Four new species of Candolleomyces (Psathyrellaceae) from the Punjab Plains, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to explore the genus Candolleomyces from Pakistan. Fungal surveys were conducted in different sites of the Punjab plains during the 2016-2022 period. Several specimens belonging to the family Psathyrellaceae were collected. Traditional morphology and multigene phylogenetic analyses confirmed the novelty and placement of the species in genus Candolleomyces. The phylogenetic study of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and partial 28S rRNA regions confirmed the distinct positions of four new taxa, Candolleomyces iqbalii, C. kotadduensis, C. pakistanicus, and C. parvipileus, in the genus. Currently, the genus consists of 43 species worldwide. However, with the inclusion of these four species, the total number has risen to 47. Detailed descriptions, phylogeny, comparisons, and illustrations are provided.