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A new genus to accommodate Gymnopus acervatus (Agaricales)
Karen W Hughes1, David A Mather, Ronald H Petersen
1Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-1100, USA. khughes@utk.edu
Mycologia
|October 15, 2010
Summary
Phylogenetic analysis necessitates a new genus, Connopus, for Agaricus (Gymnopus) acervatus. This study reveals potential reproductive isolation within Connopus acervatus, suggesting distinct North American and Eurasian clades.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Systematics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The Gymnopus/Rhodocollybia complex is taxonomically challenging.
- Previous classifications did not fully resolve the phylogenetic position of Agaricus (Gymnopus) acervatus.
- Understanding species complexes requires detailed molecular and morphological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the taxonomic status of Agaricus (Gymnopus) acervatus using molecular phylogenetics.
- To investigate infraspecific variation within C. acervatus.
- To propose a new genus if phylogenetic data support it.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analyses using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and Large Subunit (LSU) nrDNA sequences.
- Morphological comparisons.
- DNA bar-coding of a Scandinavian specimen.
- Examination of existing GenBank sequences for inconsistencies.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Agaricus (Gymnopus) acervatus is distinct within the Gymnopus/Rhodocollybia complex.
- The data support the establishment of a new genus, Connopus.
- Infraspecific variation suggests a potential reproductive isolation between western North American and eastern North American/Scandinavian clades.
- European and eastern North American clades may be conspecific.
Conclusions:
- Connopus is proposed as a new genus to accommodate C. acervatus.
- Further research is needed to confirm the reproductive isolation and taxonomic status of the identified clades within Connopus.
- Accurate phylogenetic placement and data curation are crucial for taxonomic stability.
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