Chemosystematics of Suillaceae and Gomphidiaceae (suborder Suillineae)

The chemotaxonomic findings relating to the genera Boletinus, Suillus, Gastroboletus, Gomphidius, and Chroogomphus are summarized and discussed, using published data as well as our own hitherto unpublished evidence of pigments and chromogens. The study confirms repeatedly made claims that these genera are closely related. In addition to the presence of pigments which are typical for most members of the Boletales (e.g., pulvinic acid derivatives, terphenyl quinones, cyclopentenones), prenylated phenols and quinones can also be constantly detected here (with the exception of Boletinus), just as in Rhizopogon. Accordingly, Suillus is more closely related to the Gomphidiaceae and Rhizopogonaceae than to the remaining boletes. It is therefore necessary to establish a new family (Suillaceae which include Boletinus, Suillus, and Gastrosuillus) and a new suborder (Suillineae which include Suillaceae, Gomphidiaceae, and Rhizopogonaceae) within the Boletales.