J
ustin J. Loucks
Defense Exam
Advisor: Dr. Andrew Wilson
When: Friday, November 14, 2025 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: Science Building, Room 4127
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/77907961149?pwd=VdQqOUhtyKl0fvWM2Ua56Vz8s9Jg4p.1
Meeting ID: 779 0796 1149
Passcode: QEb2VF
TAXONOMY AND SYSTEMATICS OF THE FUNGAL GENUS BOLETOPSIS IN WESTERN NORTH AMERICA
The fungal genus Boletopsis is an ectomycorrhizal lineage associated with trees in the Pinaceae and Nothofagaceae. Eight species of Boletopsis are known globally, often occurring in mature and old-growth forests, and many are declining as a result of habitat loss and degradation. However, the genus remains poorly studied in the Americas and previous work suggests undescribed diversity in western North America. Here, I revised the diversity of Boletopsis species in this region using an integrative taxonomic approach. I sampled historical fungarium specimens and made additional collections in the field. I propose two new species from the region, Boletopsis sp. “SRM-01” and Boletopsis sp. “PNW-01,” which are delineated by molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, and ectomycorrhizal associations.