A molecular phylogenetic reappraisal of the Didymosphaeriaceae (= Montagnulaceae)

Uncovering the Infection Strategy of Phyllachora maydis During Maize Colonization: A Comprehensive Analysis

Tar spot, a disease caused by the ascomycete fungal pathogen Phyllachora maydis, is considered one of the most significant yield-limiting diseases of maize (Zea mays) within the United States. P. maydis may also be found in association with other fungi, forming a disease complex that is thought to result in the characteristic fisheye lesions. Understanding how P. maydis colonizes maize leaf cells is essential for developing effective disease control strategies. Here, we used histological approaches to elucidate how P. maydis infects and multiplies within susceptible maize leaves. We collected tar spot-infected maize leaf samples from four different fields in northern Indiana at three different time points during the growing season. Samples were chemically fixed and paraffin-embedded for high-resolution light and scanning electron microscopy. We observed a consistent pattern of disease progression in independent leaf samples collected across different geographical regions. Each stroma contained a central pycnidium that produced asexual spores. Perithecia with sexual spores developed in the stomatal chambers adjacent to the pycnidium, and a cap of spores formed over the stroma. P. maydis reproductive structures formed around but not within the vasculature. We observed P. maydis associated with two additional fungi, one of which is likely a member of the Paraphaeosphaeria genus; the other is an unknown fungi. Our data provide fundamental insights into how this pathogen colonizes and spreads within maize leaves. This knowledge can inform new approaches to managing tar spot, which could help mitigate the significant economic losses caused by this disease.

Exploring ascomycete diversity in Yunnan II: Introducing three novel species in the suborder Massarineae (Dothideomycetes, Pleosporales) from fern and grasses

This article presents the results of an ongoing inventory of Ascomycota in Yunnan, China, carried out as part of the research project series "Exploring ascomycete diversity in Yunnan". From over 100 samples collected from diverse host substrates, microfungi have been isolated, identified and are currently being documented. The primary objective of this research is to promote the discovery of novel taxa and explore the ascomycete diversity in the region, utilising a morphology-phylogeny approach. This article represents the second series of species descriptions for the project and introduces three undocumented species found in the families Bambusicolaceae, Dictyosporiaceae and Periconiaceae, belonging to the suborder Massarineae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes). These novel taxa exhibit typical morphological characteristics of Bambusicola, Periconia and Trichobotrys, leading to their designation as Bambusicolahongheensis, Periconiakunmingensis and Trichobotryssinensis. Comprehensive multigene phylogenetic analyses were conducted to validate the novelty of these species. The results revealed well-defined clades that are clearly distinct from other related species, providing robust support for their placement within their respective families. Notably, this study unveils the phylogenetic affinity of Trichobotrys within Dictyosporiaceae for the first time. Additionally, the synanamorphism for the genus Trichobotrys is also reported for the first time. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and updated phylogenies of the novel species are provided, and thus presenting a valuable resource for researchers and mycologists interested in the diversity of ascomycetes in Yunnan. By enhancing our understanding of the Ascomycota diversity in this region, this research contributes to the broader field of fungal taxonomy and their phylogenetic understanding.

Taxonomic novelties and global biogeography of Montagnula (Ascomycota, Didymosphaeriaceae)

Whilst conducting surveys of lignicolous microfungi in Yunnan Province, we collected a large number of taxa that resemble Montagnula (Didymosphaeriaceae, Pleosporales). Our phylogenetic study on Montagnula involved analysing sequence data from ribosomal RNA genes (nc18S, nc28S, ITS) and protein-coding genes (rpb2, tef1-α). We present a biphasic approach (morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence) that supports the recognition of four new species in Montagnula viz., M.lijiangensis, M.menglaensis, M.shangrilana and M.thevetiae. The global diversity of Montagnula is also inferred from metabarcoding data and published records based on field observations. Metabarcoding data from GlobalFungi and field observations provided insights into the global diversity and distribution patterns of Montagnula. Studies conducted in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America revealed a concentration of Montagnula species, suggesting regional variations in ecological preferences and distribution. Montagnula species were found on various substrates, with sediments yielding a high number of sequences. Poaceae emerged as a significant contributor, indicating a potential association between Montagnula species and grasses. Culture-based investigations from previously published data revealed Montagnula species associations with 105 plant genera (in 45 plant families), across 55 countries, highlighting their wide ecological range and adaptability. This study enhances our understanding of the taxonomy, distribution, and ecological preferences of Montagnula species. It emphasizes their role in the decomposition of organic matter in grasslands and savannah systems and suggests further investigation into their functional roles in ecosystem processes. The global distribution patterns and ecological interactions of Montagnula species underscore the need for continued research and conservation efforts.

Taxonomic and phylogenetic characterisations of six species of Pleosporales (in Didymosphaeriaceae, Roussoellaceae and Nigrogranaceae) from China

Pleosporales comprise a diverse group of fungi with a global distribution and significant ecological importance. A survey on Pleosporales (in Didymosphaeriaceae, Roussoellaceae and Nigrogranaceae) in Guizhou Province, China, was conducted. Specimens were identified, based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses using a dataset composed of ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1 and rpb2 loci. Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analyses were performed. As a result, three new species (Neokalmusiakarka, Nigrogranaschinifolium and N.trachycarpus) have been discovered, along with two new records for China (Roussoellaneopustulans and R.doimaesalongensis) and a known species (Roussoellapseudohysterioides). Morphologically similar species and phylogenetically close taxa are compared and discussed. This study provides detailed information and descriptions of all newly-identified taxa.

Morphology and Phylogeny Reveal Three Montagnula Species from China and Thailand

Four stains were isolated from two fresh twigs of Helwingia himalaica and two dead woods during investigations of micro-fungi in China and Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses of four gene regions LSU, ITS, SSU and tef1-α revealed the placement of these species in Montagnula. Based on the morphological examination and molecular data, two new species, M. aquatica and M. guiyangensis, and a known species M. donacina are described. Descriptions and illustrations of the new collections and a key to the Montagnula species are provided. Montagnula chromolaenicola, M. puerensis, M. saikhuensis, and M. thailandica are discussed and synonymized under M. donacina.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1436-1477

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Argentina, Colletotrichum araujiae on leaves, stems and fruits of Araujia hortorum. Australia, Agaricus pateritonsus on soil, Curvularia fraserae on dying leaf of Bothriochloa insculpta, Curvularia millisiae from yellowing leaf tips of Cyperus aromaticus, Marasmius brunneolorobustus on well-rotted wood, Nigrospora cooperae from necrotic leaf of Heteropogon contortus, Penicillium tealii from the body of a dead spider, Pseudocercospora robertsiorum from leaf spots of Senna tora, Talaromyces atkinsoniae from gills of Marasmius crinis-equi and Zasmidium pearceae from leaf spots of Smilaxglyciphylla. Brazil, Preussia bezerrensis from air. Chile, Paraconiothyrium kelleni from the rhizosphere of Fragaria chiloensis subsp. chiloensis f. chiloensis. Finland, Inocybe udicola on soil in mixed forest with Betula pendula, Populus tremula, Picea abies and Alnus incana. France, Myrmecridium normannianum on dead culm of unidentified Poaceae. Germany, Vexillomyces fraxinicola from symptomless stem wood of Fraxinus excelsior. India, Diaporthe limoniae on infected fruit of Limonia acidissima, Didymella naikii on leaves of Cajanus cajan, and Fulvifomes mangroviensis on basal trunk of Aegiceras corniculatum. Indonesia, Penicillium ezekielii from Zea mays kernels. Namibia, Neocamarosporium calicoremae and Neocladosporium calicoremae on stems of Calicorema capitata, and Pleiochaeta adenolobi on symptomatic leaves of Adenolobus pechuelii. Netherlands, Chalara pteridii on stems of Pteridium aquilinum, Neomackenziella juncicola (incl. Neomackenziella gen. nov.) and Sporidesmiella junci from dead culms of Juncus effusus. Pakistan, Inocybe longistipitata on soil in a Quercus forest. Poland, Phytophthora viadrina from rhizosphere soil of Quercus robur, and Septoria krystynae on leaf spots of Viscum album. Portugal (Azores), Acrogenospora stellata on dead wood or bark. South Africa, Phyllactinia greyiae on leaves of Greyia sutherlandii and Punctelia anae on bark of Vachellia karroo. Spain, Anteaglonium lusitanicum on decaying wood of Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica, Hawksworthiomyces riparius from fluvial sediments, Lophiostoma carabassense endophytic in roots of Limbarda crithmoides, and Tuber mohedanoi from calcareus soils. Spain (Canary Islands), Mycena laurisilvae on stumps and woody debris. Sweden, Elaphomyces geminus from soil under Quercus robur. Thailand, Lactifluus chiangraiensis on soil under Pinus merkusii, Lactifluus nakhonphanomensis and Xerocomus sisongkhramensis on soil under Dipterocarpus trees. Ukraine, Valsonectria robiniae on dead twigs of Robinia hispida. USA, Spiralomyces americanus (incl. Spiralomyces gen. nov.) from office air. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Tan YP, Bishop-Hurley SL, Shivas RG, et al. 2022. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1436-1477. Persoonia 49: 261-350. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.08.

Two new root endophyte and nematode cyst parasite species of the widely distributed genus Laburnicola

Fungal root endophytes, including the common form group of dark septate endophytes (DSEs), represent different taxonomic groups with potentially diverse life strategies. During surveys of DSE communities and of nematode cysts colonizing fungi, isolates representing Laburnicola (Didymosphaeriaceae, Pleosporales) lineages were discovered. Here we carried out a comprehensive study of the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy of fungi collected from plant roots in Hungary, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan and from eggs of the cereal cyst nematode Heterodera filipjevi in Turkey. In addition to the study of the morphology and culture characteristics of the strains, four loci (internal transcribed spacer, partial large and small subunit regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha) were used to infer the molecular phylogenetic relationships of the strains within Laburnicola. The isolates were found to represent two distinct lineages, which are described here as novel species, Laburnicola nematophila and L. radiciphila. The interaction of the strains with plants and nematodes was examined using in vitro bioassays, which revealed endophytic interactions with the plant roots and parasitic interactions with the nematode eggs. Analyses of similar ITS sequences found in public databases revealed that members of the genus Laburnicola are widely distributed characteristic members of the plant microbiome, and they are reported as parasites of plant parasitic cyst nematodes here for the first time.

A taxonomic assessment of novel and remarkable fungal species in Didymosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) from plant litter

Fungal taxonomy has a long history and changed significantly in the last few decades. Most recent studies have witnessed morphology combined with DNA-based molecular analyses as the main research tool for fungal species identification. During field surveys, some interesting Didymosphaeriaceae species were found from plant litter in China and Thailand. Morphology combined with phylogenetic analyses (Bayesian and maximum likelihood) of ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1-α, and tub2 loci was used to identify fungal taxa. In this article, three new species and six new host records are described. The new species, Montagnula acaciae, Paraconiothyrium zingiberacearum, and Paraphaeosphaeria brachiariae, can be distinguished from other species of the respective genera based on their distinct size differences (ascomata, asci, and ascospores) and DNA sequence data. The new host records, Montagnula jonesii, Paraconiothyrium fuckelii, Spegazzinia deightonii, and S. tessarthra are reported from Ficus benjamina, Dimocarpus longan, Hedychium coronarium, and Acacia auriculiformis respectively, for the first time. Also, Paraconiothyrium archidendri and P. brasiliense are reported for the first time from Magnolia sp. in China. Moreover, Paraconiothyrium rosae is synonymized under P. fuckelii based on close phylogeny affinities and morphological characteristics. In-depth morphological descriptions, micrographs, and phylogenetic trees are provided to show the placement of new taxa.

Taxonomic Novelties of Woody Litter Fungi (Didymosphaeriaceae, Pleosporales) from the Greater Mekong Subregion

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is known as a diverse geographic landscape and one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world with a high fungal diversity. Collections were carried out in terrestrial habitats to determine the diversity of woody litter fungi in the GMS, with an emphasis on northern Thailand and the Yunnan Province of China. Morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analyses of combined SSU, LSU, ITS, and tef1-α supported the placement of the new isolates in the family Didymosphaeriaceae. The phylogenetic affinities of our isolates are illustrated through maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses. Seven species of woody litter fungi were identified, comprising a new monotypic genus, Septofusispora; five novel species (Chromolaenicola sapindi, Dictyoarthrinium thailandicum, Karstenula lancangensis, Septofusispora thailandica, and Spegazzinia jinghaensis); and new host records of two species (Austropleospora archidendri, and Montagnula donacina). Furthermore, this study provides a synopsis of the Montagnula aff. donacina species based on their morphological characteristics, which can be useful in the species-level identifications in this genus.

Description of Four Novel Species in Pleosporales Associated with Coffee in Yunnan, China

In Yunnan Province, the coffee-growing regions are mainly distributed in Pu’er and Xishuangbanna. During the surveys of microfungi associated with coffee in Yunnan Province, seven taxa were isolated from coffee samples. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2, and tef1-α sequence data and morphological characteristics, four new species viz. Deniquelata yunnanensis, Paraconiothyrium yunnanensis, Pseudocoleophoma puerensis, and Pse. yunnanensis, and three new records viz. Austropleospora keteleeriae, Montagnula thailandica, and Xenocamarosporium acaciae in Pleosporales are introduced. In addition, Paracamarosporium fungicola was transferred back to Paraconiothyrium based on taxonomy and DNA sequences. Full descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic trees to show the placement of new and known taxa are provided. In addition, the morphological comparisons of new taxa with closely related taxa are given.

Fungal species associated with grapevine trunk diseases in Washington wine grapes and California table grapes, with novelties in the genera Cadophora, Cytospora, and Sporocadus

Grapevine trunk diseases cause serious economic losses to grape growers worldwide. The identification of the causal fungi is critical to implementing appropriate management strategies. Through a culture-based approach, we identified the fungal species composition associated with symptomatic grapevines from wine grapes in southeastern Washington and table grapes in the southern San Joaquin Valley of California, two regions with contrasting winter climates. Species were confirmed through molecular identification, sequencing two to six gene regions per isolate. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses were used to identify novel species. We identified 36 species from 112 isolates, with a combination of species that are new to science, are known causal fungi of grapevine trunk diseases, or are known causal fungi of diseases of other woody plants. The novel species Cadophora columbiana, Cytospora macropycnidia, Cytospora yakimana, and Sporocadus incarnatus are formally described and introduced, six species are newly reported from North America, and grape is reported as a new host for three species. Six species were shared between the two regions: Cytospora viticola, Diatrype stigma, Diplodia seriata, Kalmusia variispora, Phaeoacremonium minimum, and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora. Dominating the fungal community in Washington wine grape vineyards were species in the fungal families Diatrypaceae, Cytosporaceae and Sporocadaceae, whereas in California table grape vineyards, the dominant species were in the families Diatrypaceae, Togniniaceae, Phaeomoniellaceae and Hymenochaetaceae. Pathogenicity tests demonstrated that 10 isolates caused wood discoloration similar to symptomatic wood from which they were originally isolated. Growth rates at temperatures from 5 to 35°C of 10 isolates per region, suggest that adaptation to local climate might explain their distribution.

Bambusicolous Fungi in Pleosporales: Introducing Four Novel Taxa and a New Habitat Record for Anastomitrabeculia didymospora

While conducting a survey of bambusicolous fungi in northern Thailand and southwestern China, several saprobic fungi were collected from dead branches, culms and twigs of bamboos, which were preliminarily identified as species belonging to Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes) based on a morphological approach. Multigene phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2, tef1-α and tub2 demonstrated four novel taxa belonging to the families Parabambusicolaceae, Pyrenochaetopsidaceae and Tetraploasphaeriaceae. Hence, Paramultiseptospora bambusae sp. et gen. nov., Pyrenochaetopsis yunnanensis sp. nov. and Tetraploa bambusae sp. nov. are introduced. In addition, Anastomitrabeculia didymospora found on bamboo twigs in terrestrial habitats is reported for the first time. Detailed morphological descriptions and updated phylogenetic trees of each family are provided herein.

Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Insights into Novel Ascomycota from Forest Woody Litter

While surveying the mycobiomes of dead woody litter in Yunnan Province, China, numerous isolates with affinity to Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota) were recovered. The present work characterizes two species associated with dead woody twigs found in terrestrial habitats in the Kunming area of Yunnan. The novel taxa were recognized based on a polyphasic approach, including morphological examination and multiple gene phylogenetic analyses (non-translated loci and protein-coding regions). Neokalmusia jonahhulmei sp. nov. is introduced in Didymosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales) as a woody-based saprobic ascomycete that possesses multiloculate ascostromata immersed under a black clypeus-like structure, and three-septate, brown, fusiform, guttulate ascospores. Thyridaria jonahhulmei (Thyridariaceae) is introduced with teleomorphic and anamorphic (coelomycetous) characteristics. The teleomorph has the following characteristics: globose to subglobose ascomata with an ostiolum, a pruinose layer of yellow to reddish- or orange-brown material appearing around the top of the ostiolar necks, and brown, ellipsoid to fusoid, two-to-three-septate, euseptate, rough-walled ascospores; the anamorph features pycnidial conidiomata, phialidic, ampulliform to doliiform, conidiogenous cells, and brown, guttulate, ellipsoidal, aseptate conidia.

ITS1 amplicon sequencing of feline gut mycobiome of Malaysian local breeds using Nanopore Flongle

The gut mycobiome exhibits major influence on the gastrointestinal health and disease but received less attention due to low abundance. This study characterizes the fungal community and compares the microbial diversity between indoor and outdoor cats. Genomic DNA was extracted and sequenced by targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) region using Flongle flow cell on MinION™ sequencing platform. Results show the phylum Ascomycota and genus Peniophorella were numerous in indoor cats, whereas the Basidiomycota and Pichia were abundant in outdoor cats. Peniophorella formed the core mycobiome in both feline populations. Furthermore, alpha (p value = 0.0207) and beta diversities (p value = 0.009) results showed significant differences between the two groups. Overall, indoor cats have greater amounts of Peniophorella, whereas outdoor cats have higher Trichosporon and unclassified Sordariaceae. The study also suggests that keeping a cat indoors or left as a stray will affect their respective gut mycobiome.

The numbers of fungi: contributions from traditional taxonomic studies and challenges of metabarcoding

The global diversity of fungi has been estimated using several different approaches. There is somewhere between 2–11 million estimated species, but the number of formally described taxa is around 150,000, a tiny fraction of the total. In this paper, we examine 12 ascomycete genera as case studies to establish trends in fungal species descriptions, and introduce new species in each genus. To highlight the importance of traditional morpho-molecular methods in publishing new species, we introduce novel taxa in 12 genera that are considered to have low species discovery. We discuss whether the species are likely to be rare or due to a lack of extensive sampling and classification. The genera are Apiospora, Bambusicola, Beltrania, Capronia, Distoseptispora, Endocalyx, Neocatenulostroma, Neodeightonia, Paraconiothyrium, Peroneutypa, Phaeoacremonium and Vanakripa. We discuss host-specificity in selected genera and compare the number of species epithets in each genus with the number of ITS (barcode) sequences deposited in GenBank and UNITE. We furthermore discuss the relationship between the divergence times of these genera with those of their hosts. We hypothesize whether there might be more species in these genera and discuss hosts and habitats that should be investigated for novel species discovery.

Severe Outbreak of Dry Core Rot in Apple Fruits cv. Fuji Caused by Kalmusia variispora During Pre-harvest in Maule Region, Chile

Apple (Malus × domestica) is an important fruit crop in Chile, with a cultivated area of 32,313 ha concentrated (63%) in Maule Region (35°25' S). Unusual core rot on 'Fuji' apples was observed at harvest in a commercial orchard in Curicó, Maule Region, with an incidence ranged between 22 to 35% in 2018 and 2019. Previously, in 2017, an incidence of 30% was estimated on 'Fuji' fruits destined to the Asian market. Internal decay symptoms consisted of dry, corky light to dark-brown tissue, within the seed locules initially. In moderate to severe cases, the necrotic lesion progresses deeper into the mesoderm. External symptoms were quite subtle, and typically, the disease goes unnoticed. However, infected fruit ripen earlier. Small pieces (2-3 mm) from the internal lesion margin of symptomatic apples (n = 50) were placed on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) (2%) and incubated at 20°C for 10 days. Pure cultures (n = 41) were obtained and transferred to Malt Extract Agar (MEA) (2%). Colonies on MEA produced an even to slight undulating buff margin with white woolly aerial mycelium, and immerse ochreous in the center, changing gray to olivaceous aerial mycelium with age. On the underside, colonies were umber and buff in the center and margin, respectively. After 10 days, numerous densely aggregate dark-brown mature pycnidia were observed. Aseptate conidia were subglobose to cylindrical, straight, and sometimes curved with rounded at both ends, that was initially hyaline to pale olive, thin, smooth wall with mean dimensions of (2.9-) 3.4 (-4.4) x (1.5-) 1.8 (2.2) µm (n=50). Based on morphology, the fungus was identified as Kalmusia variispora (Verkley et al. 2014). The internal transcribed space (ITS), portion of β-tubulin (TUB), and large subunits of the nuclear ribosomal RNA (LSU) loci were used for molecular identification, using primers ITS4/ITS5, Bt2a/Bt2b, and LR0R/LR5 (Ariyawansa et al., 2014). BLAST searches indicated 100% identity with K. variispora (ex-type CBS 121517). The maximum parsimony phylogenetic analysis placed Chilean isolates in the K. variispora clade. Sequences were deposited in GenBank (OL711706 to OL711709, OL739499 to OL739502 and OL711710 to OL711713 for ITS, TUB and LSU, respectively). Pathogenicity tests were conducted using four K. variispora isolates. 'Fuji' apples (n = 20) were surface disinfested (75% ethanol, 30 s) and then wounded and inoculated with conidial suspension (50 L of 106 conidia/mL) deposited in the middle and into the core region using a sterile fine-tipped micropipette. Additionally, 20 one-year dormant rooted cuttings 'Fuji' and 'Cripps Pink' were pruned and immediately inoculated on the pruning wound. An equal number of apples and rooted cuttings treated with sterile water were used as controls. The experiments were repeated once. All inoculated fruits developed lateral lesions (22 to 37 mm) and dry core rot (18 to 36 mm) symptoms identical to those described in the original outbreak, after 20 days at 20°C in a commercial packing box. The inoculated cuttings produced canker lesions of 10 to 21 mm in length, and dieback symptoms were observed after 3 months. No symptoms were observed on the negative controls. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by 100% reisolating K. variispora. Previously, Alternaria spp. have been reported as the primary pathogen associated with moldy core and dry core rot of apples worldwide (McLeod et al., 2014) and in Chile (Elfar et al., 2018). However, Kalmusia spp. have been associated with dry core rot in apples (McLeod et al., 2014) and have been isolated from canker symptoms on apples in Chile (Díaz et al. 2021). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a severe outbreak of K. variispora causing dry core rot in apples in Chile and worldwide.

The fungus Kalmusia longispora is able to cause vascular necrosis on Vitis vinifera

Fungal diseases in agronomically important plants such as grapevines result in significantly reduced production, pecuniary losses, and increased use of environmentally damaging chemicals. Beside the well-known diseases, there is an increased interest in wood-colonizing fungal pathogens that infect the woody tissues of grapevines. In 2015, a traditional isolation method was performed on grapevine trunks showing symptoms of trunk diseases in Hungary. One isolate (T15142) was identified as Kalmusia longispora (formerly Dendrothyrium longisporum) according to morphological and phylogenetic analyses. To evaluate the pathogenicity of this fungus on grapevines, artificial infections were carried out under greenhouse and field conditions, including the CBS 824.84 and ex-type CBS 582.83 strains. All isolates could be re-isolated from inoculated plants; however, varying virulence was observed among them in terms of the vascular necrosis caused. The incidence and severity of this symptom seemed to be congruent with the laccase-producing capabilities of the isolates. This is the first report on the ability of Kalmusia longispora to cause symptoms on grapevines, and on its possible dependence on laccase secretion.

The genus Paraconiothyrium: species concepts, biological functions, and secondary metabolites

The genus Paraconiothyrium has worldwide distribution with diverse host habitats and exhibits potential utilisation as biocontrol agent, bioreactor and antibiotic producer. In this review, we firstly comprehensively summarise the current taxonomic status of Paraconiothyrium species, including their category names, morphological features, habitats, and multigene phylogenetic relationships. Some Paraconiothyrium species possess vital biological functions and potential applications in medicine, agriculture, industry, and environmental protection. A total of 147 secondary metabolites have been reported so far from Paraconiothyrium, among which 95 are novel. This paper serves to provide an overview of their diverse structures with chemical classification and biological activities. To date, 27 species of Paraconiothyrium have been documented; however, only seven have been investigated for their secondary metabolites or biological functions. Our review is expected to draw more attention to this genus for providing a taxonomic reference, discovering extensive biological functions, and searching in-depth for new bioactive natural products.

Fungal diversity notes 1387-1511: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa

This article is the 13th contribution in the Fungal Diversity Notes series, wherein 125 taxa from four phyla, ten classes, 31 orders, 69 families, 92 genera and three genera incertae sedis are treated, demonstrating worldwide and geographic distribution. Fungal taxa described and illustrated in the present study include three new genera, 69 new species, one new combination, one reference specimen and 51 new records on new hosts and new geographical distributions. Three new genera, Cylindrotorula (Torulaceae), Scolecoleotia (Leotiales genus incertae sedis) and Xenovaginatispora (Lindomycetaceae) are introduced based on distinct phylogenetic lineages and unique morphologies. Newly described species are Aspergillus lannaensis, Cercophora dulciaquae, Cladophialophora aquatica, Coprinellus punjabensis, Cortinarius alutarius, C. mammillatus, C. quercoflocculosus, Coryneum fagi, Cruentomycena uttarakhandina, Cryptocoryneum rosae, Cyathus uniperidiolus, Cylindrotorula indica, Diaporthe chamaeropicola, Didymella azollae, Diplodia alanphillipsii, Dothiora coronicola, Efibula rodriguezarmasiae, Erysiphe salicicola, Fusarium queenslandicum, Geastrum gorgonicum, G. hansagiense, Helicosporium sexualis, Helminthosporium chiangraiensis, Hongkongmyces kokensis, Hydrophilomyces hydraenae, Hygrocybe boertmannii, Hyphoderma australosetigerum, Hyphodontia yunnanensis, Khaleijomyces umikazeana, Laboulbenia divisa, Laboulbenia triarthronis, Laccaria populina, Lactarius pallidozonarius, Lepidosphaeria strobelii, Longipedicellata megafusiformis, Lophiotrema lincangensis, Marasmius benghalensis, M. jinfoshanensis, M. subtropicus, Mariannaea camelliae, Melanographium smilaxii, Microbotryum polycnemoides, Mimeomyces digitatus, Minutisphaera thailandensis, Mortierella solitaria, Mucor harpali, Nigrograna jinghongensis, Odontia huanrenensis, O. parvispina, Paraconiothyrium ajrekarii, Parafuscosporella niloticus, Phaeocytostroma yomensis, Phaeoisaria synnematicus, Phanerochaete hainanensis, Pleopunctum thailandicum, Pleurotheciella dimorphospora, Pseudochaetosphaeronema chiangraiense, Pseudodactylaria albicolonia, Rhexoacrodictys nigrospora, Russula paravioleipes, Scolecoleotia eriocamporesi, Seriascoma honghense, Synandromyces makranczyi, Thyridaria aureobrunnea, Torula lancangjiangensis, Tubeufia longihelicospora, Wicklowia fusiformispora, Xenovaginatispora phichaiensis and Xylaria apiospora. One new combination, Pseudobactrodesmium stilboideus is proposed. A reference specimen of Comoclathris permunda is designated. New host or distribution records are provided for Acrocalymma fici, Aliquandostipite khaoyaiensis, Camarosporidiella laburni, Canalisporium caribense, Chaetoscutula juniperi, Chlorophyllum demangei, C. globosum, C. hortense, Cladophialophora abundans, Dendryphion hydei, Diaporthe foeniculina, D. pseudophoenicicola, D. pyracanthae, Dictyosporium pandanicola, Dyfrolomyces distoseptatus, Ernakulamia tanakae, Eutypa flavovirens, E. lata, Favolus septatus, Fusarium atrovinosum, F. clavum, Helicosporium luteosporum, Hermatomyces nabanheensis, Hermatomyces sphaericoides, Longipedicellata aquatica, Lophiostoma caudata, L. clematidis-vitalbae, Lophiotrema hydei, L. neoarundinaria, Marasmiellus palmivorus, Megacapitula villosa, Micropsalliota globocystis, M. gracilis, Montagnula thailandica, Neohelicosporium irregulare, N. parisporum, Paradictyoarthrinium diffractum, Phaeoisaria aquatica, Poaceascoma taiwanense, Saproamanita manicata, Spegazzinia camelliae, Submersispora variabilis, Thyronectria caudata, T. mackenziei, Tubeufia chiangmaiensis, T. roseohelicospora, Vaginatispora nypae, Wicklowia submersa, Xanthagaricus necopinatus and Xylaria haemorrhoidalis. The data presented herein are based on morphological examination of fresh specimens, coupled with analysis of phylogenetic sequence data to better integrate taxa into appropriate taxonomic ranks and infer their evolutionary relationships.

Freshwater Dothideomycetes

Freshwater Dothideomycetes are a highly diverse group of fungi, which are mostly saprobic in freshwater habitats worldwide. They are important decomposers of submerged woody debris and leaves in water. In this paper, we outline the genera of freshwater Dothideomycetes with notes and keys to species. Based on multigene analyses and morphology, we introduce nine new genera, viz. Aquimassariosphaeria, Aquatospora, Aquihelicascus, Fusiformiseptata, Neohelicascus, Neojahnula, Pseudojahnula, Purpureofaciens, Submersispora; 33 new species, viz. Acrocalymma bipolare, Aquimassariosphaeria kunmingensis, Aquatospora cylindrica, Aquihelicascus songkhlaensis, A. yunnanensis, Ascagilis submersa, A. thailandensis, Bambusicola aquatica, Caryospora submersa, Dictyocheirospora thailandica, Fusiformiseptata crocea, Helicosporium thailandense, Hongkongmyces aquaticus, Lentistoma aquaticum, Lentithecium kunmingense, Lindgomyces aquaticus, Longipedicellata aquatica, Neohelicascus submersus, Neohelicomyces dehongensis, N. thailandicus, Neohelicosporium submersum, Nigrograna aquatica, Occultibambusa kunmingensis, Parabambusicola aquatica, Pseudoasteromassaria aquatica, Pseudoastrosphaeriella aquatica, Pseudoxylomyces aquaticus, Purpureofaciens aquatica, Roussoella aquatica, Shrungabeeja aquatica, Submersispora variabilis, Tetraploa puzheheiensis, T. yunnanensis; 16 new combinations, viz. Aquimassariosphaeria typhicola, Aquihelicascus thalassioideus, Ascagilis guttulaspora, A. queenslandica, A. seychellensis, A. sunyatsenii, Ernakulamia xishuangbannaensis, Neohelicascus aquaticus, N. chiangraiensis, N. egyptiacus, N. elaterascus, N. gallicus, N. unilocularis, N. uniseptatus, Neojahnula australiensis, Pseudojahnula potamophila; 17 new geographical and habitat records, viz. Aliquandostipite khaoyaiensis, Aquastroma magniostiolata, Caryospora aquatica, C. quercus, Dendryphiella vinosa, Ernakulamia cochinensis, Fissuroma neoaggregatum, Helicotruncatum palmigenum, Jahnula rostrata, Neoroussoella bambusae, N. leucaenae, Occultibambusa pustula, Paramonodictys solitarius, Pleopunctum pseudoellipsoideum, Pseudocapulatispora longiappendiculata, Seriascoma didymosporum, Shrungabeeja vadirajensis and ten new collections from China and Thailand, viz. Amniculicola guttulata, Aquaphila albicans, Berkleasmium latisporum, Clohesyomyces aquaticus, Dictyocheirospora rotunda, Flabellascoma fusiforme, Pseudoastrosphaeriella bambusae, Pseudoxylomyces elegans, Tubeufia aquatica and T. cylindrothecia. Dendryphiella phitsanulokensis and Tubeufia roseohelicospora are synonymized with D. vinosa and T. tectonae, respectively. Six orders, 43 families and 145 genera which belong to freshwater Dothideomycetes are reviewed. Of these, 46 genera occur exclusively in freshwater habitats. A world map illustrates the distribution of freshwater Dothideomycetes.

First Report of Didymosphaeria rubi-ulmifolii Brown Spot infection of Chinese quince fruit in South Korea

Chinese quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis (Thouin) CK Schneid.), a deciduous tree in the family Rosaceae, is native to China, Japan, and South Korea; the fruit is known as mogwa in South Korea. The ripened yellow fruit has been used as a traditional therapeutic for respiratory ailments and as an additive in health products such as syrups, tea, and candies (Sawai et al. 2008). From May to August 2020, Chinese quince trees showing symptoms of brown spots were observed on the Kyungpook National University premises, Daegu, South Korea, with an incidence of 30%-40%. The disease first appeared as small, round, yellow specks on the fruits, which necrotized over time and gradually enlarged to 0.7-2.7 cm in diameter. To isolate the pathogen, symptomatic tissues obtained from disease fruit were surface sterilized for 1 min with 70% ethanol, rinsed in sterile distilled water, and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA). The inoculated plates were incubated at 25°C for 7 days. Successively, pure cultures were obtained by transferring hyphal tips to new PDA plates. Twenty isolates were obtained from 25 fruit. Colonies on PDA reached a diameter of 30-40 mm. After incubation for 7 days at 25°C, spreading with an even, colorless-to-buff glabrous margin, a submarginal ring of conidiomata developed from day 5 to 12 and was visible as scattered dots on either side of the plate. Conidiogenous cells were discrete (3.5-6 × 3.5-5 μm); conidia were ellipsoid to short-cylindrical [3-5 × 2.1-3.5 μm (n = 60)] and olivaceous in color. These conidial dimensions corresponded to those of Didymosphaeria rubi-ulmifolii Ariyaw., Camporesi & K.D. Hyde (basionym: Paraconiothyrium brasiliense), which has been found on Rubus ulmifolius in Italy (Ariyawansa et al. 2014). Sequence data for the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU), and partial translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF) (White et al. 1990, Rehner and Buckley 2005) were obtained for one of the pure culture isolate (BT1) with GenBank accession numbers MW020087, MW020060 and MW027220, respectively. The sequences of BT1 isolate using a BLASTn analysis showed 100% identity with the ex-type MFLUCC 14-0023 of D. rubi-ulmifolii in ITS, and LSU portions (accession nos. MT310602, and MT214555, respectively) and 99% identity in TEF portion (accession no. MT394734). The procedure for Koch's postulates was followed to confirm fungal pathogenicity using 3-day-old mycelial discs. Fifteen healthy fruit were divided into three groups of five fruit each, with each group receiving a different treatment. One group of fruit was wounded by puncturing with a sterile pin and inoculated using 5-mm agar discs with mycelium on the wounds. Mycelium covered agar discs were also placed on the surfaces of five unwounded fruits. The remaining five fruit were maintained as a control and inoculated with sterile PDA plugs. The pathogenicity test was replicated thrice. The wounded fruits showed symptoms similar to those observed in the field. The control group remained asymptomatic and the morphology of the fungus re-isolated from the inoculated fruit was the same as that of D. rubi-ulmifolii. The phylogeny, together with the morphological identification and inoculation results, confirmed the identity of the fungus as D. rubi-ulmifolii (Ariyawansa et al. 2014). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of D. rubi-ulmifolii causing brown spot in Chinese quince.

Temporal dynamics in the taxonomic and functional profile of the Sphagnum-associated fungi (mycobiomes) in a Sphagnum farming field site in Northwestern Germany

The drainage of peatlands for their agricultural use leads to huge emissions of greenhouse gases. One sustainable alternative is the cultivation of peat mosses after rewetting ('Sphagnum farming'). Environmental parameters of such artificial systems may differ from those of natural Sphagnum ecosystems which host a rich fungal community. We studied the fungal community at a 4 ha Sphagnum farming field site in Northwestern Germany and compared it with that of natural Sphagnum ecosystems. Additionally, we asked if any fungi occur with potentially negative consequences for the commercial production and/or use of Sphagnum biomass. Samples were collected every 3 months within 1 year. High-throughput sequencing of the fungal ITS2 barcode was used to obtain a comprehensive community profile of the fungi. The dominant taxa in the fungal community of the Sphagnum farming field site were all commonly reported from natural Sphagnum ecosystems. While the taxonomic composition showed clear differences between seasons, a stable functional community profile was identified across seasons. Additionally, nutrient supply seems to affect composition of fungal community. Despite a rather high abundance of bryophyte parasites, and the occurrence of both Sphagnum-species-specific and general plant pathogens, their impact on the productivity and usage of Sphagnum biomass as raw material for growing media was considered to be low.

Species diversity of Pleosporalean taxa associated with Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze in Taiwan

Pleosporales species are important plant pathogens, saprobes, and endophytes on a wide range of economically important plant hosts. The classification of Pleosporales has undergone various modifications in recent years due to the addition of many families described from multiple habitats with a high level of morphological deviation. Numerous asexual genera have been described in Pleosporales that can be either hyphomyceteous or coelomycetous. Phoma- or coniothyrium-like species are common and have been revealed as polyphyletic in the order Pleosporales and linked with several sexual genera. A total of 31 pleosporalean strains were isolated in different regions of Taiwan between 2017 and 2018 from the leaves of Camellia sinensis plants with symptoms of leaf spot disease. These strains were evaluated morphologically and genotypically using multi-locus sequence analyses of the ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2, tef1 and tub2 genes. The results demonstrated the affiliation of these strains with the various families in Pleosporales and revealed the presence of one new genus (Neoshiraia) and eight new species (Alloconiothyrium camelliae, Amorocoelophoma camelliae, Leucaenicola camelliae, L. taiwanensis, Neoshiraia camelliae, N. taiwanensis, Paraconiothyrium camelliae and Paraphaeosphaeria camelliae). Furthermore, to the best of our understanding, Didymella segeticola, Ectophoma pomi and Roussoella mexican were reported for the first time from C. sinensis in Taiwan.

Fungal diversity notes 1151–1276: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa

Fungal diversity notes is one of the important journal series of fungal taxonomy that provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of new fungal taxa, as well as providing new information of fungal taxa worldwide. This article is the 11th contribution to the fungal diversity notes series, in which 126 taxa distributed in two phyla, six classes, 24 orders and 55 families are described and illustrated. Taxa in this study were mainly collected from Italy by Erio Camporesi and also collected from China, India and Thailand, as well as in some other European, North American and South American countries. Taxa described in the present study include two new families, 12 new genera, 82 new species, five new combinations and 25 new records on new hosts and new geographical distributions as well as sexual-asexual reports. The two new families are Eriomycetaceae (Dothideomycetes, family incertae sedis) and Fasciatisporaceae (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes). The twelve new genera comprise Bhagirathimyces (Phaeosphaeriaceae), Camporesiomyces (Tubeufiaceae), Eriocamporesia (Cryphonectriaceae), Eriomyces (Eriomycetaceae), Neomonodictys (Pleurotheciaceae), Paraloratospora (Phaeosphaeriaceae), Paramonodictys (Parabambusicolaceae), Pseudoconlarium (Diaporthomycetidae, genus incertae sedis), Pseudomurilentithecium (Lentitheciaceae), Setoapiospora (Muyocopronaceae), Srinivasanomyces (Vibrisseaceae) and Xenoanthostomella (Xylariales, genera incertae sedis). The 82 new species comprise Acremonium chiangraiense, Adustochaete nivea, Angustimassarina camporesii, Bhagirathimyces himalayensis, Brunneoclavispora camporesii, Camarosporidiella camporesii, Camporesiomyces mali, Camposporium appendiculatum, Camposporium multiseptatum, Camposporium septatum, Canalisporium aquaticium, Clonostachys eriocamporesiana, Clonostachys eriocamporesii, Colletotrichum hederiicola, Coniochaeta vineae, Conioscypha verrucosa, Cortinarius ainsworthii, Cortinarius aurae, Cortinarius britannicus, Cortinarius heatherae, Cortinarius scoticus, Cortinarius subsaniosus, Cytospora fusispora, Cytospora rosigena, Diaporthe camporesii, Diaporthe nigra, Diatrypella yunnanensis, Dictyosporium muriformis, Didymella camporesii, Diutina bernali, Diutina sipiczkii, Eriocamporesia aurantia, Eriomyces heveae, Ernakulamia tanakae, Falciformispora uttaraditensis, Fasciatispora cocoes, Foliophoma camporesii, Fuscostagonospora camporesii, Helvella subtinta, Kalmusia erioi, Keissleriella camporesiana, Keissleriella camporesii, Lanspora cylindrospora, Loratospora arezzoensis, Mariannaea atlantica, Melanographium phoenicis, Montagnula camporesii, Neodidymelliopsis camporesii, Neokalmusia kunmingensis, Neoleptosporella camporesiana, Neomonodictys muriformis, Neomyrmecridium guizhouense, Neosetophoma camporesii, Paraloratospora camporesii, Paramonodictys solitarius, Periconia palmicola, Plenodomus triseptatus, Pseudocamarosporium camporesii, Pseudocercospora maetaengensis, Pseudochaetosphaeronema kunmingense, Pseudoconlarium punctiforme, Pseudodactylaria camporesiana, Pseudomurilentithecium camporesii, Pseudotetraploa rajmachiensis, Pseudotruncatella camporesii, Rhexocercosporidium senecionis, Rhytidhysteron camporesii, Rhytidhysteron erioi, Septoriella camporesii, Setoapiospora thailandica, Srinivasanomyces kangrensis, Tetraploa dwibahubeeja, Tetraploa pseudoaristata, Tetraploa thrayabahubeeja, Torula camporesii, Tremateia camporesii, Tremateia lamiacearum, Uzbekistanica pruni, Verruconis mangrovei, Wilcoxina verruculosa, Xenoanthostomella chromolaenae and Xenodidymella camporesii. The five new combinations are Camporesiomyces patagoniensis, Camporesiomyces vaccinia, Camposporium lycopodiellae, Paraloratospora gahniae and Rhexocercosporidium microsporum. The 22 new records on host and geographical distribution comprise Arthrinium marii, Ascochyta medicaginicola, Ascochyta pisi, Astrocystis bambusicola, Camposporium pellucidum, Dendryphiella phitsanulokensis, Diaporthe foeniculina, Didymella macrostoma, Diplodia mutila, Diplodia seriata, Heterosphaeria patella, Hysterobrevium constrictum, Neodidymelliopsis ranunculi, Neovaginatispora fuckelii, Nothophoma quercina, Occultibambusa bambusae, Phaeosphaeria chinensis, Pseudopestalotiopsis theae, Pyxine berteriana, Tetraploa sasicola, Torula gaodangensis and Wojnowiciella dactylidis. In addition, the sexual morphs of Dissoconium eucalypti and Phaeosphaeriopsis pseudoagavacearum are reported from Laurus nobilis and Yucca gloriosa in Italy, respectively. The holomorph of Diaporthe cynaroidis is also reported for the first time.

Molecular data reveals a new holomorphic marine fungus, Halobyssothecium estuariae, and the asexual morph of Keissleriella phragmiticola

This study introduces a novel holomorphic marine fungal species, Halobyssothecium estuariae (Lentitheciaceae, Pleosporales), from dead Phragmites communis. The new species has semi-immersed, subglobose or ellipsoidal, papillate, conical ascomata, clavate to subcylindrical, short pedicellate asci and 3-septate, fusoid to ellipsoidal ascospores with rounded ends, pale brown to dark brown central cells and hyaline end cells. The asexual morph has multiseptate, filiform, intercalary, catenate, branched chlamydospores that resemble Xylomyces. The asexual morph of Keissleriella phragmiticola based on combined LSU, SSU, ITS and TEF1 sequence analyses is reported. The role of molecular identification in delineating cryptic species are also discussed.

Notes, outline and divergence times of Basidiomycota

The Basidiomycota constitutes a major phylum of the kingdom Fungi and is second in species numbers to the Ascomycota. The present work provides an overview of all validly published, currently used basidiomycete genera to date in a single document. An outline of all genera of Basidiomycota is provided, which includes 1928 currently used genera names, with 1263 synonyms, which are distributed in 241 families, 68 orders, 18 classes and four subphyla. We provide brief notes for each accepted genus including information on classification, number of accepted species, type species, life mode, habitat, distribution, and sequence information. Furthermore, three phylogenetic analyses with combined LSU, SSU, 5.8s, rpb1, rpb2, and ef1 datasets for the subphyla Agaricomycotina, Pucciniomycotina and Ustilaginomycotina are conducted, respectively. Divergence time estimates are provided to the family level with 632 species from 62 orders, 168 families and 605 genera. Our study indicates that the divergence times of the subphyla in Basidiomycota are 406–430 Mya, classes are 211–383 Mya, and orders are 99–323 Mya, which are largely consistent with previous studies. In this study, all phylogenetically supported families were dated, with the families of Agaricomycotina diverging from 27–178 Mya, Pucciniomycotina from 85–222 Mya, and Ustilaginomycotina from 79–177 Mya. Divergence times as additional criterion in ranking provide additional evidence to resolve taxonomic problems in the Basidiomycota taxonomic system, and also provide a better understanding of their phylogeny and evolution.

Neptunomyces aureus gen. et sp. nov. (Didymosphaeriaceae, Pleosporales) isolated from algae in Ria de Aveiro, Portugal

A collection of fungi was isolated from macroalgae of the genera Gracilaria, Enteromorpha and Ulva in the estuary Ria de Aveiro in Portugal. These isolates were characterized through a multilocus phylogeny based on ITS region of the ribosomal DNA, beta-tubulin (tub2) and translation elongation factor 1 alpha (tef1-α) sequences, in conjunction with morphological and physiological data. These analyses showed that the isolates represented an unknown fungus for which a new genus, Neptunomycesgen. nov. and a new species, Neptunomycesaureussp. nov. are proposed. Phylogenetic analyses supported the affiliation of this new taxon to the family Didymosphaeriaceae.

Insight into a highly polymorphic endophyte isolated from the roots of the halophytic seepweed Suaeda salsa: Laburnicola rhizohalophila sp. nov. (Didymosphaeriaceae, Pleosporales)

We surveyed root endophytic fungi of the coastal halophyte Suaeda salsa and detected a population of a novel species that we described here as Laburnicola rhizohalophila sp. nov. No sexual sporulating structure was observed. Instead, it produced a large amount of thalloconidia, 0-1 transverse septa, hyaline to darkly pigmented, often peanut-shaped and sometimes dumbbell-shaped, both ends enlarged with numerous oil droplets inside the hyphal cells. Surprisingly, a high degree of phenotypic and physiological intraspecific variation (e.g., salinity tolerance, growth under different carbon:nitrogen ratios, and carbon utilization pattern) was recorded. The inoculation test indicated that the isolates could successfully infect host roots and form microsclerotia-like structures in cortical cells, a typical trait of dark septate endophytes (DSEs). Furthermore, most isolates were shown to promote host seedling growth. To evaluate conspecificity and infer its phylogenetic affinity, multiloci data including nuclear rRNA loci (ITS1 and 2, partial 28S), partial RNA Polymerase II second-largest subunit (rpb2), and partial translation elongation factor-1α (tef1) were characterized. Genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition (GCPSR) detected a genetically isolated clade of L. rhizohalophila within the Pleosporales in the Didymosphaeriaceae. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that the endophytic fungus was genetically close to Laburnicoladactylidis but separated by a relatively long genetic distance. Our work highlights that the pleosporalean taxa might represent an underexplored reservoir of root DSEs.

Plant Pathogenic Fungi Associated with Coraebus florentinus (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) Attacks in Declining Oak Forests

The black-banded oak borer, Coraebus florentinus, is an emerging pest of oak trees in the western Mediterranean region. Larvae of the insect are xylophagous and progressively excavate an annular gallery that interrupts sap flow, resulting in the death of the attacked branches. Until now, limited information has been available regarding the ecological interactions between C. florentinus and the main plant pathogenic fungi involved in the etiology of oak decline. Knowledge of these interactions is important in understanding their impact in natural ecosystems and developing appropriate management strategies. Therefore, in this study, we characterized the fungal communities occurring in the exoskeleton of adults and larvae of C. florentinus and associated with the necrotic wood tissues surrounding the branch galleries of declining oak trees. A total of 29 fungal species were identified based on DNA sequence data and morphological features, of which 14 were from symptomatic woody tissues, six from insect exoskeleton, and nine from both insects and symptomatic wood tissues. The most frequent fungal species, Cryphonectria naterciae (15.9% of isolates), Dothiorella iberica (11.3%), and Diplodia corticola (9.9%), were isolated from both insect and gallery systems. All three species are well-known oak pathogens and are reported here, for the first time, to be associated with C. florentinus. At the same time, 89.6% of the fungal taxa were isolated from one or two sites, highlighting the site-dependence of fungal community assemblages.

Tzeananiaceae, a new pleosporalean family associated with Ophiocordycepsmacroacicularis fruiting bodies in Taiwan

The order Pleosporales comprises a miscellaneous group of fungi and is considered to be the largest order of the class Dothideomycetes. The circumscription of Pleosporales has undergone numerous changes in recent years due to the addition of large numbers of families reported from various habitats and with a large amount of morphological variation. Many asexual genera have been reported in Pleosporales and can be either hyphomycetes or coelomycetes. Phoma-like taxa are common and have been shown to be polyphyletic within the order and allied with several sexual genera. During the exploration of biodiversity of pleosporalean fungi in Taiwan, a fungal strain was isolated from mycelium growing on the fruiting body of an Ophiocordyceps species. Fruiting structures that developed on PDA were morphologically similar to Phoma and its relatives in having pycnidial conidiomata with hyaline conidia. The fungus is characterised by holoblastic, cylindrical, aseptate conidiogenous cells and cylindrical, hyaline, aseptate, guttulated, thin-walled conidia. Phylogenetic analysis based on six genes, ITS, LSU, rpb2, SSU, tef1 and tub2, produced a phylogenetic tree with the newly generated sequences grouping in a distinct clade separate from all of the known families. Therefore, a new pleosporalean family Tzeananiaceae is established to accommodate the monotypic genus Tzeanania and the species T.taiwanensis in Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes. The Ophiocordyceps species was identified as O.macroacicularis and this is a new record in Taiwan.

Interactions between abundant fungal species influence the fungal community assemblage on limestone

The assembly of fungal communities on stone materials is mainly influenced by the differential bioreceptivity of such materials and environmental conditions. However, little is known about the role of fungal interactions in the colonization and establishment of fungal species. We analyzed the effects of intra- and interspecific interactions between 11 species of fungi in oligotrophic and copiotrophic media and on limestone coupons. In a previous study, these species were the most frequently isolated in the epilithic biofilms of limestone walls exposed to a subtropical climate. In the culture media, we found a greater frequency of intra- and interspecific inhibitory effects in the oligotrophic medium than in the copiotrophic medium. On the limestone coupons, all fungi were able to establish; however, the colonization success rate varied significantly. Cladosporium cladosporioides had a less extensive colonization in isolation (control) than in dual interactions (coexistence) with other species. Phoma eupyrena exhibited the highest colonization success rate and competitive dominance among all tested species. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses revealed that Pestalotiopsis maculans and Paraconiothyrium sp. produced calcium oxalate crystals during their growth on coupon surfaces, both in isolation and in dual interactions. Our results demonstrate that interactions between abundant fungal species influence the fungal colonization on substrates, the biomineralization and the fungal community assemblage growing in limestone biofilms.