PLOS ONE · 4 authors, 2 centres
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This study reports the first isolation and identification of the fungus Xylaria karsticola from the fruiting body of the edible mushroom Macrolepiota procera in Bulgaria, confirming its identity through morphological observation and molecular (ITS) sequencing.
The study isolated a fungal strain from the basidiocarp of Macrolepiota procera in Stara Planina Mountain, Bulgaria. Morphological characterization in vitro involved observing colony growth rate, color, stromatic structure, and conidial morphology, which suggested a xylariaceous morphotype. Molecular identification was performed via ITS region sequencing, resulting in a 97.57% confidence match to Xylaria karsticola. Phylogenetic analysis placed the isolate within the X. karsticola clade, though it was genetically distinct from other sequenced isolates. The authors note this is the second European report of X. karsticola and the first from this specific mushroom host. Limitations include the lack of mature teleomorphic structures for definitive species-level confirmation and the need for more field sampling. The findings suggest a potential association between the ascomycete and its basidiomycete host, warranting further ecological study.
