ULTRASTRUCTURAL EVIDENCE FOR A RELATIONSHIP OF THE TRUFFLE GENUS GENUS TO OTIDEACEAE (PEZIZALES)

Various data are currently being used to show phylogenetic relationshi ps of epigeous cup fungi (Pezizales) and truffles (Tuberales). We stud ied ontogeny of the ascospore wall, spore ornament development, and se pta of vegetative and reproductive hyphae of Genea gardnerii by TEM. U ltrastructural and cytological features of G. gardnerii link Genea to the transitional type of epigeous Otideaceae in the Pezizales. The evi dence includes the presence of a fan-shaped septal plugging structure with a double translucent band at each side of the plug at the base of the ascus and a transitional type of spore wall deposition similar to Lachneae of the Otideaceae.