Report on the Special Committee on the Nomenclature of Fungi with a Pleomorphic Life Cycle

Historically, nonlichenized fungi in two phyla, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, with pleomorphic life cycles may have more than one acceptable legitimate name with priority given to names typified by teleomorphs. This idea has been challenged amidst considerable prolonged debate. An intermediate step towards normalized nomenclature was made in Vienna through the introduction of teleomorph epitypes. A Special Committee was formed to provide guidance on another proposal to prohibit future dual nomenclature and to review the need for Article 59. Committee membership fluctuated between ten and twelve individuals whose opinions were divided over three options: (1) delete Article 59, (2) remove the option for epitypification, or (3) revise the Article further. The Committee reached an impasse and as a body could not recommend acceptance or rejection of any particular proposal. A set of proposals discussed by the Committee is made separately and independently.