Antiproliferative and Antibacterial Activity of Polyporoid Fungi from Veracruz, Mexico.

Polyporoid fungi represent a vast source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmacological applications. The importance of polyporoid fungi in traditional Chinese medicine has led to an extensive use of some species of Ganoderma for promoting health and longevity because their consumption is associated with several bioactivities. Nevertheless, bioactivity of some other members of the Polyporaceae family has also been reported. This work reports the antiproliferative and antibacterial activity of crude extracts obtained from fruiting bodies of polypore fungi collected from the central region of Veracruz, Mexico, aimed at understanding the diversity of polypore species with potential pharmacological applications. 29 collections were identified macro- and microscopically in 19 species of polyporoid fungi, belonging to 13 genera. The antiproliferative activity screening of extracts against solid tumor cell lines (A549, SW1573, HeLa, HBL-100, T-47D, WiDr) allow us to identify four extracts with strong bioactivity [half-maximal growth inhibition (GI50) ≤ 50 µg/mL]. After this, a phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from the ITS region obtained from bioactive specimens allowed us to identify three extracts as Pycnoporus sanguineus (GI50 = ≤ 10 µg/mL) and the fourth bioactive extract as Ganoderma oerstedii (GI50 = < 50 µg/mL. Likewise, extracts from P. sanguineus showed mild or moderate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Xanthomonas albilineas. Bioprospecting studies of polyporoid fungi add to the knowledge of the diversity of macrofungi in Mexico and allow us to select one of the bioactive P. sanguineus to continue the pursuit of bioactive compounds through mycochemical studies.

Broadening the Knowledge of Mexican Boletes: Addition of a New Genus, Seven New Species, and Three New Combinations.

Boletes are one of the most common groups of fungi in temperate, subtropical, and tropical ecosystems. In Mexico, the northern region has mainly been explored in terms of bolete diversity. This study describes a new genus and seven new species based on macromorphological, micromorphological, molecular, phylogenetic, and ecological data. Garcileccinum gen. nov. is typified with G. salmonicolor based on multigene phylogenetic analysis of nrLSU, RPB2, and TEF1, and it is closely related to Leccinum and Leccinellum. Garcileccinum viscosum and G. violaceotinctum are new combinations. Boletellus minimatenebris (ITS, nrLSU, and RPB2), Cacaoporus mexicanus (RPB2 and ATP6), Leccinum oaxacanum, Leccinum juarenzense (nrLSU, RPB2, and TEF1), Tylopilus pseudoleucomycelinus (nrLSU and RPB2), and Xerocomus hygrophanus (ITS, nrLSU, and RPB2) are described as new species. Boletus neoregius is reclassified as Pulchroboletus neoregius comb. nov. based on morphological and multigene phylogenetic analysis (ITS and nrLSU), and its geographic distribution is extended to Central Mexico, since the species was only known from Costa Rica. Furthermore, T. leucomycelinus is a new record from Mexico. This study contributes to increasing our knowledge of boletes and expands the diversity found in Mexican forests.

Two new species and a new record of yellow Cantharellus from tropical Quercus forests in eastern Mexico with the proposal of a new name for the replacement of Craterellus confluens.

Two new species of yellow Cantharellus and a new record of Cantharellus tabernensis associated with tropical species of Quercus are presented, based on the taxonomic study of fresh specimens and in a phylogenetic analysis of transcription elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1α) and the large subunit of the ribosome (nLSU) sequences. One of the new species proposed here, corresponds to a choice edible mushroom, which, in our molecular phylogeny, resulted in it being related to the group of species around C. lateritius and sister with Craterellus confluens type specimen. This latter is here formally transferred to Cantharellus and consequently a new name, Cantharellus furcatus, is proposed to replace the homonym Cantharellus confluens (Schwein.) Schwein. 1834 a later synonym of Byssomerulius corium. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic descriptions accompanied with illustrations and a taxonomic discussion are presented for each species.

Two new species of Lactifluus (Fungi, Russulales) from tropical Quercus forest in eastern Mexico.

Two new species of Lactifluus subgenus Lactifluus were discovered during a three-year monitoring of the ectomycorrhizal fungi in a tropical oak forest from central Veracruz, Mexico. Systematic sampling of basidiomes allowed recording of the morphological variation of fruit-bodies in different growth stages along with their fructification season. Both new species were distinguished, based on macro- and micromorphological features and on molecular data. A phylogenetic analysis of a concatenated nuc rDNA ITS, D1 and D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA (LSU) and the 6-7 region of the second largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II (rpb2) sequence dataset of species of Lactifluus is provided. In the phylogeny inferred, one of the new species is sister to L. dissitus Van de Putte, K. Das & Verbeken and the other belongs to the group of species of L. piperatus (L.) Kuntze, sister to an unidentified species from U.S.A. The studied taxa grow under Quercus oleoides in the study site. The species are presented and illustrated here.

Two new Erythrophylloporus species (Boletaceae) from Thailand, with two new combinations of American species.

Erythrophylloporus is a lamellate genus in the family Boletaceae that has been recently described from China based on E.cinnabarinus, the only known species. Typical characters of Erythrophylloporus are reddish-orange to yellowish-red basidiomata, including lamellae, bright yellow basal mycelium and smooth, broadly ellipsoid, ellipsoid to nearly ovoid basidiospores. During our survey on diversity of Boletaceae in Thailand, several yellowish-orange to reddish- or brownish-orange lamellate boletes were collected. Based on both morphological evidence and molecular analyses of a four-gene dataset (atp6, tef1, rpb2 and cox3), they were recognised as belonging in Erythrophylloporus and different from the already known species. Two new species, E.paucicarpus and E.suthepensis are therefore introduced from Thailand with detailed descriptions and illustrations. Moreover, two previously described Phylloporus species, P.aurantiacus and P.fagicola, were also revised and recombined in Erythrophylloporus. A key to all known Erythrophylloporus species is provided.

Two new species of Phylloporus (Fungi, Boletales) from tropical Quercus forests in eastern Mexico.

We present a proposal of two new species of Phylloporus discovered in tropical oak forests from central Veracruz, Mexico. Both species were distinguished based on macro and micro-morphologic features and supported with a molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on sequences of nuc rDNA ITS, D1, D2 and D3 domains of nuc 28S rDNA (LSU), and transcription elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1α). In the phylogenetic reconstruction inferred, the new species clustered in two different clades related to species from USA, Costa Rica and Panama. The recollection of fructifications in monodominant stands of either Quercusoleoides or Q.sapotifolia, allowed recognizing the distribution of one of the Phylloporus species under both Quercus species, and the other under Q.oleoides only. Detailed macro and microscopic descriptions accompanied by illustrations, photos and a taxonomic discussion are provided.

A new Gymnopus species with rhizomorphs and its record as nesting material by birds (Tyrannideae) in the subtropical cloud forest from eastern Mexico.

A new species of Gymnopus is described on the basis of collections from the subtropical cloud forest of eastern Mexico. Macro- and micromorphological characters, in combination with ITS sequences obtained from fruit body tissues, were used for its taxonomic circumscription. Basidiomata of this species were found growing scattered on fallen twigs of Quercus and also developing abundant long, black, wiry rhizomorphs. The authors discovered that these latter are used as part of nesting material by Myonectesoleaginous (Tyrannidae) inhabiting the subtropical cloud forest studied. A macro- and microscopical description as well as a discussion and illustrations are provided. A new combination in Gymnopus is proposed for Marasmiuswestii, a synonym of Marasmiusbrevipes.

Two Lactarius species (subgenus Plinthogalus) in ectomycorrhizal association with tropical Quercus trees in eastern Mexico.

Two species of Lactarius are documented from fragments of tropical lowland oak forest in central Veracruz. Lactarius trichodermoides, described here as new, was found in association with Quercus sapotifolia and Lactarius subplinthogalus with Quercus glaucescens. Both Lactarius species were identified morphologically and supported by phylogenetic analyses of nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and D1-D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA sequences. Confirmation of mycobionts in ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations was verified by molecular identification of ECM root tips. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic descriptions and photographs and illustrations of basidiomes and ectomycorrhizas are presented. The new binomial Lactarius chiangmaiensis is proposed for L. subplinthogalus var. chiangmaiensis.

Cantharellus violaceovinosus, a new species from tropical Quercus forests in eastern Mexico.

During explorations of tropical oak forests in central Veracruz (eastern Mexico), the authors discovered a Cantharellus species that produces basidiomes with strikingly violet pileus and a hymenium with yellow, raised gill-like folds. It is harvested locally and valued as a prized edible wild mushroom. Systematic multiyear sampling of basidiomes allowed the recording of the morphological variation exhibited by fresh fruit bodies in different growth stages, which supports the recognition of this Cantharellus species from others in the genus. Two molecular phylogenetic analyses based on a set of sequences of species of all major clades in Cantharellus, one including sequences of the transcription elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1α) and a combined tef-1α and nLSU region (the large subunit of the ribosome), confirm the isolated position of the new species in a clade close to C. lewisii from USA, in the subgenus Cantharellus. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic descriptions, accompanied by illustrations and a taxonomic discussion are presented.

A new species and a new record of Laccaria (Fungi, Basidiomycota) found in a relict forest of the endangered Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana.

Two species of Laccaria discovered in relicts of Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana forests in eastern Mexico are described based on the macro- and micromorphological features, and their identity supported by molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) of the ribosomal RNA gene. The phylogeny obtained here showed that one of the Mexican species is nested in an exclusive clade which in combination with its striking morphological features, infers that it represents a new species, while the other species is placed as a member in the Laccaria trichodermophora clade. This is the first report in Mexico of Laccaria with Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana trees, with which the reported species may form ectomycorrhizal association. Descriptions are accompanied with illustrations of macro- and micromorphological characters and a discussion of related taxa are presented.

Two new Lactarius species from a subtropical cloud forest in eastern Mexico.

Two species of Lactarius from the subtropical montane cloud forest of central Veracruz are described as new. Both species are placed in subgenus Lactarius based on an accurate study of macro- and micromorphological features and supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses of a single nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), a concatenated ITS, D1, and D2 domains of nuc 28S rDNA (28S), and part of the second largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II (rpb2) (6-7 region) sequence datasets. In the phylogenetic reconstruction presented, the two species appear nested in two clearly distinct, well supported clades that reveal their phylogenetic position among members of subgenus Lactarius (= subg. Piperites s. auct.), a complex group of which a worldwide phylogeny requires further study. According to field observations, both taxa are possible ectomycorrhizal associates of Quercus spp. and one of Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana Taxonomic descriptions based on the study of specimens gathered during fieldwork from 2012 to 2014 are presented. Descriptions are accompanied with illustrations of macro and micromorphological characters and a discussion of related species is provided.

The ectomycorrhizas of Lactarius cuspidoaurantiacus and Lactarius herrerae associated with Alnus acuminata in Central Mexico.

Two pure Alnus acuminata stands established in a montane forest in central Mexico (Puebla State) were monitored between 2010 and 2013 to confirm and recognize the ectomycorrhizal (EcM) systems of A. acuminata with Lactarius cuspidoaurantiacus and Lactarius herrerae, two recently described species. Through comparison of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences from basidiomes and ectomycorrhizas sampled in the forest stands, we confirmed their ectomycorrhizal association. The phytobiont was corroborated by comparing ITS sequences obtained from EcM root tips and leaves collected in the study site and from other sequences of A. acuminata available in Genbank. Detailed morphological and anatomical descriptions of the ectomycorrhizal systems are presented and complemented with photographs.

Two new species of Lactarius associated with Alnus acuminata subsp. arguta in Mexico.

In pure stands of Alnus acuminata subsp. arguta trees from Sierra Norte de Puebla (central Mexico) two undescribed ectomycorrhizal species of Lactarius were discovered. Distinction of the two new species is based on morphological characters and supported with phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS region and part of the gene that encodes for the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2). The phylogenies inferred recovered the two species in different clades strongly supported by posterior probabilities and bootstrap values. The new Lactarius species are recognized as part of the assemblage of ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with Alnus acuminata. Information about these taxa includes the morphological variation achieved along 16 monitories 2010-2013. Descriptions are provided. They are accompanied by photos including SEM photomicrographs of basidiospores and information on differences between them and other related taxa from Europe and the United States.

Ectomycorrhizal association of three Lactarius species with Carpinus and Quercus trees in a Mexican montane cloud forest.

Ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi are being monitored in the Santuario del Bosque de Niebla in the central region of Veracruz (eastern Mexico). Based on the comparison of DNA sequences (ITS rDNA) of spatiotemporally co-occurring basidiomes and EM root tips, we discovered the EM symbiosis of Lactarius indigo, L. areolatus and L. strigosipes with Carpinus caroliniana, Quercus xalapensis and Quercus spp. The host of the EM tips was identified by comparison of the large subunit of the ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase gene (rbcL). Descriptions coupled with photographs of ectomycorrhizas and basidiomes are presented.

Morphological and molecular identification of the ectomycorrhizal association of Lactarius fumosibrunneus and Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana trees in eastern Mexico.

A population of Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana (covering ca. 4.7 ha) is established in a montane cloud forest refuge at Acatlan Volcano in eastern Mexico (Veracruz State), and it represents one of only ten populations of this species known to occur in the country (each stand covers ca. 2-35 ha in extension) and one of the southernmost in the continent. Sporocarps of several ectomycorrhizal macrofungi have been observed in the area, and among them, individuals of the genus Lactarius are common in the forest. However, the morphological and molecular characterization of ectomycorrhizae is still in development. Currently, two species of Lactarius have been previously documented in the area. Through the phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region from basidiomes and ectomycorrhizae, we identified the Lactarius fumosibrunneus ectomycorrhiza. The host, F. grandifolia var. mexicana, was determined comparing the amplified ITS sequence from ectomycorrhizal root tips in the GenBank database with Basic Local Alignment Search Tool. The mycorrhizal system of L. fumosibrunneus is monopodial-pyramidal, characterized by its shiny, white to silver and pruinose surface, secreting a white latex when damaged, composed of three plectenchymatous mantle layers, with diverticulated terminal elements at the outer mantle. It lacks emanating hyphae, rhizomorphs, and sclerotia. A detailed morphological and anatomical description, illustrations, and photographs of the ectomycorrhiza are presented. The comparison of L. fumosibrunneus and other Lactarius belonging to subgenus Plinthogalus is presented.

New species and new records of Crinipellis from tropical and subtropical forests of the east coast of Mexico.

Crinipellis brunneoaurantiaca, C. pallidibrunnea and C. rubella are described as new species and their taxonomic position is discussed. The two former were collected in subdeciduous tropical forest and the latter in the montane cloud forest, all from the east coast of Mexico (central Veracruz). Crinipellis podocarpi, C. pseudostipitaria var. mesites, C. setipes, recorded in montane cloud forest, and C. tucumanensis, collected in subdeciduous tropical forest, also are discussed. Detailed macro- and microscopic descriptions, illustrations of distinctive microscopic characters and plates are presented for each species.

A new species of Lactarius (subgenus Gerardii) from two relict Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana populations in Mexican montane cloud forests.

A new milkcap species, Lactarius fuscomarginatus, was found in the subtropical region of central Veracruz (eastern Mexico) associated with two relict populations of Fagus grandifolia var. mexicana. The species is characterized macroscopically by its dark pileus and stipe and by its distant and whitish lamellae with blackish to blackish brown edges. A molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS and LSU nucDNA sequences confirms the delimitation of this new taxon and places L. fuscomarginatus in subgenus Gerardii. A detailed morphological comparison is given with similar species.

Crepidotus crocophyllus found in Costa Rica and Mexico and revision of related species in subsection Fulvifibrillosi.

The study of Crepidotus specimens collected in Costa Rica and Mexico revealed that C. crocophyllus occurs in the tropical and subtropical forests of both countries. Type specimens of seven species related to C. crocophyllus in subsection Fulvifibrillosi s. Hesler and Smith were re-examined. Based on the morphological features, specimens supporting C. appalachianensis, C. aureifolius, C. distortus, C. subaureifolius and C. subnidulans are interpreted to be C. crocophyllus, thus all herein are proposed as its synonyms. Furthermore A. nephrodes is confirmed as a synonym of Crepidotus crocophyllus while Agaricus malachius, long considered contaxic with the former, is proposed as synonym of Crepidotus applanatus. The known records of C. crocophyllus indicate a wide but fragmented range of extension of the taxon throughout the Americas. Description, illustrations of microscopic features and discussions are provided.

Crepidotus rubrovinosus sp. nov. and Crepidotus septicoides, found in the cloud forest of eastern Mexico, with notes on Crepidotus fusisporus var. longicystis.

Two species of Crepidotus are recorded from cloud forest in the central region of Veracruz State (eastern Mexico): Crepidotus rubrovinosus sp. nov. and Crepidotus septicoides. The latter species was known previously only from the type locality in Brazil and from one record in tropical rain forest in southern Veracruz (as C. longicystis s. str. Singer). Descriptions, illustrations and discussions for both taxa are provided. A type study of C. fusisporus var. longicystis from USA is included, and it is concluded that the collection supporting this variety belongs to C. luteolus.

Nuevos registros de hongos del Estado de Veracruz, v. nuevos aphyllophorales y agaricales / New recordss of fungi from the State of Veracruz, v. new aphyllophorales and agaricales

Se registran 7 especies de Alphyllophorales y 8 de Agaricales procedentes principalmente de los bosques de coníferas de la región del Cofre de Perote y del bosque mesófilo de montaña de la zona centro del estado de Veracruz. Aleurodiscus mirabilis (Berk & Curt) Hoehn. / Litsch, Gloecantharellus purpurascens (Hesles) Sing., Albatrellus dispansus (Lloyd) Canf.& Gilbin., Agaricus volvatulus Heinem. & Goos., Stropharia pseudocyanea (Desm.) Morgan y Suillus reticulatus Thiers se citan por primera vez de México; de las nueve especies restantes se amplía su distribución a otras localidades de Veracruz o en algunos casos a otras entidades del país (Baja California, Chiapas, Distrito Federal, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Puebla y Querétaro). Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.: Fr.) Murr., se registra por primera ves en los estados de Chiapas y Puebla. Se presentan las observaciones realizadas sobre el material tipo de Marasmius semihirtipes Peck (=Collybia, Halling) de E.U. A. y de un material europeo de Stropharia caerula Kreisel