International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms

ISSN for PRINT: 1521-9437

For Online Access

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2007, Volume9

Issue 1

96 pages

DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v9.i1

Issue price - $149.00

Richard W. Kerrigan
Sylvan Research, 198 Nolte Dr., Kittanning, PA 16201, USA

Agaricus subrufescens, described from New York, USA, by Peck in 1893, has been interpreted narrowly by some authors (Wasser et al.) and more broadly by others (Kerrigan). DNA sequence similarities between A. subrufescens and the recently named species A. rufotegulis and A. brasiliensis are great, indicating a close, intraspecific relationship, as is found within other well-known species of Agaricus. Single-spore progeny of A. subrufescens from North America and another strain from Brazil (by way of Japan) can mate to produce fertile offspring. Overall, basidiomata from the Americas, Europe, and Hawaii share a similar, recognizable aspect, with variation in some characteristics—for example, Hawaiian specimens are relatively more gracile. Whether such population-level variation is sufficient to merit taxonomic recognition, and if so, at what taxon rank, is a matter of opinion rather than proof. Only customary practice provides guidance, whereas prudence favors a synthesis of all lines of evidence. The author presents arguments for treating A. subrufescens as a single phylogenetic species within which some regional and other morphological variation occurs. This is a traditional, conservative approach toward interpreting the relationships among these mushrooms.

DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v9.i1.100 Download article, 79-84 pages

Article price - $35.00

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