An investigation of /omphalotaceae (Fungi: Euagarics) with emphasis on the genus Gymnopus

Juan Luis Mata, Karen W. Hughes & Ronald H. Petersen (2007)

Sydowia 58 (2): 191 - 289

Clade /omphalotaceae (Moncalvo et al. 2002) comprises several genera of the traditional family Tricholomataceae (a group of white-spored mushrooms). Using ITS 1-5.8S-ITS 2 sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA, we present a phylogenetic reconstruction of /omphalotaceae. In order to use taxo-nomenclatural names as accurately as possible, we have compared voucher basidiomata to type specimens and have employed sexual compatibility experiments to probe the genetic cohesion of putatively related collections. Numerous generic type species are placed within the phylogeny and taxonomic implications are discussed. An area of tandem repeats was discovered in numerous species, with implications for their phylogenetic placement. In some widely distributed species phylogeographic signals were inferred. A few new taxa and a few new nomenclatural combinations are proposed.

Key words: Basidiomycota, molecular phylogeny, ribosomal RNA, tandem repeat.