ARS | Publication request: Molecular characterization of true morels (Morchella) in Turkey

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 23, 2011
Publication Date: September 23, 2011
Citation: Taskin, H., Buyukalaca, S., Dogan, H.H., Rehner, S.A., O Donnell, K. 2011. Molecular characterization of true morels (Morchella) in Turkey. Meeting Abstract.

Technical Abstract: A collection of 247 true morels (Morchella spp.) was made from 10 different provinces of Turkey during the 2007-2008 growing season. This collection was analyzed for species diversity using phylogenetic analyses of partial Ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase I (RPB1) and nuclear ribosomal large subunit (LSU) rDNA gene sequences. Based on the result of this initial screen, 62 collections were chosen to represent the full range of genetic diversity detected. To investigate species diversity, all 62 collections were analyzed using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences from the two additional nuclear genes: RNA polymerase II (RPB2) and translation elongation factor (EF1-a). Also nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequences were generated for 36 collections within a species-rich lineage within the M. elata clade designated the Elata Subclade. Phylogenetic analyses of the individual and combined dataset indicated that the Elata Clade (black morels) and Esculenta Clade (yellow morels) in Turkey were represented by 13 and 2 species, respectively. Seven of the Elata Clade species and one within the Esculenta Clade are currently only known from Turkey. This research represents the first molecular systematic assessment of Morchella in Turkey. Detailed knowledge of species diversity is essential for developing conservation policies that insure annual commercial harvests of morels are sustainable and ecologically sound.