MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Biotrophic and saprophytic fungi from the Rhodocybe-Clitopilus clade (Entolomataceae): two new species and one new record in subtropical China

Summary

This research discovered two new species of fungi and documented another species for the first time in China. The study is significant because it reveals how some fungi can adopt different feeding strategies – they can either live off dead organic matter or parasitize living plants. This flexibility in feeding behavior helps them survive in different environments. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps scientists better understand fungal biodiversity and ecosystem roles – Provides insights into how fungi adapt to different food sources – Contributes to our knowledge of plant-fungal interactions – Aids in identifying and classifying fungi found in natural environments – Advances our understanding of fungal evolution and adaptation strategies

Background

In the family Entolomataceae, there are over 1500 described species worldwide. However, only a few species exhibit mycoparasitic capabilities. The Rhodocybe-Clitopilus clade differs from the Entoloma clade by its basidiospores, which are characterized by either longitudinal ridges or scattered, finely to distinctly pustulate ornamentations. Within this clade, most species are primarily regarded as saprophytic, with few showing mycoparasitic behavior.

Objective

To investigate and describe two new fungal species and document one new record species in China from the Rhodocybe-Clitopilus clade, examining their morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic relationships.

Results

Two new species were identified and described: Clitopilus parasiticus and Rhodocybe zijinshanensis. Additionally, Clitopilus baronii was recorded for the first time in China. C. parasiticus showed both biotrophic and saprophytic capabilities, being able to infect leaves of Dryopteris and Oplismenus while also growing on soil. R. zijinshanensis was found growing on rotten wood. Molecular phylogenetic analyses confirmed their distinct positions within their respective genera.

Conclusion

The study expanded our knowledge of fungal diversity in China by describing two new species and one new record in the Rhodocybe-Clitopilus clade. The discovery of C. parasiticus with both biotrophic and saprophytic abilities provides new insights into the ecological roles of these fungi. Further research is needed to fully understand the physiological and genomic aspects of their nutritional modes.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Research,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.116.148775
Scroll to Top