Next generation sequencing of ancient and recent fungarium specimens

Fungaria are an unmatched resource for providing genetic data from authoritative, taxonomical-ly-correct fungal species, especially type specimens. These specimens serve to anchor species hypotheses by enabling the correct taxonomic placement of taxa in systematic studies. The DNA from ancient specimens older than 30 years is commonly fragmented and sometimes highly contaminated by exogenous, non-target fungal DNA making conventional PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing difficult or impossible. Here we present the results of DNA extraction, PCR amplification of the ITS2 region and Illumina MiSeq Nano sequencing of 9 recent and 11 ancient specimens, including 7 type specimens. Taxa sampled included a range of large, fleshy to small, tough or small, melanized specimens of Discina, Gyromitra, Propolis, Stictis and Xerotrema with a culture of Lasiosphaeria serving as a positive control.