The fungarium

New Rules for Sending and Managing Samples at ISPRA’s Fungarium


Starting from May 1st, 2025, new operational rules will come into force regarding the submission of mycological samples to ISPRA’s fungarium and the request for genetic analyses.

Here are the main updates that all contributors should know:

      • Maximum Number of Samples for Genetic Analyses
        The Scientific Committee annually establishes the total number of samples that can be analyzed. Each contributor may request genetic analysis for a maximum of 5 samples per year (corresponding to 5 records).
      • Sample Submission Deadlines
        All samples, whether for preservation or for genetic analysis, must arrive at the fungarium within 3 months of the approval of the submission request.
      • Comments on Genetic Results
        Contributors have 30 days to submit any comments. If no response is received within this period, the result is considered final and published as such.
      • Results Published in the SIF
        Genetic results are classified into three distinct categories, visible in the SIF:

✅ Concordant → the result matches the determination proposed by the contributor or is accepted through tacit consent.
⚠️ Discordant → the result does not match the proposal or is not accepted; both names (proposed and analysis result) are recorded.
❓ Species Not Determined → the contributor’s proposed name is retained, or ‘Genus spp.’ if no proposal was made.

📄The Code of Ethics for Contributors has also been updated and must be signed in order to continue collaborating with the fungarium.

About the Fungarium

The fungarium is the ISPRA facility located at the Ozzano dell’Emilia site (BO), dedicated to preserving dried fungal specimens voluntarily submitted by contributors who are members of the Network for the Study of Mycological Diversity.

Each registered contributor to the Network can send fungal samples to ISPRA’s fungarium, where they will be preserved.

Submission requests must be made through the SIF6.1 app at the time the record is transmitted and require prior approval. Only after approval will contributors receive shipping instructions by email. Shipping costs are borne by the contributor.

Some of these samples, in addition to being preserved, may undergo genetic analysis by researchers from ISPRA’s Conservation Genetics Unit.

It is possible to request genetic analysis if the relevant criteria are met (see ‘Sample Submission’ section).

Starting from May 1st, 2025, all samples acquired by the fungarium will also have a fragment preserved in alcohol in ISPRA’s biobank, creating a collection of fungal samples and DNA available for potential biomolecular activities.

ISPRA’s fungarium is registered in the Index Herbariorum with the official code IFI.

    Sample Submission

    Each contributor may send dried samples for preservation purposes.

    It is also possible to request genetic analysis for samples that meet at least one of the following criteria:

      • Species new to science (holotypes, isotypes, paratypes)
      • Rare and/or threatened species included in Red Lists
      • Species that are difficult to determine based solely on morphological analysis
      • Species collected in unusual or particularly interesting environments.

    Requests must be submitted via SIF6.1.

    Approved samples must be sent within 3 months of approval.

    Each genetic analysis request must be accompanied by the signing of the Code of Ethics.

    Collection Consultation

    Data regarding samples preserved at the fungarium and those subjected to genetic analysis are published in the Fungi Information System (SIF).

    As the managing entity of the fungarium and the SIF, ISPRA ensures the quality, traceability, and accessibility of data.

    Data updated as of 28/03/2025

    Samples preserved at ISPRA’s fungarium: 20

    • Samples subjected to molecular analysis: 18
    • Samples preserved without molecular analysis: 2

    The complete list and detailed information about the samples can be consulted through the Sistema Informativo Funghi (SIF): Access the SIF

    Sequenced samplesStatus
    Agrocybe praecox (Pers.) Fayodmolecular analysis
    Amanita gemmata (Fr.) Bertill.molecular analysis
    Amanita Pers.molecular analysis
    Atopospora betulina (Fr.) Petr.conservation
    Battarrea phalloides (Dicks.) Pers.conservation
    Calonarius alcalinophilus (Rob. Henry) Niskanen & Liimat.molecular analysis
    Calonarius lavandulochlorus (Eyssart.) Niskanen & Liimat.molecular analysis
    Calonarius natalis (D. Antonini & M. Antonini) Niskanen & Liimat.molecular analysis
    Calonarius rapaceotomentosus (Delaporte & Eyssart.) Niskanen & Liimat.molecular analysis
    Coprinus xerophilus Bogartmolecular analysis
    Cortinarius (Pers.) Graymolecular analysis
    Cortinarius aurantiorufus Bidaudmolecular analysis
    Cortinarius sordescens Rob. Henrymolecular analysis
    Flammulina P. Karst.molecular analysis
    Heterobasidion irregulare Garbel. & Otrosinamolecular analysis
    Pleurotus eryngii (DC.) Quél.molecular analysis
    Russula postiana Romellmolecular analysis
    Tricholoma terreum (Schaeff.) P. Kumm.molecular analysis
    Tricholoma viridifucatum Bonmolecular analysis