Taxonomy and evolutionary relationships within species of section Rimosae (Inocybe) based on ITS, LSU and mtSSU...

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Molecular Systematics
• Taxonomy

Background:

• The fungal genus Inocybe, particularly subgenus Inosperma section Rimosae, requires taxonomic clarification.
• Previous classifications may not accurately reflect evolutionary relationships within Inocybe and related genera like Auritella.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the phylogenetic structure of Inocybe subg. Inosperma sect. Rimosae.
• To investigate the taxonomic status of the genus Auritella and its relationship to Inocybe.
• To resolve the evolutionary history of species within sect. Rimosae.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using DNA sequence data from ITS, LSU, and mtSSU regions.
• Morphological data were used to correlate with molecular findings and identify distinct species.
• Phylogenetic trees were constructed to infer relationships among the studied taxa.

Main Results:

• The analyses confirmed Inocybe as a monophyletic group when Auritella is included within it.
• Species of Inocybe sect. Rimosae were resolved into two distinct, well-supported clades: Maculata and Rimosae s.s.
• The Maculata clade groups with sect. Cervicolores, representing Inosperma in a strict sense, while Rimosae s.s. forms a separate lineage.

Conclusions:

• Recognizing Auritella as a distinct genus renders Inocybe paraphyletic, suggesting its integration into Inocybe.
• The traditional section Rimosae is polyphyletic, necessitating reclassification into the Maculata and Rimosae s.s. clades.
• The study provides a key for identifying Northwest European species within the resolved Maculata and Rimosae s.s. clades.