Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: Fungal systematics is an essential part of biological research especially in the context of its ecological and economic implications. The classification of pleomorphic and non-pleomorphic anamorphs, however, is unsettled, which can be attributed to the historical practice of the dual nomenclature/classification system. This paper reviews the historical establishment and limitations of the dual system of classification, and narrates the possible utilities of DNA sequence-data in developing a system of classification based on evolutionary relationships. The dual classification system is a failed hypothesis. DNA sequence-data are now routinely used to link anamorphs with a holomorph and to provide phylogenetic placement for anamorphs with unknown teleomorphs. Emerging phylogenetic and nomenclatural scenarios in the Botryosphaeriales, Chaetosphaeriales, Fusarium graminearum, pestalotiopsis-like anamorphs, and the Mycosphaerella complex are illustrated to indicate potential nomenclatural and taxonomic complexities associated with the dual nomenclature/classification system. The mycological community has a daunting task of developing a system of classification that fulfills the needs of diverse taxonomic users. Molecular characters and tools are, undoubtedly, an indispensable part of fungal systematics.
Authors: BD Shenoy, Rajesh Jeewon, KD Hyde
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2580315640