Has taxonomic vandalism gone too far? A case study, the rise of the pay-to-publish model and the pitfalls of Morchella systematics

The genus Morchella has gone through turbulent taxonomic treatments. Although significant progress in systematics been achieved the past decade, several problems remain unresolved and taxonomy is still flux. In late 2019, a paper published open-access journal Scientific Reports raised serious concerns about stability of genus, but also future academic publishing. paper, entitled “High diversity novel lineage esculenta clade from north Qinling Mountains revealed by GCPSR-based study” Phanpadith colleagues, suffered gross methodological errors, included false results artifactual phylogenies, had misapplied citations throughout, proposed new species name invalidly. was eventually retracted 2021, fact that such an overtly flawed scientifically unsound high-ranked Q1 raises alarming questions quality controls safekeeping procedures scholarly Using this as case study, we provide critical review on pitfalls followed series recommendations for delimitation species, description taxa, ultimately sustainable Morchella. Problems loopholes publishing system are identified discussed, additional pre- post-publication stages proposed.