An Overview of 24 Years of Molecular Phylogenetic Studies in Phallales (Basidiomycota) With Notes on Systematics, Geographic Distribution, Lifestyle, and Edibility

Abstract

The order Phallales (Basidiomycota) is represented by gasteroid fungi with expanded and sequestrate basidiomata, known as stinkhorns and false truffles. In phalloids, the first DNA sequence was published in 1997, and after that, some studies aimed to resolve phylogenetic conflicts and propose new species based on DNA markers; however, the number of families and genera in the order still generates controversies among researchers. Thus, this work aims to provide an overview of Phallales diversity represented by selected DNA markers available in public databases. We retrieved Phallales sequences from DNA databases (GenBank and UNITE) of seven markers: ITS (internal transcribed spacer), nuc-LSU (nuclear large subunit rDNA), nuc-SSU (nuclear small subunit rDNA), mt-SSU (mitochondrial small subunit rDNA), ATP6 (ATPase subunit 6), RPB2 (nuclear protein-coding second largest subunit of RNA polymerase), and TEF1-α (translation elongation factor subunit 1α). To compose our final dataset, all ITS sequences retrieved were subjected to BLASTn searches to identify additional ITS sequences not classified as Phallales. Phylogenetic analyses based on Bayesian and maximum likelihood approaches using single and combined markers were conducted. All ITS sequences were clustered with a cutoff of 98% in order to maximize the number of species hypotheses. The geographic origin of sequences was retrieved, as well as additional information on species lifestyle and edibility. We obtained a total of 1,149 sequences, representing 664 individuals. Sequences of 41 individuals were unidentified at genus level and were assigned to five distinct families. We recognize seven families and 22 genera in Phallales, although the delimitation of some genera must be further revisited in order to recognize only monophyletic groups. Many inconsistencies in species identification are discussed, and the positioning of genera in each family is shown. The clustering revealed 118 species hypotheses, meaning that approximately 20% of all described species in Phallales have DNA sequences available. Information related to geographic distribution represents 462 individuals distributed in 46 countries on all continents, except Antarctica. Most genera are saprotrophic with only one putative ectomycorrhizal genus, and 2.1% of the legitimate specific names recognized in Phallales are confirmed edible species. Great progress in the molecular analyses of phalloids has already been made over these years, but it is still necessary to solve some taxonomic inconsistencies, mainly at genus level, and generate new data to expand knowledge of the group.

Dictyophora indusiata and Bacillus aryabhattai improve sugarcane yield by endogenously associating with the root and regulating flavonoid metabolism

“…This indicates that the cultivation of D. indusiata may invasive and symbiotic growth with sugarcane root, which in turn may regulate the metabolism of sugarcane roots and ultimately impact sugarcane growth. In the identified root-enriched fungal families in sugarcane root, the enrichment of Phallaceae in the root-associated fungi of the DI treatment suggests that the fungi belonging to this family originate from the mycelium of DI, as DI itself belongs to Phallaceae ( Melanda et al., 2021 ); Chaetomiaceae family have the ability to regulate plant activity ( Zhang et al., 2021 ); Trichocomaceae family is a common group of endophytic fungi, which can be found in such as Bauhinia galpinii and Cycas bifida ( Feitosa et al., 2016 ; Zheng et al., 2018 ); The genus of Bacillus genus can produce a variety of compounds that participate in plant disease control and promote plant growth ( Miljaković et al., 2020 ; Kashyap et al., 2022 ; Kashyap et al., 2021 ); The genus of Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia group has been found to possess the ability to degrade herbicides ( Zhao et al., 2022 ), suggesting that it may have the potential to assist sugarcane root in resisting herbicide damage; The genus of Rhodanobacter enhances plant tolerance to salt-induced osmotic stress, according to a recent study ( Lee et al., 2019 ). The endophytic fungi and bacteria mentioned above all have the potential to regulate the growth of sugarcane.…”

Biological Characteristics of the Mycelium and Optimization of the Culture Medium for Phallus dongsun

“…Typically, the “Dongsun” fruiting body, comprising a cap, stalk, and receptacle, is classified under Basidiomycota, Phallo-mycetidae, Phallales, Phallaceae , and Phallus ( Li et al 2020 ). This species is widely distributed ( Melanda et al 2021 ; Li et al 2023 ). As a culinary ingredient, “Dongsun” is flavorful, crunchy, nutrient-rich, and highly nutritious ( Kang et al 2020 ).…”

Expanding the phallales (Phallomycetidae, Basidiomycota) mycobiota of northeastern Brazil1

“…(2006), Trierveiler-Pereira et al . (2014), and Melanda et al . (2021), of which the last two recognized seven families in the order Phallales: Clathraceae, Claustulaceae, Gastrosporiaceae, Lysuraceae, Phallaceae, Protophallaceae, and Trappeaceae.…”