An updated multigene phylogeny of Leotiomycetes

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Molecular Systematics
• Fungal Phylogenetics

Background:

• Previous phylogenies of Leotiomycetes (2019) established a robust backbone for Helotiales but lacked resolution in deeper clades.
• Limited genomic data outside Helotiales hindered understanding of early Leotiomycetes evolution.
• ITS phylogenies offered wider taxon coverage but were less informative for deeper relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To incorporate recent DNA sequence data and taxonomic updates into existing Leotiomycetes phylogenies.
• To improve phylogenetic resolution for genera and clades outside the order Helotiales.
• To provide an updated classification for Leotiomycetes based on new molecular evidence.

Main Methods:

• Updated multigene phylogenetic analyses incorporating new DNA sequence data.
• Re-analysis of ITS sequence data for broader taxonomic coverage.
• Integration of recent taxonomic changes for genera, families, and orders within Leotiomycetes.

Main Results:

• The updated multigene phylogeny provides improved resolution for the class Leotiomycetes, especially for clades outside Helotiales.
• Newly incorporated data and taxonomic revisions clarify relationships at various taxonomic levels.
• The study refines the understanding of evolutionary history and classification within Leotiomycetes.

Conclusions:

• This updated phylogeny offers a more stable and resolved classification for Leotiomycetes.
• The findings facilitate a better understanding of fungal diversity and evolution within this class.
• The study contributes to the ongoing refinement of fungal taxonomy based on molecular data.