The numbers of fungi: are the most speciose genera truly diverse?

Myochromella unveiled: exploring its global distribution through a public database of amplicons

Myochromella mammosa, a novel species from southwestern China, is distinguished by its small, solitary or gregarious basidiomata. The pileus is clock-shaped, with distinct central mastoids, edge stripes, and a darker center that flattens upon maturation. The stipe is white, firm when young, and becomes hollow and slightly thickened at the base with age. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of publicly available ITS sequences from NCBI-GenBank and fungal amplicon sequencing data from NCBI-SRA to explore the global distribution and enumeration of recorded species of Myochromella. At a 98% sequence similarity threshold, eleven species were identified, including eight without formal designations. Myochromella's diversity is primarily Northern Hemisphere-centric and tends toward endemic distribution. Leveraging amplicon sequencing data sets enables precise species diversity assessments, enhancing field collection efficiency and providing novel insights into macrofungal species diversity.

Biodiversity in mountain soils above the treeline

Biological diversity in mountain ecosystems has been increasingly studied over the last decade. This is also the case for mountain soils, but no study to date has provided an overall synthesis of the current state of knowledge. Here we fill this gap with a first global analysis of published research on cryptogams, microorganisms, and fauna in mountain soils above the treeline, and a structured synthesis of current knowledge. Based on a corpus of almost 1400 publications and the expertise of 37 mountain soil scientists worldwide, we summarise what is known about the diversity and distribution patterns of each of these organismal groups, specifically along elevation, and provide an overview of available knowledge on the drivers explaining these patterns and their changes. In particular, we document an elevation-dependent decrease in faunal diversity above the treeline, while for cryptogams there is an initial increase above the treeline, followed by a decrease towards the nival belt. Thus, our data confirm the key role that elevation plays in shaping the biodiversity and distribution of these organisms in mountain soils. The response of prokaryote diversity to elevation, in turn, was more diverse, whereas fungal diversity appeared to be substantially influenced by plants. As far as available, we describe key characteristics, adaptations, and functions of mountain soil species, and despite a lack of ecological information about the uncultivated majority of prokaryotes, fungi, and protists, we illustrate the remarkable and unique diversity of life forms and life histories encountered in alpine mountain soils. By applying rule- as well as pattern-based literature-mining approaches and semi-quantitative analyses, we identified hotspots of mountain soil research in the European Alps and Central Asia and revealed significant gaps in taxonomic coverage, particularly among biocrusts, soil protists, and soil fauna. We further report thematic priorities for research on mountain soil biodiversity above the treeline and identify unanswered research questions. Building upon the outcomes of this synthesis, we conclude with a set of research opportunities for mountain soil biodiversity research worldwide. Soils in mountain ecosystems above the treeline fulfil critical functions and make essential contributions to life on land. Accordingly, seizing these opportunities and closing knowledge gaps appears crucial to enable science-based decision making in mountain regions and formulating laws and guidelines in support of mountain soil biodiversity conservation targets.

Four new species of Entoloma subgenus Cyanula (Entolomataceae, Agaricales) from subtropical regions of China

In this study, four species of EntolomasubgenusCyanula (E.orientosinense, E.subgriseosquamulosum, E.subpraegracile, and E.wuyishanense) from subtropical regions of China, are described as new to science based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Morphologically, E.orientosinense is characterized by the white basidiomata, relatively large basidiospores, and carneogriseum-type lamellae edge; E.subgriseosquamulosum is recognized by the fuscous pileus, crowded and adnate lamellae, and medium-sized basidiospores; E.subpraegracile is identified by the yellow pileus and intervenose lamellae with sterile or heterogeneous edge; E.wuyishanense is distinct by the blue basidiomata and fertile lamellae edge with slightly bluish pigmentation near the stipe. Entolomaorientosinense belongs to sect. Caesiocincta, subsect. Queletia, and E.wuyishanense belongs to sect. Poliopodes. The remaining two species each form independent branches and do not belong to any known sections. Detailed descriptions, color photos, and a key to related species are presented.

Species of Diaporthe (Diaporthaceae, Diaporthales) associated with Alnusnepalensis leaf spot and branch canker diseases in Xizang, China

Alnusnepalensis is an important tree species in the Himalayas with significant ecological and economic roles. During disease surveys in Xizang, China, we observed leaf spot and branch canker symptoms on this tree. Fungal isolates associated with these diseases were collected and identified based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of ITS, cal, his3, tef1, and tub2 sequences. As a result, Diaporthealnicola sp. nov. and D.amygdali were identified from the leaf spots, while D.linzhiensis was identified to be associated with the cankered branches. This study identifies pathogenic species from alder trees, providing a foundation for future disease management and forest health research.

New fungal genus, three novel species and one new record from mangroves, with reclassification of Melanconiella (Melanconiellaceae) species

Mangrove ecosystems, located in the land-sea interface, host a diverse array of fungi. In this paper, we introduce a novel genus, three novel species and one new record of fungi collected from mangrove environments in Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand. We establish Pseudomelanconiella as a new genus in Melanconiellaceae, to accommodate Pseudomelanconiellamangrovei, a saprobe from submerged decomposing wood of Avicenniamarina. Phylogenetic analysis indicates its close relation with Septomelanconiella, but they differ in the morphology of the conidia. Additionally, our analysis of Melanconiellaceae led to the reclassification of Melanconiellaloropetali to Sinodisculaloropetali and synonymizing Sinodisculacamellicola and Melanconiellacamelliae. This paper also introduces two other novel species: Peroneutypahibisci, a saprobe found on Hibiscustiliaceus and Pseudochaetosphaeronemabruguierae from Bruguieracylindrica, the first species in this genus reported as a mangrove fungus. A new record of Rimoramangrovei from Ceriopstagal is also reported. These discoveries emphasize the rich fungal diversity in mangrove ecosystems supporting further exploration of this unique environment.

FunVIP: Fungal Validation and Identification Pipeline based on phylogenetic analysis

The increase of sequence data in public nucleotide databases has made DNA sequence-based identification an indispensable tool for fungal identification. However, the large proportion of mislabeled sequence data in public databases leads to frequent misidentifications. Inaccurate identification is causing severe problems, especially for industrial and clinical fungi, and edible mushrooms. Existing species identification pipelines require separate validation of a dataset obtained from public databases containing mislabeled taxonomic identifications. To address this issue, we developed FunVIP, a fully automated phylogeny-based fungal validation and identification pipeline (https://github.com/Changwanseo/FunVIP). FunVIP employs phylogeny-based identification with validation, where the result is achievable only with a query, database, and a single command. FunVIP command comprises nine steps within a workflow: input management, sequence-set organization, alignment, trimming, concatenation, model selection, tree inference, tree interpretation, and report generation. Users may acquire identification results, phylogenetic tree evidence, and reports of conflicts and issues detected in multiple checkpoints during the analysis. The conflicting sample validation performance of FunVIP was demonstrated by re-iterating the manual revision of a fungal genus with a database with mislabeled sequences, Fuscoporia. We also compared the identification performance of FunVIP with BLAST and q2-feature-classifier with two mass double-revised fungal datasets, Sanghuangporus and Aspergillus section Terrei. Therefore, with its automatic validation ability and high identification performance, FunVIP proves to be a highly promising tool for achieving easy and accurate fungal identification.

Comparative Research of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antiprotozoal and Cytotoxic Activities of Edible Suillus sp. Fruiting Body Extracts

The aim of this study was to evaluate bioactive properties of Basidiomycota fungi, mainly Suillus sp. Wide spectrum of activities were revealed for S. variegatus, S. luteus, S. bovinus and S. granulatus; and obtained results were compared with other common fungi. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) varied from 245.32 ± 5.45 to 580.77 ± 13.10 (mg (GAE) per 100 g of dry weight) in methanolic extracts of S. bovinus and S. granulatus fruiting bodies, respectively. In ethyl acetate extracts, the highest TPC were obtained for S. variegatus (310 ± 9.68, mg (GAE)/100 g, dry matter), and the lowest means for S. luteus (105 ± 3.55, mg (GAE)/100 g dry weight). The ethyl acetate extracts of the tested Suillus species exhibited a stronger antioxidant activity (AA) to scavenge DPPH● and ABTS•+ than the methanolic ones, and the highest effects were determined for S. luteus (EC50, 0.15 ± 0.05 and 0.23 ± 0.05%, respectively). In the case of methanolic extracts, the highest AA were evaluated for S. granulatus. (EC50 for DPPH● and ABTS•+, 0.81 ± 0.30 and 0.95 ± 0.22%, respectively). The ABTS•+ scavenging potential varied from 0.25 ± 0.05 to 0.74 ± 0.10 (mmol/L, TROLOX equivalent, for S. granulatus and S. variegatus fruiting body extracts, respectively) in the ethyl acetate extracts. S. granulatus extracts demonstrated the widest range of antimicrobial effects against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (from 11.7 ± 1.3 to 28.5 ± 3.3 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus mycoides, respectively); and against two fungal strains (up to 13.6 ± 0.4 mm on Meyerozyma guilliermondii) in agar disc diffusion tests. Our study revealed that methanolic extracts of the most tested Suillus sp. were not active enough against the tested parasites: Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Leishmania infantum and Plasmodium falciparum. Only S. variegatus extracts showed good antiprotozoal effects against P. falciparum (12.70 µg/mL). Cytotoxic activity was observed on human diploid lung cells MRC-5 SV2 by S. granulatus extracts (64.45 µg/mL). For comparative purposes, extracts of other common Lithuanian fungi, such as Xerocomus sp. (X. badius, X. chrysenteron and X. subtomentosus), Tylopilus felleus, Phallus impudicus and Pycnoporus cinnabarinus were investigated for their activity. The P. cinnabarinus extracts demonstrated the highest and broadest overall effects: 1.32 µg/mL against T. brucei, 1.46 µg/mL against P. falciparum, 3.93 µg/mL against T. cruzi and 21.53 µg/mL against L. infantum. Additionally, this extract exhibited strong cytotoxicity on MRC-5 cells (13.05 µg/mL). The investigation of bioactive fungal metabolites is important for the development of a new generation of antioxidants, antimicrobials, antiparasitic and anticancer agents.

Unveiling Sordariomycetes taxa associated with woody litter in Northern Thailand

Sordariomycetes species are abundant in woody litter samples. In this study, we introduce two novel species, Diaporthethailandica (Diaporthaceae) and Occultithecachiangraiensis (Xylariaceae), from woody litter materials. We also describe a new host record of D.tulliensis and a new geographical record for D.melonis. All collections were identified based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses of combined datasets. The morphologies of the taxa fit the generic concepts of Diaporthe and Occultitheca, respectively. Diaporthethailandica formed a sister clade with D.raonikayaporum but differs from D.raonikayaporum in the sizes of conidiomata, conidiogenous cells, and beta conidia. Diaporthethailandica also differs from D.raonikayaporum by the absence of gamma conidia. Occultithecachiangraiensis differs from the sister taxon O.rosae in having smaller ascomata and a thicker mucilaginous sheath. We also provide a synopsis of Occultitheca species with details on their morphology, host, and country. These findings provide valuable insights into the diversity and ecological roles of Sordariomycetes, emphasising the need for continued exploration of fungal biodiversity in various environments.

Fungi from Malus in Qujing, China: two new species, three new records, and insights into potential host jumping and lifestyle switching

Apple trees [Malus domestica Borkh. (Rosaceae)] are one of the important temperate fruit crops in China. In comparison to other temperate fruits, such as grapes and pears, fungal studies (in Yunnan) associated with M. domestica are fewer in number. In the present study, we investigated fungi associated with M. domestica in Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China. Samples were collected from apple gardens in different locations. Single spore isolation was carried out to isolate saprobic fungi, while the surface sterilization method was carried out to isolate endophytic fungi. Molecular analyses were carried out to determine the phylogenetic placement of the new collections. Based on the combined methods of morphology and phylogeny, Cytospora qujingensis sp. nov. and Hypoxylon malongense sp. nov. are introduced as novel saprobic and endophytic taxa, respectively. Moreover, Aureobasidium pullulans and Cytospora schulzeri are reported as new geological records from southwestern China. Allocryptovalsa castaneae is reported on M. domestica in China for the first time. The checklist of fungi associated with M. domestica in China is presented.

Morphology and multi-gene phylogeny reveal three new species of Clonostachys and two combinations of Sesquicillium (Bionectriaceae, Hypocreales) from Xizang, China

Clonostachys and Sesquicillium are genera in Bionectriaceae, and known in sexual perithecial ascomata and hyphomycetous asexual morphs. In their asexual morph, both genera share similar morphology in conidiophores and conidiogenous cell characteristics but differ in the development of conidiophores. The members of Clonostachys are distributed worldwide with the majority occurring in the tropics and the species are commonly reported as soil-borne fungi but also reported as endophytes, epiphytes, and saprotrophs. During a microfungi survey in Xizang, China, six collections of fresh and healthy Ageratinaadenophora and Houttuyniacordata leaves were obtained. The taxonomy of these collections was investigated through a combination of morphological analysis and multigene phylogenetic analysis using Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The newly generated sequences were clustered within Clonostachys and Sesquicillium, showing hyphomycetes asexual morph. The results revealed three new Clonostachys species viz, Clonostachyslinzhiensis, C.motuoensis, and C.yadongensis. This research sheds light on the overlooked fungal diversity in Xizang, China, expanding the known fungal biodiversity in the region. Additionally, two new combinations, Sesquicilliumaquaticum and S.shanghaiense for C.aquatica and C.shanghaiensis, and one synonymy, C.viticola for C.swietenia are established, respectively.

Five New Phyllachora Species from Tar Spot Fungi on Poaceae in Sichuan China

Tar spot is a prevalent fungal disease characterized by shiny black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits of various plants. It is typically caused by members of the family Phyllachoraceae, which consists of biotrophic and obligate plant parasitic fungi. During field investigations of tar spot fungi in Sichuan Province, China, 70 fungal samples associated with tar spots belonging to the family Poaceae were collected from 13 different locations. Through morphological studies and multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, SSU, and LSU datasets, the collected samples were classified into eight Phyllachora species. Among these, five were identified as new species (Phyllachora cylindricae, P. festucae, P. luzhouensis, P. palmifoliae, and P. wenchuanensis), and two represented new host records (P. chongzhouensis, P. panicicola). The new species are accompanied by descriptions and illustrations, while their characteristics are discussed in relation to comparable taxa. Additionally, P. yuanjiangensis is synonymized under P. xinpingensis. These findings enhance our understanding of tar spot fungi in Sichuan and, given that Phyllachora species are important pathogens of plants in the Poaceae family, establish a foundation for further research to better understand their potential impacts on agriculture and the local ecology.

Just the tip of the iceberg: uncovering a hyperdiverse clade of African Russula (Basidiomycota, Russulales, Russulaceae) species with signs of evolutionary habitat adaptations

The diversity within the ectomycorrhizal genus Russula (Basidiomycota) in West Africa is largely unexplored. The study area was Benin, where only ten out of the 159 species endemic to tropical Africa have been previously reported. We focused on "Afrovirescentinae", which is a monophyletic lineage within Russulasubgen.Heterophyllidiaesister tosubsect.Virescentinae. The phylogenetic placement of this clade was analysed using sequence data from ITS, LSU, mtSSU, tef1, rpb1 and rpb2 regions. Ten "Afrovirescentinae" species are recognised, described and illustrated from Benin. Four of them, R.carmesina, R.hiemisilvae, R.inflata and R.sublaevis, were previously published. Five species, Russulaacrialbida sp. nov., R.beenkenii sp. nov., R.coronata sp. nov., R.florae sp. nov. and R.spectabilis sp. nov., are newly described. Species within this group are characterised by densely reticulated spore ornamentation, but they exhibit considerable variation in field appearance and pileipellis structure. In gallery forests, their basidiomata are ephemeral, small and their basidiospores have prominent ornamentation; while in savannah woodlands, the basidiomata are fleshy, large and basidiospores present low ornamentation. We suggest that these morphological traits may represent evolutionary adaptations to a specific environmental condition. We analysed the species richness, ecological range and distribution of the "Afrovirescentinae" clade globally based on data from the UNITE database, estimating a total diversity of 94 species primarily distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, but also in the Neotropics. Four additional previously described species not detected in Benin were assigned to this clade, based on holotype sequencing. Several species are widely distributed across tropical Africa and do not show specificity regarding their associated plant symbionts.

A Review of the Biotechnological Potential of Cave Fungi: A Toolbox for the Future

The study of the intersection between biodiversity and biotechnology has revealed a rich source of innovations. Fungi, with their vast range of morphologies and lifestyles, thrive in various habitats, including caves. With impressive metabolic characteristics, they play a key role in producing essential biotechnological compounds for various economic sectors. This paper aims to consolidate evidence on the biotechnological potential of fungi isolated from caves, highlighting the urgency of conserving and exploring these ecosystems. For this purpose, we conducted a comprehensive literature search using scientific databases (SciELO, Medline Complete, Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus (Elsevier), and Google Scholar). We adopted an interdisciplinary approach by collecting information from 22 papers published between 2013 and 2024. Based on these data, our survey revealed broad potential, including antimicrobial compounds, antioxidants, antitumor agents, enzymes, and organic acids. We emphasize that accurately identifying and depositing fungal isolates in reference collections are crucial for reliable research and effective industrial applications, driving metabolic bioactivity and the production of substances with the potential to inhibit pathogens. Conserving and protecting the cave environment is imperative, considering its continuous potential for discovery and contribution to scientific advancement.

Three novel species and a new record of Pleosporales (Didymellaceae, Roussoellaceae) from China

We are investigating saprobic Ascomycota in Guizhou Province, China. Fungal specimens collected from dead wood were identified based on morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of ITS, SSU, LSU, β-tubulin, ef1-α, and rpb2 sequence data. Three novel species, Neoroussoellaguizhouensis, Roussoellaguizhouensis, and Xenodidymellaguizhouensis, are introduced, along with one new geographical record, Xenoroussoellatriseptata. This study contributes to our understanding of the diversity of Ascomycota in Guizhou Province and the classification in Roussoellaceae.

Three new asexual Kirschsteiniothelia species from Guizhou Province, China

During our investigation of saprobic fungi in southwestern China, three micro-hyphomycetous fungi were isolated from dead wood in freshwater and terrestrial habitats in Guizhou Province. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS, LSU, and SSU sequences, performed using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference methods, confirmed that these isolates belong to Kirschsteiniothelia. Based on distinct morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic evidence, we describe three new species: Kirschsteiniotheliaguizhouensis, K.weiningensis, and K.xishuiensis. Furthermore, the effectiveness of three DNA markers for species-level identification within Kirschsteiniothelia was evaluated using Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP) analysis, which identified the ITS nucleotide sequences as the most reliable marker for species differentiation within the genus.

Fungal β-1, 3-glucanosyltransferases: A comprehensive review on classification, catalytic mechanism and functional role

β-1,3-Glucans form the major carbohydrate component of fungal cell walls, playing a vital role in cell viability, stress response, virulence, and even healthy functions such as immuno-enhancement. The elongation and branching of β-1,3-glucans is a mystery. More evidence proved the β-1, 3-glucantransferases belonging to GH72 or GH17 family to branch and remodel the synthesized linear β-1, 3-glucan chain by cleaving its internal β-1, 3-linkage and transfer the cleaved fragment to the nonreducing end of another β-1, 3-glucan acceptor. The present review summarized the comprehensive advances of β-1, 3-glucantransferases including their structures such as catalytic and non-catalytic protein domains, catalytic mechanisms and roles in cell wall formation, cell separation and cell viability to provide the references for understanding and guiding the biosynthesis and production regulation of functional β-1, 3-glucans with high-branched or elongated structures.

Unveiling Paramyrothecium kamalii (Stachybotryaceae) as a novel foliar fungal pathogen on Matourea azurea in Kerala, India, based on morpho-cultural, pathological and molecular phylogenetic evidences

During recent survey for the investigation of foliar fungi in Kerala, India, a new species of foliicolous hyphomycete, Paramyrothecium kamalii was discovered on living leaves of Matourea azurea (Plantaginaceae) based on morpho-cultural characteristics and multigene (ITS, LSU, cmdA, tub2, and rpb2) phylogenetic analysis; is described, illustrated and discussed. In vitro Pathogenicity tests were performed and confirmed the pathogenic nature of the fungus, thereby fulfilling Koch's postulates. Phylogenetically, P. kamalii forms a distinct clade, closely related to P. verroridum, P. indicum, and P. roridum. However, it differs morphologically by having longer conidiophores and conidia and lacks setae, unlike the closer species. The identification of P. kamalii as a new foliar pathogen provides critical insights for surveillance and effective control measure of this foliar disease of M. azurea in tropical ecosystems.

Phylogenetic studies on the genus Candolleomyces (Psathyrellaceae, Basidiomycota) occurring in the bed of the Indus River, Punjab, Pakistan, reveal three new species

During macrofungal surveys in 2019-2024, several specimens belonging to the family Psathyrellaceae were collected from the bed of the Indus River, Punjab, Pakistan. Phylogenetic analyses, based on ITS, LSU, and tef-1α sequences and morpho-anatomical study, confirmed the novelty and placement of three taxa in the genus Candolleomyces. They are described as Candolleomycescrenatus, C.undulatus, and C.virgatus. For distinguishing characters, C.crenatus has crenate cap margins, small basidiospores, and a marginate base of stipe. Candolleomycesundulatus has parabolic to campanulate, wavy margins, light purplish gray with a light brownish gray center of pileus, and an appendiculate, pendant annulus. Candolleomycesvirgatus has a parabolic to plane, distinct umbo, a virgate surface of pileus, 1-7 tiers, forking lamellae, and longitudinal striation on the surface of the stipe. Currently, Candolleomyces comprises 60 formally recognized species worldwide. However, with the inclusion of these three species, the total number rises to 63. Detailed descriptions, a phylogenetic estimate, morphological comparisons, and illustrations are provided.

Jayawardena R, Hyde KD, Alotibi F, Wang Y. Assigning Xiuguozhangia (genus incertae sedis) to Pseudoberkleasmiaceae (Dothideomycetes, Pleosporomycetidae, Pleosporales) and introducing X.broussonetiae as a novel species

Xiuguozhangia species are dematiaceous hyphomycetes that are characterised by acropleurogenous, dictyoseptate, campanulate or cheiroid, and brown to dark brown conidia that are composed of several layers of cells radiating from a protuberant basal cell, and mostly seen with appendages arising from the apical cells. The genus was introduced based on morphology to accommodate five of the six Piricaudiopsis species that exhibited holoblastic conidial ontogeny. Xiuguozhangia was referred to as Ascomycota genus incertae sedis as it was challenging to resolve its taxonomic placement based solely on the available morphological data (no DNA sequence data was previously available). In this study, we provide DNA sequence data for LSU, ITS, SSU, TEF1, and RPB2 for our isolates, collected from Broussonetiapapyrifera (Moraceae) in northern Thailand. Based on morphology, we classify our isolates as Xiuguozhangia. Since they form a sister lineage to Pseudoberkleasmium, we place Xiuguozhangia in Pseudoberkleasmiaceae (Pleosporales). Within Xiuguozhangia, we establish these two isolates as a new taxon, Xiuguozhangiabroussonetiae, in view of the presence of new conidiogenous cells developing from subtending cells. Xiuguozhangiabroussonetiae differs from the extant species in the genus as it has longer conidiophores that are sometimes branched, comprising numerous septa, and its appendages are mostly untapered (sometimes tapering) towards the tips, a feature not observed in other Xiuguozhangia species. This is the first study to provide DNA sequence data and phylogenetic relationships for Xiuguozhangia. Furthermore, we analysed selected DNA sequence data and provided an updated phylogenetic tree incorporating all families (with representative genera) of Pleosporales.

Five new species, two new sexual morph reports, and one new geographical record of Apiospora (Amphisphaeriales, Sordariomycetes) isolated from bamboo in Yunnan, China

Apiospora is an important genus in the Apiosporaceae family with a worldwide distribution. They exhibit different lifestyles including pathogenic, saprophytic, and endophytic. In this study, we aimed to explore the Apiospora associated with bamboo and collected 14 apiospora-like taxa from the forests of Yunnan Province, China. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses (combined ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and tub2 sequence data) confirmed that these collections belong to Apiospora s. str. and reports five new species (viz., Ap. dehongensis, Ap. jinghongensis, Ap. shangrilaensis, Ap. zhaotongensis, and Ap. zhenxiongensis). New sexual morphs of asexually typified Ap. globose and Ap. guangdongensis species, and a new geographical record of Ap. subglobosa are also reported. The findings of this study not only enhance the diversity of bambusicolous fungi in the region of Yunnan, but also geographical distribution of some known Apiospora species.

Spatiotemporal Pattern of a Macrofungal Genus Phylloporia (Basidiomycota) Revealing Its Adaptive Evolution in China

The understanding of distribution and the evolutionary scenario is crucial for the utilization and conservation of biological resources; nevertheless, such explorations rarely focus on macrofungi. The current study selects a macrofungal genus, Phylloporia, and explores its spatiotemporal pattern in China. A total of 117 available occurrence records of Phylloporia in China were summarized for the current analyses. Ensemble modeling supports the highly suitable habitat of Phylloporia concentrated in southern, especially southeastern, China, where the ancestor of Phylloporia originated 77.74 million years ago and then dispersed to other parts of China. Benefitting from the available suitable habitats, Phylloporia rapidly diversified after its divergence in Southeast China. Then, the net diversification rate slowed down when the rapidly diversifying species filled available niches in Southeast China and the dispersed species in other parts of China inhabited the less suitable and unsuitable habitats. During adaptive evolution, precipitation, temperature and the host plant are the major environmental variables that shape the spatiotemporal pattern of Phylloporia. In conclusion, the current study reveals the adaptive evolutionary scenario of Phylloporia and provides the first exploration of the spatiotemporal pattern of macrofungi.

Research progress on inhibitors and inhibitory mechanisms of mycotoxin biosynthesis

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi with harmful effects such as carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. They cause widespread contamination of plant products such as crops, food, and feed, posing serious threats to the life and health of human beings and animals. It has been found that many traditionally synthesized and natural compounds are capable of inhibiting the growth of fungi and their secondary metabolite production. Natural compounds have attracted much attention due to their safety, environmental, and health friendly features. In this paper, compounds of plant origin with inhibitory effects on ochratoxins, aflatoxins, Fusarium toxins, and Alternaria toxins, including cinnamaldehyde, citral, magnolol, eugenol, pterostilbene, curcumin, and phenolic acid, are reviewed, and the inhibitory mechanisms of different compounds on the toxin production of fungi are also elucidated, with the aim of providing application references to reduce the contamination of fungal toxins, thus safeguarding the health of human beings and animals.

Additions to the genus Kirschsteiniothelia (Dothideomycetes); Three novel species and a new host record, based on morphology and phylogeny

During a survey of microfungi associated with forest plants, four specimens related to Kirschsteiniothelia were collected from decaying wood in Guizhou, Hainan and Yunnan Provinces, China. Kirschsteiniothelia species have sexual and asexual forms. They are commonly found as saprophytes on decaying wood and have been reported as disease-causing pathogens in humans as well. In this study, we introduce three novel Kirschsteiniothelia species (K.bulbosapicalis, K.dendryphioides and K.longirostrata) and describe a new host record for K.atra, based on morphology and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of a concatenated ITS, LSU and SSU rDNA sequence data. These taxa produced a dendryphiopsis- or sporidesmium-like asexual morph and detailed descriptions and micromorphological illustrations are provided. Furthermore, we provide a checklist for the accepted Kirschsteiniothelia species, including detailed host information, habitat preferences, molecular data, existing morphological type, country of origin and corresponding references.

Magnetic Nanobead Paper-Based Biosensors for Colorimetric Detection of Candida albicans

Candida albicans (C. albicans) infections pose significant challenges in clinical settings due to their high morbidity and mortality rates in addition to their role in tumor progression. Current diagnostic methods, while effective, often suffer from limitations that hinder a timely intervention. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a simple, sensitive, specific, and low-cost colorimetric biosensor for the rapid detection of C. albicans. This new biosensing platform comprises a gold platform carrying a specific C. albicans peptide substrate conjugated with magnetic nanobeads. Hence, the sensing platform was black, and the operation was based on the proteolytic activity of C. albicans, offering a visual color change to yellow upon cleavage of the conjugated peptide substrates on the magnetic nanobeads. Specificity testing demonstrated the biosensor's ability to distinguish C. albicans from other Candida species and microorganisms, while stability testing confirmed its long-term performance. Clinical testing revealed the biosensor's high sensitivity in detecting C. albicans in both standard cultures and clinically isolated samples with a lower limit of detestation of 3.5 × 103 CFU/mL. Although further validation against conventional and molecular methods is warranted, our colorimetric biosensor holds promise as a rapid (5 min) and cheap (Less than 2 $) point-of-care solution for the early detection of C. albicans infections, facilitating a timely intervention and improving patient outcomes in clinical practice.

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal eight novel species of Pestalotiopsis (Sporocadaceae, Amphisphaeriales) from southern China

Plants play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the biosphere, but often suffer from pathogenic fungi during growth. During our continuing mycological surveys of plant pathogens from terrestrial plants in Jiangxi and Yunnan provinces, China, 24 strains of Pestalotiopsis isolated from diseased and healthy tissues of plant leaves represented eight new species, viz. P.alpinicola, P.camelliicola, P.cyclosora, P.eriobotryae, P.gardeniae, P.hederae, P.machiliana and P.mangifericola. Multi-locus (ITS, tef1-α and tub2) phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference to reveal their taxonomic placement within Pestalotiopsis. Both molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparisons supported them as eight independent taxa within Pestalotiopsis. Illustrations and descriptions of these eight taxa were provided, in conjunction with comparisons with closely related taxa in the genus. This work highlights the large potential for new fungal species associated with diseased plant leaves.

New Cortinariaceae species associated with Dicymbe, Aldina, and Pakaraimaea in Guyana

Species of the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) family Cortinariaceae (Agaricales, Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) have long been considered impoverished or absent from lowland tropical rainforests. Several decades of collecting in forests dominated by ECM trees in South America's Guiana Shield is countering this view, with discovery of numerous Cortinariaceae species. To date, ~12 morphospecies of this family have been found in the central Pakaraima Mountains of Guyana. Here, we describe three of these as new species of Cortinarius and two as new species of Phlegmacium from forests dominated by the ECM tree genera Dicymbe (Fabaceae subfam. Detarioideae), Aldina (Fabaceae subfam. Papilionoideae), and Pakaraimaea (Cistaceae). Macromorphological, micromorphological, habitat, and DNA sequence data are provided for each new species.

The genus Cortinarius should not (yet) be split

The genus Cortinarius (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) is one of the most species-rich fungal genera, with thousands of species reported. Cortinarius species are important ectomycorrhizal fungi and form associations with many vascular plants globally. Until recently Cortinarius was the single genus of the family Cortinariaceae, despite several attempts to provide a workable, lower-rank hierarchical structure based on subgenera and sections. The first phylogenomic study for this group elevated the old genus Cortinarius to family level and the family was split into ten genera, of which seven were described as new. Here, by careful re-examination of the recently published phylogenomic dataset, we detected extensive gene-tree/species-tree conflicts using both concatenation and multispecies coalescent approaches. Our analyses demonstrate that the Cortinarius phylogeny remains unresolved and the resulting phylogenomic hypotheses suffer from very short and unsupported branches in the backbone. We can confirm monophyly of only four out of ten suggested new genera, leaving uncertain the relationships between each other and the general branching order. Thorough exploration of the tree space demonstrated that the topology on which Cortinarius revised classification relies on does not represent the best phylogenetic hypothesis and should not be used as constrained topology to include additional species. For this reason, we argue that based on available evidence the genus Cortinarius should not (yet) be split. Moreover, considering that phylogenetic uncertainty translates to taxonomic uncertainty, we advise for careful evaluation of phylogenomic datasets before proposing radical taxonomic and nomenclatural changes.

A Taxonomic Study of Candolleomyces Specimens from China Revealed Seven New Species

Based on phylogenetic analysis, Candolleomyces (Psathyrellaceae, Agaricales) was established with Psathyrella candolleana as the type species. The basidiomes range from small to large and are typically terrestrial, lignicolous, and rarely fimicolous. We analysed the Candolleomyces species collected during five years in China, and based on morphological and molecular data (nrITS, nrLSU, and tef-1α), we propose seven new Candolleomyces species viz. C. brevisporus, C. gyirongicus, C. lignicola, C. luridus, C. shennongdingicus, C. shennongjianus, and C. sichuanicus. Full descriptions, colour photographs, illustrations, phylogenetic analyses results, and comparisons with related Candolleomyces species of the new taxa are provided. This study enriches the species diversity of Candolleomyces in China.

An Emerging Disease of Chickpea, Basal Stem Rot Caused by Diaporthe aspalathi in China

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important legume crop worldwide. An emerging disease, basal stem rot with obvious wilt symptoms, was observed in the upper part of chickpea plants during the disease survey in Qiubei County of Yunnan Province. Three fungal isolates (ZD36-1, ZD36-2, and ZD36-3) were obtained from the diseased tissue of chickpea plants collected from the field. Those isolates were morphologically found to be similar to Diaporthe aspalathi. Molecular sequence analyses of multiple gene regions (ITS, tef1, tub2, cal, and his3) indicated that the three isolates showed a high identity with D. aspalathi. Pathogenicity and host range tests of the isolates were performed on the original host chickpea and eight other legume crops. The isolates were strongly pathogenic to chickpea and appeared highly pathogenic to soybean, cowpea, and mung bean; moderated or mild pathogenic to adzuki bean and common bean; however, the isolates did not cause symptoms on grass pea (Lathyrus sativus). Diaporthe aspalathi was previously reported as a main pathogen causing the southern stem canker in soybean. To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. aspalathi inducing basal stem rot on chickpea worldwide.

IMA Genome - F19 : A genome assembly and annotation guide to empower mycologists, including annotated draft genome sequences of Ceratocystis pirilliformis, Diaporthe australafricana, Fusarium ophioides, Paecilomyces lecythidis, and Sporothrix stenoceras

The pace at which Next Generation Sequence data is being produced continues to accelerate as technology improves. As a result, such data are increasingly becoming accessible to biologists outside of the field of bioinformatics. In contrast, access to training in the methods of genome assembly and annotation are not growing at a similar rate. In this issue, we report on a Genome Assembly Workshop for Mycologists that was held at the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the University of Pretoria, South Africa and make available the 12 draft genome sequences emanating from the event. With the aim of making the process of genome assembly and annotation more accessible to biologists, we provide a step-by-step guide to both genome assembly and annotation, intended to encourage and empower mycologists to use genome data in their research.

Humans vs. Fungi: An Overview of Fungal Pathogens against Humans

Human fungal diseases are infections caused by any fungus that invades human tissues, causing superficial, subcutaneous, or systemic diseases. Fungal infections that enter various human tissues and organs pose a significant threat to millions of individuals with weakened immune systems globally. Over recent decades, the reported cases of invasive fungal infections have increased substantially and research progress in this field has also been rapidly boosted. This review provides a comprehensive list of human fungal pathogens extracted from over 850 recent case reports, and a summary of the relevant disease conditions and their origins. Details of 281 human fungal pathogens belonging to 12 classes and 104 genera in the divisions ascomycota, basidiomycota, entomophthoromycota, and mucoromycota are listed. Among these, Aspergillus stands out as the genus with the greatest potential of infecting humans, comprising 16 species known to infect humans. Additionally, three other genera, Curvularia, Exophiala, and Trichophyton, are recognized as significant genera, each comprising 10 or more known human pathogenic species. A phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of the 28S nrRNA gene (LSU) of human fungal pathogens was performed to show their phylogenetic relationships and clarify their taxonomies. In addition, this review summarizes the recent advancements in fungal disease diagnosis and therapeutics.

Four new species of Dothideomycetes (Ascomycota) from Pará Rubber (Heveabrasiliensis) in Yunnan Province, China

The tropical areas in southern and south-western Yunnan are rich in fungal diversity. Additionally, the diversity of seed flora in Yunnan Province is higher than in other regions in China and the abundant endemic species of woody plants provide favourable substrates for fungi. Rubber plantations in Yunnan Province are distributed over a large area, especially in Xishuangbanna. During a survey of rubber-associated fungi in Yunnan Province, China, dead rubber branches with fungal fruiting bodies were collected. Morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2 and tef1-α) revealed four distinct new species, described herein as Melomastiapuerensis, Nigrogranalincangensis, Pseudochaetosphaeronemalincangensis and Pseudochaetosphaeronemaxishuangbannaensis. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and phylogenetic trees are provided to show the taxonomic placements of these new species.

A virtual insight into mushroom secondary metabolites: 3D-QSAR, docking, pharmacophore-based analysis and molecular modeling to analyze their anti-breast cancer potential

Breast cancer is a major issue of investigation in drug discovery due to its rising frequency and global dominance. Plants are significant natural sources for the development of novel medications and therapies. Medicinal mushrooms have many biological response modifiers and are used for the treatment of many physical illnesses. In this research, a database of 89 macro-molecules with anti-breast cancer activity, which were previously isolated from the mushrooms in literature, has been selected for the three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships (3D-QSAR) studies. The 3D-QSAR model was necessarily used in Pharmacopoeia virtual evaluation of the database to develop novel MCF-7 inhibitors. With the known potential targets of breast cancer, the docking studies were achieved. Using molecular dynamics simulations, the targets' stability with the best-chosen natural product molecule was found. Furthermore, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity of three compounds, resulting after the docking study, were predicted. The compound C1 (Pseudonocardian A) showed the features of effective compounds because it has bioavailability from different coral species and is toxicity-free for the prevention of many dermatological illnesses. C1 is chemically active and possesses charge transfer inside the monomer, as seen by the band gaps of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) electrons. The reactivity descriptors ionization potential, electron affinity, chemical potential (μ), hardness (η), softness (S), electronegativity (χ), and electrophilicity index (ω) have been estimated using the energies of frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO-LUMO). Additionally, molecular electrostatic potential maps were created to show that the C1 is reactive.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Why Are There So Few Basidiomycota and Basal Fungi as Endophytes? A Review

A review of selected studies on fungal endophytes confirms the paucity of Basidiomycota and basal fungi, with almost 90% attributed to Ascomycota. Reasons for the low number of Basidiomycota and basal fungi, including the Chytridiomycota, Mucoromycota, and Mortierellomycota, are advanced, including isolation procedure and media, incubation period and the slow growth of basidiomycetes, the identification of non-sporulating isolates, endophyte competition, and fungus-host interactions. We compare the detection of endophytes through culture-dependent methods and culture-independent methods, the role of fungi on senescence of the host plant, and next-generation studies.

Fusarium species associated with citrus blackfly (Aleurocanthus woglumi) from an agroecological polyculture in Brazil, including an augmented description of F. volatile

The objectives of this study were to report Fusarium species associated with Aleurocanthus woglumi (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) collected from citrus leaves from an agroecological polyculture in Brazil, assess sexual reproductive mode of the species with unknown sexual stages, and provide an augmented description of F. volatile, for which we discovered a sexual stage. Nineteen Fusarium isolates were recovered from A. woglumi. These fungi belong to three species complexes, i.e., the F. chlamydosporum species complex (FCSC), the F. fujikuroi species complex (FFSC), and the F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC). Based on multilocus phylogenetic analyses, the species were identified as F. annulatum, F. chlamydosporum, F. pernambucanum, F. sulawesiense, F. verticillioides, and F. volatile. Our results suggest that three species whose sexual stages are unknown (F. chlamydosporum, F. sulawesiense, and F. volatile) are also heterothallic. Intraspecific crosses of F. sulawesiense and F. volatile produced protoperithecia, whereas 66.7% of F. volatile crosses produced fertile perithecia. We provide an augmented description of the latter species to include characteristics of its sexual morph and those observed in the asexual morph that had not yet been described for the species. This study highlights the potential of researching insect-associated fungi to increase knowledge about the diversity, taxonomy, and versatility of Fusarium in ecosystems.

Two new species of Inocybe from Mediterranean Cistaceae heathlands

This study explored a heathland region in Portugal, and through morphology, biogeography, and multilocus phylogeny, two new species of Inocybaceae are described. The first species, Inocybe iberilepora, belongs to "I. flocculosa group," whereas the second species, Inocybe phaeosquamosa, belongs to a relatively isolated and understudied clade, distantly related to I. furfurea and allies. Both species are tied to a west Mediterranean distribution and ecology, associating with the local Cistaceae ecosystems. By characterizing these new species, our research contributes to the understanding of European Funga and enriches the knowledge of the genus Inocybe on a global scale.

Morphological and Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Three New Species of Phyllosticta (Botryosphaeriales, Phyllostictaceae) in China

The genus Phyllosticta has been reported worldwide and contains many pathogenic and endophytic species isolated from a wide range of plant hosts. A multipoint phylogeny based on gene coding combinatorial data sets for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit of ribosomal RNA (LSU rDNA), translation elongation factor 1α (TEF1α), actin (ACT), and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), combined with morphological characteristics, was performed. We describe three new species, P. fujianensis sp. nov., P. saprophytica sp. nov., and P. turpiniae sp. nov., and annotate and discusse their similarities and differences in morphological relationships and phylogenetic phases with closely related species.

Mushrooms Adapted to Seawater: Two New Species of Candolleomyces (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) from China

Marine fungi have been studied for a long history in many realms, but there are few reports on marine mushrooms. In this study, marine fungi with conspicuous subglobose sequestrate basidioma were discovered from mangrove forests in South China. They grow on the deadwood of mangroves in the intertidal zone, periodically submerging into seawater due to the tide. Some marine animals were observed to nest in their basidiomata or consume them as food. The pileus-gleba-inner veil complex (PGI) of the basidioma was observed to be detached from the stipe and transferred into seawater by external forces, and drifting on sea to spread spores after maturity. The detachment mechanism of their PGIs was revealed through detailed microscopic observations. The contrast culturing experiment using freshwater and seawater potato dextrose agar media showed they have probably obligately adapted to the marine environment. Based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence, two new species of Candolleomyces (Basidiomycota, Agaricales), namely C. brunneovagabundus and C. albovagabundus, were described. They are similar and close to each other, but can be distinguished by the size and color of the basidioma, and the size of the basidiospores.

Plastome phylogenomics and morphological traits analyses provide new insights into the phylogenetic position, species delimitation and speciation of Triplostegia (Caprifoliaceae)

BACKGROUND

The genus Triplostegia contains two recognized species, T. glandulifera and T. grandiflora, but its phylogenetic position and species delimitation remain controversial. In this study, we assembled plastid genomes and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) cistrons sampled from 22 wild Triplostegia individuals, each from a separate population, and examined these with 11 recently published Triplostegia plastomes. Morphological traits were measured from herbarium specimens and wild material, and ecological niche models were constructed.

RESULTS

Triplostegia is a monophyletic genus within the subfamily Dipsacoideae comprising three monophyletic species, T. glandulifera, T. grandiflora, and an unrecognized species Triplostegia sp. A, which occupies much higher altitude than the other two. The new species had previously been misidentified as T. glandulifera, but differs in taproot, leaf, and other characters. Triplotegia is an old genus, with stem age 39.96 Ma, and within it T. glandulifera diverged 7.94 Ma. Triplostegia grandiflora and sp. A diverged 1.05 Ma, perhaps in response to Quaternary climate fluctuations. Niche overlap between Triplostegia species was positively correlated with their phylogenetic relatedness.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide new insights into the species delimitation of Triplostegia, and indicate that a taxonomic revision of Triplostegia is needed. We also identified that either rpoB-trnC or ycf1 could serve as a DNA barcode for Triplostegia.

Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses reveal eight novel species of Distoseptispora from southern China

IMPORTANCE

Distoseptispora as a single genus in Distoseptisporaceae was introduced by morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Members of this genus occur mainly as asexual morphs, forming effuse, hairy colonies on decaying wood, plant stems, bamboo culms, and fallen leaves and shafts in terrestrial and freshwater habitats. In the present study, saprobic hyphomycetes from plant debris were investigated, and eight new Distoseptispora species were introduced based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses of LSU, ITS, TEF1, and RPB2 sequence data. This study provides important data on the species diversity, ecological environment, and geographical area of Distoseptispora, greatly updates the classification of Distoseptispora, and improves our understanding of the taxonomy of Distoseptispora.

Additions to Diatrypaceae (Xylariales): Novel Taxa and New Host Associations

Diatrypaceae members have a broad distribution and are commonly found on decaying wood. Despite taxonomic and morphological challenges within this group, there has been a growing interest in Diatrypaceae in recent years. The dead branches of several plant hosts with fungal fruiting bodies were collected from Doi Tung National Park, Chiang Rai, and the Narathiwat Provinces in Thailand. Their morphological characteristics, coupled with a molecular phylogeny of combined ITS and tub2 sequence data, were used to introduce two novel Allodiatrype species (A. dalbergiae and A. eleiodoxae) and one new Melanostictus species (M. chiangraiensis). Moreover, four new host records, Diatrypella heveae, D. major, Melanostictus thailandicus, and Paraeutypella citricola on Microcos paniculata, Nayariophyton zizyphifolium, Dalbergia cultrata, and M. paniculata, respectively, as well as a new geographical record of D. major are reported. This research provides detailed descriptions of macro- and microcharacteristics, coupled with a phylogenetic tree for the newly introduced species and host records. The morphological features of Allodiatrype and Melanostictus are listed in the synoptic table.

Four New Endophytic Apiospora Species Isolated from Three Dicranopteris Species in Guizhou, China

Endophytic fungi isolated from medicinal ferns serve as significant natural resources for drug precursors or bioactive metabolites. During our survey on the diversity of endophytic fungi from Dicranopteris species (a genus of medicinal ferns) in Guizhou, Apoiospora was observed as a dominant fungal group. In this study, seven Apiospora strains, representing four new species, were obtained from the healthy plant tissues of three Dicranopteris species-D. ampla, D. linearis, and D. pedata. The four new species, namely Apiospora aseptata, A. dematiacea, A. dicranopteridis, and A. globosa, were described in detail with color photographs and subjected to phylogenetic analyses using combined LSU, ITS, TEF1-α, and TUB2 sequence data. This study also documented three new hosts for Apiospora species.

Four new endophytic species of Diaporthe (Diaporthaceae, Diaporthales) isolated from Cameroon

The genus Diaporthe (Diaporthaceae, Diaporthales) is a large group of fungi frequently reported as phytopathogens, with ubiquitous distribution across the globe. Diaporthe have traditionally been characterized by the morphology of their ana- and teleomorphic state, revealing a high degree of heterogeneity as soon as DNA sequencing was utilized across the different members of the group. Their relevance for biotechnology and agriculture attracts the attention of taxonomists and natural product chemists alike in context of plant protection and exploitation for their potential to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. While more than 1000 species are described to date, Africa, as a natural habitat, has so far been under-sampled. Several endophytic fungi belonging to Diaporthe were isolated from different plant hosts in Cameroon over the course of this study. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer region and intervening 5.8S nrRNA gene, and partial fragments of the calmodulin, beta-tubulin, histone and the translation elongation factor 1-α genes, demonstrated that these isolates represent four new species, i.e. D.brideliae, D.cameroonensis, D.pseudoanacardii and D.rauvolfiae. Moreover, the description of D.isoberliniae is here emended, now incorporating the morphology of beta and gamma conidia produced by two of our endophytic isolates, which had never been documented in previous records. Moreover, the paraphyletic nature of the genus is discussed and suggestions are made for future revision of the genus.

A study on the genus Candolleomyces (Agaricales: Psathyrellaceae) from Punjab, Pakistan

Many basidiomata of the genus Candolleomyces were found on sandy and loamy soil from the Indus Riverbed, Kot Addu District. A phylogenetic study was conducted to examine the occurrence of Candolleomyces sindhudeltae sp. nov. using a combination of ITS and LSU regions. Our morphological, anatomical, and phylogenetic studies indicated the novelty of Candolleomyces sindhudeltae sp. nov. The distinguishing features of C. sindhudeltae are convex to campanulate and areolate pileus with scalloped to cracked cap margins, branched, and pale reddish lamellae, greenish-brown ellipsoid to ovoid basidiospores, polymorphic cheilo, and caulocystidia. The novel taxa formed independent phylogenetic relationships within the genus Candolleomyces. The addition of our new species to the genus Candolleomyces makes us confident that the genus was separated from Psathyrella accurately.

Two new fungal genera (Diaporthales) found on Dipterocarpaceae in Thailand

Diaporthales is a species-rich order of fungi that includes endophytes, saprobes, and pathogens associated with forest plants and crops. They may also occur as parasites or secondary invaders of plant tissues injured or infected by other organisms or inhabit living animal and human tissues, as well as soil. Meanwhile, some severe pathogens wipe out large-scale cultivations of profitable crops, timber monocultures, and forests. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 sequence data, generated using maximum likelihood (ML), maximum parsimony (MP), and MrBayes (BI), we introduce two new genera of Diaporthales found in Dipterocarpaceae in Thailand, namely Pulvinaticonidioma and Subellipsoidispora. Pulvinaticonidioma is characterized by solitary, subglobose, pycnidial, unilocular conidiomata with the internal layers convex and pulvinate at the base; hyaline, unbranched, septate conidiophores; hyaline, phialidic, cylindrical to ampulliform, determinate conidiogenous cells and hyaline, cylindrical, straight, unicellular, and aseptate conidia with obtuse ends. Subellipsoidispora has clavate to broadly fusoid, short pedicellate asci with an indistinct J- apical ring; biturbinate to subellipsoidal, hyaline to pale brown, smooth, guttulate ascospores that are 1-septate and slightly constricted at the septa. Detailed morphological and phylogenetic comparisons of these two new genera are provided in this study.

Phyllosticta rizhaoensis sp. nov. causing leaf blight of Ophiopogon japonicus in China

Ophiopogon japonicus (Asparagaceae) is a perennial grass species which can be cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant. From April 2021 to September 2022, a serious leaf blight disease of O. japonicus was discovered in Rizhao City, Shandong Province, China. The initial disease symptoms were small yellow spots, finally developing as tip blight, often associated with many small, black, semi-immersed pycnidial conidiomata formed in lesions. To obtain isolates of the causal agent for this disease, samples were randomly collected from O. japonicus diseased leaves in Rizhao City. In total 97 Phyllosticta isolates were obtained from samples, and studied using morphological features and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of a combined dataset using the internal transcribed spacers (ITS), the 28S large subunit of ribosomal RNA (LSU), and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef), actin (act) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh) loci. Phylogenetically, these Phyllosticta isolates formed a clade in the P. concentrica species complex, and clustered with P. pilospora and P. spinarum. Morphologically, isolates in this clade differed from P. pilospora and P. spinarum by the size of conidiogenous cells and conidia, and the absence of an apical conidial appendage. As a result, these isolates were described as a novel species Phyllosticta rizhaoensis. Pathogenicity was confirmed using Koch's postulates, which showed that P. rizhaoensis could induce leaf blight symptoms on O. japonicus in China. Citation: Wang C-B, Wang T-T, Ma C-Y, Xue H, Li Y, Piao C-G, Jiang N (2023). Phyllosticta rizhaoensis sp. nov. causing leaf blight of Ophiopogon japonicus in China. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 11: 43-50. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.11.03.

Appendage-Bearing Sordariomycetes from Dipterocarpus alatus Leaf Litter in Thailand

Leaf litter is an essential functional aspect of forest ecosystems, acting as a source of organic matter, a protective layer in forest soils, and a nurturing habitat for micro- and macro-organisms. Through their successional occurrence, litter-inhabiting microfungi play a key role in litter decomposition and nutrient recycling. Despite their importance in terrestrial ecosystems and their abundance and diversity, information on the taxonomy, diversity, and host preference of these decomposer taxa is scarce. This study aims to clarify the taxonomy and phylogeny of four saprobic fungal taxa inhabiting Dipterocarpus alatus leaf litter. Leaf litter samples were collected from Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. Fungal isolates were characterized based on morphology and molecular phylogeny of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS, LSU) and protein-coding genes (tub2, tef1-α, rpb2). One novel saprobic species, Ciliochorella dipterocarpi, and two new host records, Pestalotiopsis dracontomelon and Robillarda australiana, are introduced. The newly described taxa are compared with similar species, and comprehensive descriptions, micrographs, and phylogenetic trees are provided.

Morphological and Phylogenetic Characterisations Reveal Four New Species in Leptosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes)

Leptosphaeriaceae is a widely distributed fungal family with diverse lifestyles. The family includes several genera that can be distinguished by morphology and molecular phylogenetic analysis. During our investigation of saprobic fungi on grasslands in Yunnan Province, China, four fungal taxa belonging to Leptosphaeriaceae associated with grasses were collected. Morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses of the combined SSU, LSU, ITS, tub2, and rpb2 loci based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference were used to reveal the taxonomic placement of these fungal taxa. This study introduces four new taxa, viz. Leptosphaeria yunnanensis, L. zhaotongensis, Paraleptosphaeria kunmingensis, and Plenodomus zhaotongensis. Colour photo plates, full descriptions, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of the new taxa are provided.