Expanding the diversity of Genea Vittad. (Ascomycota, Pezizales) in Türkiye: Morphological and molecular insights into newly recorded species

Year 2025, Issue: Online First

Eda Kumru , Gülce Ediş , Ergin Sahin , Emre Keskin , Ilgaz Akata

Abstract

Despite their ecological significance, the diversity of Genea Vittad. species in Türkiye remains underexplored, highlighting the need for further research. The current study aims to expand the known distribution of Genea species in Türkiye by integrating morphological and molecular analyses of new collections. Fungal specimens were collected from Edirne and Kırklareli provinces between October and December 2022. Morphological characteristics were documented using light and scanning electron microscopy, and molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted using nrITS (rDNA) sequences to confirm species identity. The studies identified the new Turkish collections as Genea fragrans (Wallr.) Sacc., G. pseudobalsleyi Agnello, Bratek & Cabero, G. pseudoverrucosa Bratek, Konstant. & Van Vooren, and G. vagans Mattir, each exhibiting over 99% sequence similarity. This study provides the first records of these species in Türkiye, offering detailed descriptions of their morphological features, habitats, and phylogenetic placement.

Keywords

subterrannean fungi , Truffles , mycobiota , European part of Türkiye

Ethical Statement

Since the article does not contain any studies with human or animal subject, its approval to the ethics committee was not required.

Supporting Institution

Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBİTAK)

Project Number

121Z924

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