WHAT TO DO ABOUT ASPERGILLUS? NEWS An issue which unavoidably arose with molecular studies including the whole consideration for adoption, along with the move from dual nomenclature genomes of several species. An analysis ones in Penicillium and Talaromyces (which for pleomorphic ascomycetes and based on 25 loci by Houbraken et al. have not occasioned controversy). The lists basidiomycetes to one name for one (2014) showed that Aspergillus was are available on the ICPA website (www. species, was what to do about Aspergillus. In monophyletic and well-supported as a penicilliumaspergillus.org). particular, should a broad generic concept sister group to Penicillium. Contrary It should, however, be remembered that be adopted, or should the genus be split into to Pitt & Taylor (2014), those authors the new Lists of Protected Names are not separate genera correlated with different consequently retained Aspergillus for the designed to fix a taxonomy, only indicating sexual morphs. Pitt & Taylor (2014) argued whole group, adopting subgeneric names names that are to be used in favour of that in order not to have a paraphyletic for clades within it characterized by the any competing names (Redhead et al. genus Aspergillus, it was most expedient main sexual morphs. The arguments 2014). Should the Lists in due course be to recognize Eurotium, Neosartorya, for adopting a single generic name were accepted for protection, this does not mean Emericella, and Chaetosartorya, and accept developed in Samson et al. (2014), where that those wishing to adopt a taxonomy Aspergillus (with Petromyces as a synonym). monophylly was again demonstrated, different from that adopted in the Lists are They consider that this system would be in and they went on to provide a list of 339 compelled to follow it. It will be interesting the best interests of applied mycologists, names of species accepted in Aspergillus to see what consensus emerges over the although it has to be noted that Neosartorya along with full bibliographic and type classification to be adopted in the coming would have to be taken up for the medically details (including ex-type cultures), years. important A. fumigatus, and Emericella for and MycoBank and GenBank accession the geneticists model organism A. nidulans. numbers. The single-genus solution, is Houbraken J, de Vries RP, Samson RA (2014) This system of generic names, would require stated to be supported by the International Modern taxonomy of biotechnologically a change in the type species of Aspergillus Commission on Penicillium and important Aspergillus and Penicillium species. to A. niger from A. glaucus, and a formal Aspergillus (ICPA), and a recent poll1 had Advances in Applied Microbiology 106: 199– proposal to conserve Aspergillus with A. overwhelming support (91 %) in favour 294. niger as type is in preparation. of retaining the name Aspergillus. On 25 The analysis of relationships within November 2014, ICPA presented the list these fungi, has, however, been taken to of Aspergillus names to the Nomenclature 1http://asperweb.co.uk/content/aspergillus a new level through more comprehensive Committee for Fungi (NCF) for taxonomypoll. Plates courtesy of Robert A. Samson. VOLUME 5 · NO. 2 (27) Pitt JI, Taylor JW (2014) Aspergillus, its sexual states and the new International Samson RA, Visagie CM, Houbraken J, Hong S-B, Hubka V, et al. (2014) Code of Nomenclature. Mycologia 106: 1051–1062. Phylogeny, identification and nomenclature of the genusAspergillus . Studies Redhead SA, Demoulin V, Hawksworth DL, Seifert KA, Turland NH (2014) in Mycology 78: 141–173. Fungal nomenclature at IMC10: report of the Nomenclature Sessions. IMA NEWS Fungus 5: 449–462. RefSeq: REFERENCE SEQUENCES FOR ORDERS OF FUNGI ! "# ! "$ % & ' '( %# )* $" +,, ! * -* " * # +( .( / 0* $ (* !,! (((" 1!( 2 !( 0 & " '!( " 3 " (1!! (!, )- )(*1! 4* +( ! 5( Multidimensional scaling clustering of ITS RefSeq sequences colour-coded by fungal class. Courtesy Conrad L. Schoch. Confidence over which sequences in public co-authors who collaborated to release particular, now provide a sound base databases can be relied upon for use in reference sequences (RefSeq or RefSs) for fungal molecular systematics and the construction of phylogenetic trees or of the ITS regions of about 2,500 species identification which can be relied upon and placing fungi of uncertain position has selected to represent the currently accepted built on in the years ahead. long been problematic. The news that orders. Wherever possible, sequences were publication of a comprehensive reference obtained from the name-bearing type or Schoch CL, Robertse B, Vincent R, Vu D, Cardinali set of sequences for all accepted orders other verified collections with vouchers G, et al. (2014) Finding needles in haystacks: of Fungi was imminent was reported in preserved in fungaria and collections of linking scientific names, reference specimens the June issue of IMA Fungus (5: (17), fungal cultures. The coverage achieved is and molecular data for Fungi. Database 2014: 2014). This has now appeared (Schoch most impressive, and use of the sequences bau061; DOI:10.1093/database/bau061. et al. 2014). The venture involved 101 selected here, and those in UNITE in (28) IMA FUNGUS WHAT IS IN YOUR PACKET OF DRIED PORCINI? NEWS named by fast-track publishing through Index Fungorum as B. bainiugan, B. meiweiniuganjun, and B. shiyong on 12 October 20132. The molecular analyses that form the basis for those decisions are, however, presented in the paper commented on here, but the macroscopic features await documentation by fresh collections from China. Now that these porcini-like mushrooms have now been molecularly characterized and named, they can be checked for by food standard agencies and authorities. But with three unnamed Phylogeny of three new species discovered in a packet of dried “porcini” in relation to Boletus edulis (right). species found in a single packet of dried Courtesy Bryn Dentinger. mushrooms, and not knowing what fungal products they might produce, I, and I suspect many other mycologists, may be The issue of correct identification in them. A BLAST search and comparison more cautious when considering buying material for human consumption as food with related sequences revealed that dried boletes. or medication is brought to light in the three species were represented, none discovery of three previously undescribed of which had previously been named, Dentinger BTM, Suz LM (2014) What’s for dinner? species of Boletus in a single commercial although there were matches with some Undescribed species of porcini in a commercial packet said to be of dried “porcini”, B. previously reported lineages. While the packet. PeerJ 2: e570. DOI10.7717/peerj.570. edulis. Dentinger & Suz (2014) selected three clades were well supported in this 15 pieces of dried mushroom from a single study, there were differences within the Chinese packet purchased in south-west clades which was attributed to infraspecific 2www.indexfungorum.org/Publications/Index%20 London in October 2013 and sequenced variability. The new species were formerly Fungorum%20no.29.pdf IS YOUR FAVOURITE GENUS ON THE LIST? A draft list of 6,995 generic names of fungi names to be protected against particular Comments on names of Basidiomycota (including those of lichenized fungi), for itemized names, and exempts lichen-forming should be sent to Joost A. Stalpers possible protection against earlier competing fungi from the provision, it is anticipated ([email protected]), and those on all names was published by Kirk et al. (2013) in that those issues will be changed at the other groups should be addressed to Paul M. order to accelerate the process of selection of International Botanical Congress in 2017, in Kirk ([email protected].). names to be retained, and without prejudice the light of the views expressed by mycologists to the names to be included on any final at IMC10 (Redhead et al. 2014). It must be Kirk PM, Stalpers JA, Braun U, Crous PW, Hansen list for formal adoption. A revision of that stressed that unlisted generic names would all K, et al. (2013) A without-prejudice list of list was prepared for IMC10 in Bangkok in remain available for use provided that they did generic names of fungi for protection under the August 2014, which took note of numerous not compete with any listed name. International Code of Nomenclature for algae, comments received from individual It is anticipated that a revised list will fungi, and plants. IMA Fungus 4: 381–443. mycologists and also lists being developed by be prepared by 30 June 2015, and all McNeill J, Barrie FR. Buck WR, Demoulin V, working groups concerned with particular mycologists are urged to comment on the Greuter W, et al. (eds) (2012) International families, orders, or classes. Progress on names included and draw to the attention Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants the various lists was introduced to a wider of the compilers any which should be (Melbourne Code) adopted by the Eighteenth audience at IMC10 where controversial added, deleted, or otherwise corrected. International Botanical Congress Melbourne, cases were highlighted (Redhead et al. If a sufficiently robust list with a wide Australia, July 2011. [Regnum Vegetabile No. 2014). The up-dated generic list is now consensus can be achieved, this will be 154.] Königstein: Koeltz Scientific Books. available on wwww.generaoffungi.org along a major contribution to the stability of Redhead SA, Demoulin V, Hawksworth DL, Seifert with details of the place of publication of familiar generic names without recourse KA, Turland NH (2014) Fungal nomenclature the names and their type species. to the lengthy procedures of conservation at IMC10: report of the Nomenclature Although the current International Code and rejection. The co-operation of all Sessions. IMA Fungus 5: 449–462. of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants mycologists in this important initiative (McNeill et al. 2012) only allows for listed would be much appreciated. VOLUME 5 · NO. 2 (29) RED LISTS FOR FUNGI – Nominate species of concern now NEWS preliminary assessments to be made.