Polyphasic taxonomy of the genus Talaromyces.

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Fungal Taxonomy
• Molecular Phylogenetics

Background:

• The genus Talaromyces, initially described as a sexual state of Penicillium, has undergone taxonomic revisions.
• Phylogenetic studies revealed Talaromyces and Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium form a distinct monophyletic clade.
• The adoption of the one fungus, one name principle led to the transfer of Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium to Talaromyces based solely on phylogenetic data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive monograph of the genus Talaromyces.
• To apply a polyphasic species concept integrating morphological, molecular, and physiological data.
• To establish a robust sectional classification for the genus Talaromyces.

Main Methods:

• Multigene phylogenetic analysis using ITS, BenA, and RPB2 sequences.
• Application of a polyphasic species concept for taxonomic evaluation.
• Morphological characterization and physiological assessments of Talaromyces species.

Main Results:

• A new sectional classification for Talaromyces is proposed, dividing the 88 accepted species into seven distinct sections: Bacillispori, Helici, Islandici, Purpurei, Subinflati, Talaromyces, and Trachyspermi.
• Detailed morphological descriptions and identification keys are provided for each species.
• The Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region is confirmed as the primary fungal barcode, with BenA proposed as a reliable secondary marker.

Conclusions:

• The proposed sectional classification refines the taxonomy of the genus Talaromyces.
• The study provides essential taxonomic and identification resources for Talaromyces species.
• The integration of morphological, molecular, and physiological data ensures a more accurate and stable classification system.