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Observations on Morphologic and Genetic Diversity in Populations of Filoboletus manipularis in Southern Vietnam

Summary

This research studied genetic and physical variations in a luminescent mushroom species found in Vietnam. The study revealed that despite showing many different appearances, these mushrooms all belong to the same species, with their varied looks being influenced more by environmental conditions than genetic differences. The findings impact everyday life in several ways: • Helps understand how fungi adapt to different environments while remaining the same species • Demonstrates that appearance alone is not always reliable for identifying species • Contributes to knowledge about bioluminescent organisms in nature • Aids in conservation efforts by clarifying species boundaries • Improves understanding of fungal diversity in tropical ecosystems

Background

Filoboletus manipularis is a luminescent fungal species widely distributed on rotting wood throughout Asian, Australasian and Pacific tropical regions. The species shows considerable morphological variation, but the genetic basis for this variation and species boundaries were not well understood.

Objective

To determine if the morphological variation observed in F. manipularis represents more than one species or could be correlated to infraspecific phylogenetics. The study aimed to characterize genetic relationships among morphologically diverse collections from southern Vietnam.

Results

Considerable variation was observed in basidioma size, shape, color and luminescence patterns. However, phylogenetic analyses indicated all collections represented a single species with genetically diverse, sexually compatible strains. No correlation was found between morphological variation and genetic patterns. Some basidiomata showed evidence of more than two parental haplotypes, suggesting chimeric or multinucleate development.

Conclusion

The morphological variation in F. manipularis represents intraspecific variation within a single phylogenetic species rather than multiple species. The presence of multiple haplotypes in individual basidiomata suggests possible multinucleate or chimeric development. Environmental and developmental factors likely influence morphological variation more than genetic differences between compatible strains.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Field Collection and Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1080/21501203.2014.902402
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