Traditional infrageneric classification of Gymnopilus is not supported by ribosomal DNA sequence data

Abstract

The traditional classification of Gymnopilus (Agaricales) recognizes two primary groups, Annulati and Gymnopilus, based on the presence or absence of a membranous partial veil. While our analyses of DNA sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal ITS1–5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) gene supports the monophyly of the genus, these traditional subgroups were not recovered. Five well-supported clades within the genus were identified through these analyses: 1) the spectabilis-imperialis group; 2) nevadensis-penetrans group; 3) a clade formed by G. underwoodii, G. validipes and G. cf. flavidellus; 4) aeruginosus-luteofolius group; and 5) lepidotus-subearlei group. Relationships among these subgroups were not resolved.

• Agaricales
• Annulati
• Cortinariaceae
• ITS
• phylogeny
• Strophariaceae

Curators from BAFC, DAOM, ENCB, F, FLA, H, IMI, K, MEL, MICH, S, WTU and XAL kindly provided specimens for this study. T. Ahti, B. Buyck, M. Candusso, H. Clémençon, P. Clerc, R. Courtecuisse, A. Fraiture, F. Gougouy, M. Guillod, G. Guzmán, K. Hansen, D. Hawksworth, B. Hein, K. Høiland, E. Horak, K. Jaederfeldt, T. W. Kuyper, T. Læssøe, R. Moberg, G. Moreno, M. Noordeloos, C. L. Ovrebo, M. A. Pérez-de-Gregorio, C. Ramírez, O. Röllin, S. Ryman, P. A. Schäfer, H. Sipman, B. M. Spooner, Å. Strid, P. Taylor and R. Watling were very helpful with either one, two or all of the following: providing specimens, receiving the first author at their institutions and/or homes and helping with field trips. Thanks are due to E. De Luna and A. Rodríguez-Contreras for their valuable advice and to J. S. Hunt, J. Bond, W. Figueiredo, J. Buschbom, A. C. Driskell, S. Zoller and V. Reeb for their help during the lab work. G. Rodríguez Cano and J. Villand helped with the DNA extraction. S. Fausto isolated and maintained the Gymnopilus strain. Sequences were generated at the Pritzker Laboratory for Molecular Systematics and Evolution at The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago. This research was supported by PAEP-UNAM, Idea Wild, Robert O. Bass Visiting Scientist Award from Field Museum, CONACYT, PROMEP and the University of Guadalajara.