New record of a truffle-like fungus, Rhizopogon boninensis (Rhizopogonaceae, Basidiomycota) in South Korea

Abstract

Rhizopogon is a genus of ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetes in the family Rhizopogonaceae (Boletales, Basidiomycota). Members of this genus typically form mutualistic association with trees in the family Pinaceae, playing important roles in forest ecosystem stability. Despite their ecological importance, the diversity and distribution of Rhizopogon species remain poorly documented in South Korea. In 2023, an unrecorded Rhizopogon species was discovered during investigations of the habitat status of wild boar in response to African swine fever in national parks and macrofungal diversity in South Korea. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses, the species was identified as Rhizopogon boninensis. The present study provides a taxonomic description of the species, along with macroscopic and microscopic photographs, and a phylogenetic assessment based on Internal transcribed spacer region sequences. Our findings contrib- ute to the expanding knowledge of ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity in South Korea and provide baseline data for future eco- logical, biogeographical, and conservation studies on Pinaceae-associated fungal communities.