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(14) OPINION

as , the science of has failed to to has failed plants,as the science ofbiology either or living things as all egorized 1 days in the 18 make from its happy earliest Right reading. out, andthe missed reasons don’tthe fungi Somehow,tion. the somewhere along line, awareness that invertebratesprotec- need also the yearshave few last agreat growth seen in and reptiles now have all their and Red-Lists, Amphibians, conservation fordecades. fish, over acentury. Plants have at the been core of birds andmammals have around been for kids on Themovements the block. toprotect In the conservation world, fungiarethe new . work,naturebiodiversity and conservation, you know involved andtoeveryone in gists, butmycologists tobotanists also andzoolo- and tohelp by spreading toother itnotonly toyoutake this message, onboard peal Iap- 2010; www.fungal-conservation.org), ( tion International forFungal Conserva- Society AsPresidentsong. ofthe established newly ofthat about the message noteisall short singingit.This are also andzoology tomake surewe need that too our friends in and singingthe be song, right should gists, sistent is message needed. For conservation fungal acon- to succeed, botanists-and-zoologists.pdf) fungal-conservation.org/blogs/message-to- International from adownloadable theable as PDF website ofthe is avail- colleagues, directly tobotanist andzoologist and whateverymycologistshouldbetellingthem What everybotanistandzoologistshouldknow– A modified version of note, Amodified this suitable topass IMA FUNGUSsee IMA 1(2):(27–29),

Society th century, when Linnaeus cat- for

Fungal

We, mycolo- as Conservation Conservation (www. recently, there anywhere was noorganization it’sfungi, the more all amazing that, until very )but, the given importance of wsl.ch/eccf Conservation 1985,whenleast the European conservation since has at existed of fungal doneabout it”. tobe needs Thescientific side are declining”.politics says, The “something ence says, “ ofthese combination Thesci- ofscience and politics. of catching up to isa do.Conservation In conservation terms, fungihave alot struction, pollution, andclimate change. makeswhich them immune tohabitat de- property , have they somemagical seriouslynobody supposes that, uniquely in protection too: need Andout fungi fungi. in survive aworld –could included with- humans – conservation in with work mously important. None ofthe we are soenor- fungi because for conservation, andthat’s achieved, by this which canbe bad toprotection, butright noneofthe means the Convention them has given the pdf): servation.org/blogs/orphans-of-rio. the “orphans of Rio” (www.fungal-con- Fungithe afungus. world are tobe issaid in individual the largest Afterall, like “”. sizecategory arbitrary and cannot into shoe-horned be possibly an such since as at 1970, least recognized been is separate from andplants. animals It has which own biological megadiverse accommodate Fungi the fungi. form their size. Not surprisingly, to these fail categories group arbitrarily on of defined the basis taxonomic kingdoms two andathirdisms: terms plants, ofanimals, andmicroorgan- TheConventionthe fungi. in framed was of how that disastrous mindsethas been for Diversityexample isaclassic on Biological Orphans ofRio. alike.public misunderstood andthe by politicians general way, the result isthat are they overlooked and (“I think they’re like ...”) either and, of botany, aren’t ormicroorganisms they?”) treatedbeing lower as plants (“they’re part Fungi andsourgentlydeserve are need. still withprovide the fungi separate identity they

of Fungi (www. was established The 1992RioConvention Council for

unfortunately that doesn’t “do”. meanthey “should”botanists andzoologists do,but in. And that is where youasmycologists come tohelp us fly flag. need mycologists this we are people They the anexpert. tions need governments, the press, orfunding organiza- get contacted when who are people They the ence relations ofpublic in conservation. with are experi-people They the the idea. isunfamiliar with which public to ageneral promoted tobe needs conservation fungal stand that, in at its this development, stage Earth put together. under- should Also,they than thespecies plants all andvertebrates on evidently which containsdom ofLife more itisworking because much larger foraking- tobecome that conservation needs fungal be told to movement. notneed should They stand of thethis emerging significance huge under- should sothey protected, are also care cannot long-term unless survive fungi aware that the andplants animals in their ,and educated be should they ing this movement Asinformed develop. enormously important role toplay in help- come in. This is wherebotanists andzoologists for the fungi. therelast isaninfant movement conservation Conservation ( was established 2010, the International in groupsAugust and, specialist of its fungal has more than(IUCN) the number doubled tional Union forthe ofNature Conservation Commission Survival oftheSpecies Interna- often accidental.The That is now changing. movementservation was incidental and – from the con- important gained organisms these remarkable beautiful, andcritically that,was the consideration only by andlarge, their main work plants. toprotect The result ably, more never than be could asideshow of those honourable understand- efforts, very sure but were forgotten, fungi nottotally havetions (NGOs) donetheir bittomake societies andnon-governmentalcal organiza- To protection. fungal fair, be various botani- to take oflobbying up job the for political in the world explicitly andexclusively ready The previous paragraph indicates what indicates paragraph The previous Botanists and zoologists haveBotanists andzoologists an

Society see IMA for above). At

Fungal 1

OPINION (15) Many national botanic gardens, botanic gardens, national Many If your own organization deals with deals with organization own your If fact infrastruc- recognize in the fungi, out- to clear it and make terms, tural siders. country’s their maintain for example, is that collection, but fungal reference veryinfrastruc- reflected rarely their in the If publicity or name. ture, material, collection a dedicated has “keep- fungus the collection, er” or “curator”, valuable, and no less important no less same rank. one too, the at and merits fungal a pity national what those And their have collections don’t reference fungal websites; a national own holding to be collection is something reference deserves It of and to celebrate. proud is re- It and website. identity own its these about information that grettable con- is usually treasures international fined tiny as an afterthought ghetto to a of a botanic or museum garden corner signals visual Allwebsite. on such the and none shouts “plant”, shout websites for a fun- website A separate “fungus”. gal collection mean mycologists would ceasing to complain inappro- about and logos,priate mission statements, a sepa- significantly, More “strap-lines”. fungus col- for a national identity rate institution’s the lection could provide argument an additional director with and would for money, looking when from platforms two have staff mean the than projects, which rather to launch good business: everybody wins. one. It’s or conservation or When sure ecology make discussed, being is you find If present. is a mycologist composition the considering yourself commit- or other of a panel of experts is no mycologist present, tee and there for press and deficiency, the out point can a mycologist to be included. You conservationdiscuss or plant a mycologist but, without conservation indeed (or topic is conservation if the biology systematic or biodiversity, ecology general), in need to be there mycologists included. A classic example BBC October in 2010 on the occurred programme. Tonight” Radio 4 “World on biodiversity A panel of experts was Sum- Nagoya the assembled to discuss on Biological Convention mit of the to thought none of them but Diversity, % % Language is Atlas of Living Aus- of Living Atlas . It’s a bad idea to mis- . It’s betical order. In making such changes, such you making In betical order. an you have that will be demonstrating open mind, with will and you be in-step bodies of prestigious number an increasing and programmes.The His- England, Natural the , Natural tralia Swedish of London and the tory Museum all recognized have Initiative need changes such to theirthe to make websites. by others, misused you see terms If challenge them use these terms as a shorthand for bio- as a shorthand terms these use also a bad idea to let it’s and diversity, A quick same mistake. the make others re- of institutions websites of the tour conservation for biodiversity, sponsible and ecology widespread how will show these and how are, misuses above the public inhibit the continually phrases of and profile fungi. The awareness legacy of and flora” Linnaeus “fauna is a poisoned an intellectual chalice – which done enormous has straitjacket gardens, Botanic to . harm botani- and other botanical museums, mycological with depart- cal institutes particularly or programmes are ments prone: totally often failing to present fungi public. to the of fungus- use the to Be sympathetic friendly terminology. important in promoting the acceptance acceptance the promoting in important fungican help to be of new ideas. You recognized using right by own their in distinct their which emphasize words fungal for the example, collec- For nature. Kew, Royal the Gardens at Botanic tions been has adopted; “fungarium” term the in them store fungi so why not herbs, are terminology New may a “”? or even comical strange but first, sound at it is why understanding by you can help needed, to adopt- receptive being and by appropri- where words such and using ing terminology also Please avoid ate. which classic examples fungi. Two misrepresents which is about (a term plants” “lower are today as ideas of social the as appropriate Europe century in 18th stratification which to it) and “primitive gave rise a about is primitive (what organisms” simplicity design apparent perfect its in of millions of hundreds over and proven years?). % %

Where you require a fungalWhere equivalent “Fauna and flora” is not shorthand is not shorthand and flora” “Fauna The same goes for “biodiversity”. for and “botany and and plants” “animals used often are These phrases ”. as all though they encompass . They do not. Each a lazy is and misleading which a misleading generates shorthand of fungi. awareness inhibits signal that “flora” terms the using particular, In as though they include and “plants” whichfungi, has a problem perpetuates of Lin- time the since been festering the used in often are words These naeus. public won’t “the belief that mistaken complicated”. more anything understand under- of The public capable is perfectly two than more are there that standing biological for- kingdoms: the it follows a foot- in of several teams dozen tunes easily enough. cup ball Only use world “animals and plants”, and flora”, “fauna you re- when or “botany and zoology”, ally animals and plants. just do mean or “funga” talk about or “flora”, of “fauna” same – the they mean much “” you If use. frequent increasingly and in fungi, to “animals, refer mean biodiversity, and – anmicroorganisms and plants” add fungi just on - don’t point important noFungi are as end an afterthought. the animals, microorgan- than important less language and the or plants, isms you use the groups in a with list that can reflect order Alphabetical order. alphabetical in no implied ranking. and carries is neutral , speak of “botany, Similarly, and zoology”mycology, – again alpha- in VOLUME 2 · NO. 1 % They are our colleaguesThey our are and fungal conserva- they too, have but interest their is in tion and they and concerns priorities own their important mind how in have not always may conservation animals of and it is for the they too for fun- support action that plants gi. as is to give task mycologists them Our of the and appraise them information that required: they aware action are sure to make of fungi relevance and to motivate of the fungi not are they too ensure so that them are no particular order, in Here, overlooked. Each is a simple can do that. we some ways to message important to communicate but and zoologist botanist our colleagues. Each too we should is also bepoint a stance tak- to act, if we can not expect – we them ing not also support. in are clearly (16) OPINION

% % which claims to focus on neglected onneglected tofocus claims which toafund onfungi aproposal to submit expertise. Itfungal issodisheartening ties, but rarely invite too with people often have discussworkshops to priori- cils orinternational ornational agencies, Funding whether research bodies, coun- donotexcludewordings their eligibility. involvedare also in the andthe process or , make sure mycologists eral biodiversity, conservation, ecology, consider prioritiesfunding body forgen- overlooked. If youare tohelp asked a priorities, make sure fungi don’t get areconsideringWhen funding bodies execution, atoken. andnotjust as added involved in thestart, fully planning and sure from right the are included they make mycologists, if the needs project the title tomake is changed that clearor, orjustabout animals about plants, insist andit’stitle includes “biodiversity” just work done.If hasbeen already aproject the the believes because funding body support refused be will they same area, ofthe diversity workpropose onfungal that,ger when eventually mycologists component, thereis nofungal isadan- that forms are all oflife covered. If there the impression give for example, will title ofthe Danube “Biodiversity Delta”, The onboard. amycologist you need the project’s title just says “biodiversity”, withoutbiodiversity but, amycologist if orplant biodiversity onanimal project ontheYou be team. should canhave a yourself ask ifamycologist or ecology, the topicisbiodiversity, conservation, whether and ornottofund aproject, orrefereeing a project, one,ordeciding includedshould be considerreviewed, whether the fungi When projects arebeing prepared or absent isneeded. mycologist the situationsand recognize where an andyouhavegists, imaginative tobe dependswhich onbotanists andzoolo- represented isatask onsuch occasions – notyet,at –gist least sogetting fungi unlikely tothink ofinviting amycolo- ticians, are press, andfunding agencies ofbiodiversity. scope the full poli- The toeducate the aboutportunity public The result greatwas the loss ofa op- point out the absence ofamycologist. . If youare preparing % % % fungal diseases”) butfungal often the enough from plant must protected dangered be treated ofthe part problem as (“this en- are andplants,animals frequently fungi conservation problems. Don’t blamefungi unnecessarily for time expertise by andresources. pooling andyourselfconservation at the same in nature.balances You canhelp fungal and maintaining ofchecks scope the full iscritically importantsuch organisms for but the conservationsympathising, of have the will which public difficulty of plants. You have tocover issues with moting diseases the protection offungal for example, isnotsodifferent from pro- nematode forconserving parasites, a case Presenting tothosesimilar youare facing. conservationists be will byenced fungal that many ofthe being difficulties experi- brates ornon-flowering plants,likely itis sources. sharing conservation expertise andre- couldbenefit by botany or zoology Consider whether in your speciality hasn’t, isreal. andthe need In conservation it fungal done already?” “hasn’tresources forgranted: this been totakingwho have used such become infrastructure strange tothose seem will vertebrates. forhelp Calls in developing forplants were and resolvedyearsago movement andpriorities which has needs tion conservation work,the infant fungal ing itdoesn’t exist. Similarly, in conserva- you can’t remove aproblem by pretend- any science”favours: nobody does edge “not as missing this urgent cutting need alpha taxonomy are pressing issues. Dis- For inventorial fungi, begun. work and ofexploration has the scarcely age fungi, haven’tspecies discovered. For yetbeen around fungal mates 95%ofall suggest different.tion isvery Currentbest esti- are rare events. For the the situa- fungi, groups that species ofnew the discovery somuch isknownreported: about these when birdnews anew ormammal is animals andplants. fungi may different be from those for thatRecognize priorities for work on a priority”. withrejection the words, are “fungi not toreceive a only groups oforganisms If youare working with inverte- It isoften front page With rare % % and the forexample –to pollinators, –theated organisms mycorrhizal fungi their plantseven though associ- need about what onandaround grows them, website, but noinformationthe GBIF anyrecords ofalmost plant youlike on For example, youcanfind hundreds of information conservation. in That’s apity, such because youneed you how different associated. are species One thing itdoesn’t do,however, istell fordistributionalit great information. and where occur, species andthat makes youwhen telling source (www.gbif.org) admirable on-line andgenerally huge re- It attempts in a biodiversity tohandle all have would which from benefited this. example ofaproject isagood (GBIF) Information Biodiversity Global Facility hance your conservation work. experience andskills which can en- thatRecognize mycologists have hotspots are being overlooked. there important that isadanger globally aresult, as and, biodiversity ofhigh eas taken into account when identifyingar- them. At present, are notorrarely fungi for andplantsfor animals may special be are placeswhich unremarkablefungi: plant diversity. be for Thesamecan true most important placein the world for Cape Provincematically: the isarguably plants, andthe picture dra- changes Province isunremarkable. Factor in the of South Africa Cape isahotspot while that, forbird diversity, the area Karoo Africa anexample, itiswell-known as of animals andplants. tion which may needs differ from those thatRecognize fungi have conserva- so much more difficult. conservationists worklenging offungal press, but itcanmake the chal- already “killer fungus” in isgreat forheadlines the To use -like phrasesas such and many other isdown cases tohumans. the underlyingsenger; problem in these and other trees islike shooting the mes- Phytophthora ramorum batidis the chytrid Batrachochytrium dendro- grow. the they plantas onwhich Blaming endangered at as least be will such cases threaten ofthe the host, survival andin in question donot fungi are host-specific, forthe deaths ofamphibians or Taking South for killing oaks for killing oaks IMA FUNGUS The OPINION (17) . 4

Fungal

for Society

as it is, before lobbying for as before it is, lobbying 3 change. You can then, hopefully, sub- hopefully, can then, change. You eventually of the a copy take sequently revised page, as of a result improved Feedback action. on all issues your the bulleted would be appreciated, here par- for “beforeticularly and after” examples of successful Such changes is welcome. cases can be used as to inspire examples others. by action ever happens, there will be tempta- the there ever happens, to complain fungi about tion receiving not “special it is But treatment”. “special as case be would if fungi the treatment”, allocatedwere proportionally resources justi- species numbers their than greater smallfied. part a of often Ring-fencing get fungi don’t so that limited resources the conservation outside left completely to special does not amount movement treatment. to change are we feedback. Send If of fungi and their public awareness change needs the importance, to be monitored. So if you see which a website needs changing, a copy take for example, pageof the Make sure, though, that botanists and and botanists though, that sure, Make compared that, zoologists understand beginners. are we They them, have with conservation for decades, in been working which can and expertise we resources with How to summarize? The recently estab- recently The to summarize? How lished International IUCNConservation and the Species fungal specialist Survival Commission’s to be welcomed and sup- want groups ported as a whole. In conservationists by and zoolo- botanists sense, broadest the gists need bodies these organisms if the to be are they about protected. care Ask to positively, and sympathetically them, suggestions the and implement receive space to make listed above, and ask them part too in we our can play so that for us, means effort. It international valuable this on doors. examples The knocking are we been included have cited here of problems rather but no relish or enthusiasm, with they will be recognized hope that the in is to aspiration and ameliorated. Our for fungi a voice alongside have botanists believe mycologists and zoologists. We neededare conservation policy when is dealt with issues fact, the In determined. to mycology relate clearly here as a whole % : (C-I Peng (C-I Peng Applied Mycology Applied 99: 127–128. Fungal conservation is so far conservation Fungal 10: 111–123. If fungi are indeed the “orphans of fungi indeed “orphans are the If but as for fungi, they’re not important: as not important: for fungi,but they’re of people a couple to have OK just it’s that Is kingdom”. whole the handling message the as we, conservationists, hiding are politicians? to send want We need we verythe problem to expose: a shortagechronic of specialist mycolo- a politi- condoning tacitly are gists. We needplants co- flowering If cal error. family at level, so surely then ordinators of listing impact the do fungi. Consider every website fungalon that family “no for Brazil against words the known available”. co-ordinator mak- decision in mycologists Include ing. mycology been to now the up has Rio”, and world, conservation of the orphan get as everyone don’t orphans, knows, included family in decisions. my- When infra- cologists the in ask participate to councils – the of conservation decisions are and committees where the with them dismiss don’t made, possibly be interested “you can’t words, all with tedious this gettingin involved for a it is important If administration”. also or zoologistbotanist it’s to be there, for a mycologist. important idea of positive the to Be sympathetic conserva- fungal for discrimination tion. behind conservation, animal and plant a very can argument reasonable that in discrimination for positive be put step on fungi.first The of work favour that fungi protecting in is to ensure do not become mycologists themselves need to be urgently Resources extinct. as greater just direction, diverted that in directed are to protecting resources that endangered most animals.the If Muelleria % % 13: 29–45. Mycological Research Mycological Fungal Diversity Diversity Fungal ishing. If, as a botanist If, . A system for noting for noting . A system

2 CABI Publ The “Flora do Brasil” Brasil” do The “Flora http://floradobrasil.jbrj. survive. It has been estimated that, on that, been has estimated survive. It average, a single species plant around has 15 species kinds of organisms of diverse associated it with website ( website su- a ways many so in gov.br/2010), is a goodperb production, of example of fungi and plants treatment unequal even (by fungi including a “flora”, in is misleading). title the website The least list of co-ordinators, a long at has several)one (and often for each flow- whole of the For family. plant ering only are two there fungi,the however, message? is the co-ordinators. What and important are plants “Flowering every family needs a lot of attention, Give mycologists a voice. mycologists Give and mycology fungi a par on Treat and zoology animals with plants or and botany. associated organisms was missed when be- set up, was on-line GBIF’s not routinely are associations such cause some reason, For recorded botany. in of mycologists, for whom it is voice the to record associated practice standard time organisms, didnot get Take heard. mycological the website to explore out www.cybertruffle.org.uk/robigalia/eng and you will see associations complex handled organismsin between different a fullyway: flexible you too need that flexibility. or zoologist, fungi,about asked you are it need “fungi conserving,is good to reply, and fungal needs conservation resources”, “I am a bota- even better it is to say, but nist / zoologist; special- fungi not my are ity; you need a mycologist” to consult direction the in enquirer the – and point person. of a suitable nal collaborative MycoAction Plan. nal collaborative MycoAction 1–16. Wallingford: 1–16. Wallingford: Hawksworth DL (1995) Challenges in mycology. DL mycology. (1995) Challenges in Hawksworth Pressing and pasting into Microsoft Paint is one easy way to do this. is one to do way easy Paint Microsoft into and pasting PrintScreen>

necessary, because thenecessary, because area ofconcern has to involvement Some taxa. in taxonomy is onomy tonaming with regard the accepted the consequences oftax-itself toregulate taxonomy much andrestrict possible, as as nomenclature, stay andshould away from ICBN, The the Code Taxonomy the in any future independent MycoCode. these problems, either or within the ICBN ways –andpossible mycologists toaddress run? We as botanists andzoologists need steps, we how letalone learn will towalk the experience, without taking the first inevitably, make mistakes. But without (there ofus), andwe few will, are too far ence show. will We stretched be will participate, itislikely that our inexperi- dreamonly about. When we mycologists Botanical NomenclatureBotanical (ICBN nomenclature, the International of Code problemsseveral in the current system of in MycoBank,ited Ihave cometorecognize responsible forchecking the names depos- some four latterly the decades, as person nomenclaturemany offungal for aspects Having involved of been in the sharp-end solutions Nomenclature (ICBN)andsomesuggestionsfor Some problems intheInternationalCodeofBotanical 5 McNeill Burdet J, V, Demoulin Barrie HM, FR, Hawksworth Marhold Nicolson Prado DH, DL, K, J, Silva Ruggell: A. R. G.Ganter Verlag. R. A. Ruggell: Code) adopted bythe Seventeenth International Botanical Congress, 2005 Skog J,PC, Wiersma J, Turland (2006) N(eds) Code , isconcerned with 5 ) causes International Code ofBotanical Nomenclature (Vienna but can be considered as elucidating. but considered as canbe “whether fossil ornon-fossil” issuperfluous, Theaddition when needed. added can be but oneormore otherof cryptomycota, phyla on for example considering the changingviews cota Plasmodiophoromycota, and Myxogasteromycota, Labyrinthulamycota siomycota Fungi in the classified kingdoms organisms and rules recommendations all apply to “The forexample: toread, revised be better could provided adate isgiven). Hence Preamble 7 nowconceived (or at any time in the past, can notavoid the use ofthe system itis as forms, adefinition of ofapart thatsystem astableestablished system embracing life- all circular andmeaningless. itself, andconsequently the definition is scientists’. Assuch the term with isdefined traditionally byare plant organisms studied the be as definition can translated ‘plants botanists”. Asabotanist isaplant , “Any traditionally organism by studied ofterms defines follows: glossary as ‘plant’ related non-photosynthetic groups.” The photosynthetic andtaxonomically chytrids, , andslimemoulds; ()algae whether blue-green fossil ornon-fossil, e.g. traditionally organisms treated plants,all as and rules recommendations apply to 7: “The is This attempted delineated. in be Preamble that, the problems real begin. After totake in protecting fungi. we need the exception. That first isthe step very ratherthem included tobe than, now, as sothat levels, for theat all rule itbecomes attitudes the profile andto raise offungi tochange teachers. Their help isneeded Microsporidia ”. Maybe this enumeration isincomplete, Although taxonomists haveAlthough notyet and , Cyanobacteria Chromista . [Regnum Vegetabile Vol. 146.] andthe recent recognition , as well as in the wellas , as Acra- ; fungi, including ; fungi, , Dictyosteliomycota Protosteliomy- Plantae , , , 1. possibilities: There are bythree mycologists? adopted scription since 1821,but be should which term many has seen in circum- changes Index Mycologicum (1821–1832) in the three ofSystema parts names by accepted andall Friessanctioned, thodica fungorum 1801) are , 31December by Persoon l.)adopted (s. ( Uredinales was introduced. It states, that names in the 1801 or1821,the principle ofsanctioning whoatfor mycologists, that time used theminimize consequences ofname changes tothe ject withline that sub- formost organisms used into brought was point forfungi date used of “sanctioning”. Since 1983,the starting ture ofdifferentgroups, and the concept with starting point dates forthe nomencla- different ways 13, in Art. the Article dealing in taxonomy. It soforexample in does two essarily, andnotunambiguously, involved President, International for Fungal Society Preamble 1. intention ofstability, expressed in as are tothe contrary they as avoided, be such state-of-the-art solutions should taxonomic concepts are notstable, and andother russuloid, groupsboletoid, of in the development ofmany agaricoid, groups are usually terminal branches that established, cally gasteromycetous studies have Molecular unequivo- rank. cept “Gasteromycetes” ataxon in any as ac- nolonger mycologists as meaningless in meanthat this case, was the rule Accept the state ofthe That art. would, But what are “Gasteromycetes”? The In other the areas Code . 4 Esk Terrace, Whitby, North Yorkshire , Ustilaginales Code with –1May 1753.In order to . But, more importantly, Elenchus Fungorum and ([email protected]) , and Synopsis me- gets itself unnec- gets David W. Minter YO21 1PA, UK. Gasteromycetes IMA FUNGUS Conservation

OPINION (19) . Wel- Code provides provides , Welwitschia itself presents presents itself Welwitschia mirabilis mirabilis Welwitschia Code which is the only which family is the the in recognizes of a hierarchical system . Although the order has order . Although the Welwitschiales Nomenclatural rules can regulate the Nomenclatural homotypic choice of the synonyms, established, once because needthese, to and priority. follow rules homonymy like choice between the hetero- However, sub- avowed (excluding typic synonyms decision a taxonomic is purely stitutes) and as not subject such to the However, although Code the However, Remarkably, the the Remarkably, 3. 4. 4 a species Principle under summary, In names, total of synonymous is the name name’ ‘species Articles other the while under to every applies valid binary combination. to be 4 has refor- Principle Consequently mulated. of hierarchy Consequences The Code taxa, primary levels, each with ranks on various secondary one or more harbouring of them cannot rank different of Taxa ranks. lower one of those at name correct to becompete the exactly are contents ranks, the not even when example, For same. the only species the is the in family the only in which genus is the witschiaceae, order species, as they the same contents the exactly as they be synonyms oper- considered cannot is ranks, this situation because different at ate change, of one can content as the not stable, the remains other of the content while the of a second finding the example, same. For situ- would change that species of Welwitschia ranks betweenin different Synonymy ation. bea hierarchical allowed. cannot system That for both primaryapplies and secondary ranks: a species can only of a species, be a synonym only a genus of an- onlya variety of a variety, of a subgenus. and a subgenus genus, other the provisions for the ranks for the of primary level, provisions the it does not do so for secondary ranks: if a can onlyvariety of a variety be synonym a name a variety should always there than words for each species, other in available variety should be an autonomous there for everyname species. Arts. 22.3 and 26.3 for infrageneric and autonyms rule that the infraspecific ranks with onlycreated are level, and that at of a name valid publication cases. other not in a logical a because later argument, when published is no longer variety recognized, In 19: 219–270. : . Code : Art. 6.3 states: “ : Art. 6.3 states: Mycotaxon Mycologicum Systema , unless otherwise indicated,, unless the To establish the ‘correct name’, there has has there name’, ‘correct the establish To is or there to be least one synonym, at to establish nothing of kinds synonymy: three are There homotypic (syntypic or obligate) syno- based same type, on the nyms heterotyp- synonyms or facultative) ic (taxonomic basedavowed types, and on different nova) or nomina (new names substitutes homonymy. to avoid introduced tioning author, but then with the original the au- with then but author, tioning or of Persoon dropped name favour in thor’s effectively author(s) latter because the Fries, least a concept or at a new , introduced original pre-1801/1821 the by not covered opin- would be my (and in unfair It author. used a in a name ion unethical) to attribute while the originalauthor, to way different taxon of the concept the that stating explicitly but intended, original this author is not what original of the a corruption a misapplication, thepossibility The other is to accept concept. as one to be the original of the author data is not reasoning this followed. Unfortunately to generate generally accepted and continues proposals to modify the a species name? is What of a species concept the that appears, It and Articles between various varies name Code the in Principles this Codethis been has that a name means “name” word validly published, it is legitimate whether Art. 23: “The And name or illegitimate.” con- of a species is a binary combination followed genus of the name of the sisting is unam- This a singleby specific epithet”. biguous: every valid binary combination Principle However, is a species name. this: with agreement “Each 4 is not in a particular cir- taxonomic group with and rank position, can bear cumscription, that earliest the only name, one correct in Rules, except the with accordance is in two now pos- are There specified cases.” Code is conducting the sibilities: either guidance, giving any without or taxonomy in that from differs of ‘name’ concept the 6 and 23, because:Arts 1. 2. as as (e.g. Tri- , but such such , but (e.g. Ony- Elaphomyces system, and system, , Myxomycota ), Myxomycota Code ), a very heteroge-

Basidiomycota or Onygena – MycoBank and Puccinia, Uredo (Puccinia, to acquaint themselves with that that with themselves to acquaint . Once agreed,. Once be it would unambigu- 6 Accept the concept of Persoon (1801). of Persoon concept the Accept a con- did not have Persoon However, term that of “Gasteromycetes”; cept (1821). Fries from actually originates included together with Also, Persoon gasteromycetous homobasidiomycetous among fungi distributed – which were main – Puccini- groups different four omycota Moreover, there are more problems problems more are there Moreover, this for solution is a simple There (e.g.)), ascomycetes Arcyria choderma, Sclerotium mycological the commu- neous mixture nity the – for example not accept would of placement of the users the would force practice Code concept. Adopt the concept as 1983, concept accepted in the Adopt force came into provision year this the for fungi.would Thisbe closest option of the intentions to the and various groups of anamorphic of anamorphic groups gena) and various gasteromycetous. Another problem arises, when the con- the when arises, problem Another The basis for such a list has been provided in the following publication, names althoughall it publication, did not cover hasthe following The basis such a in for list been provided 6 first or only sanctioned in the Introduction to the first volume of Fries’ Fries’ of volume first the to Introduction the or onlyin sanctionedfirst and Fries. Persoon sanctioned by to fungal index and epithets W (1984) An names Gams VOLUME 2 · NO. 1 2. when trying to establish which name has has which trying name to establish when been sanctioned and which not, because has inconsistencies. many contain works both problem: of the list publish an approved and Persoon sanctionedtaxa by considered Fries 3. will as be as both such easily a list available, nomenclature. the in and also implemented does not agree author sanctioning of the cept he cited as the author of the concept the with sanctioned: is then What name. of the source or that original author of the concept the is opinion, there my In or Fries? of Persoon a name When answer. only one acceptable citation, beenhas an author sanctioned with rather original of the authors, concept the been has author, sanctioning of the that than is concept this out it turns sanctioned. When author, the sanctioning of that from different not to sanc- two are possibilities. Either there sanc- of the that but original concept, the tion ous. Such a list can beous. Such incorporated the in Index Fungorum (20) OPINION

instead foraMycoCode, ofgoing nosim- munity prefers toadapt the current systematics. different avery of and in somecases view available, leading tomore understanding become will genomes more and more full mass. However, development continue, will isstill way offungi species the below critical ferent stories, andoverall sampling ofthe are known genes individual dif- quite totell evolution event, isnotaone-directional approach teleological oftheregardless facts that parsimony isa relationshipslish kingdom, in the fungal ofthe issufficient10 loci genome to estab- ceptance that ofthe idea, study ofless than have techniques molecular fostered the ac- The development of andaffordability 59 one theOne fungus, name: removal ofArt. selected. article ofHibbett thestarting well-received point forvalidity tion follow that could a andas offamilies, satisfactory.this isnolonger The regula- cladesfoundjor techniques, with molecular inflation orderin of ranks toaddress the ma- In the current situation, with the ongoing and the Principle notapply. does ofpriority there isnorequirement todesignate atype, mal conditions publication forvalid apply, their use. the While notregulate nor-does it thelevel, above family ranks secondary theAlthough The necessity to regulate ranks family above rank.” residing rank under that secondary primary establishes acorresponding autonym forany any automatically rank name in aprimary publication of valid “The genus, species): the following at various rule places(family, necessitate This would whenlevels needed. the useallow ofautonyms secondary at all importance) in(second the Preamble. that toits intentions iscontrary expressed as itself has created anautomatic synonym, and the otherwise because in such acase, thatrule autonyms available are nolonger synonyms,sidered these as taxa itshould the autonym still remains. If the 7 Hibbett DS, Binder BischoffJF, M, Hibbett DS, Blackwell Cannon M, PF sification ofthe Fungi. Provided that com- the mycological The solution for problemthis issimple: Code et al.(2007) recognizes primary and primary recognizes of arandomsituation, Mycological Research 7 could be be could Code Code Code con- 111:509–547.

the interlinked Nomenclatural databases, andin particular ofnames stability Potential contributions ofdatabases to the able. In this databases ofassistance. canbe when ananamorph name avail- isalready name allowed notbe teleomorph should when isknown, the teleomorph andanew acceptablebe holomorphnames, as also names bothmorph andteleomorph should naming in theessary nearfuture. New ana- the Code ascomycetous groups all have revised, been the permanent forFungi. Committee suffice,should avoiding the involvementof of anappropriateworking specialist group this kind ofprotection, the recommendation the adoption ofsuch lists in the Code therethough isnocurrent mechanism for –al- conserved names as accepted be could these andonceagreed prepared fornaming, with the user , canbe proposals inIn otherceed genera. closecollaboration onhow topro- best models as serve could ticular, they can or could: ticular, canorcould: they the first importance in the Preamble. In par- intentionprimary ofthe and socontribute tothe realization ofthe names, of fungal andstability accessibility databases, can significantlycontribute to the lium, , and the of,forexample, case ing groups ofresearchers are available, in as sufficientboth information andactive work- considered. tobe more genes many allowing sequenced, canbe fragments availablequencers andmuch becomes larger when change thewill next generation of se- reliably. Finally, likely itisvery that criteria sufficient group the data toclassify available a rather groupsofascomycetes are limited flexibility. Moreover, itisclear that for only notbring does the ofpriority required rules following andblindly and teleomorphs the the priorableequalize status ofanamorphs (when both states or have named) been names aboveanamorphteleomorphic names minimum. Following of ofpriority the rules andthuschanges tothe user the toa damage keep the amount name ofdisadvantageous ple ofthat Although it will take itwill Although along time before However, forsomeimportant groups et al . (2007) A higher-level phylogenetic. (2007)Ahigher-level clas- has to be adapted toavoid adapted has tobe unnec- Index Fungorum/ Code Aspergillus, Penicil-Aspergillus, Code will suffice to suffice will as stated as MycoBank – these . For

ment ofanindependent MycoCode. future revisions ofthe Code of them taken being into consideration in These comments are made anticipationin % % % % % % % % % CBS-KNAW Fungal Centre, Biodiversity come available. date data ifandwhenpriority new be- impriorable, but reinstatable with anew ordeclared rejected, considered as be nomen dubium). Such names should with insufficient description,agreed name forgotten specimen, lack oftype criterianames according (e.g. toagreed assist in cleaning the number ofspecies the available synonyms. name name foragiven at any from rank establish the nomenclaturally correct to designed andaddaprogram develop ex-type cultures. from from cultures ofsingle with either evidence or lished molecular havewhich confirmed orestab- been relations anamorph-teleomorph register additional data. with accession collection number and teleotypes), (including epitypes totypes, lec- neotypes, proposed newly register to aninternationally protocol. agreed the data according that required be will (andother withdidate” species taxa), provisionalregister environmental “can- ofthegender genera. the register ifnecessary, andalso cally screen andcorrect the names linguisti- publication. foravalid quired includingof additional data, those re- names, new withregister all aminimum validation. may andthey meritlished subsequent often important data have pub- been in because that included, be will place status, anumber also ofinvalid names mate). formally have they Although no status, orrejected illegiti- or conserved but notavailable ofsanctioned because add the status ofthe name valid (valid, names. rejected and names in way asimilar toconserved incorporate approved lists ofsanctioned Uppsalalaan 8,3584CT Utrecht, ([email protected]) Joost Stalpers A. , orthe develop- The Netherlands IMA FUNGUS