Contribution to genetic diversity of Morchella (morel) genus in Turkey using molecular methods

In this present study, increasing of Morchella (Morel) diversity of Turkey by using of molecular techniques based on DNA sequence analysis was aimed. A significant variety was reached in the genus Morchella with previous studies carried out in Turkey. In this research, it has been tried to increase this diversity. A new collection was created by collecting of Morel mushroom from different regions of Turkey. This collection was analysed by DNA sequence analysis of different gene regions (ITS rDNA, 28S rDNA, EF-1α, RPB1 and RPB2). Phylogenetic trees were drawn using Maximum Likelihood (ML) analysis in MEGA program. At the end of the study, within the collection; Morchella steppicola, M. dunensis, M. tridentina, M. importuna, M. eximia, M. dunalii, M. mediterraneensis, M. deliciosa, M. pulchella and Mel-13 were determined. The species names of some samples in the collection were left later because of the lack of quality DNA sequences for all samples in all gene regions analysed. These collections showed a high similarity with M. laurentiana, M. eohespera or M. purpurascens. Phylogenetically, these sister species are difficult to distinguish. Also, molecular confirmation of M. steppicola was carried out first time with this research in Turkey. The study has been still continued and the missing gene regions will be completed and the un identified species will be tried to describe. In addition, microscopic analysis of the species will be added to the study results in a short time.