The balsaminoid Ericales, namely Balsaminaceae, Marcgraviaceae, Tetrameristaceae, and Pellicieraceae have been confidently placed at the base of Ericales, but the relations among these families have been resolved differently in recent analyses. Sister to this basal group is a large polytomy comprising all other families of Ericales, which is associated with short internodes. Because there are more than 13 kb of sequences for a large sampling of representatives, a thorough examination of the available data with novel methods seemed in place. Because of its computational speed, Bayesian phylogenetics allows for the use of parameter-rich models that can accommodate differences in the evolutionary process between partitions in a simultaneous analysis. In addition, there are recently proposed Bayesian strategies of assessing incongruence between partitions. We have applied these methods to the current problems in Ericales phylogeny, taking into account reported pitfalls in Bayesian analysis such as model selection uncertainty. Based on our results we infer several, previously unresolved relationships in the order Ericales. In balsaminoid families, we find that the closest relatives of Balsaminaceae are Marcgraviaceae. In the Ericales polytomy, we find strong support for Pentaphylacaceae sensu APG II as the sister group of Maesaceae. In addition, Symplocaceae receive a position as sister to Theaceae and these families form a monophyletic group together with Styracaceae-Diapensiaceae. At the base of this clade are Actinidiaceae and Clethraceae. The positions of Ebenaceae and Lecythidaceae remain uncertain.
Recent molecular investigations place Heptacodium as sister to the Lonicera clade, whereas morphology suggests a close relationship with the Linnaea clade s. 1. (former tribe Linnaeeae). Zabelia has always been assumed to be closely related or even congeneric with Abelia. This study presents molecular and morphological data in an attempt to further clarify the systematic positions of Heptacodium and Zabelia as they are key genera to help us understand evolution in Dipsacales. Our molecular analyses strongly support a sister relationship between Heptacodium and the Lonicera clade. Zabelia, however, seems to be closer related to the Morina clade than to any other member of the Linnaea clade s. 1. None of our phylogenetic analyses suggest a close relationship between Abelia and Zabelia. Morphologically, Zabelia's relationship with the Morina clade is only supported by the shared presence of psilate pollen grains with an endocingulum. Fruit and seed morphology strongly indicate a close relationship between Abelia, Heptacodium, and Zabelia. Even though wood anatomy of Zabelia is unique in several aspects, it does not aid in unraveling the systematic position of the genus. In the case of Heptacodium, hybridization is a plausible scenario that could explain the uncertain systematic position of the genus. A better understanding of the intergeneric relationships of the Lonicera and Linnaea s. 1. clades is essential to solve this matter.
Trichophyton quinckeanum, known as the causative agent of mouse favus, has been a subject of controversy since its discovery, 125 years ago. The purpose of this study was to examine the phylogenetic relationships between this fungus and related taxa. To achieve this objective, the ITS rDNA region, as well as actin and β-tubulin gene regions of various isolates were sequenced. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses were conducted with T. rubrum as outgroup. Our study showed that strains identified as T. quinckeanum and others identified as T. schoenleinii are part of the complex T. mentagrophytes, and that their genotype cannot be confused with any other dermatophytes. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the choice of the neotype of T. mentagrophytes was inappropriate. The beta-tubulin topology also revealed that isolates of T. interdigitale form a genetically distinct population from the type strains of Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii. Therefore, contrary to what is generally accepted, the anthropophilic species T. interdigitale cannot be considered as the anamorph associated with the latter.
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