Detection of species within the Xerocomus subtomentosus complex in Europe using rDNA–ITS sequences

Identification of species within the boletoid genus Xerocomus has relied heavily upon the macromorphological features of the basidiomes. However, the phenotypic plasticity of these features has resulted in considerable confusion over the delimitation of taxa. In this study, we examined collections attributed to the X. subtomentosus complex in Europe using morphological and rDNA–ITS sequence data. In total, 45 European collections from a wide range of geographical areas and ecological conditions were included in the study. In spite of detecting considerable genetic variation, even within individual basidiomes of X. subtomentosus, molecular data, spore size, flesh colour, and the colour of the basal mycelium allow for the recognition of four distinct taxa: two correspond to X. subtomentosus (13 collections) and X. ferrugineus (20); one X. chrysonemus sp. nov. (10), to date only found in the UK, is described as new; and the existence of another taxon (two; Italy and UK) is noted but left undescribed owing to lack of material. Eight collections from North America were also included in the study, from which two taxa with a close affinity to X. ferrugineus were recognised.     

Tumbleweed (Salsola, section Kali) species and speciation in California

Tumbleweeds (Salsola species, section Kali) are road side and rangeland pest plants throughout the 48 contiguous states in the US. Three described tumbleweed species and two undescribed Salsola taxa occur in California. The known species are Russian thistle, Salsola tragus, introduced from Eurasia in the 1800s, Russian barbwire thistle, S. paulsenii, which grows in the desert regions of California, and is also native to Eurasia, and the recently identified S. kali subspecies austroafricana, possibly native to South Africa. Our goals were to investigate karyology, genome size, and molecular genetic affinities of the described species and the other taxa within their ranges in California using recently developed microsatellite loci, dominant nuclear DNA markers (RAPD and ISSR), and DNA sequence data. Chromosome counts and genome size assessments made with flow cytometry were compared. These analyses indicated that one undescribed taxon is a new allopolyploid hybrid between S. tragus and S. kali subspecies austroafricana, and the other undescribed taxon appears to be a complex hybrid involving all three described species. The invasion potentials for the hybrid taxa are unknown. Tumbleweeds are the focus of biological controls efforts but the identification of suitable agents for the hybrid taxa may be problematic because of the large amount of genetic variability encompassed within this evolving Salsola complex.     

Three new Xylaria species from southwestern Europe

Three undescribed European species of Xylaria are recognized from new combinations of anamorphic and teleomorphic characters. Their phylogenetic affinities are revealed by a 5.8S/ITS nrDNA analysis. Two of them (X. karsticola and X. vasconica) appear closely related to X. hypoxylon sensu stricto. Xylaria cinerea is distributed in western Europe (France, Spain, United Kingdom) and the Canary Islands and appears closely related to a yet unnamed taxon from New Zealand. In addition to southwestern Europe, X. vasconica is also present in eastern USA. A specimen of X. hypoxylon from the US West Coast agreed with European material with regard to the teleomorph, but its cultures showed a different morphology. Xylaria arbuscula var. plenofissura is reported from a natural habitat on the European mainland for the first time, and the occurrence of this member of the X. arbuscula complex on the Canary Islands is confirmed.     

Phytophthora parsiana sp. nov., a new high-temperature tolerant species

As part of a study to examine the phylogenetic history of the taxonomically challenging species Phytophthora cryptogea and P. drechsleri, a distinct monophyletic group of isolates, previously described as P. drechsleri or P. cryptogea, were characterised. Analysis of their rDNA ITS sequences indicated that these isolates were distinct from P. drechsleri, P. cryptogea, and all members of Phytophthora ITS clades 1–8, clustering instead alongside basal groups previously described as clades 9 and 10. This group comprised six isolates all of which were isolated from woody plants, such as pistachio (Pistacia vera, Iran and USA), fig (Ficus carica, Iran), and almond (Prunus dulcis, Greece). Analysis of sequence data from nuclear (β-tubulin and translation elongation factor 1α) and mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) genes confirmed the ITS-based analysis as these isolates formed a distinct monophyletic group in all NJ trees. The isolates were fast growing with a relatively high optimum growth temperature of 30 °C and, in most cases, rapid colony growth even at 37 °C. The isolates produced complex colony patterns on almost all media, especially corn meal agar (CMA). Phylogenetic analysis and examination of all the other morphological and physiological data lead us to infer that this taxon has not been described previously. As this taxon was first isolated and described from Iran we propose that this taxon be formally designated as Phytophthora parsiana.     

Molecular phylogeny of Psilocybe cyanescens complex in Europe, with reference to the position of the secotioid Weraroa novae-zelandiae

A phylogenetic analysis with three molecular markers was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the complex of Psilocybe cyanescens in Europe consists of several, morphologically distinct species. The results support the existence of two molecularly well-supported morphological groups, that of Psilocybe cyanescens and P. azurescens on the one hand, and the complex of P. serbica on the other. However, in the last group, no sequence variability within the three molecular markers from P. serbica and related taxa P. bohemica, P. arcana, and P. moravica was found. It was decided, therefore, to merge these taxa into P. serbica, and to distinguish them below species level. It was also demonstrated that the secotioid Weraroa novae-zelandiae belongs to the P. cyanescens species complex. Accordingly, it was transferred to Psilocybe as P. weraroa, nomen novum.     

Stipa×brozhiana (Poaceae) nothosp. nov. from the western Pamir Alai Mts (middle Asia) and taxonomical notes on Stipa×tzvelevii

Stipa ×brozhiana M. Nobis nothosp. nov. (Poaceae) is described and illustrated. The taxon belongs to sect. Smirnovia Tzvel. and originated from the hybridization of species belonging to sect. Smirnovia and Barbatae Junge. Stipa ×brozhiana is morphologically close to Stipa lipskyi Roshev., but is easily distinguished by its much shorter hairs on the seta, thinner, uni‐ or indistinctly bigeniculate awns, differently shaped callus and longer ligules of vegetative shoots. Characters distinguishing S. ×brozhiana from the parental species and other similar hybrid taxa belonging to sect. Smirnovia and occurring in the Pamir Alai Mts are discussed. In addition, the taxonomical status of S. ×tzvelevii Ikonn. pro sp., another taxon that has originated from hybridization between species belonging to sect. Smirnovia and Barbatae, is discussed. The taxon was originally described as a distinct species, but is now considered to be the hybrid S. caucasica×S. orientalis. The main characters distinguishing S. ×tzvelevii from parental species are given.     

Geographical variation in Fennoscandian and Estonian Schoenus wetlands

Using TABORD five Schoenus ferrugineus associations have been distinguished from the literature. They are well distinguished by differential-species combinations and most of them are described earlier under identical names, e.g., the Primula-, Oxycoccus-, Myrica-, and Trichophorum-Schoenus ferrugineus ass. The Thalictrum-Schoenus ferrugineus ass. is a new syntaxon. They are further characterized by different floristic elements according to their geographical distribution. The Primula-Schoenus ferrugineus ass. is related to Central Europe, the Primulo-Schoenetum ferruginei from Oberd. (1957) 1962. All other associations discussed have no counterparts elsewhere in Europe. The shortcoming of this classification and the impossibility of a syntaxonomical ranking are emphasized. The variation in species composition and site conditions is elucidated by RA ordination. A complex soil moisture gradient is related to the differences in species composition between the Primula-, Oxycoccus-, and Myrica-Schoenus ferrugineus ass. Wet topogenous mire sites with peat formation and a rather low pH is typical of the Myrica-Schoenus ferrugineus ass., while the Primula-Schoenus ferrugineus ass. occurs either in moist soligenous mire sites or in to pogenous sites with strongly shifting water tables and with muck (Anmoor) instead of peat. The site conditions of the Oxycoccus-Schoenus ferrugineus ass. are most similar to those of the Myrica-Schoenus ferrugineus ass. The Trichophorum- and Thalictrum-Schoenus ferrugineus ass. occur on soligenous mire sites.     

Non-invasive methods for identifying oocysts of Sarcocystis spp. from definitive hosts

Because the excreted sporocysts and/or oocysts of various species of Sarcocystis may not be discriminated morphologically, we sought to validate a diagnostic technique based on variation in the 18S rDNA sequence. Oocysts and/or sporocysts from three taxa of Sarcocystis were collected from human, feline, and canine definitive hosts that had fed upon meats infected with the muscle cysts of Sarcocystis hominis, Sarcocystis fusiformis and a species of Sarcocystis from water buffalo that could not be distinguished from Sarcocystis cruzi. Using a new collection method employing filter paper, these excreted oocysts and sporocysts were subjected to DNA extraction, as were the corresponding muscle cysts. Methods employing PCR–RFLP and DNA sequencing of a partial 18S rDNA gene (ssrRNA) sequence were then used to successfully distinguish among the three taxa. The same, unique restriction digestion pattern characterizes the tissue cysts and oocysts and/or sporocysts of each parasite taxon. The technique makes possible amplification and identification of species specific gene sequences based on DNA extracted from as few as 7 excreted sporocysts (the equivalent of 3 and 1/2 oocysts) from freshly prepared material, or as few as 50 sporocysts from feces samples that had been stored in potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) for as long as 6 years. This represents the first report using molecular diagnostic procedures to diagnose oocysts of Sarcocystis in faecal samples, describing a valuable new tool for studying the epidemiology of various Sarcocystis species.     

Phylogeny and taxonomy of the oak powdery mildew Erysiphe alphitoides sensu lato

Phylogenetic analyses of Erysiphe alphitoides s. lat. using sequences of the rDNA ITS region and the D1/D2 domains of the 28S rDNA revealed a complex consisting of several genetically and morphologically distinguished taxa, including the already described Erysiphe alphitoides s. str. and E. hypophylla. The ascomata (chasmothecia) of E. hypophylla are morphologically very similar to those of E. alphitoides, but the two species are easily distinguishable by their symptoms, as well as the shape and size of the conidia. The fungus on Quercus phillyraeoides, distributed in warmer regions in southern Japan, is genetically clearly separated from E. alphitoides s. str., and morphologically characterized by having chasmothecia with appendages consistently shorter than the chasmothecial diameter. This fungus, named Erysiphe quercicola in this paper, is also able to infect some other oak species, and it is genetically identical with anamorphs on some tropical trees of other host genera. Collections of E. alphitoides s. lat. on Quercus acutissima and Q. variabilis, both belonging to Quercus sect. Cerris, are genetically distinct from E. alphitoides s. str., E. hypophylla and E. quercicola. They form two genetically and morphologically differentiated groups. The hypophyllous taxon on Q. acutissima and Q. variabilis, named Erysiphe hypogena in this paper, is characterized by forming distinctive persistent hypophyllous mycelial patches, causing necrotic discolouration of the host tissue. The epiphyllous taxon on these hosts, for which the name E. epigena is proposed, differs in having epiphyllous mycelium, smaller chasmothecia with fewer appendages, and does not cause leaf discolouration.     

淫羊藿属分类学研究:进展、问题与展望

淫羊藿是我国特有且传统的重要药用植物,逐渐步入大宗品种行列。物种的准确鉴定是药效保障和用药安全的前提,为促进其资源的合理开发和利用,该文对淫羊藿属分类学研究进行系统梳理,并对其中存在的问题及存疑类群进行阐述。淫羊藿属共发表68种,中国58种(85.3%),其中57种为特有分布,具有显著的资源优势。淫羊藿属中国类群的分类学研究较为特殊,共26种集中发表于1990s,共31种(53.4%)为国外研究者命名,且绝大多数依据少量栽培个体命名。由于缺乏广泛的形态调查和性状变异分析,导致大量类群的形态描述不准确或不全面,后续20个类群被归并或降级。依据栽培个体命名的类群是补充描述和分类修订的重点。花色、根茎类型、花茎叶的数量及着生方式等性状在中国类群中存在广泛变异。经分类修订后,该属目前包括46种、1亚种和2变种。淫羊藿属中国组类群仍处于活跃进化中,其形态变异复杂,种间关系无法得到解决,为该属分类的最大挑战。但种质资源的研究和利用需要建立在清晰的分类学基础上。未来研究应基于居群调查,完善各物种的形态描述;在此基础上,整合形态变异特征、地理分布格局和基因序列特征,检测自然种间杂交事件,从而揭示物种的分化和进化历程。     

Phytophthora captiosa sp. nov. and P. fallax sp. nov. causing crown dieback of Eucalyptus in New Zealand

A locally severe crown disease of exotic plantation Eucalyptus trees has been recorded periodically in New Zealand since 1986. Symptoms include leaf spots, petiole infection and twig and small branch lesions. Outbreaks of disease are episodic and individual trees may show marked variation in crown symptoms ranging from unaffected to total defoliation. Two previously unknown species of Phytophthora are associated with the disease. These are described and formally designated here as P. captiosa, from Eucalyptus botryoides and E. saligna; and P. fallax, from E. delegatensis, E. fastigata, E. nitens and E. regnans. Both P. captiosa and P. fallax have non-papillate, non-caducous sporangia and both are self-fertile. Phylogenetic analysis on the basis of ITS rDNA sequence data indicates they are closely related to each other but evolutionarily distant from the majority of described Phytophthora taxa. They share a common ancestor with another assemblage of Phytophthora lineages that includes P. insolita, P. macrochlamydospora and P. richardiae. Sporulation of P. captiosa and P. fallax has not been observed in the field. The mode of infection and spread of these non-caducous Phytophthora species in the eucalypt tree canopy remains unknown. This issue, and the possible geographic origins of these two Phytophthora species are discussed.     

中国的兰伯特盘菌属和兰斯盘菌属

本文报道中国兰伯特盘菌属15种和兰斯盘菌属6个分类单元,其中小晚兰斯盘菌为新种.同时,提供了上述两个属的分种检索表.     

Cylindrocarpon pauciseptatum sp. nov., with notes on Cylindrocarpon species with wide, predominantly 3-septate macroconidia

A Cylindrocarpon species with up to 10 μm wide, straight and predominantly 3-septate macroconidia, subglobose to ovoidal microconidia and chlamydospores, is described as Cyl. pauciseptatum. It is most similar to Cyl. austrodestructans but no chlamydospores and microconidia are formed in the latter. Similar macroconidia also occur in Cyl. theobromicola, which forms oval to ellipsoidal microconidia at least sparsely and has slightly curved macroconidia, and Cyl. destructans var. crassum, which forms abundant 1-celled microconidia. DNA sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2 plus the 5.8S rDNA and the partial beta-tubulin gene were used for phylogenetic inferences. Cylindrocarpon pauciseptatum and Cyl. macrodidymum are monophyletic and are closely related to other species of Cylindrocarpon sensu stricto including members of the Cyl. destructans (teleomorph, Neonectria radicicola) species complex, which accommodates Cyl. liriodendri (teleomorph, Neon. liriodendri), Cyl. destructans var. crassum and Cyl. austrodestructans (teleomorph, Neonectria austroradicicola comb. nov.). Cylindrocarpon theobromicola is distantly related to species of Cylindrocarpon sensu stricto or Neonectria sensu stricto. It clustered among cylindrocarpon-like species with curved macroconidia, of which some belong to the Neon. mammoidea group. Relatively voluminous cells in sporodochial conidiophores of Cyl. theobromicola resembled those described for Campylocarpon, which is closely related to members of the Neon. mammoidea group including Cyl. theobromicola. Cylindrocarpon pauciseptatum has been isolated from roots of Vitis spp. in South-eastern Europe (Slovenia) as well as New Zealand, where it also occurs on roots of Erica melanthera.     

Ophiostoma arduennense sp. nov. (Ophiostomatales, Ascomycota) from Fagus sylvatica in southern Belgium

Ophiostoma arduennense sp. nov. is described from several cultures isolated from Fagus sylvatica in southern Belgium. The species is mainly characterized by globose perithecia with small button-like bases ornamented with brown hyphal hairs of variable length and, long cylindrical necks ending in ostiolate hyphae. It is homothallic with small reniform ascospores and no apparent anamorph. It is closely associated with the ambrosia beetles Xyloterus domesticus and X. signatus. Its phylogenetic relationships within Ophiostoma are discussed and the species is compared with other Ophiostoma species associated with European beech or other broad-leaved trees in Europe, especially species of the O. quercus–O. piceae complex. The species is responsible for a dark brown staining of the sapwood and its role in the decline of beech in Southern Belgium is also discussed.     

PALEOZOIC LYCOPSID FRUCTIFICATIONS. III. CONSPECIFICITY OF BRITISH AND NORTH AMERICAN LEPIDOSTROBUS PETRIFACTIONS

A study was made of 30 apparently similar microsporangiate cone specimens of the lycopsid fructification Lepidostrobus found in coal balls of Middle Pennsylvanian age from Illinois and Kansas. None of these specimens was a complete cone, but at least 19 were large enough and well enough preserved to provide information regarding variation both within one cone and among several specimens. The data obtained substantiated the original assumption that all 30 specimens represented one species. Attempts to equate this one species with any of the similar, previously described North American taxa, Lepidostrobus coulteri, L. pulvinatus and Lepidocarpon magnificum-microsporangiate form, and the British taxon Lepidostrobus oldhamius, including the forms (α), (β), (γ) and pilosus, revealed that no significant differences existed among any of these taxa. Furthermore, all characteristics described for these taxa were referable to, and well within the range of variation of, the one species here analyzed. Differences among the taxa were found to represent only differences in maturation or normal variation. All these taxa are, therefore, conspecific and are assigned to one species which by priority is named Lepidostrobus oldhamius. The common association of the megasporangiate Lepidocarpon lomaxi with all these miorosporangiate cones, now recognized as representing the single taxon Lepidostrobus oldhamius, is strong evidence for the probability that Lepidocarpon lomaxi and Lepidostrobus oldhamius were produced by the same parent plant species.     

Invaders or endemics? Molecular phylogenetics,biogeography and systematics of Dreissena in the Balkans

1. Zebra mussels and their relatives (Dreissena spp.) have been well studied in eastern, central and western Europe as well as in North America, because of their invasiveness and economic importance. Much less is known about the biology and biogeography of indigenous (endemic) taxa of Dreissena, in the Balkans. A better knowledge of these taxa could help us (i) understand the factors triggering invasiveness in some taxa and (ii) identify other potentially invasive species. 2. Using a phylogenetic approach (2108 base pairs from three gene fragments), Dreissena spp. from natural lakes in the Balkans were studied to test whether invasive Dreissena populations occur in such lakes on the Balkan Peninsula, whether Dreissena stankovici really is endemic to the ancient Lakes Ohrid and Prespa, and to infer the phylogenetic and biogeographical relationships of Balkan dreissenids. 3. No invasive species of Dreissena, such as Dreissena polymorpha, were recorded. The supposedly ‘endemic’D. stankovici is not restricted to the ancient Lakes Ohrid and Prespa, but is the most widespread and dominant species in the west‐central Balkans. Its southern sister taxon, Dreissena blanci, occurs sympatrically with D. stankovici in Lakes Prespa, Mikri Prespa and Pamvotis. Both species are classified into the subgenus Dreissena (Carinodreissena) of which the subgenus Dreissena (Dreissena) (which includes the invasive D. polymorpha) is the sister taxon. Dreissena blanci and D. stankovici are considered to represent distinct species. 4. On a global scale, the two Balkan species have small ranges. An early Pliocene time frame for the divergence of the subgenera Carinodreissena and Dreissena is discussed, as well as potential colonization routes of the most recent common ancestor of Carinodreissena spp. 5. The ambiguous taxonomy of dreissenids in the Balkans is addressed. As nominal D. blanci presbensis from Lake Prespa has nomenclatural priority over D. stankovici, the correct name for the latter taxon should be Dreissena presbensis.     

Species Concepts in the Cylindrocladium floridanum and Cy. spathiphylli Complexes (Hypocreaceae) Based on Multi-allelic Sequence Data, Sexual Compatibility and Morphology

Much attention has recently been devoted to the delimitation of species units in Cylindrocladium(Cy.). In this regard the present study focuses on the taxa within the unresolved Cy. floridanum and Cy. spathiphylli species complexes. Maximum parsimony analyses of DNA sequences of ITS, β-tubulin and histone regions of rRNA genes, and mating experiments revealed a geographically isolated species of Cylindrocladium in the Cy. spathiphylli(teleomorph:Calonectria spathiphylli) species complex.Cy. pseudospathiphylli sp. nov. (teleomorph:Ca. pseudospathiphylli sp. nov.) is described as a new phylogenetic, biological and morphological species. It is distinguished from Cy. spathiphylli by being homothallic, having smaller macroconidia, and distinct DNA sequences of β-tubulin and histone genes. Similarly, parsimony analysis of a combined data set also indicated several phylogenetic species to exist within Cy. floridanum(teleomorph:Ca. kyotensis). Based on differences in vesicle morphology and conidium dimensions, the Canadian population of Cy. floridanum, formerly known as Cy. floridanum Group 2, is described as Cy. canadense sp. nov., while a further collection from Hawaii is described as Cy. pacificum sp. nov.     

Taxonomic differences among closely related pines Pinus sylvestris, P. mugo, P. uncinata, P. rotundata and P. uliginosa as revealed in needle sclerenchyma cells

The purpose of the present study was to test the taxonomic value of sclerenchyma in distinguishing Pinus sylvestris and P. mugo, P. uncinata, P. rotundata and P. uliginosa, all representing the subsection Sylvestres within the genus Pinus. Thirty-six samples were gathered in natural populations. Every sample was represented with 30 individuals, every individual with 10 brachyblasts. Three types of sclerenchymatic cells surrounding the resin canals and four between vascular bundles were distinguished. Relations among samples and taxa were verified using discriminant analysis and clustering based on Euclidean distances. The types of sclerenchymatic cells surrounding the resin canals and located between the vascular bundles differentiate the compared taxa when used as average frequencies but are extremely variable and do not allow the classification of every individual. The study demonstrated that the type of sclerenchymatic cells surrounding the resin canals and between the vascular bundles in needles could have an important taxonomic value in distinguishing the taxa of two-needle pines of the subsection Sylvestres in Europe at the population level. The distinguishing of individuals was difficult because of very high variation of sclerenchyma characters.