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Otakar Strunecký: Taxonomy of cyanobacteria

This habilitation lecture aims to provide an overview of my research focused on the phylogenetic and taxonomic relationships within non-heterocystous cyanobacteria.
In the first section, I will introduce the broader context of modern cyanobacterial taxonomy, emphasizing its significance and the underlying principles.
The main portion of the lecture will focus on the recent advancements driven by the availability of high-quality genome sequences. These resources have greatly expanded our dataset, enabling us to establish more robust phylogenetic relationships. I will also highlight methodological studies that have shed light on previously enigmatic species, which are integral to the historical and ecological foundations of cyanobacterial families. For instance, I will discuss the case of Phormidium, which exemplifies taxonomic reshuffling, and provide a concise historical background for this taxon. Furthermore, I will explore the present taxonomic status of taxa within the freshwater Oscillatoriales, including morphologically similar species found in other orders.
The final section will present a comprehensive overview of the current state of cyanobacterial taxonomy. I will conclude by offering insights into the potential directions for future developments in this field.