Scale bars: 1 µm (d); 10 µm (e); 20 µm (f– h). Credit: a, b, e– h P. Finy c L. Albert d K. Bóka.
The Research Team and Their Findings.
The team included Péter Finy (Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary), Mikael Jeppson (University of Gothenburg, Sweden), Dániel G. Knapp (Linnaeus University, Sweden), Viktor Papp (Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Hungary), László Albert (Hungarian Mycological Society, Hungary), István Ölvedi (Hungarian Mycological Society, Hungary), Károly Bóka (Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary), Dóra Varga (Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary), Gábor M. Kovács (Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary), and Bálint Dima (Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary).
a FP-2020-12-01-3, Fülöpháza b, d– g FP-2016-12-11 (BP112643, holotype), Tázlár c AL-2021-01-24, Bócsa h FP-2017-12-09, Orgovány a– c basidiocarps d, e basidiospores f, g capillitium with basidiospores h thin-walled, septate capillitium hyphae. Scale bars: 1 µm (d); 10 µm (e); 20 µm (f– h). Credit: a, b, e– h P. Finy c L. Albert d K. Bóka.
These discoveries have been especially substantial due to Hungarys steppe plants on sandy soil being identified as a hotspot for the stalked puffballs in Europe. The research study group carried out a thorough taxonomic modification of gasteroid fungis in Hungary, adding to the understanding of this groups diversity.
The discovery of Tulostoma shaihuludii demonstrates the intricate connections in between types and their habitats. It also highlights the significance of geographic seclusion in the introduction of brand-new types, as seen in the case of Tulostoma dunense, which is carefully related to North American types however noticeably different, as revealed by genetic analysis.
Recommendation: “Exploring diversity within the genus Tulostoma (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) in the Pannonian sandy steppe: 4 interesting unique types from Hungary” by Péter Finy, Mikael Jeppson, Dániel G. Knapp, Viktor Papp, László Albert, István Ölvedi, Károly Bóka, Dóra Varga, Gábor M. Kovács and Bálint Dima, 29 November 2023, MycoKeys.DOI: 10.3897/ mycokeys.100.112458.
Tulostoma shaihuludii and an illustration of a Shai-Hulud sandworm. Credit: Photo by Péter Finy; illustration by Dániel G. Knapp
The scientists were inspired by the appearance and environment of the fungi, drawing parallels to the renowned sandworms referred to as Shai-Hulud from Frank Herberts renowned sci-fi novel.
A just recently discovered types of stalked puffball, a gasteroid fungus, has been named in honor of the Shai-Hulud sandworms from Frank Herberts popular science fiction series Dune..
Discovered in Hungary, the brand-new species, Tulostoma shaihuludii, is among four brand-new types in the genus Tulostoma that were found and published in the journal MycoKeys. The other species are Tulostoma dunense, Tulostoma hungaricum, and Tulostoma sacchariolens.
Scientist selected the name due to the worm-like appearance of the types fruiting body, paired with the sandy environment of the Pannonian Steppe, where it was discovered.