ABSTRACT
Rhytidhysteron rufulum is a poorly known, common, pantropical species, capable of utilizing different substrata and occupying diverse habitats, and is the only species of its genus in Costa Rica. We have employed molecular, morphological, and chemical data to assess the variability and differentiation of R. rufulum in Costa Rica, including sites from the Pacific and Atlantic coast. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ITS rDNA sequences revealed the presence of four distinct lineages in the R. rufulum complex. Re-examination of the morphology and anatomy showed differences between these lineages in ascomatal, ascal, and ascospore size that have previously been regarded as intraspecific variations. In addition, there was a correlation between molecular phylogenies and chemical components as determined by hplc and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Two lineages (clades I and II) produced the palmarumycins MK-3018, CJ-12372, and CR(1), whereas clade III produced dehydrocurvularin, and clade IV unidentified compounds. Our results based on a polyphasic approach contradict previous taxonomic interpretations of one morphologically variable species.
Subject(s)
Ascomycota/chemistry , Ascomycota/genetics , Phylogeny , Soil Microbiology , Ascomycota/classification , Ascomycota/cytology , Costa Rica , DNA, Fungal/genetics , DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics , Molecular Sequence Data , Mycological Typing TechniquesABSTRACT
Calvatia sporocristata, Gasteromycetes, is described and illustrated as a new species. Its taxonomic characters are discussed and compared with other closely related species of the genus. Few studies have been carried out on tropical Gasteromycetes. The new species here proposed has, as the main features: exoperidium corky, smooth, one-layered, pseudoparenchymatous; endoperidium thin, papyraceous, dextrinoid; subgleba cellular; capillitium septate, dissociated at the septal site, lycoperdon type, without pores, elastic and spores amigdaloid, 4-6 (-7) x 2.5-4.5 microns with spines aligned, forming crests, 0.8 micron high.
Subject(s)
Basidiomycota , Costa RicaABSTRACT
Calvatia sporocristata, Gasteromycetes, is described and illustrated as a new species. Its taxonomic characters are discussed and compared with other closely related species of the genus. Few studies have been carried out on tropical Gasteromycetes. The new species here proposed has, as the main features: exoperidium corky, smooth, one-layered, pseudoparenchymatous; endoperidium thin, papyraceous, dextrinoid; subgleba cellular; capillitium septate, dissociated at the septal site, lycoperdon type, without pores, elastic and spores amigdaloid, 4-6 (-7) x 2.5-4.5 microns with spines aligned, forming crests, 0.8 micron high.
Subject(s)
Basidiomycota/classification , Basidiomycota/cytology , Costa RicaABSTRACT
The pathogenicity of Phylloporia chrysita (Berk.) Ryv. on Erythrochiton gymnanthus K. (Rutaceae) was studied in Carara Biological Reserve, seasonal Pacific of Costa Rica. Growth rate and distribution of basidiocarps were determined on health and diseased plants. P. chrysita caused 52 percent growth reduction on diseased plants. Fungal hyphae were observed on epidermis, parenchyma and vascular tissue, where they caused cellular breakdown
