How Different Molecular Markers Estimate the Diversity of European Species of the Ganoderma Genus.

Based on published anatomical-morphological and ecological characteristics and phylogenetic evidence, six species of the Ganoderma genus are known to occur in Europe, namely, G. applanatum (Pers.) Pat., G. adspersum (Schulzer) Donk, G. pfeifferi Bres., G. resinaceum Boud., G. carnosum Pat., and G. lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst. Molecular markers (DNA sequences of selected genes or intergenic spacers) revolutionized our view of fungal variability. Every one of the four most frequently used molecular markers (ITS (internal transcribed spacer) and partial sequences of LSU (rRNA large subunit), tef1-α (translation elongation factor 1-alpha), and Rpb2 (RNA polymerase II second largest subunit)) provides a different view on the variability of European species of the Ganoderma genus. Both the lowest intraspecies variability and the best species differentiation (interspecies divergence) were observed for the LSU marker, and based on our data, this marker could be recommended for identification and species delineation in European Ganoderma spp. The sequences of the most frequently used ITS marker were unable to discriminate between G. lucidum and G. carnosum, and in general, this species pair showed the lowest interspecies divergence using all markers tested. Surprisingly, up to now, hidden variability has been detected in several Ganoderma spp., indicating the existence of possible cryptic taxa within the European Ganoderma morphospecies.

Intragenomic Variability of ITS Sequences in Bjerkandera adusta.

Bjerkandera adusta is a species of common white rot polyporoid fungi found worldwide. Despite playing an important role in deadwood decay, the species strains are used in bioremediation due to its ability to degrade polycyclic hydrocarbons and some of them are important etiological agents of chronic coughs and are associated with lung inflammations. In our experiments, diversity within the species was investigated using molecular approaches and we found that sequence diversity seen at ITS sequence level is not due to cryptic speciation but to intragenomic variability of ITS sequences in this species.

Can wood-decaying urban macrofungi be identified by using fuzzy interference system? An example in Central European Ganoderma species.

Ganoderma is a cosmopolitan genus of wood-decaying basidiomycetous macrofungi that can rot the roots and/or lower trunk. Among the standing trees, their presence often indicates that a hazard assessment may be necessary. These bracket fungi are commonly known for the crust-like upper surfaces of their basidiocarps and formation of white rot. Six species occur in central European urban habitats. Several of them, such as Ganoderma adspersum, G. applanatum, G. resinaceum and G. pfeifferi, are most hazardous fungi causing extensive horizontal stem decay in urban trees. Therefore, their early identification is crucial for correct management of trees. In this paper, a fast technique is tested for the determination of phytopathologically important urban macrofungi using fuzzy interference system of Sugeno type based on 13 selected traits of 72 basidiocarps of six Ganoderma species and compared to the ITS sequence based determination. Basidiocarps features were processed for the following situations: At first, the FIS of Sugeno 2 type (without basidiospore sizes) was used and 57 Ganoderma basidiocarps (79.17%) were correctly determined. Determination success increased to 96.61% after selecting basidiocarps with critical values (15 basidiocarps). These undeterminable basidiocarps must be analyzed by molecular methods. In a case, that basidiospore sizes of some basidiocarps were known, a combination of Sugeno 1 (31 basidiocarps with known basidiospore size) and Sugeno 2 (41 basidiocarps with unknown basidiospore size) was used. 84.72% of Ganoderma basidiocarps were correctly identified. Determination success increased to 96.83% after selecting basidiocarps with critical values (11 basidiocarps).

Medicinal Value and Taxonomy of the Tinder Polypore, Fomes fomentarius (Agaricomycetes): A Review.

The tinder polypore, Fomes fomentarius, is a wood-decaying macrofungus well known for its potential use in a wide range of biotechnological applications. The existence of 3 distinct internal transcribed spacer lineages/sublineages among its strains has been clearly established. Sublineage A1 consists of strains isolated from North America, whereas sublineage A2 consists of strains only from Europe. Lineage B comprises strains from Europe and Asia. A better understanding of the biological features of F. fomentarius lineages/sublineages could lead to improved characterization, leading to better biotechnological applications. The medicinal value of F. fomentarius is discussed.

The occurrence and rapid discrimination of Fomes fomentarius genotypes by ITS-RFLP analysis.

Sequence comparison of available Fomes fomentarius (L.) J. Kickx f. internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA sequences demonstrated genetic non-homogeneity of the species. Multiple sequence alignment indicated the presence of two genotypes with overall similarity of about 97% and a strong statistics support. Rapid and reliable method for discrimination of F. fomentarius genotypes based on restriction digestion of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified ITS sequences was developed. BseNI and SchI restriction endonucleases were found to clearly discriminate between two F. fomentarius genotypes. The method was used to study the variability in F. fomentarius isolates collected from natural forest reserves in Vihorlat Mountains (East Slovakia). In most localities both genotypes occur concurrently. The isolates belonging to the genotype A were found to be prevalent on beech (Fagus sylvatica), while genotype B tends to be found mainly on other hosts. The grouping of selected isolates was confirmed by sequence analysis. Our results indicate that F. fomentarius includes at least two sympatric cryptic species.