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

Kumru E., Ediş G., ŞAHİN E., KESKİN E., AKATA I.

Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences, vol.26, no.2, pp.106-117, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 26 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.23902/trkjnat.1640957
  • Journal Name: Trakya University Journal of Natural Sciences
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.106-117
  • Keywords: subterranean fungi, truffles, mycobiota, European part of T & uuml;rkiye
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

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 (Wallroth) Saccardo, Genea pseudobalsleyi Agnello, Bratek & Cabero, Genea pseudoverrucosa Bratek, Konstant. & Van Vooren, and Genea 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.