Diversity and Phylogeny of Basidiomycota

Dear Colleagues,

The phylum Basidiomycota encompasses 0.7–1 million species, representing 28–40% of global fungal diversity. Phylogenomic studies support the monophyla of its four subphyla (Agaricomycotina, Wallemiomycotina, Ustilaginomycotina, and Pucciniomycotina) and largely confirm the established relationships among classes and orders, although several lineages remain unresolved due to limited molecular data. Estimates of divergence time provide an additional framework for classification, suggesting that subphyla diverge by 443–490 Mya, classes by 312–412 Mya, and orders by 102–361 Mya, with family-level divergences varying among subphyla. Recent methodological advances, particularly targeted capture sequencing and shallow whole-genome sequencing, have resolved long-standing taxonomic uncertainties and refined species delimitations in complex groups.

Furthermore, an integrative, polyphasic approach (including morphological traits, biochemical, biogeographic, and molecular evidence) is essential to reconstruct these evolutionary relationships. Therefore, contributions to this Special Issue should illustrate how integrative approaches are reshaping our understanding of Basidiomycota’s diversity, systematics, and evolution, while also highlighting future directions for fungal taxonomy and phylogeny.

For this Special Issue, we invite researchers to contribute research articles, reviews, and opinion pieces addressing the latest knowledge on Basidiomycota by highlighting their diversity, evolutionary relationships, and ecological significance. We welcome studies that explore molecular biology, genomics, systematics, functional biodiversity, DNA barcoding, and species descriptions using modern and integrative approaches, as well as investigations into ecosystem interactions, phytoremediation potential, and other applied aspects. Research on updated taxonomic frameworks and higher‐level classification within Basidiomycota is also encouraged.

Dr. Renato Lúcio Mendes-Alvarenga
Prof. Dr. Chang-Lin Zhao
Guest Editors

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