Species diversity, phylogeny, endemism and geography of the truffle genus <i> Tuber</i> in China based on morphological and molecular data

The genus Tuber ( Tuberaceae , Pezizales ) is an important fungal group of Ascomycota both economically and ecologically. However, the species diversity, phylogenetic relationships, geographic distribution in China remains poorly understood, primarily because descriptions many new relied heavily on morphological features with molecular data either not sought or ignored. misapplication European North American names further added to confusion regarding taxonomy Chinese species. In this study, we examined more than 1 000 specimens from China, performed a comprehensive analysis for using ITS sequences multilocus sequence data. To infer phylogeny spp., 11 datasets were assembled, including concatenated internal transcribed spacers nuc rDNA (ITS), 28S subunit (LSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha tef1-α ), RNA polymerase II rpb2 dataset as well 10 (totally 435 828 collections 597 newly generated sequences, 168 types 63 species). Our tree based revealed that all nested nine clades (phylogroups), Aestivum Excavatum Latisporum Macrosporum Maculatum Melanosporum Puberulum Rufum Turmericum . Of these, five phylogroups are shared across continents Asia, Europe America; two by Asia; endemic only Asia. Phylogenetic trees confirmed presence at least 82 China. 53 identified known species, three records 25 science. described illustrated paper, others remain unnamed due paucity absence ascomatal materials. Accordingly, confirmed, excluded doubtful discussed. showed high endemism. found 68 occur six also other regions eight T. anniae excelsum-reticulatum formosanum maculatum wenchuanense sp. CHN-3, CHN-10 CHN-11) continents. Most have small limited but few, such parvomurphium widely distributed Some phylogenetically closely related liaotongense subglobosum xuanhuaense lijiangense show pattern allopatric distribution.