Biogeographic delimitation and training in morphological and molecular identification of jelly fungi (Auriculariales, Dacrymycetales and Tremellales) from the Atlantic Forest of Southern and Southeastern Brazil

• Grant number: 25/02407-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - Brazil
• Start date: May 02, 2025
• End date: May 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany
• Principal Investigator: Nelson Menolli Junior
• Grantee: Nelson Menolli Junior
• Visiting researcher: Renato Lucio Mendes Alvarenga
• Visiting researcher institution: Centro De Ciências Biológicas/Ccb/Ufpe, Brazil
• Host Institution: Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de São Paulo (IFSP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/15677-0 - Mushrooms in the Atlantic Forest: diversity and potential of edible species, AP.BTA.JP

Abstract

The present proposal focuses on the study of the diversity, taxonomy, and ecological distribution of jelly fungi belonging to the classes Agaricomycetes, Dacrymycetes, and Tremellomycetes within the phylum Basidiomycota. These fungi have ecological, biotechnological, and medicinal importance, being used in cuisine and medicine, especially in Asia. The study aims to identify the diversity of jelly fungi, taxonomically delimit the specimens, understand their ecological distribution, map priority areas for conservation, and train students in the morphological and molecular identification of these fungi. The specimens to be analyzed were collected during the rainy season in Conservation Units of the Atlantic Forest in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil, on substrates such as dead trunks and exposed roots. The fungi will be analyzed at IFungiLab (IFSP) through macroscopic and microscopic examinations, including histological sections and staining of cellular structures. In molecular delimitation, DNA extraction was performed using the CTAB method, followed by the amplification of genetic regions (ITS, LSU, rpb2) via PCR. The sequencing of the samples will be compared with databases such as GenBank, and phylogenetic analyses will be conducted using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference methods. The modeling of the potential distribution of jelly fungi species will be based on occurrence records obtained from databases such as Species Link and GBIF, employing algorithms like Bioclim, Random Forest, and Maximum Entropy. The distribution maps will be generated and edited using the Q-GIS software. The expected results include expanding knowledge about the diversity of jelly fungi in the Atlantic Forest, identifying new species and new occurrences in Brazil, producing detailed maps to support conservation policies, and training researchers in fungal taxonomy. Scientific dissemination will be promoted to increase public awareness of these organisms. Additionally, the research aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to biodiversity conservation in Brazil. (AU)