Molecular Phylogeny and Biodiversity of the Boletes

Abstract

We present a phylogenetic analysis of boletes from diverse habitats using both nuclear and mitochondrial ribosomal DNA loci. Our phylogenetic trees demonstrated that the genera Suillus and Leccinum were well supported. Polyphyly was suggested for other major genera (Boletus, Tylopilus, Xerocomus). We observed a general lack of phylogenetic resolution at the genus and higher level using these two gene regions. Neither of the competing taxonomies proposed by Singer or by Smith was completely supported. Phylogenetic diversity of the boletes was assessed by comparative analyses of branch lengths.