Molecular genetic analysis of two taxa of the Pleurotus eryngii complex: P. eryngii (DC.Fr.) Quèl. var. eryngii and P. eryngii (DC.Fr.) Quèl. var. ferulae

With the use of isozymes and PCR-fingerprinting analysis molecular markers were found between the varieties Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii and P. eryngii var. ferulae within the Pleurotus eryngii complex, which allowed the identification of the fruitbodies collected in Southern and Central Italy. The study of sympatric localities has shown that there is no gene exchange between them in the field. The post-mating barriers between these taxa are not yet completely efficient. However, in the field the gene pools of the two taxa appear isolated and associated with specific host plants: Eryngium campestre and Ferula communis. On the basis of the genetic and ecological differences observed and given the absence of gene exchange in sympatric localities, P. eryngii and P. ferulae are to be considered distinct biological species.