Systematics of the genus Auricularia with an emphasis on species from the southeastern United States.
Abstract
The genus Auricularia comprises 10–15 recognized species worldwide, and most are considered to have intercontinental to cosmopolitan distributions. Though regional field guides for the southeastern United States treat only one or two species, five species, A. fuscosuccinea, A. auricula-judae, A. mesenterica, A. polytricha, and A. delicata , have been recorded from the region. This study seeks to evaluate and revise current species concepts in Auricularia using phylogenetic and morphological methods to better understand the species occurring in the southeastern United States. Historical collections from herbaria and fresh material from the field have been examined and sequenced at two loci, ITS and rpb2. Phylogenetic results indicate several diverse clades are in need of taxonomic revision. Previous reports of A. auricula-judae in the southeastern U.S. likely represent a clade of A. americana . Collections identified as A. delicata are found to be polyphyletic and distributed in four clades. Variation in the presence or absence of a medulla layer in some species, previously a key morphological character, has made it evident that additional characters are required to reflect the genetic diversity in the genus. A new taxonomic character, the schizomedulla, is discussed and shown to distinguish two novel species, A. subglabra and A. scissa , from the morphologically similar species A. delicata . A reticulate, merulioid hymenial surface can no longer be considered a character unique to A. delicata . Furthermore, ITS data from the voucher-specimen from which the genome of A. delicata was produced indicates this species is A. subglabra . The taxonomy and nomenclature of Peziza nigricans is discussed and it is shown to be the earliest priorable name for A. polytricha sensu auct. amer. , and the new combination Auricularia nigricans is proposed. We now recognize the following species of Auricularia from the southeastern U.S.: A. americana, A. fuscosuccinea, A. mesenterica, A. nigricans, and A. scissa.
... Although Auricularia is recognized from another genera in the family Auriculariacae, it is difficult to identify species according to the macromorphological attributes including hair length, size, color, hyphae internal stratification and absence or presence of a medulla (Lowy 1952;Kobayasi 1981). Since the previous features were confusing to delimit the species of this genus, ITS and rpb2 regions are as useful to establish species boundaries (Looney et al. 2013;Wang et al. 2013). Recently, molecular studies provided strong evidence for the genus taxonomy (Montoya-Alvarez et al. 2011;Looney et al. 2013;Wu et al. 2014). ...
... Since the previous features were confusing to delimit the species of this genus, ITS and rpb2 regions are as useful to establish species boundaries (Looney et al. 2013;Wang et al. 2013). Recently, molecular studies provided strong evidence for the genus taxonomy (Montoya-Alvarez et al. 2011;Looney et al. 2013;Wu et al. 2014). The most important aim of this study is to clarify the species diverisity of Auricularia in Iran based on combined macromorphological features, molecular data and phylogenetic analyses. ...
... However, many taxonomic groups still need to be investigated. Until the year 2013, research had shown that about 10 to 15 species had been described and recognized in this genus (Lowy 1952;Kobayasi 1981;Kirk et al. 2008;Looney et al. 2013), while according to Wu et al. (2021), 277 samples from 35 countries in Oceania, Africa, North and South America, Europe, and Asia were collected. Eventually, based on morphological studies and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses, 37 species belonging to five morphological groups: Auricularia mesenterica, A. fuscosuccinea, A. delicate, A. cornea, and A. auricula-judae were identified. ...
Auricularia is one of the most widely distributed macrofungi, regarded as an edible medical mushroom, and is the third largest cultivated mushroom in the world due to its high nutrition and bioactivity properties. This research specifies the taxonomic status of this genus in Iran for the first time. After sample collection during 2017-2018, 19 samples were collected from Hyrcanian forests in Iran. Phylogenetic analyses and morphological examinations of 19 samples were carried out. Morphological studies identified five species Auricularia auricula-judae, A. cornea, A. heimuer, A. iranica sp. nov., and A. mesente-rica. Subsequently, one representative sample from each group (species) was sequenced. Based on rpb2 and ITS sequences, phylogenetic analyses were performed using Bayesian Inference analysis. The identification of five species of Auricularia was done according to molecular and morphological examinations. As expected from morphological characters, as well as ITS and rpb2 regions sequences support, one new species, Auricularia iranica in the A. mesenterica complex, is described. The two known species, A. auricula-judae and A. heimuer belonging to the A. auricula-judae complex and A. cornea belonging to the A. cornea complex, are defined. An identification key for the accepted Auricularia species of Iran is proposed.
... was originally described based on material collected in the Marianna Islands, in the northwestern Pacific Ocean [24]. Morphologically, A. cornea is characterized by gelatinous reddish brown to white (albino varieties) basidiomata, which are solitary to gregarious, sessile to substipitate, and sometimes with lobed pileus margin [24,25]. The upper surface of A. cornea basidiomata is densely pilose and the hymenophore surface is usually smooth to shallow venulose [24][25][26]. ...
... Morphologically, A. cornea is characterized by gelatinous reddish brown to white (albino varieties) basidiomata, which are solitary to gregarious, sessile to substipitate, and sometimes with lobed pileus margin [24,25]. The upper surface of A. cornea basidiomata is densely pilose and the hymenophore surface is usually smooth to shallow venulose [24][25][26]. Regarding its geographical distribution, A. cornea is one of the few species of the genus with a wide distribution, occurring in Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Europe [26]. In Brazil, the species has already been reported for the states of Acre, Ceará, Goiás, Maranhão, Paraíba, Paraná, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo [26][27][28][29]. ...
... The identification of the voucher was made through morphological characteristics and the wild strain by molecular characteristics, following specific bibliographies [24][25][26]. For molecular studies, DNA extraction was performed from mycelium obtained in liquid culture (Potato Dextrose Broth). ...
Auricularia cornea has become one of the most important cultivated mushrooms worldwide. Although not remarkably flavorful, Auricularia species are very versatile and rehydrate easily after drying, adding a unique and pleasing texture to the dishes. In this study, we collected, identified, and domesticated a wild strain of A. cornea from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. The wild strain was evaluated for mycelial growth at different temperatures and substrates, biological efficiency, and nutritional composition. The temperature that best favored the A. cornea mycelium growth was 30 °C, and the substrate was sterile Eucalyptus sawdust. The highest biological efficiency value obtained was 106.90 ± 13.28%. Nutritional analysis showed that the produced wood ears contained 71.02% carbohydrates, 19.63% crude fiber, 11.59% crude protein, 10.19% crude fat, and 4.24% ash on dry matter basis. For the mineral content profile, the elements K and P were the most abundant. This is the first report on cultivation of a wild strain of A. cornea from Brazil.
... 1893 is a jelly mushroom utilized as a source of food and medicine across certain regions of Africa and eastern Asia, and particularly in China and India (Wangkheirakpam et al. 2018;Li et al. 2020;Muharagi et al. 2020). A. delicata grows on fresh-cut wood, decaying logs, and tree trunks across several temperate, tropical, and subtropical areas (Looney et al. 2013). A. delicata belongs to a species complex which can be roughly divided between American and Australian groups (Looney et al. 2013). ...
... A. delicata grows on fresh-cut wood, decaying logs, and tree trunks across several temperate, tropical, and subtropical areas (Looney et al. 2013). A. delicata belongs to a species complex which can be roughly divided between American and Australian groups (Looney et al. 2013). Through advancements in fungal cultivation techniques, A. delicata is being successfully cultivated in China and other countries (Qian et al. 2020). ...
... The inner grayscale circle indicates the GC content, with the center line representing the 50% threshold. (Looney et al. 2013). This genome will provide an invaluable reference for the continued study and utilization of A. delicata and other Auricularia species. ...
Auricularia delicata (Mont.) Henn. 1893 is an edible and medicinal jelly mushroom popular in China. Here, we report the assembly and annotation of a complete A. delicata mitochondrial genome based on data sequenced using an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. The length of the complete circular A. delicata mitochondrial genome is 189,696 bp, with a GC content of 34.1%. The A. delicata mitochondrial genome contains 60 genes, including 32 protein-coding genes, 26 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that A. delicata clustered with the Auricularia group, alongside A. auricula-judae and A. heimuer. Additionally, A. delicata was found to be genetically distant from other species of Polyporales, Russulales, and Agaricales. This genome will provide an invaluable reference for the continued study and utilization of A. delicata and other Auricularia species.
... The unique characteristics and life cycle of this fungus make it a subject of interest for mycologists studying fungal interactions and parasitism. (Looney et al., 2013). ...
Compendium on Wild Mushrooms of Manipur ", stems from the profound admiration for the rich and diverse fungal flora of Manipur. This compendium represents the first report on the incredible diversity of wild mushrooms collected and identified from different locations of Manipur with the aim to provide a valuable resource for mycologists, ecologists, and mushroom enthusiasts. Nestled in the northeastern corner of India, Manipur is a land of stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unparalleled biological diversity. Among its many natural treasures, the wild mushrooms stand out as a fascinating and underexplored component of its ecological tapestry. The study began with a simple curiosity about the mushrooms that appeared during different seasons in Manipur’s varied habitats, many of which are not only ecologically significant but also possess potential nutritional, medicinal, and economic value. Several wild mushroom species have shown promising immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, immune-enhancing, anticancer, antiviral, cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These mushrooms are also unexplored source of bioactive chemicals with great promise for the development of new drugs. Despite their ecological and potential medicinal importance, many of these mushrooms remain unexplored and under-researched. These wild mushrooms of Manipur represent a significant yet underutilized resource with immense ecological, medicinal, and nutritional potential. Hence, understanding and documenting these wild mushrooms is crucial for several reasons, including biodiversity conservation, ecological balance, and potential contributions to medicine and biotechnology.
... The identification of the collected specimens was made through morphological and molecular characteristics, following specific bibliographies (Lowy 1952, Burdsall Jr. & Banik 2001, Looney et al. 2013, Pires et al. 2016, Wu et al. 2021. For molecular studies, DNA extraction was performed from mycelium obtained in liquid culture following a modified CTAB extraction method. ...
There are about 80 species of wild edible mushroom that certainly occur in Brazil and can be used as a natural source of food and medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro mycelial development in culture media at different temperatures and substrates for cultivation of the edible mushroom species Auricularia fuscosuccinea and Laetiporus gilbertsonii. Additionally, the cultivation and the nutritional composition of A. fuscosuccinea mushrooms were evaluated. The two best wild strains of each species were selected for the in vitro cultivation experiment in two different substrates. Furthermore, an axenic cultivation on sawdust was conduct and the basidiomata produced were evaluated on their nutritional composition. The temperatures that best favored the mycelial growth were 30 °C for A. fuscosuccinea and 25 °C and 30 °C for L. gilbertsonii. The mycelium of both species developed better in the sterile Eucalyptus sawdust substrate. Despite the success in cultivating the mycelium of L. gilbertsonii, it was not possible to obtain basidioma for this species. On the other hand, it was possible to produce basidiomata of the two tested wild strains of A. fuscosuccinea.
... The apical tips of these hairs were acute or obtuse and tufted. These observations align with the findings of Wu et al. (2021), Looney et al. (2013), andLi (1987). There was also good agreement with the dimensions of the length and width of the fruiting body (Wu et al., 2021) not excepting the auriculate shape of the basidiomata, the adnate, solitary and cespitose habits (Wu et al., 2021). ...
The genus Auricularia contains mushrooms that are known for their edibility, ecological value;
as decomposers and nutrient cycling. They also contain medically useful bioactive compounds;
mostly polysaccharides with numerous pharmacological activities (antioxidant, anti-tumour,
immunomodulatory, hypolipodemic, antidiabetic, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective etc.). They
also contain nutritive compounds useful as nutraceuticals and are cultivated worldwide. We set
out to update the collecting localities of Auricularia in Ghana with the view to extend the list
of national occurrence. Field trips were made from August 2022 to July 2023 to Ashanti, Oti,
Western North and Eastern Regions to record new localities of Auricularia. A desktop study
collated the nutritional, medicinal and other bioactive compounds resident in the mushroom
to assess potential for economic exploitation for health delivery. Morphological, anatomical
and other characteristics of the fruiting bodies were determined to authenticate the samples
obtained. Auricularia cornea was recorded for the first time on cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao)
and cassava (Manihot esculenta L) sticks in Adansi North (Ashanti Region), Bowiri Amanfro
and Bowiri Kyiriahi (Oti Region); Baakokrom, Sefwi Bekwai in the Bibiani-Anwhiaso Bekwai
Municipality (Western North Region) as well as the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana- New
Tafo Akim (Eastern Region). There are seven Auricularia (A. auricula-judae, A. delicata,
A. fuscosuccinea, A. hunteri, A. mesenterica, A. polytricha and A. cornea) in Ghana. The
morphometric, anatomical and other physical characteristics agree with the reported data in the
pertinent literature for A. cornea. The plethora of bioactive, nutritive and pharmacologically
useful ingredients of the basidiomata makes the mushroom a potential source of economic
value and gives credence to its exploitation for health delivery in our developing economy.
... 1,6 Furthermore, Looney et al. found that the so-called A. polytricha in Asia and A. cornea described in Europe were in the same branch in phylogeny based on molecular systematics. 7 Wu et al. suggested that "Maomuer" is actually A. cornea, and A. polytricha, originally described from Jamaica, is a synonymy of A. nigricans (Fr.) Birkebak, Looney & Sanchez-Garcia. ...
Wild resources of Auricularia cornea (A. polytricha) are abundant in China, and genetic diversity and genetic relationships analysis of A. cornea can provide basis for germplasm resource utilization and innovation and molecular marker-assisted breeding. In this study, 22 Auricularia strains collected were identified as A. cornea based on ITS sequence analysis, and its genetic diversity was examined by ISSR and SRAP markers. The results showed that a total of 415 bands were amplified by 11 selected ISSR primers, with an average amplification of 37.73 bands per primer, and the mean values of Ne, I, and H were 1.302, 0.368, and 0.219, respectively. A total of 450 bands were amplified by 10 SRAP primers, with an average of 45 bands per primer, and the average of Ne, I, and H were 1.263, 0.302, and 0.183, respectively. The unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means analysis based on ISSR-SRAP marker data revealed that the genetic similarity coefficient between the tested strains was 0.73-0.97, and the strains could be divided into five groups at 0.742, which had a certain correlation with regional distribution. The results of PCOA and population structure analysis based on ISSR-SRAP data also produced similar results. These results demonstrate the genetic diversity and distinctness among wild A. cornea and provide a theoretical reference for the classification, breeding, germplasm innovation, utilization, and variety protection of A. cornea resources.
Abstract: Five field surveys were carried out in Wenshan area, Yunnan Province, China during 2017–2021, and 2 923 specimens of wood-decaying fungi were collected. A checklist of wood-decaying fungi with their hosts and substrates is given. The taxa were identified in the light of their morphology and molecular evidence. The sequences of ITS nrRNA gene region of the studied specimens were generated and the phylogenetic analyses were performed with the maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods. The paper summarizes the obtained results of investigation on the wood-decaying fungi of this area, consisting of 104 species belonging to 55 genera, 18 families and 5 orders. Polyporales is the dominant order (51.92% of the total orders found in this area), and Polyporaceae is the dominant family (24.04% of the total) and Xylodon is the dominant genus (12.50% of the total).
Keywords: Basidiomycota; biological resources; diversity; molecular systematics; Wenshan
O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar o levantamento de espécimes de macrofungos na Reserva Biológica (REBIO) Córrego Grande norte do Espírito Santo. Os espécimes foram coletados em quatro expedições de campo realizadas entre março de 2022 e maio de 2023, fotografados e identificados através de características macro e microscópicas por meio de chaves de identificação e descrições na literatura. Foi analisada a constância ecológica (C%) das espécies e elaboração de um guia de identificação. O filo Ascomycota foi classificado em duas ordens, dois gêneros e duas famílias: Sarcoscyphaceae e Xylariaceae. Basidiomycota foi classificado em sete ordens, 21 gêneros e pertencentes a 16 famílias: Tremellaceae, Auriculariaceae, Agaricaceae, Entolomataceae, Hygrophoraceae, Marasmiaceae, Nidulariaceae, Omphalotaceae, Physalacriaceae, Strophariaceae, Tricholomataceae, Geastraceae, Phallaceae, Gomphaceae, Ganodermataceae e Polyporaceae. Famílias Polyporaceae, Marasmiaceae e Sarcoscyphaceae foram as famílias constantes, apresentando mais de 50% de ocorrência. São registros novos para o estado Cookeina sulcipes, Marasmius ferrugineus, Mutinus caninus, Entoloma azureoviridis, Cyathus striatus e Phaeoclavulina.
Due to its edibility and therapeutic qualities, Auricularia Bull. (ear mushroom) is very significant and has a global distribution. A better technique in mushroom cultivation is needed due to the high demand for mushroom consumption and possibly maintaining enough supply throughout the year. In this study, three different Auricularia cornea isolates were subjected to four different tests to find the most suitable medium, temperatures, pH and substrates for spawning. The fruiting test and nutritional value analysis were also conducted. The results showed that A. cornea grew well on Rice Bran Sucrose Agar (RSA) followed by Malt Extract Agar (MEA) [0.1008 ± 0.0010 to 0.1722 ± 0.0143 g of dried mycelial weight]. The growth of three isolates performed best at a temperature of 25 °C at pH 5–7. Furthermore, the most favorable substrates for A. cornea growth were sorghum and paddy grain. However, sawdust (without any supplements) was the least effective. Moreover, the first primordia were observed on 20 ± 3.04, 15 ± 3.13, and 26 ± 1.15 d, respectively. Therefore, these conditions can be considered for Auricularia culture from tissue culture and spawning production. The nutritional value analysis showed that the crude protein was 11.22% and 13.14%, fat (0.77% and 1.27%), crude fiber (19.71% and 22.43%) and carbohydrate (72.27% and 70.66%), respectively. Surprisingly, the carbohydrate found in this study was higher than other Auricularia spp. (14%–17%) and 2–3 times higher than other edible mushrooms.
During a survey of macrofungi in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the summer of 2009, a species of Lepiota was recorded. This specimen is distinct in having pink to salmon to orange colors on the fruiting body and a pink spore deposit. After comparison with type material and a survey of the literature, we conclude this species is L. maculans Peck, described originally and known only from one collection in Missouri. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence data supports placement within Lepiota of the Agaricaceae despite possessing a pink spore deposit. A complete morphological description, a description of the holotype, illustrations, and photographs are presented. This is the first report of L. maculans since its original description in 1905.
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