Multilocus phylogeny contributes to fungal taxonomy with three novel species of Conocybe (Bolbitiaceae) from southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Abstract

Advancements in fungal taxonomy have been significantly enhanced by multilocus phylogenetic analyses, which improve the precision of species identification. This study also employs such methods to investigate the genus Conocybe, resulting in the description of three novel species, viz. C. hasiluprensis and C. sultanii belonging to the section Pilosellae and C. ferruginae of section Conocybe, from southern Punjab, Pakistan. Field collections yielded specimens that were examined morphologically and genetically, using a multilocus phylogenetic analysis utilizing sequences from the ITS, 28S, and TEF1-α regions. A combined phylogenetic tree was constructed through maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods, revealing three novel taxa occupying their respective distinct branches. Further, morphological analysis complemented the genetic data, with each species displaying unique characteristics. This study not only adds to the fungal biodiversity of Pakistan but also provides a robust framework for future taxonomic and ecological research in the region. In addition, we provide a key to the known species of Conocybe in Pakistan.