Current and potential distribution of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus lakei ((Murrill) A.H. Sm. & Thiers) in its invasion range

Suillus: an emerging model for the study of ectomycorrhizal ecology and evolution

Research on mycorrhizal symbiosis has been slowed by a lack of established study systems. To address this challenge, we have been developing Suillus, a widespread ecologically and economically relevant fungal genus primarily associated with the plant family Pinaceae, into a model system for studying ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations. Over the last decade, we have compiled extensive genomic resources, culture libraries, a phenotype database, and protocols for manipulating Suillus fungi with and without their tree partners. Our efforts have already resulted in a large number of publicly available genomes, transcriptomes, and respective annotations, as well as advances in our understanding of mycorrhizal partner specificity and host communication, fungal and plant nutrition, environmental adaptation, soil nutrient cycling, interspecific competition, and biological invasions. Here, we highlight the most significant recent findings enabled by Suillus, present a suite of protocols for working with the genus, and discuss how Suillus is emerging as an important model to elucidate the ecology and evolution of ECM interactions.

Chemical Compounds, Bioactivities, and Potential Applications of the Mushroom Species of Genus Suillus (Agaricomycetes): A Review

The genus Suillus, also known as "Song mo," falls under the order Boletales and consists of various higher fungi. It establishes mycorrhizae primarily with pine trees and has a good taste and medicinal values. Herein, we reviewed the chemical compounds present in the genus Suillus, including polysaccharides, steroids, phenols, polyprenyl phenol derivatives, fatty acids, organic acids, and amino acids, and their reported bioactivities and potential applications. This review aims to promote the utilization of the resources belonging to the genus Suillus and serves as a theoretical basis for their future studies and clinical applications.

Ectomycorrhizal Assemblages of Invasive Quercus rubra L. and Non-Invasive Carya Nutt. Trees under Common Garden Conditions in Europe

Invasive tree species change biodiversity, nutrient cycles, and ecosystem services, and can turn native ecosystems into novel ecosystems determined by invaders. In the acclimatization and invasion of alien tree species, the crucial role is played by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. We tested ECM fungi associated with Quercus rubra and Carya trees that are alien to Europe. Quercus rubra is among the most invasive tree species in Europe, and the Carya species are not considered invasive. Both form ectomycorrhizal symbiosis, and in their native range in North America, coexist in oak-hickory forests. Six study stands were located in Kórnik Arboretum: three for Q. rubra and three for Carya trees. Ectomycorrhizal fungi were assessed by molecular identification of ECM roots. We identified 73 ECM fungal taxa of 23 ECM phylogenetic lineages. All identified ECM fungi were native to Europe. Similar richness but different composition of ECM taxa were found on Q. rubra and Carya roots. Phylogenetic lineages /tomentella-thelephora, /russula-lactarius, and /genea-humaria were most abundant on both Carya and Q. rubra roots. Lineages /tuber-helvella and /entoloma were abundant only on Carya, and lineages /pisolithus-scleroderma and /cortinarius were abundant only on Q. rubra roots. Analysis of similarities revealed a significant difference in ectomycorrhizal assemblages between invasive Q. rubra and non-invasive Carya. Highlights: (1) under common garden conditions, ECM taxa richness was similar on Q. rubra and Carya roots; (2) ECM taxa composition differed between invasive Q. rubra and non-invasive Carya; (3) high abundance of long-distance exploration type (lineages from Boletales) was on Q. rubra; and (4) high abundance of short-distance exploration type (e.g., /tuber-helvella) was on Carya.

Quo vadis? Historical distribution and impact of climate change on the worldwide distribution of the Australasian fungus Clathrus archeri (Phallales, Basidiomycota)

Clathrus archeri is a fungus native to Australia and New Zealand that has started to expand into Europe, and it is considered a potentially invasive species. In this study, we examine the historical occurrence, current geographical range and potential future changes in the distribution of C. archeri using worldwide distribution data. Ecological modelling was used to assess the locations of the potential climatic niches of C. archeri within both its native and introduced ranges in the past, present and future. Our study clearly shows that the coverage of suitable habitats of this fungus has decreased since the last glacial maximum, and anthropogenic climate changes are accelerating the process of niche loss. The highest rate of C. archeri range contraction is expected in Australia, where the fungus should be considered a threatened species in the future. Highly valuable habitats will be available in Tasmania and New Zealand. However, a significant expansion rate of C. archeri will still probably be observed in Europe, where the climatic conditions preferred by the fungus will allow its quick expansion northeast into the continent.

First record of North American fungus Rhizopogon pseudoroseolus in Australia and prediction of its occurrence based on climatic niche and symbiotic partner preferences

In 2017 a North American fungus, Rhizopogon pseudoroseolus (Boletales, Basidiomycota), formerly known in Oceania as only occurring in New Zealand, was found for the first time in South Australia. The morphological identification of collected specimens was confirmed using an internal transcribed spacer barcoding approach. In this study, the biogeography of R. pseudoroseolus is also presented, based on sporocarp and ectomycorrhiza records. Species distribution modeling implemented in MaxEnt was used to estimate the distribution of the potential range of R. pseudoroseolus in Australia and New Zealand. The obtained model illustrates, in the background of climatic variables and distribution of a symbiotic partner, its wide range of suitable habitats in New Zealand, South-East Australia, and Tasmania. Precipitation of the coldest quarters and annual mean temperature are important factors influencing the potential distribution of the fungus. The occurrence of Pinus radiata, the ectomycorrhizal partner of R. pseudoroseolus, is also an important factor limiting expansion of the fungus' invasion range.

Fungarium specimens: a largely untapped source in global change biology and beyond

For several hundred years, millions of fungal sporocarps have been collected and deposited in worldwide collections (fungaria) to support fungal taxonomy. Owing to large-scale digitization programs, metadata associated with the records are now becoming publicly available, including information on taxonomy, sampling location, collection date and habitat/substrate information. This metadata, as well as data extracted from the physical fungarium specimens themselves, such as DNA sequences and biochemical characteristics, provide a rich source of information not only for taxonomy but also for other lines of biological inquiry. Here, we highlight and discuss how this information can be used to investigate emerging topics in fungal global change biology and beyond. Fungarium data are a prime source of knowledge on fungal distributions and richness patterns, and for assessing red-listed and invasive species. Information on collection dates has been used to investigate shifts in fungal distributions as well as phenology of sporocarp emergence in response to climate change. In addition to providing material for taxonomy and systematics, DNA sequences derived from the physical specimens provide information about fungal demography, dispersal patterns, and are emerging as a source of genomic data. As DNA analysis technologies develop further, the importance of fungarium specimens as easily accessible sources of information will likely continue to grow.This article is part of the theme issue 'Biological collections for understanding biodiversity in the Anthropocene'.