A phylogeny for the plant pathogen Piptoporellus baudonii using a multigene data set.

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Plant Pathology
• Forestry

Background:

• Laetiporus baudonii is a parasitic macrofungus impacting various trees in Tanzania.
• The fungus poses a significant threat to agroforestry systems and local livelihoods.
• Accurate taxonomic classification is crucial for understanding and managing its impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reclassify Laetiporus baudonii based on morphological and molecular data.
• To determine the phylogenetic placement of L. baudonii within the Polyporales order.
• To provide a robust taxonomic foundation for future research and management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Morphological analysis of fungal specimens.
• DNA sequencing of three rDNA gene regions.
• Phylogenetic analysis using translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) gene sequences.
• Comparison with known species within the antrodia clade and Fomitopsidaceae family.

Main Results:

• Morphological and molecular data strongly support the placement of L. baudonii within the Piptoporellus genus.
• Phylogenetic analysis revealed L. baudonii groups with Piptoporellus in the Fomitopsidaceae family.
• Piptoporellus baudonii shares key morphological traits with other Piptoporellus species, with distinct basidiospore characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Laetiporus baudonii is proposed as a new combination, Piptoporellus baudonii.
• The reclassification is supported by both morphological and phylogenetic evidence.
• This finding contributes to the taxonomic understanding of the Piptoporellus genus and parasitic fungi impacting Tanzanian agriculture.