DNA Barcoding of Xylobiont Species of Fungi and Lichens from the Samursky National Park (Republic of Dagestan, Russia): First Results

DNA barcoding is one of the most effective and modern approaches to obtaining new information on biodiversity of fungi and lichens in poorly studied and/or unique regions. As a result of this research, a total of 16 DNA barcodes were obtained for new regional finds of xylobiont aphyllophoroid fungi and lichens inhabiting the territory of the Samursky National Park (Republic of Dagestan, Russia). Among them, not only nucleotide sequences of ITS nrDNA for specimens identified based on classical micromorphological methods are presented, but also new information on cryptic species differentiated using molecular genetic approach. The taxonomic spectrum of the studied objects includes representatives of the genera Coniophora, Dendrographa, Diploicia, Dirina, Evernia, Hyphoderma, Lyomyces, Mycoacia, Opegrapha, Peniophorella, Phanerochaete, and Xylodon. Mycoacia aurea is registered for the first time for the Republic of Dagestan and the Eastern Caucasus.