Alien fungal species distribution: the study case of Favolaschia calocera

Abstract

Invasive organisms (especially plants and animal species) are considered to be one of the main causes of global biodiversity loss. Up to now, few papers have dealt with the spreading of fungi.

Distribution and Molecular Characterization of an Alien Fungus, Clathrus archeri, in Poland

“…Since the 1970s, C. archeri basidiomata have been recorded in Poland in several dozen localities. The maps of C. archeri records (Figs 1, 2) show a typical distribution pattern for introduced organisms in their invasive range [7,30,31] with numerous records representing the initial phase of introduction (southern Poland) and only a few records in recently settled areas (central and northern Poland). Such a distribution pattern suggests that C. archeri is spreading from south to north in Poland and reveals possibly the invasive characteristics of the expansion.…”

“…Thus, at that moment both molecular markers used in our study could not be effectively utilized to evaluate the possible route of C. archeri introduction into Europe. Recently, nrITS sequence-based analyses have been applied in resolving the origin of Italian strains of the paleotropical wood inhabiting fungus Favolaschia calocera [7], and revealed that the fi rst Italian F. calocera specimens arrived to Italy from New Zealand. Low genetic differentiation within C. archeri nrITS sequences obtained in our investigation express doubts concerning the helpfulness of ITS in studies describing C. archeri biogeography and introductions.…”

“…Among non-pathogenic fungi, more detailed descriptions of invasion patterns have only been published for a few ectomycorrhizal fungi [5,6]. Aside from the well-described pathways of the distribution of a woodinhabiting species, Favolaschia calocera [7], very little is known about the abundance and spread of foreign saprotrophic fungi. Also, knowledge about the genetic variability of fungal populations outside their natural range remains scant.…”

“…Also, knowledge about the genetic variability of fungal populations outside their natural range remains scant. Using ITS analysis, Vizzini et al [7] have shown potential invasion routes of F. calocera into Europe and suggest ITS as an effective phylogeography molecular marker. However, studies of genetic structures of fungi in the new area is often more complicated duo to different events during the fi rst phase of introduction (e.g., multiple introduction, random genetic drift, or selection exerted by the novel environment) [8,9].…”

Contributions towards the knowledge of Favolaschia (Mycenaceae, Agaricomycetes) from Brazil

“…Favolascia dealbata is phylogenetically related to F. calocera R. Heim, a common paleotropical species that also has orange basidiomata and gloeocystidia in the pileipellis (Vizzini et al 2009, Gillen et al 2012. Both species can be easily separated because F. calocera has 2-spored basidia, larger basidiospores (9-13.5 µm in length), and does not grow specifically on bamboo.…”