SAS Scientists Discover New Fungal Species
The discovery of new biodiversity is a never-ending process and this holds true for the diverse world of fungi as well. An international team of researchers led by Slavomír Adamčík from the Plant Science and Biodiversity Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) has confirmed that even in our meadows and forests, many previously unknown fungal species remain hidden. The results of their long-term research were published in IMA Fungus, the journal of the International Mycological Association.
“It turns out that the genus Dermoloma, known for its inconspicuous gray-brown fruiting bodies, is far more diverse than we assumed. We analyzed more than 350 samples from Europe and North America and confirmed the existence of 36 species, several of which also occur in Slovakia. Nineteen of these are completely new to science and were described as distinct species, along with a newly defined genus, Neodermoloma,” explains Slavomír Adamčík from the Plant Science and Biodiversity Center SAS.
The study also highlights the advantages of long-term data collection and broad international collaboration.
“New species are not hidden only in the tropics, but also in well-studied regions of Europe. What matters most is patience and sufficient sampling from as wide a geographic area as possible, since many of the species were found within just one or two seasons over the past fifteen years. This would not have been possible without our international collaborators, who are also co-authors of the study,” emphasizes Dr. Adamčík, adding that this is clear evidence that biodiversity in our ecosystems is still insufficiently explored.
Beyond the discovery of new species, the research also provided insights into the ecology of the genus Dermoloma. Stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen revealed that these fungi do not behave like typical decomposers of organic matter, nor like some mycorrhizal fungi that form symbioses with tree roots. Instead, they likely act as specialized root partners of plants, typically in grassland habitats. This finding raises new questions about their ecological role.
“The study also underscores the need for precise methodological procedures when describing new species, since earlier ‘occasional’ descriptions often failed to clearly define
distinctions from similar species. A combination of modern DNA analyses and detailed morphological study provides a stable foundation for further research and for the protection of habitats where these fungi occur. Members of this group are also used in Europe as indicators of natural pastures and meadow ecosystems,” adds the study’s author.
Contact person: Slavomír Adamčík, slavomir.adamcik@savba.sk