Cortinarius section Bicolores and section Saturnini (Basidiomycota, Agaricales), a morphogenetic overview of European and North American species

This research provides an updated understanding of how certain mushroom species are related to each other using DNA analysis. The study focuses on two groups of mushrooms in the genus Cortinarius, which are important fungi that form beneficial relationships with trees. The findings show that traditional ways of classifying these mushrooms based on their appearance can be misleading, and DNA evidence provides a more accurate picture of their relationships. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps mycologists and mushroom enthusiasts more accurately identify mushroom species • Improves our understanding of forest ecology since these fungi play crucial roles in tree health • Demonstrates how modern DNA techniques can reveal hidden relationships between organisms that look different • Contributes to biodiversity conservation by providing better tools for identifying and protecting fungal species • Aids in natural resource management by clarifying which mushroom species occur in different forest types