whose commercial and biotechnological exploitation has been steadily increasing worldwide. With the advent of modern DNA-based approach, the taxonomic definition of species within Pleurotus genus has undergone major changes but remains unclear. Furthermore, knowledge regarding the photobiology of Pleurotus and the role of light in regulating its primary and secondary metabolism, along with key commercial and biotechnological aspects, remains limited. This review aims to depict a comprehensive overview on Pleurotus genus, with a particular focus on its controversial taxonomy, biotechnological potential and photobiology and to provide significant insights to address future research on this topic and exploit light technology to maximize Pleurotus potential.

The Importance of Edible Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Potential Use as Therapeutic Agents Against Insulin Resistance

In addition to conventional treatments, there is growing interest in preventive and complementary therapies. Proper nutrition can prevent the manifestation of several chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, and can attenuate the severity of these diseases. Edible mushrooms have been used as nutrition and medicine for thousands of years. The spectrum and quantity of their medicinal compounds made them a widely investigated target both in basic research and clinical trials. The most abundant and medically important components are polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenols, and heterocyclic amines, but bioactive proteins, vitamins, including vitamin D, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and essential minerals are also important ingredients with noteworthy health benefits. Mushroom extracts have anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-osteoporotic, and anti-tumor effects and are well tolerated, even by cancer patients. In our previous review we detailed the molecular aspects of the development of type 2 diabetes, discussing the role of physical activity and diet, but we did not detail the role of medicinal mushrooms as part of nutrition. In this review, we aimed to summarize the most important medical mushrooms, along with their natural habitats, growing conditions, and components, that are presumably sufficient for the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance.

Wood-loving magic mushrooms from Australia are saprotrophic invaders in the Northern Hemisphere

Magic mushrooms are fungi that produce psilocybin, an entheogen with long-term cultural use and a breakthrough compound for treatment of mental health disorders. Fungal populations separated by geography are candidates for allopatric speciation, yet species connectivity typically persists because there is minimal divergence at functional parts of mating compatibility genes. We studied whether connectivity is maintained across populations of a widespread species complex of magic mushrooms that has infiltrated the Northern Hemisphere from a hypothesised centre of origin in Australasia. We analysed 89 genomes of magic mushrooms to examine erosion of species connectivity in disparate populations with support from gene flow, kinship, structure, allelic diversity, and mating compatibility. We used comparative genomics and synteny to test whether the genes that produce psilocybin are under selection in natural populations of magic mushrooms. Despite phenotypic plasticity and intercontinental distribution, sexual compatibility is maintained across geographically isolated populations of magic mushrooms. Psilocybin loci have high allelic diversity and evidence of balancing selection. Australasia is the centre of origin of wood-degrading magic mushrooms and geographically separated populations are fully sexually compatible, despite minimal gene flow since differentiation from a shared ancestor. Movement of woodchips, mulch, or plants has most likely facilitated invasion of these mushrooms in the Northern Hemisphere. Citation: McTaggart AR, Scarlett K, Slot JC, Barlow C, Appleyard C, Gardiner DM, Fechner N, Tilden J, Hass D, Voogelbreinder S, Lording WJ, Lloyd RA, Shuey LS, Drenth A, James TY (2024). Wood-loving magic mushrooms from Australia are saprotrophic invaders in the Northern Hemisphere. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 14: 209-217. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2024.14.14.

Species Diversity, Host Association, and Evolutionary History of Cronartium: An Important Global Fungal Pathogen to Trees

Pine stem rust, the most damaging and widespread forest disease occurring in pine trees in the Northern Hemisphere, is primarily caused by Cronartium species (Pucciniales, Melampsorineae). While the phylogenetic relationships of major Cronartium species have been largely elucidated, there is limited understanding of their species diversity and the evolutionary processes shaping their distribution patterns. In this work, we performed broad sampling and sequencing of Cronartium taxa in China together with additional sequence data and other accessions in NCBI to investigate the diversification and to estimate the divergence time of major evolutionary events in this genus. Molecular dating analysis suggested that the divergence of the genus Cronartium probably was around 91.78 Ma during the Upper Cretaceous. It is believed that Cronartium species may have originated in Asia and North America, with intercontinental dispersals occurring primarily during the Middle Eocene, Middle Miocene, and Pliocene. These dispersal events likely took place through the North Atlantic Land Bridge, the De Geer Route, and the Bering Land Bridge, and subsequently diverged through sporadic dispersal and vicariance events. Furthermore, our analysis of host associations revealed that the diversification of Cronartium species was correlated with their telial-hosts, and some species may have experienced host jump events, indicating a complex interplay between host specificity and pathogen-host interaction during Cronartium evolution.

The evolution of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis and host-plant switches are the main drivers for diversification of Amanitaceae (Agaricales, Basidiomycota)

BACKGROUND

Evolutionary radiation is widely recognized as a mode of species diversification, but the drivers of the rapid diversification of fungi remain largely unknown. Here, we used Amanitaceae, one of the most diverse families of macro-fungi, to investigate the mechanism underlying its diversification.

RESULTS

The ancestral state of the nutritional modes was assessed based on phylogenies obtained from fragments of 36 single-copy genes and stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen. Moreover, a number of time-, trait-, and paleotemperature-dependent models were employed to investigate if the acquisition of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis and climate changes promoted the diversification of Amanitaceae. The results indicate that the evolution of ECM symbiosis has a single evolutionary origin in Amanitaceae. The earliest increase in diversification coincided with the acquisition of the ECM symbiosis with angiosperms in the middle Cretaceous. The recent explosive diversification was primarily triggered by the host-plant switches from angiosperms to the mixed forests dominated by Fagaceae, Salicaceae, and Pinaceae or to Pinaceae.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides a good example of integrating phylogeny, nutritional mode evolution, and ecological analyses for deciphering the mechanisms underlying fungal evolutionary diversification. This study also provides new insights into how the transition to ECM symbiosis has driven the diversification of fungi.

Is Laccase derived from Pleurotus ostreatus effective in microplastic degradation? A critical review of current progress, challenges, and future prospects

Exploration of Pleurotus ostreatus as a biological agent in the degradation of persistent plastics like polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate, revealing a promising avenue toward mitigating the environmental impacts of plastic pollution. Leveraging the intrinsic enzymatic capabilities of this fungus, mainly its production of laccase, presents a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to breaking down complex polymer chains into less harmful constituents. This review focused on enhancements in the strain's efficiency through genetic engineering, optimized culture conditions, and enzyme immobilization to underscore the potential for scalability and practical application of this bioremediation process. The utilization of laccase from P. ostreatus in plastic waste management demonstrates a vital step forward in pursuing sustainable environmental solutions. By using the potential of fungal bioremediation, researchers can move closer to a future in which the adverse effects of plastic pollution are significantly mitigated, benefiting the health of our planet and future generations.

Evolution and Genetic Differentiation of Pleurotus tuoliensis in Xinjiang, China, Based on Population Genomics

Pleurotus tuoliensis is a unique species discovered in Xinjiang, China, which is recognized for its significant edible, medicinal, and economic value. It has been successfully incorporated into industrial production. Controversy has emerged concerning the evolution and environmental adaptability of this species due to inadequate interspecific ecology and molecular data. This study examines the germplasm resources of P. tuoliensis in the Xinjiang region. A total of 225 wild and cultivated strains of P. tuoliensis were gathered from seven representative regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that seven populations were notably segregated into three distinct groups, primarily attributed to environmental factors as the underlying cause for this differentiation. Population historical size data indicate that P. tuoliensis underwent two expansion events, one between 2 and 0.9 Mya (Miocene) and the other between 15 and 4 Mya (Early Pleistocene). The ancient climate fluctuations in the Xinjiang region might have contributed to the comparatively modest population size during the Pliocene epoch. Moreover, through the integration of biogeography and ancestral state reconstruction, it was determined that group C of P. tuoliensis emerged initially and subsequently dispersed to groups D and B, in that order. Subsequently, group D underwent independent evolution, whereas group B continued to diversify into groups A and EFG. The primary factor influencing this mode of transmission route is related to the geographical conditions and prevailing wind direction of each group. Subsequent research endeavors focused on assessing the domestication adaptability of P. tuoliensis to different substrates. It was found that the metabolic processes adapted during the domestication process were mainly related to energy metabolism, DNA repair, and environmental adaptability. Processes adapted to the host adaptability include responses to the host (meiosis, cell cycle, etc.) and stress in the growth environment (cysteine and methionine metabolism, sulfur metabolism, etc.). This study analyzed the systematic evolution and genetic differentiation of P. tuoliensis in Xinjiang. The identified loci and genes provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent improvement of germplasm resources and conducting molecular breeding.

What are the 100 most cited fungal genera?

The global diversity of fungi has been estimated between 2 to 11 million species, of which only about 155 000 have been named. Most fungi are invisible to the unaided eye, but they represent a major component of biodiversity on our planet, and play essential ecological roles, supporting life as we know it. Although approximately 20 000 fungal genera are presently recognised, the ecology of most remains undetermined. Despite all this diversity, the mycological community actively researches some fungal genera more commonly than others. This poses an interesting question: why have some fungal genera impacted mycology and related fields more than others? To address this issue, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to identify the top 100 most cited fungal genera. A thorough database search of the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed was performed to establish which genera are most cited. The most cited 10 genera are Saccharomyces, Candida, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Botrytis, Pichia, Cryptococcus and Alternaria. Case studies are presented for the 100 most cited genera with general background, notes on their ecology and economic significance and important research advances. This paper provides a historic overview of scientific research of these genera and the prospect for further research. Citation: Bhunjun CS, Chen YJ, Phukhamsakda C, Boekhout T, Groenewald JZ, McKenzie EHC, Francisco EC, Frisvad JC, Groenewald M, Hurdeal VG, Luangsa-ard J, Perrone G, Visagie CM, Bai FY, Błaszkowski J, Braun U, de Souza FA, de Queiroz MB, Dutta AK, Gonkhom D, Goto BT, Guarnaccia V, Hagen F, Houbraken J, Lachance MA, Li JJ, Luo KY, Magurno F, Mongkolsamrit S, Robert V, Roy N, Tibpromma S, Wanasinghe DN, Wang DQ, Wei DP, Zhao CL, Aiphuk W, Ajayi-Oyetunde O, Arantes TD, Araujo JC, Begerow D, Bakhshi M, Barbosa RN, Behrens FH, Bensch K, Bezerra JDP, Bilański P, Bradley CA, Bubner B, Burgess TI, Buyck B, Čadež N, Cai L, Calaça FJS, Campbell LJ, Chaverri P, Chen YY, Chethana KWT, Coetzee B, Costa MM, Chen Q, Custódio FA, Dai YC, Damm U, de Azevedo Santiago ALCM, De Miccolis Angelini RM, Dijksterhuis J, Dissanayake AJ, Doilom M, Dong W, Alvarez-Duarte E, Fischer M, Gajanayake AJ, Gené J, Gomdola D, Gomes AAM, Hausner G, He MQ, Hou L, Iturrieta-González I, Jami F, Jankowiak R, Jayawardena RS, Kandemir H, Kiss L, Kobmoo N, Kowalski T, Landi L, Lin CG, Liu JK, Liu XB, Loizides M, Luangharn T, Maharachchikumbura SSN, Makhathini Mkhwanazi GJ, Manawasinghe IS, Marin-Felix Y, McTaggart AR, Moreau PA, Morozova OV, Mostert L, Osiewacz HD, Pem D, Phookamsak R, Pollastro S, Pordel A, Poyntner C, Phillips AJL, Phonemany M, Promputtha I, Rathnayaka AR, Rodrigues AM, Romanazzi G, Rothmann L, Salgado-Salazar C, Sandoval-Denis M, Saupe SJ, Scholler M, Scott P, Shivas RG, Silar P, Souza-Motta CM, Silva-Filho AGS, Spies CFJ, Stchigel AM, Sterflinger K, Summerbell RC, Svetasheva TY, Takamatsu S, Theelen B, Theodoro RC, Thines M, Thongklang N, Torres R, Turchetti B, van den Brule T, Wang XW, Wartchow F, Welti S, Wijesinghe SN, Wu F, Xu R, Yang ZL, Yilmaz N, Yurkov A, Zhao L, Zhao RL, Zhou N, Hyde KD, Crous PW (2024). What are the 100 most cited fungal genera? Studies in Mycology 108: 1-411. doi: 10.3114/sim.2024.108.01.

Tea and Pleurotus ostreatus intercropping modulates structure of soil and root microbial communities

Intercropping with Pleurotus ostreatus has been demonstrated to increase the tea yield and alleviate soil acidification in tea gardens. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, high-throughput sequencing and Biolog Eco analysis were performed to identify changes in the community structure and abundance of soil microorganisms in the P. ostreatus intercropped tea garden at different seasons (April and September). The results showed that the soil microbial diversity of rhizosphere decreased in April, while rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil microbial diversity increased in September in the P. ostreatus intercropped tea garden. The diversity of tea tree root microorganisms increased in both periods. In addition, the number of fungi associated with organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, such as Penicillium, Trichoderma, and Trechispora, was significantly higher in the intercropped group than in the control group. Intercropping with P. ostreatus increased the levels of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP) in the soil. It also improved the content of secondary metabolites, such as tea catechins, and polysaccharides in tea buds. Microbial network analysis showed that Unclassified_o__Helotiales, and Devosia were positively correlated with soil TN and pH, while Lactobacillus, Acidothermus, and Monascus were positively correlated with flavone, AE, and catechins in tea trees. In conclusion, intercropping with P. ostreatus can improve the physical and chemical properties of soil and the composition and structure of microbial communities in tea gardens, which has significant potential for application in monoculture tea gardens with acidic soils.

From Nature to Design: Tailoring Pure Mycelial Materials for the Needs of Tomorrow

Modern efforts to influence materials science with principles of biology have allowed fungal mycelial materials to take a foothold and develop novel solutions for the circular bioeconomy of tomorrow. However, recent studies have shown that the value of tomorrow's green materials is not determined simply by their environmental viability, but rather by their ability to make the polluting materials of today obsolete. With an inherently strong structure of chitin and β-glucan, the ever-adaptable mycelia of fungi can compete at the highest levels with a litany of materials from leather to polyurethane foam to paper to wood. There are significant efforts to optimize pure mycelial materials (PMMs) through the entire process of species and strain selection, mycelial growth, and fabrication. Indeed, the promising investigations of novel species demonstrate how the diversity of fungi can be leveraged to create uniquely specialized materials. This review aims to highlight PMMs' current trajectory, evaluate the successes in technology, and explore how these new materials can help shape a better tomorrow.

Comparative transcriptomic insights into the domestication of Pleurotus abieticola for coniferous cultivation

Introduction: Pleurotus abieticola, a promising edible fungus in the Pleurotaceae family, especially its ability to utilize coniferous substrate, holds significant potential for commercial cultivation. However, few reports on the adaptation of P. abieticola to coniferous substrate from the perspective of omics. Methods: This study explores the biological characteristics, domestication process, and nutritional composition of P. abieticola, along with its adaptability to coniferous substrates using transcriptomics. We assessed biological characteristics, optimizing mycelial growth on agar medium with varied carbon and nitrogen sources, temperature, and pH. Additionally, the optimization process extended to fruiting bodies, where impact on the differentiation were evaluated under varying light conditions. Fruiting body nutrient composition was analyzed per the Chinese National Food Safety Standard. Transcriptome sequencing focused on P. abieticola mycelial colonized coniferous and broadleaved substrates. Results and Discussion: The optimal conditions for mycelial growth were identified: dextrin (carbon source), diammonium hydrogen phosphate (nitrogen source), 25°C (temperature), and pH 7.0. White light promoted fruiting body growth and differentiation. Larch substrate exhibited superior yield (190 g) and biological efficiency (38.0%) compared to oak (131 g, 26.2%) and spruce (166 g, 33.2%). P. abieticola showcased high dietary fiber, protein, and total sugar content, low fat, and sufficient microelements. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant key genes involved in lignocellulose degradation, stress-resistant metabolism, and endocytosis metabolism, underscoring their pivotal for coniferous adaptation. This study offers valuable insights for the commercial development and strain breeding of P. abieticola, efficiently leveraging conifer resources. The findings underscore its potential as a valuable source for food, medicinal products, and biotechnological applications.

Phylogenetic and taxonomic updates of Agaricales, with an emphasis on Tricholomopsis

The order Agaricales was divided into eight suborders. However, the phylogenetic relationships among some suborders are largely unresolved, and the phylogenetic positions and delimitations of some taxa, such as Sarcomyxaceae and Tricholomopsis, remain unsettled. In this study, sequence data of 38 genomes were generated through genome skimming on an Illumina sequencing system. To anchor the systematic position of Sarcomyxaceae and Tricholomopsis, a phylogenetic analysis based on 555 single-copy orthologous genes from the aforementioned genomes and 126 publicly accessible genomes was performed. The results fully supported the clustering of Tricholomopsis with Phyllotopsis and Pleurocybella within Phyllotopsidaceae, which formed a divergent monophyletic major lineage together with Pterulaceae, Radulomycetaceae, and Macrotyphula in Agaricales. The analysis also revealed that Sarcomyxaceae formed a unique major clade. Therefore, two new suborders, Phyllotopsidineae and Sarcomyxineae, are proposed for the two major lineages. Analyses of 450 single-copy orthologous genes and four loci suggested that Tricholomopsis consisted of at least four clades. Tricholomopsis is subsequently subdivided into four distinct sections. Seventeen Tricholomopsis species in China, including six new species, are reported. Conoloma is established to accommodate T. mucronata. The substrate preference of Tricholomopsis species and the transitions of the pileate ornamentations among the species within the genus are discussed.

Comparative genomic analysis of pleurotus species reveals insights into the evolution and coniferous utilization of Pleurotus placentodes

Pleurotus placentodes (PPL) and Pleurotus cystidiosus (PCY) are economically valuable species. PPL grows on conifers, while PCY grows on broad-leaved trees. To reveal the genetic mechanism behind PPL's adaptability to conifers, we performed de novo genome sequencing and comparative analysis of PPL and PCY. We determined the size of the genomes for PPL and PCY to be 36.12 and 42.74 Mb, respectively, and found that they contain 10,851 and 15,673 protein-coding genes, accounting for 59.34% and 53.70% of their respective genome sizes. Evolution analysis showed PPL was closely related to P. ostreatus with the divergence time of 62.7 MYA, while PCY was distantly related to other Pleurotus species with the divergence time of 111.7 MYA. Comparative analysis of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZYmes) in PPL and PCY showed that the increase number of CAZYmes related to pectin and cellulose degradation (e.g., AA9, PL1) in PPL may be important for the degradation and colonization of conifers. In addition, geraniol degradation and peroxisome pathways identified by comparative genomes should be another factors for PPL's tolerance to conifer substrate. Our research provides valuable genomes for Pleurotus species and sheds light on the genetic mechanism of PPL's conifer adaptability, which could aid in breeding new Pleurotus varieties for coniferous utilization.

The genome sequence of the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus ((Jacq.) P. Kummer, 1871)

We present a genome assembly from a Pleurotus ostreatus specimen (the oyster mushroom; Basidiomycota; Agaricomycetes; Agaricales; Pleurotaceae). The genome sequence is 40.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 12 chromosomal pseudomolecules. Two mitochondrial genomes have been assembled, which are 73.1 and 9.3 kilobases in length.

A fifty-locus phylogenetic analysis provides deep insights into the phylogeny of Tricholoma (Tricholomataceae, Agaricales)

As an ectomycorrhizal fungal genus that contains matsutake and other edible mushrooms, Tricholoma has great economic and ecological significance. However, the phylogenetic relationships within the genus remain unsettled. To clarify the infrageneric relationships of Tricholoma, including the identification of monophyletic subgenera and sections, three phylogenetic analyses were conducted employing single-locus (ITS), five-locus (ITS/ RPB2/EF-1α/MCM7/mtSSU) and 50-locus (45 single-copy orthologous genes plus the aforementioned ones) DNA nucleotide sequences. Our data indicated that ITS sequences could serve the species delimitation of Tricholoma in most cases and monophyletic groups recognition in some cases, and the five-locus dataset could resolve a section-level phylogeny of this genus, while the 50-locus dataset could clarify the delimitation of subgenera and settle the relationships among sections within this genus. A fifty-locus dataset was firstly employed to construct a robust phylogeny of Tricholoma. Based on this, a new infrageneric arrangement for the genus Tricholoma, with four subgenera, of which two are in accordance with the previous subgenera Pardinicutis and Sericeicutis, and eleven sections, is suggested. Subgenus Pardinicutis, occupying the basal position, only harbors sect. Pardinicutis, while the subg. Sericeicutis comprises sects. Lasciva and Sericella located at the sub-basal position with good support. Subgenus Terrea is newly erected here and consists of sect. Terrea, sect. Atrosquamosa and two as yet unnamed phylogenetic lineages. Besides an unnamed section-level lineage, subg. Tricholoma consists of sects. Genuina, Muscaria, Rigida, Tricholoma, Fucata and Matsutake, of which the two latter are newly proposed. The previously defined subg. Contextocutis is clustered within subg. Tricholoma and is a synonym of the latter. Tricholoma colossus, T. acerbum and their allies, which used to be allocated in sect. Megatricholoma (or genus Megatricholoma), are relocated to sect. Genuina since they form a strongly supported monophyletic group and share rusty or black spots on lamellae with other species in this section. Taxonomic descriptions of the new infrageneric taxa and a key to subgenera and sections of the genus Tricholoma are presented. Citation: Ding XX, Xu X, Cui YY, et al. 2023. A fifty-locus phylogenetic analysis provides deep insights into the phylogeny of Tricholoma (Tricholomataceae, Agaricales). Persoonia 50: 1-26. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2023.50.01.

Phylogeny, Divergence Time Estimation and Biogeography of the Genus Onnia (Basidiomycota, Hymenochaetaceae)

Species of Onnia are important tree pathogens and play a crucial role in forest ecosystems. The species diversity and distribution of Onnia have been studied, however, its evolutionary history is poorly understood. In this study, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Onnia using internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequence data. Molecular clock analyses developed the divergence times of Onnia based on a dataset (ITS + LSU rDNA + rpb1 + rpb2 + tef1α). Reconstruct Ancestral State in Phylogenies (RASP) was used to reconstruct the historical biogeography for the genus Onnia with a Dispersal Extinction Cladogenesis (DEC) model. Here, we provide a robust phylogeny of Onnia, with a description of a new species, Onnia himalayana from Yunnan Province, China. Molecular clock analyses suggested that the common ancestor of Onnia and Porodaedalea emerged in the Paleogene period with full support and a mean stem age of 56.9 Mya (95% highest posterior density of 35.9-81.6 Mya), and most species occurred in the Neogene period. Biogeographic studies suggest that Asia, especially in the Hengduan-Himalayan region, is probably the ancestral area. Five dispersals and two vicariances indicate that species of Onnia were rapidly diversified. Speciation occurred in the Old World and New World due to geographic separation. This study is the first inference of the divergence times, biogeography, and speciation of the genus Onnia.

Taxonomy, Phylogenetic and Ancestral Area Reconstruction in Phyllachora, with Four Novel Species from Northwestern China

The members of Phyllachora are biotrophic, obligate plant parasitic fungi featuring a high degree of host specificity. This genus also features a high degree of species richness and worldwide distribution. In this study, four species occurring on leaf and stem of two different species of grass were collected from Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces, China. Based on morphological analysis, multigene (combined data set of LSU, SSU, and ITS) phylogenetic analyses (maximum likelihood and Bayesian analysis), and host relationship, we introduce herein four new taxa of Phyllachora. Ancestral area reconstruction analysis showed that the ancestral area of Phyllachora occurred in Latin America about 194 Mya. Novel taxa are compared with the related Phyllachora species. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and notes are provided for each species.

Species Diversification of the Coniferous Pathogenic Fungal Genus Coniferiporia (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) in Association with Its Biogeography and Host Plants

Coniferiporia, belonging to Hymenochaetaceae and now segregated from Phellinidium, is a wood-inhabiting fungal genus with three species, each having a specific geographic distribution and a strong host specificity as a forest pathogen of coniferous trees. In this study, the species diversity of Coniferiporia is further clarified with the aid of a wider sampling and multilocus-based phylogenetic analysis, which reveals a new species Coniferiporia uzbekistanensis. The molecular clock and ancestral geographic origin analyses indicate that the ancestor of Coniferiporia emerged in one of the Pinaceae and Cupressaceae, then jumped to the other plant family originated in eastern Eurasia 17.01 million years ago (Mya; 95% highest posterior density: 9.46 to 25.86 Mya), and later extended its distribution to western North America, Central Asia, and eastern Europe. Coniferiporia sulphurascens speciated on Pinaceae in eastern Eurasia 8.78 Mya (9.46 to 25.86 Mya) and then extended its distribution to western North America and eastern Europe. Coniferiporia qilianensis and C. uzbekistanensis speciated on Juniperus przewalskii in eastern Eurasia 3.67 Mya (0.36 to 8.02 Mya) and on Juniperus polycarpos in Central Asia 4.35 Mya (0.94 to 8.37 Mya), respectively. The speciation event of Coniferiporia weirii occurred 4.45 Mya (0.77 to 9.33 Mya) right after the emergence of its host, the endemic Cupressaceae species Thuja plicata, and soon after, this fungus evolved to also inhabit another endemic Cupressaceae species Calocedrus decurrens. In summary, this study for the first time unambiguously clarified and timed the adaptive evolutionary event of Coniferiporia in association with its biogeography and host plants.

Exploring the Species Diversity of Edible Mushrooms in Yunnan, Southwestern China, by DNA Barcoding

Yunnan Province, China, is famous for its abundant wild edible mushroom diversity and a rich source of the world's wild mushroom trade markets. However, much remains unknown about the diversity of edible mushrooms, including the number of wild edible mushroom species and their distributions. In this study, we collected and analyzed 3585 mushroom samples from wild mushroom markets in 35 counties across Yunnan Province from 2010 to 2019. Among these samples, we successfully obtained the DNA barcode sequences from 2198 samples. Sequence comparisons revealed that these 2198 samples likely belonged to 159 known species in 56 different genera, 31 families, 11 orders, 2 classes, and 2 phyla. Significantly, 51.13% of these samples had sequence similarities to known species at lower than 97%, likely representing new taxa. Further phylogenetic analyses on several common mushroom groups including 1536 internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences suggested the existence of 20 new (cryptic) species in these groups. The extensive new and cryptic species diversity in wild mushroom markets in Yunnan calls for greater attention for the conservation and utilization of these resources. Our results on both the distinct barcode sequences and the distributions of these sequences should facilitate new mushroom species discovery and forensic authentication of high-valued mushrooms and contribute to the scientific inventory for the management of wild mushroom markets.