Molecular phylogeny, biogeography and evolution of tropical African Thelephorales

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Reinhard Agerer
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems
• Term: from 2008 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 71370276

Thelephorales (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) constitute a monophyletic ectomycorrhizal fungal group that encompasses presently a total of 177 species and two families. Though they have a worldwide distribution, Thelephorales from the tropics are scantily documented. Using a combination of anatomical and molecular studies of fruit bodies and ectomycorrhizae (EcM), the present project aims at addressing the phylogenetic positions of tropical African species and their relevance for the evolutionary interpretation of Thelephorales in general. Specimens (fruit bodies and EcM) will be collected within tropical African woodlands and forests dominated by ectomycorrhizal trees following two major megatransects. We select Megatransects in respect of changes in vegetation and floristic composition in order to better assess the influence of both parameters on diversity and distribution of Thelephorales. Collected fruit bodies and EcM will be conserved for further anatomical and molecular investigations. In addition, dried material of fruit bodies will be borrowed from international herbaria. For intra-generic phylogenetic assessment, we will amplify the Internal Transcribed Spacers of rDNA, and for generic-level phylogeny, partial nuclear rDNA Large SubUnit (LSU). Phylogenetic analysis will be undertaken on sequences we will generate against those obtained from temperate and boreal thelephoroid species (available in public Genbanks). Anatomical description will be given for representative fruit bodies and EcM; following internationally recognised methods. We aim at a monograph of common tropical African Thelephorales coupled with an on-line interactive identification key, molecular and anatomical characterisation of EcM, description of new species, and resolving their phylogenetic positions.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants