Reclassification of Pterulaceae Corner (Basidiomycota: Agaricales) introducing the ant-associated genus Myrmecopterula gen. nov., Phaeopterula Henn. and the corticioid Radulomycetaceae fam. nov.
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2020-01-30
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Summary
This research provides a major update to how we classify an important group of fungi, some of which form fascinating relationships with fungus-farming ants. The scientists discovered new groups of fungi and clarified how different species are related to each other. This helps us better understand fungal diversity and evolution.
Impacts on everyday life:
– Improves our understanding of beneficial relationships between fungi and insects
– Helps identify and classify fungi that may have undiscovered uses
– Contributes to knowledge of fungal biodiversity and conservation
– Provides insights into evolution of fungal-insect partnerships
– May lead to discoveries of new compounds or applications from these fungi
Background
Pterulaceae was formally proposed to group six coralloid and dimitic genera: Actiniceps, Allantula, Deflexula, Parapterulicium, Pterula, and Pterulicium. Recent molecular studies showed some characters used to distinguish genera were unreliable. Some genera were removed and resupinate genera added, but relationships between Pterulaceae genera remained unclear.
Objective
To conduct a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Pterulaceae using both newly collected specimens and fungarium samples to clarify evolutionary relationships and propose an updated classification system for the family.
Results
The analyses supported six main clades containing nine genera: Radulomycetaceae (containing Aphanobasidium, Radulotubus and Radulomyces), Phaeopterula, Coronicium superclade (grouping Merulicium and Coronicium), Pterulicium, Pterula and Myrmecopterula. This led to the introduction of Myrmecopterula gen. nov., Radulomycetaceae fam. nov., reintroduction of Phaeopterula, synonymization of Deflexula with Pterulicium, and 53 new combinations.
Conclusion
The study resulted in a major reclassification of Pterulaceae, now containing seven genera: Allantula, Coronicium, Merulicium, Myrmecopterula, Phaeopterula, Pterula and Pterulicium. The new family Radulomycetaceae was established for three resupinate genera. The new genus Myrmecopterula was created to accommodate ant-associated species, showing various levels of relationships with attine ants.
- Published in:IMA Fungus,
- Study Type:Taxonomic Revision,
- Source: 10.1186/s43008-019-0022-6