Cordyceps mexicana sp. nov., parasitizing Paradirphia sp. moths: A new sister species of the Cordyceps militaris complex, distributed in central Mexican Quercus-Pinus mixed forests.

Cordyceps s.l. is a paraphyletic group of ascomycete fungi that exhibit multifunctional lifestyles, that is, as saprotrophs, endophytes, and pathogens of insects, spiders, fungi, and grasses. The family Cordycipitaceae includes macroscopically similar species that have been erroneously considered to be conspecific with Cordyceps militaris. In this study, we describe a new species within the C. militaris complex that is distributed in the Quercus-Pinus forests of central Mexico on the basis of its morphology, phylogenetic relationships, and life cycle. Phylogenetically, Cordyceps mexicana is a well-supported new sister species of the C. militaris complex. It is distinguished by the morphology of its conidiophore, host association, and geographic distribution. This species parasitizes pupae of Paradirphia sp. (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Hemileucinae) and might be macroscopically confused with C. militaris. Its stromata are large, can measure up to 10 cm in length, and the fertile part is always bright yellow. This species develops whitish mycelial cords that emerge from the stromata and grow toward the host. Microscopically, it develops asci with filiform ascospores disarticulating in part-spores. Its life cycle and geographic distribution are also discussed.

Genetic diversity in Mexican wild populations of the Great Curassow (Crax rubra) / Diversidad genética en poblaciones silvestres mexicanas del hocofaisán (Crax rubra)

Abstract The Great Curassow (Crax rubra) is a Neotropical bird with a wide distribution; it is classified under different threat categories and is listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. The Official Mexican Standard, the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, indicates that the Great Curassow is a threatened species, and the subspecies Crax rubra griscomi, which is restricted to the island of Cozumel, is classified as critically endangered. Habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, overexploitation, and illegal trade are among the main factors that have placed the bird at an endangered status. The objective of the present study was to determine the genetic structure and variation of the species within the Mexican populations of Crax rubra by using three mitochondrial markers, and one nuclear marker (COI, ND2, Cyt b, and MUSK). We used 47 samples obtained by noninvasive collection (feathers) including the two different color phases of the female plumage: dark brown and barred (rare in Mexico). Gene flow between the remaining populations is recent and extensive, even between the continental and the island population (C. r. griscomi). The results indicate that the subspecies C. r. rubra and C. r. griscomi do not present a marked genetic differentiation because the second exhibits an exclusive haplotype and a shared haplotype. With this study, we provide the first genetic-geographic approximation of the curassow in Mexico, where a gradual geographic differentiation is observed between the western and eastern populations of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and we provide a baseline for future studies. Finally, the information obtained indicates that important genetic diversity persists in the Mexican populations of the Great Curassow and that sufficient conservation within the ecosystems of these subspecies can be obtained by protecting them from overexploitation and by conserving and restoring their habitat.

Resumen El hocofaisán (Crax rubra) es un ave de la región Neotropical con amplia distribución, que se encuentra en diferentes categorías de riesgo, por la IUCN está catalogada como una especie Vulnerable. A nivel nacional, dentro de la NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 está considerada como una especie amenazada, y la subespecie Crax rubra griscomi restringida a la isla de Cozumel, está categorizada como en peligro de extinción. Entre los factores principales por los que se encuentra en grave riesgo, destacan la pérdida y fragmentación del hábitat, la cacería, la sobreexplotación, la extracción y el comercio ilegal. El objetivo del presente estudio es conocer la estructura y variación genética de la especie dentro de las poblaciones silvestres mexicanas de Crax rubra, mediante el uso de tres marcadores mitocondriales y uno nuclear (COI, ND2, Cyt b y MUSK). A partir de 47 muestras obtenidas mediante colecta no invasiva (plumas) que incluyen las dos fases de plumaje de la hembra: café oscura y barrada (rara en México). Se observó que el flujo génico entre las poblaciones remanentes es reciente y extenso, incluso entre las poblaciones continentales y la isleña (C. r. griscomi). Los resultados indican que las subespecies C. r. rubra y C. r. griscomi no presentan una marcada diferenciación genética dado que la segunda presentó un haplotipo exclusivo y uno compartido. Con el presente estudio brindamos la primera aproximación genético-geográfica del hocofaisán en México y una línea de base para futuros estudios, en el que se observa una diferenciación geográfica gradual entre las poblaciones del oeste y del este del Istmo de Tehuantepec. Finalmente, la información obtenida indica que en las poblaciones mexicanas del hocofaisán persiste una diversidad genética importante y que su conservación en los ecosistemas puede ser suficiente mediante la protección a la sobreexplotación, la conservación y restauración de su hábitat.

Genetic characterization, evaluation of growth and production of biomass of strains from wild edible mushrooms of Lyophyllum of Central Mexico

Abstract The present study conducted a genetic characterization and determined growth rate and biomass production in solid and liquid media, using strains obtained from wild edible sporomes of Lyophyllum that grow in high mountains. Vegetative isolation was used to obtain a total of four strains, which were divided into two clades within the section Difformia: Lyophyllum sp. and Lyophyllum aff. shimeji. Growth rate and biomass production were influenced by both the culture media and the strains. In a potato dextrose agar medium, the strains presented a higher growth rate, while in a malt extract-peptone and yeast agar medium, the growth rate was lower, but with a higher biomass production that was equal to that in the malt extract-peptone and yeast liquid medium.

Genetic characterization, evaluation of growth and production of biomass of strains from wild edible mushrooms of Lyophyllum of Central Mexico.

The present study conducted a genetic characterization and determined growth rate and biomass production in solid and liquid media, using strains obtained from wild edible sporomes of Lyophyllum that grow in high mountains. Vegetative isolation was used to obtain a total of four strains, which were divided into two clades within the section Difformia: Lyophyllum sp. and Lyophyllum aff. shimeji. Growth rate and biomass production were influenced by both the culture media and the strains. In a potato dextrose agar medium, the strains presented a higher growth rate, while in a malt extract-peptone and yeast agar medium, the growth rate was lower, but with a higher biomass production that was equal to that in the malt extract-peptone and yeast liquid medium.