The genus Gautieria (Gomphales) in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin: a morphological and phylogenetic taxonomic revision

Type material and additional collections of 11 taxa of Gautieria described in Europe and North Africa have been studied, namely G. dubia, G. graveolens, G. morchelliformis var. globispora, G. morchelliformis var. magnicellaris, G. morchelliformis var. morchelliformis, G. morchelliformis var. stenospora, G. otthii, G. pseudovestita, G. retirugosa, G. trabutii and G. villosa. At the same time, morphological and genetic studies on recent and herbarium collections from several European countries have been carried out. This enabled clarification of sections within Gautieria and differentiation of 28 taxa, of which 21 are new to science. However, the deeper relationships and nomenclature changes related to the phylogenetic position of the genus Gautieria within Gomphaceae will not be addressed in this study because they would require a more complete molecular analysis together with that of related genera, e.g., Gomphus, Turbinellus, and the four subgenera of Ramaria. In addition, a lectotype for G. villosa var. villosa and reference specimens for G. graveolens and G. morchelliformis var. morchelliformis are selected, and the new combination G. morchelliformis var. dubia is proposed. Detailed descriptions, macro- and microphotographs and distribution maps of all taxa are provided, as well as extensive information on their ecology, chorology and phylogeny. A key is included to facilitate identification of taxa. Citation: Vidal JM, Cseh P, Merényi Z, et al. 2023. The genus Gautieria (Gomphales) in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin: a morphological and phylogenetic taxonomic revision. Persoonia 50: 48 -122. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2023.50.03.

Tuber wenchuanense, a holarctic truffle with a wide range of host plants and description of its ectomycorrhiza with spruce

Tuber wenchuanense ascomata (Ascomycota, Pezizales), a species originally described from Sichuan (China), were found in the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland. The purpose of this work was to (i) report and assess the first case of the holarctic natural distribution of a Tuber species, (ii) amend the original description of the species, (iii) summarize data on its host plants and (iv) describe its ectomycorrhiza. Specimens of Tuber wenchuanense from the Tatra Mountains were studied morphologically and molecularly. The ectomycorrhiza of this truffle with Picea abies was described for the first time. The distribution of T. wenchuanense, which is reconstructed based on sequences deposited in the publicly available nucleotide sequence databases, makes it the first holarctic Tuber species and the one with the northernmost habitat. In fact, its habitat is confined mainly to mountain coniferous forests and alpine and arctic tundra; although, according to known observations, the fruiting bodies of T. wenchuanense can be produced only under conifers. Based on the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer, this species appears to have low genetic variability over the entire distribution range. The phylogenetic tree showed that some of the unidentified phylotypes from the Rufum clade found by other researchers belong to T. wenchuanense. The ecological implications of these findings are discussed.

New Records of Rare Hypogeous Fungi from Poland (Central Europe)

Investigations carried out in recent years have provided new data on the localities of some rare hypogeous fungi in Central Europe. In this study, we present new localities of <em>Leucangium carthusianum</em>, <em>Melanogaster luteus</em>, and <em>Rhizopogon </em><em>melanogastroides</em>, two of which are new for Poland. Sporocarps of <em>L. carthusianum </em>were found in seven new localities in mixed and coniferous forests in the Western Carpathians as well as in Sudetes. In Poland, the species was also recorded in a mixed forest in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. Fir, <em>Abies alba</em>, accompanied the fungus in almost all known localities. Three localities of <em>M. luteus </em>were found in the Polish Western and Eastern Carpathians in <em>Alnus incana </em>communities mostly associated with streams. Knowledge of the distribution of this species in Europe is incomplete due to the complicated taxonomic history; nevertheless, it is regarded as rare, despite its wide distribution. One new locality of <em>R. melanogastroides </em>recorded in the Tatra Mts, Western Carpathians, is the fourth known to date. This species is mostly associated with <em>Pinus mugo </em>in high mountain localities (the Alps, the Tatra Mts). In this study, detailed descriptions and illustrations of the macro- and micromorphological features of the species are provided.

Taxi drivers: the role of animals in transporting mycorrhizal fungi

Dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi via animals and the importance for the interacting partners' life history as well as for ecosystems is an understudied topic. In this review, we describe the available evidence and the most important knowledge gaps and finally suggest ways to gain the missing information. So far, 33 articles have been published proving a successful transfer of mycorrhizal propagules by animals. The vast majority of research on invertebrates was focused on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, whereas papers on vertebrates (mainly rodents and artiodactyls) equally addressed ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and AM fungi. Effective dispersal has been mostly shown by the successful inoculation of bait plants and less commonly by spore staining or germination tests. Based on the available data and general knowledge on animal lifestyles, collembolans and oribatid mites may be important in transporting ECM fungal propagules by ectozoochory, whereas earthworms, isopods, and millipedes could mainly transfer AM fungal spores in their gut systems. ECM fungal distribution may be affected by mycophagous dipterans and their hymenopteran parasitoids, while slugs, snails, and beetles could transport both mycorrhizal groups. Vertebrates feeding on fruit bodies were shown to disperse mainly ECM fungi, while AM fungi are transported mostly accidentally by herbivores. The important knowledge gaps include insufficient information on dispersal of fungal propagules other than spores, the role of invertebrates in the dispersal of mycorrhizal fungi, the way in which propagules pass through food webs, and the spatial distances reached by different dispersal mechanisms both horizontally and vertically.

Rhizoglomus dalpeae, R. maiae, and R. silesianum, new species

We examined three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; phylum Glomeromycota) producing glomoid spores. The mode of formation and morphology of these spores suggested that they represent undescribed species in the genus Rhizoglomus of the family Glomeraceae. Subsequent morphological studies of the spores and molecular phylogenetic analyses of sequences of the nuc rDNA small subunit (18S), internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS), and large subunit (28S) region (= 18S-ITS-28S) confirmed the suggestion and indicated that the fungi strongly differ from all previously described Rhizoglomus species with known DNA barcodes. Consequently, the fungi were described here as new species: R. dalpeae, R. maiae, and R. silesianum. Two of these species lived hypogeously in the field in habitats subjected to strong environmental stresses. Rhizoglomus dalpeae originated from an inselberg located within Guineo-Sudanian transition savanna zone in Benin, West Africa, where the temperature of the inselberg rock during a 5-mo drought ranges from 40 to 60 C. Rhizoglomus silesianum originated from a coal mine spoil heap in Poland, whose substrate is extremely poor in nutrients, has unfavorable texture, and may heat up to 50 C. By contrast, R. maiae was found in more favorable habitat conditions. It produced an epigeous cluster of spores among shrubs growing in a tropical humid reserve in Brazil. Moreover, the compatibility of phylogenies of species of the family Glomeraceae reconstructed from analyses of sequences of 18S-ITS-28S and the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1) gene was discussed.

A phylogenetic and taxonomic revision of sequestrate Russulaceae in Mediterranean and temperate Europe

A comprehensive morphological and genetic study of type material and new collections of sequestrate Russulales species formerly belonging to the genera Arcangeliella, Elasmomyces, Gymnomyces, Hydnangium, Hymenogaster, Macowanites, Martellia, Secotium and Zelleromyces is here undertaken, for the purpose of providing a complete taxonomical revision of sequestrate Russulaceae species in the Mediterranean and temperate regions of Europe. As a result, seven distinct taxa in the genus Lactarius and 18 in the genus Russula are identified. Six of them are new species: L. populicola, L. subgiennensis, R. bavarica, R. candidissima, R. hobartiae and R. mediterraneensis, and seven represent new combinations: L. josserandii (≡ Zelleromyces josserandii), L. soehneri (≡ Hydnangium soehneri), R. candida (≡ Hydnangium candidum), R. cerea (≡ Hydnangium cereum), R. messapica var. messapicoides (≡ Macowanites messapicoides), R. meridionalis (≡ Zelleromyces meridionalis) and R. neuhoffii (≡ Hydnangium neuhoffii). Twenty-two of the 25 taxa are illustrated, while descriptions, microscopy images, as well as extensive information on the ecology, chorology and phylogeny for all taxa are provided. A key is further included to facilitate their identification.

Practical aspects of genetic identification of hallucinogenic and other poisonous mushrooms for clinical and forensic purposes

Aim

To assess the usefulness of a DNA-based method for identifying mushroom species for application in forensic laboratory practice.

Methods

Two hundred twenty-one samples of clinical forensic material (dried mushrooms, food remains, stomach contents, feces, etc) were analyzed. ITS2 region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) was sequenced and the sequences were compared with reference sequences collected from the National Center for Biotechnology Information gene bank (GenBank). Sporological identification of mushrooms was also performed for 57 samples of clinical material.

Results

Of 221 samples, positive sequencing results were obtained for 152 (69%). The highest percentage of positive results was obtained for samples of dried mushrooms (96%) and food remains (91%). Comparison with GenBank sequences enabled identification of all samples at least at the genus level. Most samples (90%) were identified at the level of species or a group of closely related species. Sporological and molecular identification were consistent at the level of species or genus for 30% of analyzed samples.

Conclusion

Molecular analysis identified a larger number of species than sporological method. It proved to be suitable for analysis of evidential material (dried hallucinogenic mushrooms) in forensic genetic laboratories as well as to complement classical methods in the analysis of clinical material.

Metal content in fruit-bodies and mycorrhizas of Pisolithus arrhizus from zinc wastes in Poland

<i>Pisolithus arrhizus</i> has been selected for investigation as one of the ectomycorrhizal species most resistant to stress factors. Metal content in fruit-bodies and mycorrhizas was estimated to evaluate their role as bioindicators and to check whether mycorrhizas have any special properties for heavy metal accumulation. Fruit-bodies and mycorrhizas were collected from zinc wastes in Katowice-Wełnowiec and analyzed using conventional atomic absorption spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy accompanying scanning electron microscopy. Differences in tendencies to accumulate metals within sporophores and mycorrhizas were found. The fruit-bodies accumulated Al (up to 640 µg g^-1), while high concentrations of Al, Zn, Fe, Ca and Si were noted in the outer mantle of the mycorrhizas. in the material secreted and in the mycelium wali. The content of elements varied depending on the agę of mycorrhizas. The ability of extramatrical mycelium and hyphae forming mycorrhizal mantle to immobilize potentially toxic elements might indicate biofiltering properties though thc next step should include investigations on ability of the fungus to prevent element uptake by the plant.

New localities of Chamonixia caespitosa (hypogeous Boletaceae) in Central Europe

<em>Chamonixia caespitosa</em> Rolland, has been recently found in Poland for the first time after 1945. The basidiocarps, partially exposed from the humus layer, were found in two localities: in the spruce forest in the Polish Tatra Mts., at the elevation of 1540 m a.s.l., and in the mixed forest with spruce and fir in the Beskid Niski Mts. at the elevation of app. 400 m a.s.l. The description of the Polish specimens generally agrees with descriptions of the specimens found in other Central European countries. The roundish to tuberculate basidiocarps were characterized by the presence of highly reduced stipe, whitish colour of the peridium changing rapidly to blue after exposure to air, small, complete or incomplete columella and brown, spongy gleba. Typically 4-spored basidia were present which produced ellipsoid, brown spores with the ornamentation in the form of rough, interconnected ridges. Taxonomic position, ecology and chorology of the species, the ontogeny of basidiocarps and description of ectomycorrhizae are summarized in the paper.

Observations on the mycorrhizal status of Polygonum viviparum in the Polish Tatra Mts. (Western Carpathians)

<em>Polygonum viviparum</em> is one of very few herbaceous plants known to form ectomycorrhiza; in the Tatra Mts. it is one of dominants in the alpine zone, but also descends down to the feet of the massif. Specimens of this plant were collected from 5 sites at the altitude range 900– 2150 m, from granite and limestone. It allowed an estimation of the ectomycorrhizal diversity as well as preliminary ecological observations. Roots were also stained in order to check potential presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization. Ectomycorrhizae were present in all specimens (with 2–5 morphotypes observed on single plants). In total, 17 morphotypes were observed and briefly described. The most widespread were the mycorrhiza of <em>Cenococcum geophilum<em> and a brightly coloured morphotype resembling the ectomycorrhizae of <em>Russula</em> sp. No important differences in ectomycorrhizal colonization between low and high localities were found. Observed general differences in abundance and diversity of mycorrhiza in <em>P. viviparum</em> between sites could most probably be connected with plant community composition (presence/absence of ectomycorrhizal shrubs maintaining ectomycorrhizal fungi), although mycorrhizae were present also in sites devoid of other ectomycorrhizal plants. Structures associated to arbuscular colonization (vesicles, hyphal coils) were occassionally observed, but without formation of arbuscules.

Octaviania asterosperma (hypogeous Basidiomycota). Recent data to ecology and distribution

Phylogenetic analyses place <em>Octaviania asterosperma</em> in the Boletales, with <em>Leccinum</em> being the closest relative. Results of the structural investigation of <em>O. asterosperma</em> ectomycorrhiza with <em>Fagus</em> sylvatica confirm this systematic position. In Europe the species is an ectomycorrhizal partner of broad-leaved trees, such as <em>Carpinus, Corylus, Fagus, Quercus</em> and <em>Tilia</em>. This paper aims at presenting the new data to the distribution of <em>O. asterosperma</em> in Central Europe. The description of the basidiocarps discovered in Poland in the recent years is also given, together with evidence for the parasitic relationship of <em>Sepedonium laevigatum</em> with <em>O. asterosperma</em>. We also present the information concerning all known localities of the species in Poland and its distribution map. Data on the ecologz, distribution and status <em>O. asterosperma</em> in Europe, and some structural aspects of basidiocarps and spores, are also summarized.

Fungal root endophyte associations of plants endemic to the Pamir Alay Mountains of Central Asia

The fungal root endophyte associations of 16 species from 12 families of plants endemic to the Pamir Alay Mountains of Central Asia are presented. The plants and soil samples were collected in Zeravshan and Hissar ranges within the central Pamir Alay mountain system. Colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was found in 15 plant species; in 8 species it was of the Arum type and in 4 of the Paris type, while 3 taxa revealed intermediate arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) morphology. AMF colonization was found to be absent only in Matthiola integrifolia, the representative of the Brassicaceae family. The AM status and morphology are reported for the first time for all the species analyzed and for the genera Asyneuma, Clementsia, and Eremostachys. Mycelia of dark septate endophytes (DSE) accompanied the AMF colonization in ten plant species. The frequency of DSE occurrence in the roots was low in all the plants, with the exception of Spiraea baldschuanica. However, in the case of both low and higher occurrence, the percentage of DSE root colonization was low. Moreover, the sporangia of Olpidium spp. were sporadically found inside the root epidermal cells of three plant species. Seven AMF species (Glomeromycota) found in the trap cultures established with soils surrounding roots of the plants being studied were reported for the first time from this region of Asia. Our results provide information that might well be of use to the conservation and restoration programmes of these valuable plant species. The potential application of beneficial root-inhabiting fungi in active plant protection projects of rare, endemic and endangered plants is discussed.

Rediscovery of Alnicola cholea (Cortinariaceae): taxonomic revision and description of its mycorrhiza with Polygonum viviparum (Polygonaceae)

Alnicola cholea, a little-known species so far reported only from the two original localities in the French Alps, is redefined here based on revision of herbarium materials and studies of recent field collections. A detailed morphological and anatomical description of fruit bodies of Alnicola cholea, including a discussion on its taxonomic status and distribution data is provided. Due to the unique combination of characters of Alnicola cholea within the genus, a new monospecific section is introduced for this species: Alnicola sect. Cholea, sect. nov. Mycorrhizal symbiosis of A. cholea with an arcticalpine plant Polygonum viviparum was observed in the Tatra Mountains (Poland). A description of these mycorrhizae is given, providing first detailed data on an identified herbaceous plant mycorrhiza.