Phylogenetic Analysis within Genera Morchella (Ascomycota, Pezizales) and Macrolepiota (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) Inferred from rDNA ITS and EF-1a Sequences

The relationships among species within Morchella and Macrolepiota were studied using nrDNA ITS and EF-1α sequences from 50 samples belonging to genera Gyromitra, Distiotis, Morchella, and Verpa; and 58 samples belonging to genera Macrolepiota, Leucoagaricus, and Chlorophyllum species from diff erent Fungi-ch-7.indd-15-02-2011.indd 159 31-10-2011 14:11:26 160 Systematics and Evolution of Fungi geographical areas. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and the Bayesian approach were conducted in order to build the phylogeny of these genera. Both genera appeared to be monophyletic; however, several ingroups appeared to be polyphyletic. The relationship of species within the genus Morchella was investigated using both molecular (nrDNA ITS and EF-1α) and morphological characteristics in order to re-evaluate the taxonomic position of several controversial species for which the taxonomic status is still unclear. Results showed that the genus Morchella is a complex of several species, which was separated into two main distinct groups: yellow (M. crassipes, M. esculenta s. str. and M. spongiola) and black morels [(M. elata s. str., M. costata, M. gigas, and M. vulgaris (= M. conica)]. Results supported evidence that Morchella elata and M. angusticeps are identical taxa, which was proposed in earlier publications. Morphological data together with molecular data did not support the proposals that M. esculenta and M. crassipes are the same species. After phylogenetic studies, the list of Morchella species of Israel was re-evaluated, and are currently represented by Morchella elata, M. esculenta, M. rufobrunnea, and M. vulgaris (=M. conica). Th e relationship of Macrolepiota species to one another within the genus was investigated using both molecular (nrDNA ITS and EF-1 alpha sequences) and morphological characteristics. Th e results supported evidence to transfer M. rachodes into the genus Chlorophyllum, which was proposed by earlier publications. M. fuliginosa and M. rhodosperma appear to be identical. Morphological data together with molecular data did not support the proposals to treat M. mastoidea and its closely related species as one taxon. Th e list of Macrolepiota species of Israel was re-evaluated, which is currently represented by M. affi nis, M. excoriata, M. excoriata var. rubescens, M. fuligineosquarrosa, M. konradii, M. mastoidea, M. procera, M. procera var. mediterranea, M. prominens, M. psammophila, M. rickenii, and M. subsquarrosa. Macrolepiota oliveri and M. rachodes were transferred to the genus Chlorophyllum. It was shown that for Morchella, EF-1α is informative, whereas for Macrolepiota – this is hardly so. With the topology presented for Macrolepiota based on EF-1α, it is logical to conclude that this marker is not that suitable for the resolution of species complexes that are closely related in this particular taxon, genus Macrolepiota. However, assuming that the complexes should be treated as the same species is probably premature

Ecology, phylogeny, and potential nutritional and medicinal value of a rare white “maitake” collected in a mediterranean forest

Albino Grifola frondosa (Dicks.) Gray “maitake” mushrooms (described as G. albicans Imazeki and then placed in synonymy with G. frondosa) are particularly rare, and the few pertinent records are not treated in scientific publications. A field investigation carried out in Sicily (Italy) led to the collection of an unusual white Grifola specimen at the base of a living tree of Quercus pubescens Willd. s.l. The outcome of sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) indicated that it belongs to G. frondosa and provided an insight to the phylogenetic relationships within the genus. The results of nutritional composition analysis showed that the albino basidioma possesses relatively high contents of Ca, Fe, K, and Cu and is rather low in Na when compared with literature data on edible mushrooms. Vitamin (B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, and D2) contents ranged from 0.15 to 3.89 mg per 100 g of mushroom dry weight. The cold-water extract of this specimen was effctive at inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442 at the maximum screening concentration of 50% v/v. In addition, the extract slowed down the ability of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300 to form biofilms. According to data hereby reported, the albino G. frondosa is a culinary-medicinal mushroom with a promising exploitation potential

Ecology, Phylogeny, and Potential Nutritional and Medicinal Value of a Rare White “Maitake” Collected in a Mediterranean Forest

Albino Grifola frondosa (Dicks.) Gray “maitake” mushrooms (described as G. albicans Imazeki and then placed in synonymy with G. frondosa) are particularly rare, and the few pertinent records are not treated in scientific publications. A field investigation carried out in Sicily (Italy) led to the collection of an unusual white Grifola specimen at the base of a living tree of Quercus pubescens Willd. s.l. The outcome of sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) indicated that it belongs to G. frondosa and provided an insight to the phylogenetic relationships within the genus. The results of nutritional composition analysis showed that the albino basidioma possesses relatively high contents of Ca, Fe, K, and Cu and is rather low in Na when compared with literature data on edible mushrooms. Vitamin (B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, and D2) contents ranged from 0.15 to 3.89 mg per 100 g of mushroom dry weight. The cold-water extract of this specimen was effective at inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442 at the maximum screening concentration of 50% v/v. In addition, the extract slowed down the ability of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300 to form biofilms. According to data hereby reported, the albino G. frondosa is a culinary-medicinal mushroom with a promising exploitation potential