XVI International Botanical Congess

The rDNA phylogeny of fungi restricts the kingdom to Chytridiomycota, Zygomycota, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, but mycologists still study water- and slime-molds. The same rDNA data show the non-monophyly of both Chytridiomycota and Zygomycota, and support a monophyletic dikaryomycetes (Ascomycota + Basidiomycota). Historical debates over phenotypic characters are being settled (e.g., basidial septa, or mildew cleistothecial appendages). Phylogenies are available for many economically important groups, and often are based on protein-coding genes. Full sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genomes are providing new targets for phylogenetics and population genetics. Mycologists now are challenged by opportunities to integrate study of pheno- and genotypic evolution, to reconcile conflicting big-picture phylogenies based on rDNA and proteins, and to define species biologically and phylogenetically.