Taxonomy and phylogeny of brown-rot fungi in the Antrodia complex (Polyporales, Basidiomycota)

This dissertation deals with the basidiomycete genus Antrodia, one of the largest polypore genera, which embraces over 80 species. Together with some other genera of brown-rot fungi (Fomitopsis, Laetiporus, Postia etc.), Antrodia constitutes its own lineage within the Polyporales, the so called antrodia clade. However, the genus in its current scope is polyphyletic and in need of further splitting into several natural genera. The main aim of this study is to define what is the genus Antrodia as a monophyletic unity, and to revise species concepts in some of the most important species complexes in Antrodia sensu lato. In the strict sense, Antrodia is a small genus, with six species closely related to the genus type, Antrodia serpens. They are highly uniform morphologically but can be recognized based on meticulous pore and spore measurements, as well as ecological and geographic data. Morphological and DNA data also allowed to revise species concepts within the Antrodia crassa, A. serialis, and A. malicola groups, belonging to the antrodia clade. All these revisions were based on type studies, studies of available herbarium material, and DNA analyses. In total, specimens of 46 Antrodia species were sequenced, 36 of them for the first time. Twelve new species were described, and six new combinations were proposed. Neotypes and epitypes were designated for seven species, in order to fix the current use of the species names. Results of the present research can be applied to further taxonomic revisions of brown-rot polypores, as well as for introducing phylogenetically sound genus concepts in the antrodia clade. Re-evaluation of species concepts in the A. crassa group provided new data on the ecology and indicator values of some species, and therefore it can be useful for defining their status in regional Red Lists and lists of indicator species of old-growth forests.