Large-scale generation and analysis of filamentous fungal DNA barcodes boosts coverage for kingdom fungi and reveals thresholds for fungal species and higher taxon delimitation

Comparative analyses of Pleurotus pulmonarius mitochondrial genomes reveal two major lineages of mini oyster mushroom cultivars

Pleurotus pulmonarius, commonly known as the mini oyster mushroom, is highly esteemed for its crisp texture and umami flavor. Limited genetic diversity among P. pulmonarius cultivars raises concerns regarding its sustainable industrial production. To delve into the maternal genetic diversity of the principal P. pulmonarius cultivars, 36 cultivars and five wild isolates were subjected to de novo sequencing and assembly to generate high-quality mitogenome sequences. The P. pulmonarius mitogenomes had lengths ranging from 69,096 to 72,905 base pairs. The mitogenome sizes of P. pulmonarius and those of other mushroom species in the Pleurotus genus showed a significant positive correlation with the counts of LAGLIDAG and GIY-YIG homing endonucleases encoded by intronic open reading frames. A comparison of gene arrangements revealed an inversion of a fragment containing atp9-nad3-nad2 between P. pulmonarius and P. ostreatus. The mitogenomes of P. pulmonarius were clustered into three distinct clades, two of which were crowded with commercial cultivars. Clade I, all of which possess an inserted dpo gene, shared a maternal origin linked to an ancestral cultivar from Taiwan. Primers were designed to target the dpo gene, potentially safeguarding intellectual property rights. The wild isolates in Clade III exhibited more divergent mitogenomes, rendering them valuable for breeding.

Morphological and molecular identification for four new wood-inhabiting species of Trechispora (Basidiomycota) from China

Four new wood-inhabiting fungi, Trechisporaalbofarinosa, T.bisterigmata, T.pileata and T.wenshanensisspp. nov., are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Trechisporaalbofarinosa is characterized by the farinose basidiomata with flocculence hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and ellipsoid, warted basidiospores. Trechisporabisterigmata is characterized by the membranous basidiomata with odontioid hymenial surface, rhizomorphic sterile margin, barrelled basidia and subglobose to broad ellipsoid, smooth basidiospores. Trechisporapileata is characterized by the laterally contracted base, solitary or imbricate basidiomata, fan shaped pileus, radially striate-covered surface with appressed scales, odontioid hymenophore surface, and subglobose to broad ellipsoid, thin-walled, smooth basidiospores. Trechisporawenshanensis is characterized by a cottony basidiomata with a smooth hymenial surface, and ellipsoid, thin-walled, warted basidiospores. Sequences of ITS and LSU marker of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with the maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The phylogenetic tree inferred from the ITS+nLSU sequences highlighted that four new species were grouped into the genus Trechispora.

Parvodontia relampaga sp. nov.: A Cystostereaceae fungal pathogen that is the causal agent of relampago blight of woody plants in Florida, USA

Starting in the fall of 2019, mortality, blight symptoms, and signs of white fungal mycelia were observed on external host tissues of non-native landscape trees as well as numerous native trees, understory shrubs, and vines throughout northern and central Florida, USA. We determined that the fungus is an undescribed species of Basidiomycota based on morphological characteristics and DNA sequence analysis. Phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit (LSU), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) regions revealed that this novel plant pathogen is an undescribed taxon of the genus Parvodontia (Cystostereaceae, Agaricales). We propose the name Parvodontia relampaga sp. nov. which describes its unique morphological features and phylogenetic placement. We confirmed the pathogenicity of P. relampaga in greenhouse inoculations on host plants from which strains of this novel pathogen were isolated, including the non-native gymnosperm Afrocarpus falcatus, the non-native and commercially important Ligustrum japonicum, and the native tree Quercus hemisphaerica. P. relampaga was also detected on a total of 27 different species of woody host plants, including such economically and ecologically important hosts as Fraxinus, Ilex, Magnolia, Persea, Prunus, Salix, Vitis, and Vaccinium. For this new plant disease, we propose the name "relampago blight," which refers to the lightning-like rhizomorph growth (relámpago means 'lightning' in Spanish). This study presents a newly discovered fungal taxon with a wide host range on both angiosperms and gymnosperms that may be an emerging pathogen of concern in Florida and the Gulf Coast region.

Two new species of Perenniporia sensu lato (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from China and two new combinations in Crassisporus

Phylogenetic and morphological analyses on Perenniporia s.l. were carried out. Phylogenies on Perenniporia s.l. are reconstructed with two loci DNA sequences including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the large subunit (nLSU). Two new species from Yunnan Province, southwest China, Perenniporiaprunicola and P.rosicola in Perenniporia s.l., are illustrated and described. Perenniporiaprunicola is characterised by the perennial and resupinate basidiomata with a clay pink pore surface when fresh, a trimitic hyphal system, the presence of clavate to fusiform hymenial cystidia, ellipsoid to broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 4.8-6.2 × 3.6-4.5 µm. Perenniporiarosicola is characterised by annual and resupinate basidiomata with a white pore surface when fresh, a dimitic hyphal system, the presence of dendrohyphidia, broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores measuring 5-5.8 × 4-5.2 μm. In addition, Crassisporus is a genus in Perenniporia s.l., in which two new combinations Crassisporusminutus and C.mollissimus are proposed. Main morphological characteristics of species related to new taxa are also provided.

Insights into the molecular phylogeny and morphology of three novel Dothiora species, along with a worldwide checklist of Dothiora

Most species of Dothiora are known from the dead parts of various host plants as saprobic fungi in terrestrial habitats occurring in tropical and temperate regions. In the present study, samples of Dothiora were collected from dead twigs and branches of Capparis spinosa, Rhaponticum repens, and an unknown angiosperm plant from the Tashkent and Jizzakh regions of Uzbekistan. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on a combined ITS, LSU, SSU, TEF1, and TUB2 sequence data revealed their taxonomic positions within the Dothideaceae. Three new species of Dothiora, namely, Dothiora capparis, Dothiora rhapontici, and Dothiora uzbekistanica were proposed by molecular and morphological data. Likewise, the phylogenetic relationship and morphology of Dothiora are discussed. In addition, we provide a list of accepted Dothiora species, including host information, distribution, morphology descriptions, and availability of sequence data, to enhance the current knowledge of the diversity within Dothiora.

Sunken Riches: Ascomycete Diversity in the Western Mediterranean Coast through Direct Plating and Flocculation, and Description of Four New Taxa

The Mediterranean Sea stands out as a hotspot of biodiversity, whose fungal composition remains underexplored. Marine sediments represent the most diverse substrate; however, the challenge of recovering fungi in culture hinders the precise identification of this diversity. Concentration techniques like skimmed milk flocculation (SMF) could represent a suitable solution. Here, we compare the effectiveness in recovering filamentous ascomycetes of direct plating and SMF in combination with three culture media and two incubation temperatures, and we describe the fungal diversity detected in marine sediments. Sediments were collected at different depths on two beaches (Miracle and Arrabassada) on the Spanish western Mediterranean coast between 2021 and 2022. We recovered 362 strains, and after a morphological selection, 188 were identified primarily with the LSU and ITS barcodes, representing 54 genera and 94 species. Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Scedosporium were the most common genera, with different percentages of abundance between both beaches. Arrabassada Beach was more heterogeneous, with 42 genera representing 60 species (Miracle Beach, 28 genera and 54 species). Although most species were recovered with direct plating (70 species), 20 species were exclusively obtained using SMF as a sample pre-treatment, improving our ability to detect fungi in culture. In addition, we propose three new species in the genera Exophiala, Nigrocephalum, and Queenslandipenidiella, and a fourth representing the novel genus Schizochlamydosporiella. We concluded that SMF is a useful technique that, in combination with direct plating, including different culture media and incubation temperatures, improves the chance of recovering marine fungal communities in culture-dependent studies.

Species diversity and taxonomy of Vararia (Russulales, Basidiomycota) with descriptions of six species from Southwestern China

Vararia is a species-rich genus in the family Peniophoraceae and has been shown to be polyphyletic. In this study, sequences of ITS and LSU rRNA markers of the studied samples were generated and phylogenetic analyses were performed with the maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. Seventeen lineages including six new species from China, i.e., V.fissurata, V.lincangensis, V.punctata, V.isabellina, V.sinensis, and V.yaoshanensis were recognized, in which V.fissurata is characterized by the brittle basidiomata with pruinose and cracking hymenophore having white to olivaceous buff hymenial surface, the clamped generative hyphae, presence of the two types gloeocystidia; V.lincangensis is characterized by the simple-septa generative hyphae, and thick-walled skeletal hyphae, and ellipsoid basidiospores; V.punctata is delimited by its thin to slightly thick-walled generative hyphae, and thick-walled skeletal hyphae, present thick-walled, clavate to cylindrical gloeocystidia; V.isabellina is characterized by having the cream to isabelline to slightly brown hymenial surface, thin to slightly thick-walled generative hyphae, and sub-fusiform to navicular basidiospores; V.sinensis is distinguishable by its white to slightly pink hymenial surface, thick-walled skeletal hyphae, and sub-fusiform to navicular basidiospores; V.yaoshanensis is characterized by cream to pinkish buff to cinnamon-buff hymenial surface, slightly thick-walled generative hyphae, the presence of two types gloeocystidia, and slightly thick-walled, ellipsoid basidiospores. Phylogram based on the ITS+nLSU rDNA gene regions included nine genera within the family Peniophoraceae as Amylostereum, Asterostroma, Baltazaria, Dichostereum, Michenera, Peniophora, Scytinostroma and Vararia, in which the six new wood-inhabiting fungi species were grouped into genus Vararia. The phylogenetic tree inferred from the combined ITS and LSU tree sequences highlighted that V.fissurata was found to be the sister to V.ellipsospora with strong supports. Additionally, V.lincangensis was clustered with V.fragilis. Furthermore, V.punctata was retrieved as a sister to V.ambigua. Moreover, V.sinensis was grouped with five taxa as V.breviphysa, V.pirispora, V.fusispora, V.abortiphysa and V.insolita. The new species V.isabellina formed a monophyletic lineage, in which it was then grouped closely with V.daweishanensis, and V.gracilispora. In addition, V.yaoshanensis was found to be the sister to V.gallica with strong supports. The present results increased the knowledge of Vararia species diversity and taxonomy of corticioid fungi in China. An identification key to 17 species of Vararia in China is provided.

Diversity of Leaf Fungal Endophytes from Two Coffea arabica Varieties and Antagonism towards Coffee Leaf Rust

Coffee has immense value as a worldwide-appreciated commodity. However, its production faces the effects of climate change and the spread of severe diseases such as coffee leaf rust (CLR). The exploration of fungal endophytes associated with Coffea sp. has already found the existence of nearly 600 fungal species, but their role in the plants remains practically unknown. We have researched the diversity of leaf fungal endophytes in two Coffea arabica varieties: one susceptible and one resistant to CLR. Then, we conducted cross-infection essays with four common endophyte species (three Colletotrichum sp. and Xylaria sp. 1) and Hemileia vastatrix (CLR) in leaf discs, to investigate the interaction of the endophytes on CLR colonisation success and severity of infection. Two Colletotrichum sp., when inoculated 72 h before H. vastatrix, prevented the colonisation of the leaf disc by the latter. Moreover, the presence of endophytes prior to the arrival of H. vastatrix ameliorated the severity of CLR. Our work highlights both the importance of characterising the hidden biodiversity of endophytes and investigating their potential roles in the plant-endophyte interaction.

Chionobium takahashii, gen. et sp. nov., associated with snow blight of conifers in Japan

Gremmenia abietis (Dearn.) Crous (syn: Phacidium abietis) was originally described in North America to accommodate the species associated with snow blight of Abies and Pseudotsuga spp. In Japan, this species was first observed on the dead needles on Abies sachalinensis and Picea jezoensis var. jezoensis in 1969. However, the identity of Japanese species was unclear due to the lack of molecular data and the absence of anamorph description. In this study, we collected fresh specimens from various conifer species (A. sachalinensis, A. veitchii, Pic. jezoensis var. jezoensis, Pic. jezoensis var. hondoensis, Pinus koraiensis, and Pin. pumila) in Japan and revised the taxonomy based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic analyses based on nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), nuc 28S rDNA (28S), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) regions indicated that the species belongs to Phacidiaceae. Conidiomata formed in vitro produced pyriform, hyaline conidia without mucoid appendage, which distinguished the species from phylogenetically related genera. Consequently, we established Chionobium takahashii to accommodate the snow blight fungus in Japan. Further phylogenetic analyses also indicated that C. takahashii includes several distinct clades corresponding to the host genera (Abies, Picea, Pinus). Morphological differences among those clades were unclear, suggesting that C. takahashii may contain host-specific cryptic species.

The genus Fomitopsis (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) reconsidered

Based on seven- and three-gene datasets, we discuss four alternative approaches for a reclassification of Fomitopsidaceae (Polyporales, Basidiomycota). After taking into account morphological diversity in the family, we argue in favour of distinguishing three genera only, viz. Anthoporia, Antrodia and Fomitopsis. Fomitopsis becomes a large genus with 128 accepted species, containing almost all former Fomitopsis spp. and most species formerly placed in Antrodia, Daedalea and Laccocephalum. Genera Buglossoporus, Cartilosoma, Daedalea, Melanoporia, Neolentiporus, alongside twenty others, are treated as synonyms of Fomitopsis. This generic scheme allows for morphologically distinct genera in Fomitopsidaceae, unlike other schemes we considered. We provide arguments for retaining Fomitopsis and suppressing earlier (Daedalea, Caloporus) or simultaneously published generic names (Piptoporus) considered here as its synonyms. Taxonomy of nine species complexes in the genus is revised based on ITS, ITS + TEF1, ITS + TEF1 + RPB1 and ITS + TEF1 + RPB2 datasets. In total, 17 species are described as new to science, 26 older species are reinstated and 26 currently accepted species names are relegated to synonymy. A condensed identification key for all accepted species in the genus is provided. Taxonomic novelties: New species: Fomitopsis algumicola Grebenc & Spirin, F. caseosa Vlasák & Spirin, F. cupressicola Vlasák, J. Vlasák Jr. & Spirin, F. derelicta Vlasák & Spirin, F. dollingeri Vlasák & Spirin, F. fissa Vlasák & Spirin, F. lapidosa Miettinen & Spirin, F. lignicolor Vlasák & Spirin, F. maculosa Miettinen & Spirin, F. pannucea Runnel & Spirin, F. perhiemata Viner & Spirin, F. purpurea Spirin & Ryvarden, F. retorrida Spirin & Kotiranta, F. solaris Rivoire, A.M. Ainsworth & Vlasák, F. tristis Miettinen & Spirin, F. tunicata Miettinen & Spirin, F. visenda Miettinen & Spirin. New combinations: Fomitopsis aculeata (Cooke) Spirin & Miettinen, F. aethalodes (Mont.) Spirin, F. alaskana (D.V. Baxter) Spirin & Vlasák, F. albidoides (A. David & Dequatre) Bernicchia & Vlasák, F. amygdalina (Berk. & Ravenel) Spirin & Vlasák, F. angusta (Spirin & Vlasák) Spirin & Vlasák, F. atypa (Lév.) Spirin & Vlasák, F. caespitosa (Murrill) Spirin & Miettinen, F. calcitrosa (Spirin & Miettinen) Spirin & Miettinen, F. circularis (B.K. Cui & Hai J. Li) Spirin, F. concentrica (G. Cunn.) M.D. Barrett, F. cyclopis (Miettinen & Spirin) Miettinen & Spirin, F. dickinsii (Berk. ex Cooke) Spirin, F. elevata (Corner) Spirin & Miettinen, F. eucalypti (Kalchbr.) Spirin, F. ferrea (Cooke) Spirin & Viner, F. flavimontis (Vlasák & Spirin) Vlasák & Spirin, F. foedata (Berk.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. gilvidula (Bres.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. glabricystidia (Ipulet & Ryvarden) Miettinen & Ryvarden, F. globispora (Ryvarden & Aime) Spirin, F. hartmannii (Cooke) M.D. Barrett & Spirin, F. hyalina (Spirin, Miettinen & Kotir.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. hypoxantha (Bres.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. incana (Lév.) Spirin & V. Malysheva, F. infirma (Renvall & Niemelä) Miettinen & Niemelä, F. juniperina (Murrill) Spirin & Vlasák, F. kuzyana (Pilát ex Pilát) Spirin & Vlasák, F. leioderma (Mont.) Spirin & Vlasak, F. leucaena (Y.C. Dai & Niemelä) Spirin & Miettinen, F. luzonensis (Murrill) Spirin & Miettinen, F. maculatissima (Lloyd) Spirin, F. madronae (Vlasák & Ryvarden) Vlasák & Ryvarden, F. malicola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Spirin, F. marchionica (Mont.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. marianii (Bres.) Spirin, Vlasák & Cartabia, F. mellita (Niemelä & Penttilä) Niemelä & Miettinen, F. microcarpa (B.K. Cui & Shun Liu) Spirin, F. micropora (B.K. Cui & Shun Liu) Spirin, F. modesta (Kuntze ex Fr.) Vlasák & Spirin, F. monomitica (Yuan Y. Chen) Spirin & Viner, F. morganii (Lloyd) Spirin & Vlasák, F. moritziana (Lév.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. neotropica (D.L. Lindner, Ryvarden & T.J. Baroni) Vlasák, F. nigra (Berk.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. nivosella (Murrill) Spirin & Vlasák, F. oboensis (Decock, Amalfi & Ryvarden) Spirin, F. oleracea (R.W. Davidson & Lombard) Spirin & Vlasák, F. philippinensis (Murrill) Spirin & Vlasák, F. primaeva (Renvall & Niemelä) Miettinen & Niemelä, F. psilodermea (Berk. & Mont.) Spirin & Vlasák, F. pulverulenta (Rivoire) Rivoire, F. pulvina (Pers.) Spirin & Vlasák, F. pulvinascens (Pilát ex Pilát) Niemelä & Miettinen, F. quercina (L.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. ramentacea (Berk. & Broome) Spirin & Vlasák, F. renehenticii (Rivoire, Trichies & Vlasák) Rivoire & Vlasák, F. roseofusca (Romell) Spirin & Vlasák, F. sagraeana (Mont.) Vlasák & Spirin, F. sandaliae (Bernicchia & Ryvarden) Bernicchia & Vlasák, F. sclerotina (Rodway) M.D. Barrett & Spirin, F. serialiformis (Kout & Vlasák) Vlasák, F. serialis (Fr.) Spirin & Runnel, F. serrata (Vlasák & Spirin) Vlasák & Spirin, F. squamosella (Bernicchia & Ryvarden) Bernicchia & Ryvarden, F. stereoides (Fr.) Spirin, F. subectypa (Murrill) Spirin & Vlasák, F. substratosa (Malençon) Spirin & Miettinen, F. tropica (B.K. Cui) Spirin, F. tumulosa (Cooke) M.D. Barrett & Spirin, F. tuvensis (Spirin, Vlasák & Kotir.) Spirin & Vlasák, F. uralensis (Pilát) Spirin & Miettinen, F. ussuriensis (Bondartsev & Ljub.) Spirin & Miettinen, F. variiformis (Peck) Vlasák & Spirin, F. yunnanensis (M.L. Han & Q. An) Spirin, Daedaleopsis candicans (P. Karst.) Spirin, Megasporoporia eutelea (Har. & Pat.) Spirin & Viner, Neofomitella hemitephra (Berk.) M.D. Barrett, Pseudophaeolus soloniensis (Dubois) Spirin & Rivoire, P. trichrous (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Vlasák & Spirin. New synonyms: Antrodia bondartsevae Spirin, A. huangshanensis Y.C. Dai & B.K. Cui, A. taxa T.T. Chang & W.N. Chou, A. wangii Y.C. Dai & H.S. Yuan, Antrodiella subnigra Oba, Mossebo & Ryvarden, Antrodiopsis Audet, Boletus quercinus Schrad., Brunneoporus Audet, Buglossoporus Kotl. & Pouzar, Buglossoporus eucalypticola M.L. Han, B.K. Cui & Y.C. Dai, Caloporus P. Karst., Cartilosoma Kotlaba & Pouzar, Coriolus clemensiae Murrill, C. cuneatiformis Murrill, C. hollickii Murrill, C. parthenius Hariot & Pat., C. rubritinctus Murrill, Daedalea Pers., Daedalea allantoidea M.L. Han, B.K. Cui & Y.C. Dai, D. americana M.L. Han, Vlasák & B.K. Cui, D. radiata B.K. Cui & Hai J. Li, D. rajchenbergiana Kossmann & Drechsler-Santos, D. sinensis Lloyd, Daedalella B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, Dentiporus Audet, Flavidoporia Audet, Fomes subferreus Murrill, Fomitopsis cana B.K. Cui, Hai J. Li & M.L. Han, F. caribensis B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, F. cystidiata B.K. Cui & M.L. Han, F. ginkgonis B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, F. iberica Melo & Ryvarden, F. incarnata K.M. Kim, J.S. Lee & H.S. Jung, F. subfeei B.K. Cui & M.L. Han, F. subtropica B.K. Cui & Hai J. Li, Fragifomes B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, Leptoporus epileucinus Pilát, Melanoporia Murrill, Neoantrodia Audet, Neolentiporus Rajchenb., Nigroporus macroporus Ryvarden & Iturr., Niveoporofomes B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, Pilatoporus Kotl. & Pouzar, Piptoporus P. Karst., Polyporus aurora Ces., P. durescens Overh. ex J. Lowe, P. griseodurus Lloyd, Poria incarnata Pers., Pseudoantrodia B.K. Cui, Y.Y. Chen & Shun Liu, Pseudofomitopsis B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, Ranadivia Zmitr., Rhizoporia Audet, Rhodofomes Kotl. & Pouzar, Rhodofomitopsis B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, Rhodofomitopsis pseudofeei B.K. Cui & Shun Liu, R. roseomagna Nogueira-Melo, A.M.S. Soares & Gibertoni, Rubellofomes B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, Subantrodia Audet, Trametes fulvirubida Corner, T. lignea Murrill, T. lusor Corner, T. pseudodochmia Corner, T. subalutacea Bourdot & Galzin, T. supermodesta Ryvarden & Iturr., T. tuberculata Bres., Tyromyces multipapillatus Corner, T. ochraceivinosus Corner, T. palmarum Murrill, T. singularis Corner, T. squamosellus Núñez & Ryvarden, Ungulidaedalea B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai. Lectotypes: Hexagonia sulcata Berk., Polyporus castaneae Bourdot & Galzin, Poria incarnata Pers., Trametes subalutacea Bourdot & Galzin, Ungulina substratosa Malençon. Neotypes: Agaricus soloniensis Dubois, Boletus pulvinus Pers. Citation: Spirin V, Runnel K, Vlasák J, Viner I, Barrett MD, Ryvarden L, Bernicchia A, Rivoire B, Ainsworth AM, Grebenc T, Cartabia M, Niemelä T, Larsson K-H, Miettinen O (2024). The genus Fomitopsis (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) reconsidered. Studies in Mycology 107: 149-249. doi: 10.3114/sim.2024.107.03.

Two new species and one new combination of Ophiocordyceps (Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) in Guizhou

Ophiocordyceps is the largest genus in Ophiocordycipitaceae and has a broad distribution with high diversity in subtropical and tropical regions. In this study, two new species, pathogenic on lepidopteran larvae are introduced, based on morphological observation and molecular phylogeny. Ophiocordycepsfenggangensissp. nov. is characterised by having fibrous, stalked stroma with a sterile tip, immersed perithecia, cylindrical asci and filiform ascospores disarticulating into secondary spores. Ophiocordycepsliangiisp. nov. has the characteristics of fibrous, brown, stipitate, filiform stroma, superficial perithecia, cylindrical asci and cylindrical-filiform, non-disarticulating ascospores. A new combination Ophiocordycepsmusicaudata (syn. Cordycepsmusicaudata) is established employing molecular analysis and morphological characteristics. Ophiocordycepsmusicaudata is characterised by wiry, stipitate, solitary, paired to multiple stromata, yellowish, branched fertile part, brown stipe, immersed perithecia, cylindrical asci and cylindrical-filiform, non-disarticulating ascospores.

Identification of closely related species in Aspergillus through Analysis of Whole-Genome

The challenge of discriminating closely related species persists, notably within clinical diagnostic laboratories for invasive aspergillosis (IA)-related species and food contamination microorganisms with toxin-producing potential. We employed Analysis of the whole-GEnome (AGE) to address the challenges of closely related species within the genus Aspergillus and developed a rapid detection method. First, reliable whole genome data for 77 Aspergillus species were downloaded from the database, and through bioinformatic analysis, specific targets for each species were identified. Subsequently, sequencing was employed to validate these specific targets. Additionally, we developed an on-site detection method targeting a specific target using a genome editing system. Our results indicate that AGE has successfully achieved reliable identification of all IA-related species (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus terreus) and three well-known species (A. flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus oryzae) within the Aspergillus section. Flavi and AGE have provided species-level-specific targets for 77 species within the genus Aspergillus. Based on these reference targets, the sequencing results targeting specific targets substantiate the efficacy of distinguishing the focal species from its closely related species. Notably, the amalgamation of room-temperature amplification and genome editing techniques demonstrates the capacity for rapid and accurate identification of genomic DNA samples at a concentration as low as 0.1 ng/μl within a concise 30-min timeframe. Importantly, this methodology circumvents the reliance on large specialized instrumentation by presenting a singular tube operational modality and allowing for visualized result assessment. These advancements aptly meet the exigencies of on-site detection requirements for the specified species, facilitating prompt diagnosis and food quality monitoring. Moreover, as an identification method based on species-specific genomic sequences, AGE shows promising potential as an effective tool for epidemiological research and species classification.

Screening sensibility and antifungal activity after topical application of a synthetic lactoferrin-derived antimicrobial peptide

OBJECTIVE

Onychomycosis is the most common disease of the nails and constitutes about half of all nail abnormalities. Onychomycosis is usually caused by dermatophytes and incomparably less frequently by yeast-like fungi and non-dermatophyte molds. Current treatment options for onychomycosis are ineffective.

METHODS

This study evaluated the performance of a commercial and CE-registered product containing antimicrobial peptide hLF1-11 in vitro for treating toenail onychomycosis. In a case-control setting, nail samples from 59 volunteers were obtained before and after treatment by a pedicurist and investigated for the presence of fungi by culturing, barcode sequencing, and MALDI-TOF-MS.

RESULTS

Of 89 samples, T. rubrum (19%) and C. parapsilosis (17%) were cultured. In total, 47 samples (53%) were positive for culture. MALDI-TOF-MS could identify 28, but 19 remained unidentified; those species were not included in the commercial MALDI-TOF reference database library. A positive effect of treatment by the hLF1-11 product on 41 volunteers (1 placebo, 18 low doses, 22 high doses) was observed. No adverse effects of the peptide were observed or reported by the pedicurist or any of the participants.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a positive therapeutic effect of a commercial product containing hLF1-11 in the case of 88.9% of the patients with onychomycosis. The present formulation of hLF1-11 into PBS is stable enough to permit storage at room temperature for at least two years.

Taxonomy, biological characterization and fungicide sensitivity assays of Hypomyces cornea sp. nov. causing cobweb disease on Auricularia cornea

Auricularia cornea is an important edible mushroom crop in China but the occurrence of cobweb disease has cause significance economic loss in its production. The rate of disease occurrence is 16.65% all over the country. In the present study, a new pathogen Hypomyces cornea sp. nov. was found to cause the cobweb disease. In July 2021, three strains of fungal pathogen were isolated from infected fruiting bodies and identified as H. cornea based on morphological studies and molecular phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA, mitochondrial large subunit (LSU) of rRNA and the partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha genes. The representative isolates of the pathogenic Hypomyces species used to perform pathogenicity test with spore suspension that caused similar symptoms as those observed in the cultivated field, and same pathogens could be re-isolated, which fulfill Koch's postulates. The typical biological characterization was examined of the serious pathogen to determine its favorable growth conditions, including suitable temperature, pH, carbon, nitrogen sources and light conditions. The findings revealed an optimum temperature of 25 °C, pH of 6, and soluble starch and peptone as the preferred carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The hyphal growth inhibition method was used for primary in vitro screening test of seven common fungicides, and the most suitable fungicide is Prochloraz manganese chloride complex, the EC50 values of cobweb pathogen and mushrooms were 0.085 μg/mL and 2.452 μg/mL, respectively. The results of our research provide an evidence-based basis for the effective prevention and treatment of A. cornea cobweb disease.

Sequence capture identifies fastidious chytrid fungi directly from host tissue

The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) was discovered in 1998 as the cause of chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease causing mass declines in amphibian populations worldwide. The rapid population declines of the 1970s-1990s were likely caused by the spread of a highly virulent lineage belonging to the Bd-GPL clade that was introduced to naïve susceptible populations. Multiple genetically distinct and regional lineages of Bd have since been isolated and sequenced, greatly expanding the known biological diversity within this fungal pathogen. To date, most Bd research has been restricted to the limited number of samples that could be isolated using culturing techniques, potentially causing a selection bias for strains that can grow on media and missing other unculturable or fastidious strains that are also present on amphibians. We thus attempted to characterize potentially non-culturable genetic lineages of Bd from distinct amphibian taxa using sequence capture technology on DNA extracted from host tissue and swabs. We focused our efforts on host taxa from two different regions that likely harbored distinct Bd clades: (1) wild-caught leopard frogs (Rana) from North America, and (2) a Japanese Giant Salamander (Andrias japonicus) at the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological Park that exhibited signs of disease and tested positive for Bd using qPCR, but multiple attempts failed to isolate and culture the strain for physiological and genetic characterization. We successfully enriched for and sequenced thousands of fungal genes from both host clades, and Bd load was positively associated with number of recovered Bd sequences. Phylogenetic reconstruction placed all the Rana-derived strains in the Bd-GPL clade. In contrast, the A. japonicus strain fell within the Bd-Asia3 clade, expanding the range of this clade and generating additional genomic data to confirm its placement. The retrieved ITS locus matched public barcoding data from wild A. japonicus and Bd infections found on other amphibians in India and China, suggesting that this uncultured clade is widespread across Asia. Our study underscores the importance of recognizing and characterizing the hidden diversity of fastidious strains in order to reconstruct the spatiotemporal and evolutionary history of Bd. The success of the sequence capture approach highlights the utility of directly sequencing pathogen DNA from host tissue to characterize cryptic diversity that is missed by culture-reliant approaches.

Functional differences of cultivable leaf-associated microorganisms in the native Andean tree Gevuina avellana Mol. (Proteaceae) exposed to atmospheric contamination

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate and describe the functional differences of cultivable bacteria and fungi inhabiting the leaves of Gevuina avellana Mol. (Proteaceae) in an urban area with high levels of air pollution and in a native forest in the southern Andes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Phyllosphere microorganisms were isolated from the leaves of G. avellana, their plant growth-promoting capabilities were estimated along with their biocontrol potential and tolerance to metal(loid)s. Notably, plants from the urban area showed contrasting culturable leaf-associated microorganisms compared to those from the native area. The tolerance to metal(loid)s in bacteria range from 15 to 450 mg l-1 of metal(loid)s, while fungal strains showed tolerance from 15 to 625 mg l-1, being especially higher in the isolates from the urban area. Notably, the bacterial strain Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens and the fungal strain Cladosporium sp. exhibited several plant-growth-promoting properties along with the ability to inhibit the growth of phytopathogenic fungi.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our study provides evidence that culturable taxa in G. avellana leaves is directly influenced by the sampling area. This change is likely due to the presence of atmospheric pollutants and diverse microbial symbionts that can be horizontally acquired from the environment.

Fungal Endophytes: Discovering What Lies within Some of Canada's Oldest and Most Resilient Grapevines

Plant diseases and pests reduce crop yields, accounting for global crop losses of 30% to 50%. In conventional agricultural production systems, these losses are typically controlled by applying chemical pesticides. However, public pressure is mounting to curtail agrochemical use. In this context, employing beneficial endophytic microorganisms is an increasingly attractive alternative to the use of conventional chemical pesticides in agriculture. A multitude of fungal endophytes are naturally present in plants, producing enzymes, small peptides, and secondary metabolites due to their bioactivity, which can protect hosts from pathogens, pests, and abiotic stresses. The use of beneficial endophytic microorganisms in agriculture is an increasingly attractive alternative to conventional pesticides. The aim of this study was to characterize fungal endophytes isolated from apparently healthy, feral wine grapes in eastern Canada that have grown without agrochemical inputs for decades. Host plants ranged from unknown seedlings to long-lost cultivars not widely propagated since the 1800s. HPLC-MS was used to identify unique endophyte-derived chemical compounds in the host plants, while dual-culture competition assays showed a range in endophytes' ability to suppress the mycelial growth of Botrytis, which is typically controlled in viticulture with pesticides. Twelve of the most promising fungal endophytes isolated were identified using multilocus sequencing and morphology, while DNA barcoding was employed to identify some of their host vines. These fungal endophyte isolates, which consisted of both known and putative novel strains, belonged to seven genera in six families and five orders of Ascomycota. Exploring the fungal endophytes in these specimens may yield clues to the vines' survival and lead to the discovery of novel biocontrol agents.

Syncephalastrum massiliense sp. nov. and Syncephalastrum timoneanum sp. nov. Isolated from Clinical Samples

Mucormycosis is known to be a rare opportunistic infection caused by fungal organisms belonging to the Mucorales order, which includes the Syncephalastrum species. These moulds are rarely involved in clinical diseases and are generally seen as contaminants in clinical laboratories. However, in recent years, case reports of human infections due to Syncephalastrum have increased, especially in immunocompromised hosts. In this study, we described two new Syncephalastrum species, which were isolated from human nails and sputum samples from two different patients. We used several methods for genomic and phenotypic characterisation. The phenotypic analysis relied on the morphological features, analysed both by optical and scanning electron microscopy. We used matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and BiologTM technology to characterise the proteomic, chemical mapping, and carbon source assimilation profiles, respectively. The genomic analysis relied on a multilocus DNA sequence analysis of the rRNA internal transcribed spacers and D1/D2 large subunit domains, fragments of the translation elongation factor-1 alpha, and the β-tubulin genes. The two novel species in the genus Syncephalastrum, namely S. massiliense PMMF0073 and S. timoneanum PMMF0107, presented a similar morphology: irregular branched and aseptate hyphae with ribbon-like aspects and terminal vesicles at the apices all surrounded by cylindrical merosporangia. However, each species displayed distinct phenotypic and genotypic features. For example, S. timoneanum PMMF0107 was able to assimilate more carbon sources than S. massiliense PMMF0073, such as adonitol, α-methyl-D-glucoside, trehalose, turanose, succinic acid mono-methyl ester, and alaninamide. The polyphasic approach, combining the results of complementary phenotypic and genomic assays, was instrumental for describing and characterising these two new Syncephalastrum species.

Improved Understanding of the Macrofungal Diversity of Mongolia: Species Richness, Conservation Status, and An Annotated Checklist

In this study, we updated and revised the checklist of macrofungi, along with the distribution of phytogeographical regions and the regional conservation status in Mongolia. The checklist comprises 677 macrofungal species belonging to 284 genera and 119 families in the country. Based on previous studies, 18 species are currently invasive to Mongolia. In this checklist, only four species are endemic to Mongolia. Among the 677 species, the regional conservation status of 51 species was previously assessed as threatened in the country. Furthermore, we collected all available occurrence records from various sources. A total of 4733 occurrences of 655 species across Mongolia were analyzed for species richness based on a 0.5° × 0.5° grid cell size. We found the records to be unevenly distributed across Mongolia, where records from the northern and central parts dominate. Among these, we identified 43 grids with a high diversity of macrofungal species. Most of these grids did not reside inside by protected geographical areas.

Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic evidence reveal two new species and the first report of Comoclathris (Pleosporaceae, Pleosporales) on dicotyledonous plants from China

Two novel Comoclathris species were identified from dicotyledonous plants (Clematis sp. and Xanthocerassorbifolium) in China. The results were supported by morphological characters and Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) analyses. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of the ITS, LSU, SSU and rpb2 sequences revealed two new species Comoclathrisclematidis and C.xanthoceratis, which are phylogenetically distinct. The new species are phylogenetically closely related to C.arrhenatheri. However, they are distinguishable from C.arrhenatheri by having comparatively larger asci and ascospores. This study improves our knowledge of Comoclathris as no species has been previously described from China. This suggests such taxa may be rare and it is likely that new taxa will be discovered from hosts and environments that have not yet been extensively investigated.

Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Analyses Reveal Three New Wood-Inhabiting Fungi (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) in China

Three new wood-inhabiting fungal species, Cerioporus yunnanensis, Perenniporiopsis sinensis, and Sarcoporia yunnanensis, are proposed based on a combination of the morphological features and molecular evidence. Cerioporus yunnanensis is characterized by the pileate basidiomata having a fawn brown to black pileal surface, a dimitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and the presence of the fusoid cystidioles and cylindrical basidiospores (9-12.5 × 3.5-5 µm). Perenniporiopsis sinensis is distinct from the osseous pileus with verrucose, an orange-yellow to dark reddish-brown pileal surface with a cream margin, a trimitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and the presence of the fusiform cystidioles and ellipsoid basidiospores (9-11 × 5.5-6.5 µm). Sarcoporia yunnanensis is typical of the pileate basidiomata with a salmon to reddish-brown pileal surface, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and the presence of the ellipsoid basidiospores (4-5.5 × 2.5-4 µm). Sequences of ITS + nLSU + mt-SSU + TEF1 + RPB1 + RPB2 genes were used for the phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The multiple genes with six loci analysis showed that the three new species nested within the order Polyporales, in which C. yunnanensis and P. sinensis nested into the family Polyporaceae, and S. yunnanensis grouped into the family Sarcoporiaceae.

Identification and Biological Characteristics of Mortierella alpina Associated with Chinese Flowering Cherry (Cerasus serrulata) Leaf Blight in China

The Chinese flowering cherry (Cerasus serrulata), an ornamental tree with established medicinal values, is observed to suffer from leaf blight within Xi'an's greenbelts. This disease threatens both the plant's growth and its ornamental appeal. In this study, 26 isolates were obtained from plants with typical leaf blight, and only 3 isolates (XA-10, XA-15, and XA-18) were found to be pathogenic, causing similar symptoms on the leaves of the host plant. Based on sequence alignment, the ITS and LSU sequences of the three selected isolates were consistent, respectively. Following morphological and molecular analyses, the three selected isolates were further identified as Mortierella alpina. The three selected isolates exhibited similar morphological characteristics, including wavy colonies with dense, milky-white aerial mycelia on PDA medium. Therefore, isolate XA-10 was used as a representative strain for subsequent experiments. The representative strain XA-10 was found to exhibit optimal growth at a temperature of 30 °C and a pH of 7.0. Host range infection tests further revealed that the representative strain XA-10 could also inflict comparable disease symptoms on both the leaves and fruits of three different Rosaceae species (Prunus persica, Pyrus bretschneideri, and Prunus salicina). This study reveals, for the first time, the causative agent of leaf blight disease affecting the Chinese flowering cherry. This provides a deeper understanding of the biology and etiology of M. alpina. This study lays a solid foundation for the sustainable control and management of leaf blight disease in the Chinese flowering cherry.

Multi-Locus Phylogeny and Morphology Reveal Two New Species of Hypoxylon (Hypoxylaceae, Xylariales) from Motuo, China

Hypoxylaceous fungi are abundant in China, but their discovery and report are uneven in various provinces, with more fungi in Yunnan and Hainan and fewer fungi in Tibet. During the investigation of macro-fungi in Motuo county, Tibet Autonomous Region, we collected a number of xylarialean specimens. Six hypoxylaceous specimens growing on dead angiosperm were collected from the forests of Motuo county, and they were described and illustrated as two new species in Hypoxylon based on a combination of morphological characters and molecular evidence. Hypoxylon diperithecium was characterized by its bistratal perithecia, purple-brown stromatal granules, citrine to rust KOH-extractable pigments, and light brown to brown ascospores ellipsoid-inequilateral with conspicuous coil-like ornamentation. Hypoxylon tibeticum was distinct from other species by having pulvinate and applanate stromata, surface vinaceous, with orange granules, orange KOH-extractable pigments, and brown ascospores with inconspicuous ornamentation. The multi-gene phylogenetic analyses (ITS-LSU-RPB2-TUB) supported the two new taxa as separate lineages in the genus Hypoxylon. A key to all known Hypoxylon taxa from China is provided.

Changes in fungal taxonomy: mycological rationale and clinical implications

Numerous fungal species of medical importance have been recently subjected to and will likely continue to undergo nomenclatural changes as a result of the application of molecular approaches to fungal classification together with abandonment of dual nomenclature. Here, we summarize those changes affecting key groups of fungi of medical importance, explaining the mycological (taxonomic) rationale that underpinned the changes and the clinical relevance/importance (where such exists) of the key nomenclatural revisions. Potential mechanisms to mitigate unnecessary taxonomic instability are suggested, together with approaches to raise awareness of important changes to minimize potential clinical confusion.

Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny Reveal Five New Species of Laccaria (Hydnangiaceae, Agaricales) from Southern China

The genus Laccaria is a type of cosmopolitan and ecologically important fungal group. Members can form ectomycorrhizal associations with numerous trees, and some species are common edible fungi in local markets. Although some new species from China are recently published, the species diversity of Laccaria is still unclear in China. In this study, some samples of Laccaria were collected from southern China, and morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses based on the multilocus dataset of ITS-LSU-tef1-rpb2 confirmed five new species. Laccaria miniata, L. nanlingensis and L. neovinaceoavellanea were collected from subtropical broad-leaved forests, and L. rufobrunnea and L. umbilicata were collected from subtropical mixed forests of southwest China. Full descriptions, illustrations, comparisons with similar species and phylogenetic analysis are provided.

Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Neolentinus in northern China

Neolentinus is a significant genus, belonging to Gloeophyllaceae, with important economic and ecological values, which are parasites on decaying wood of broad-leaf or coniferous trees, and will cause brown rot. However, the taxonomic study is lagging behind to other groups of macrofungi, especially in China. In view of this, we conducted morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies on this genus. We have discovered new types of cheilocystidia and with extremely long lamellae in Neolentinus, and, thus proposed it as a new species-Neolentinus longifolius. At the same time, we clarified the distribution of Neolentinus cyathiformis in China and provided a detailed description. Moreover, we also described two common species, viz. Neolentinus lepideus and Neolentinus adhaerens. All the species are described based on the Chinese collections. The key to the reported species of Neolentinus from China is provided. And the phylogeny of Neolentinus from China is reconstructed based on DNA sequences of multiple loci including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef-1α). In addition, full morphological descriptions, illustrations, color photographs, taxonomic notes, and all the available sequences of Neolentinus species are provided.

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.

Insights into Some Onygenalean Fungi from Freshwater Sediments in Spain and Description of Novel Taxa

During the course of a project investigating culturable Ascomycota diversity from freshwater sediments in Spain, we isolated 63 strains of cycloheximide-resistant fungi belonging to the order Onygenales. These well-known ascomycetes, able to infect both humans and animals, are commonly found in terrestrial habitats, colonizing keratin-rich soils or dung. Little is known about their diversity in aquatic environments. Combining morphological features and sequence analyses of the ITS and LSU regions of the nrDNA, we identified 14 species distributed in the genera Aphanoascus, Arachniotus, Arthroderma, Arthropsis, Emmonsiellopsis, Gymnoascoideus, Leucothecium, Malbranchea, and Myriodontium. Furthermore, three novel species for the genus Malbranchea are proposed as M. echinulata sp. nov., M. irregularis sp. nov., and M. sinuata sp. nov. The new genera Albidomyces and Neoarthropsis are introduced based on Arachniotus albicans and Arthropsis hispanica, respectively. Neoarthropsis sexualis sp. nov. is characterized and differentiated morphologically from its counterpart by the production of a sexual morph. The novel family Neoarthropsidaceae is proposed for the genera Albidomyes, Apinisia, Arachnotheca, Myriodontium, and Neoarthropsis, based on their phylogenetic relationships and phenotypic and ecological traits. Pseudoamaurascopsis gen. nov. is introduced to accommodate P. spiralis sp. nov., a fungus with unclear taxonomy related to Amaurascopsis and Polytolypa. We traced the ecology and global distribution of the novel fungi through ITS environmental sequences deposited in the GlobalFungi database. Studying the fungal diversity from freshwater sediments not only contributes to filling gaps in the relationships and taxonomy of the Ascomycota but also gives us insights into the fungal community that might represent a putative risk to the health of animals and humans inhabiting or transient in aquatic environments.

Isolation, Identification, and Evaluation of the Predatory Activity of Chinese Arthrobotrys Species towards Economically Important Plant-Parasitic Nematodes

The current investigation aimed to isolate and identify predatory fungal strains and evaluate their efficacy in mitigating the effects of plant-parasitic nematodes. We successfully isolated three distinct nematophagous fungal strains from soil samples, identified as Arthrobotrys megalosporus, A. oligospora, and A. sinensis, using conventional and molecular identification methodologies. In vitro trials illustrated the high capture efficiency of these fungi against plant-parasitic nematodes. Over an exposure period of 48 h to Aphelenchoides besseyi, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, and Ditylenchus destructor, A. megalosporus (GUCC220044) displayed predation rates of 99.7%, 83.0%, and 21.1%, respectively. A. oligospora (GUCC220045) demonstrated predation rates of 97.3%, 97.3%, and 54.6%, and A. sinensis (GUCC220046) showed rates of 85.1%, 68.3%, and 19.0% against the same cohort of nematodes. The experimental outcomes substantiate that all three identified fungal strains demonstrate predatory activity against the tested nematodes, albeit with varying efficiencies.

New species and new combinations in the genus Paraisaria (Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) from the U.S.A., supported by polyphasic analysis

Molecular phylogenetic and chemical analyses, and morphological characterization of collections of North American Paraisaria specimens support the description of two new species and two new combinations for known species. P.cascadensissp. nov. is a pathogen of Cyphoderris (Orthoptera) from the Pacific Northwest USA and P.pseudoheteropodasp. nov. is a pathogen of cicadae (Hemiptera) from the Southeast USA. New combinations are made for Ophiocordycepsinsignis and O.monticola based on morphological, ecological, and chemical study. A new cyclopeptide family proved indispensable in providing chemotaxonomic markers for resolving species in degraded herbarium specimens for which DNA sequencing is intractable. This approach enabled the critical linkage of a 142-year-old type specimen to a phylogenetic clade. The diversity of Paraisaria in North America and the utility of chemotaxonomy for the genus are discussed.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Ganoderma (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) in Costa Rica

Ganoderma species are well recognised by their significant role in the recycling of nutrients in ecosystems and by their production of secondary metabolites of medical and biotechnological importance. Ganoderma spp. are characterised by laccate and non-laccate, woody basidiocarps, polypore hymenophores and double-walled basidiospores generally with truncate apex. Despite the importance of this genus, its taxonomy is unclear and it includes several species' complexes with few circumscribed species and incorrect geographic distributions. The aim of this work was to provide detailed morphological descriptions together with phylogenetic analyses using ITS sequences to confirm the presence of seven species of Ganoderma in Costa Rica: G.amazonense, G.applanatum s.l., G.australe, G.curtisii, G.ecuadorense, G.oerstedii and G.parvulum. This is the first study that integrates morphological and phylogenetic data of Ganoderma from Central America and a key of the neotropical species. Besides, the distribution range of G.curtisii, previously reported from North America and G.ecuadorense from South America, is expanded to Central America.

Diaporthe Species on Palms: Molecular Re-Assessment and Species Boundaries Delimitation in the D. arecae Species Complex

Due to cryptic diversification, phenotypic plasticity and host associations, multilocus phylogenetic analyses have become the most important tool in accurately identifying and circumscribing species in the Diaporthe genus. However, the application of the genealogical concordance criterion has often been overlooked, ultimately leading to an exponential increase in novel Diaporthe spp. Due to the large number of species, many lineages remain poorly understood under the so-called species complexes. For this reason, a robust delimitation of the species boundaries in Diaporthe is still an ongoing challenge. Therefore, the present study aimed to resolve the species boundaries of the Diaporthe arecae species complex (DASC) by implementing an integrative taxonomic approach. The Genealogical Phylogenetic Species Recognition (GCPSR) principle revealed incongruences between the individual gene genealogies. Moreover, the Poisson Tree Processes' (PTPs) coalescent-based species delimitation models identified three well-delimited subclades represented by the species D. arecae, D. chiangmaiensis and D. smilacicola. These results evidence that all species previously described in the D. arecae subclade are conspecific, which is coherent with the morphological indistinctiveness observed and the absence of reproductive isolation and barriers to gene flow. Thus, 52 Diaporthe spp. are reduced to synonymy under D. arecae. Recent population expansion and the possibility of incomplete lineage sorting suggested that the D. arecae subclade may be considered as ongoing evolving lineages under active divergence and speciation. Hence, the genetic diversity and intraspecific variability of D. arecae in the context of current global climate change and the role of D. arecae as a pathogen on palm trees and other hosts are also discussed. This study illustrates that species in Diaporthe are highly overestimated, and highlights the relevance of applying an integrative taxonomic approach to accurately circumscribe the species boundaries in the genus Diaporthe.

Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal two new graminicolous species, Curvularia aurantiasp. nov. and C. vidyodayana sp. nov. with new records of Curvularia spp. from Sri Lanka

Despite being a small island, Sri Lanka is rich in fungal diversity. Most of the fungi from Sri Lanka have been identified as pathogens of vegetables, fruits, and plantation crops to date. The pleosporalean genus Curvularia (Dothideomycetes) includes phytopathogenic, saprobic, endophytic, and human/animal opportunistic pathogenic fungal species. The majority of the plant-associated Curvularia species are known from poaceous hosts. During the current study, 22 geographical locations of the country were explored and collections were made from 10 different poaceous hosts. Morphology and molecular phylogeny based on three loci, including nuclear internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 with 5.8S nrDNA (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh), and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1) supported the description of two new species of fungi described herein as C. aurantia sp. nov. and C. vidyodayana sp. nov. Moreover, novel host-fungal association records for C. chiangmaiensis, C. falsilunata, C. lonarensis, C. plantarum, and C. pseudobrachyspora are updated herein. In addition, five species within the genus Curvularia, viz., C. asiatica, C. geniculata, C. lunata, C. muehlenbeckiae, and C. verruculosa represent new records of fungi from Sri Lanka. Citation: Ferdinandez HS, Manamgoda DS, Udayanga D, Munasinghe MS, Castlebury LA (2023). Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal two new graminicolous species, Curvularia aurantia sp. nov. and C. vidyodayana sp. nov. with new records of Curvularia spp. from Sri Lanka. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 12: 219-246. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.12.11.

Pleoardoris graminearum, gen. et sp. nov., a new member of Pleosporales from North American Plains, its biogeography and effects on a foundation grass species

Diverse fungi colonize plant roots worldwide and include species from many orders of the phylum Ascomycota. These fungi include taxa with dark septate hyphae that colonize grass roots and may modulate plant responses to stress. We describe a novel group of fungal isolates and evaluate their effects on the grass Bouteloua gracilis in vitro. We isolated fungi from roots of six native grasses from 24 sites spanning replicated latitudinal gradients in the south-central US grasslands and characterized isolates phylogenetically using a genome analysis. We analyzed 14 isolates representing a novel clade within the family Montagnulaceae (order Pleosporales), here typified as Pleoardoris graminearum, closely related to the genera Didymocrea and Bimuria. This novel species produces asexual, light brown pycnidium-like conidioma, hyaline hyphae, and chlamydospores when cultured on quinoa and kiwicha agar. To evaluate its effects on B. gracilis, seeds were inoculated with one of three isolates (DS304, DS334, and DS1613) and incubated at 25 C for 20 d. We also tested the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by the same isolates on B. gracilis root and stem lengths. Isolates had variable effects on plant growth. One isolate increased B. gracilis root length up to 34% compared with uninoculated controls. VOCs produced by two isolates increased root and stem lengths (P < 0.05) compared with controls. Internal transcribed spacer ITS2 metabarcode data revealed that P. graminearum is distributed across a wide range of sites in North America (22 of 24 sites sampled), and its relative abundance is influenced by host species identity and latitude. Host species identity and site were the most important factors determining P. graminearum relative abundance in drought experiments at the Extreme Drought in the Grasslands Experiment (EDGE) sites. Variable responses of B. gracilis to inoculation highlight the potential importance of nonmycorrhizal root-associated fungi on plant survival in arid ecosystems.

New mycoparasitic species in the genera Niveomyces and Pseudoniveomycesgen. nov. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), with sporothrix-like asexual morphs, from Thailand

Four new species of the genus Niveomyces are described from Thailand. They were found as mycoparasites on: Ophiocordyceps infecting flies (Diptera) for Niveomyces albus; ants (Hymenoptera) for N. formicidarum; and leafhoppers (Hemiptera) for N. hirsutellae and N. multisynnematus. A new genus, Pseudoniveomyces with two species: Pseudoniveo. blattae (type species), parasitic on Ophiocordyceps infecting cockroaches, and Pseudoniveo. arachnovorum, found on a spider egg sac, are also described. These fungi share a common feature which is a sporothrix-like asexual morph. Based on our molecular data, Sporothrix insectorum is shown to be affiliated to the genus Niveomyces, and thus a new combination N. insectorum comb. nov. is proposed. Niveomyces coronatus, N. formicidarum and N. insectorum formed the N. coronatus species complex found on ant-pathogenic Ophiocordyceps from different continents. Pseudoniveomyces species are distinguished from Niveomyces spp. based on the presence of fusoid macroconidia in culture and a red pigment diffused in the medium, resembling to Gibellula and Hevansia. The molecular phylogenetic analyses also confirmed its generic status. The host/substrates associated with the genera within Cordycipitaceae were mapped onto the phylogeny to demonstrate that mycoparasitism also evolved independently multiple times in this family. Citation: Kobmoo N, Tasanathai K, Araújo JPM, Noisripoom W, Thanakitpipattana D, Mongkolsamrit S, Himaman W, Houbraken J, Luangsa-ard JJ (2023). New mycoparasitic species in the genera Niveomyces and Pseudoniveomyces gen. nov. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), with sporothrix-like asexual morphs, from Thailand. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 12: 91-110. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.12.07.

A Portable Nucleic Acid Sensor Based on PCR for Simple, Rapid, and Sensitive Testing of Botrytis cinerea in Ginseng

Botrytis cinerea is a ubiquitous pathogen that can infect at least 200 dicotyledonous plant species including many agriculturally and economically important crops. In Ginseng, the fungus may cause ginseng gray mold disease, causing great economic losses in the ginseng industry. Therefore, the early detection of B. cinerea in the process of ginseng production is necessary for the disease prevention and control of the pathogen's spread. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction-nucleic acid sensor (PCR-NAS) rapid detection technique was established, and it can be used for field detection of B. cinerea through antipollution design and portable integration. The present study showed that the sensitivity of PCR-NAS technology is 10 times higher than that of traditional PCR-electrophoresis, and there is no need for expensive detection equipment or professional technicians. The detection results of nucleic acid sensors can be read by the naked eye in under 3 min. Meanwhile, the technique has high specificity for the detection of B. cinerea. The testing of 50 field samples showed that the detection results of PCR-NAS were consistent with those of the real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) method. The PCR-NAS technique established in this study can be used as a novel nucleic acid field detection technique, and it has a potential application in the field detection of B. cinerea to achieve early warning of the pathogen infection.

New genera and species with chloridium-like morphotype in the Chaetosphaeriales and Vermiculariopsiellales

In this study, we investigated the morphological and genetic variability of selected species belonging to the genus Chloridium sensu lato, some also referred to as chloridium-like asexual morphs and other undescribed morphologically similar fungi. These species do not conform to the revised generic concept and thus necessitate a re-evaluation in terms of taxonomy and phylogeny. The family Chaetosphaeriaceae (Chaetosphaeriales) encompasses a wide range of asexual morphotypes, and among them, the simplest form is represented by Chloridium sect. Chloridium. The morphological simplicity of the Chloridium morphotype has historically led to the amalgamation of numerous unrelated species, thereby creating a heterogeneous genus. By conducting phylogenetic reconstruction of four DNA loci and examining a set of 71 strains, including all available ex-type and other non-type strains as well as holotypes and other herbarium material, we were able to gain new insights into the relationships between these taxa. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the studied species are distantly related to Chloridium sensu stricto and can be grouped into two orders in the Sordariomycetes. Within the Chaetosphaeriales, they formed nine well-separated genera in four clades, such as Cacumisporium, Caliciastrum gen. nov., Caligospora gen. nov., Capillisphaeria gen. nov., Curvichaeta, Fusichloridium, Geniculoseta gen. nov., Papillospora gen. nov., and Spicatispora gen. nov. We also established Chloridiopsiella gen. nov. and Chloridiopsis gen. nov. in Vermiculariopsiellales. Four new species and eight new combinations are proposed in these genera. Our study provides a clearer understanding of the genus Chloridium, its relationship to other morphologically similar fungi, and a new taxonomic treatment and molecular phylogeny to facilitate their accurate identification and classification in future research. Taxonomic novelties: New genera: Caliciastrum Réblová, Caligospora Réblová, Capillisphaeria Réblová, Chloridiopsiella Réblová, Chloridiopsis Réblová, Geniculoseta Réblová, Papillospora Réblová, Spicatispora Réblová; New species: Caliciastrum bicolor Réblová, Caligospora pannosa Réblová, Chloridiopsis syzygii Réblová, Gongromerizella silvana Réblová; New combinations: Caligospora dilabens (Réblová & W. Gams) Réblová, Capillisphaeria crustacea (Sacc.) Réblová, Chloridiopsiella preussii (W. Gams & Hol.-Jech.) Réblová, Chloridiopsis constrictospora (Crous et al.) Réblová, Geniculoseta preussii (W. Gams & Hol.-Jech.) Réblová, Papillospora hebetiseta (Réblová & W. Gams) Réblová, Spicatispora carpatica (Hol.-Jech. & Révay) Réblová, Spicatispora fennica (P. Karst.) Réblová; Epitypifications (basionyms): Chaetosphaeria dilabens Réblová & W. Gams, Chloridium cylindrosporum W. Gams & Hol.-Jech. Citation: Réblová M, Nekvindová J (2023). New genera and species with chloridium-like morphotype in the Chaetosphaeriales and Vermiculariopsiellales. Studies in Mycology 106: 199-258. doi: 10.3114/sim.2023.106.04.

Addition of Five Novel Fungal Flora to the Xylariomycetidae (Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota) in Northern Thailand

The deviation of conventional fungal niches is an important factor in the implications of hidden fungal diversity and global fungal numbers. The Xylariomycetidae (Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota), which is also referred to as xylarialean taxa, has a wide range of species that demonstrate a high degree of variation in their stromatic characteristics, showing either conspicuous or inconspicuous forms. In this study, samples were collected while focusing on temporal and spatial parameters and substrate characteristics. Based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 28S large subunit rDNA (LSU), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), and β-tubulin (TUB2) multigene phylogeny and morphology, five new species are introduced as Muscodor brunneascosporus, M. lamphunensis (Xylariaceae), Nigropunctata hydei, N. saccata (Incertae sedis), and Xenoanthostomella parvispora (Gyrotrichaceae). Plant substrates in the early stages of decay and attached to the host were feasible sample niches, with an emphasis on the collection of inconspicuous, hidden xylarialean species. The appearance of inconspicuous saprobic xylarialean forms during the rainy season may be linked to the change in nutritional mode, from endophytic mode during the dry season to saprobic in the wet. Therefore, it would be fascinating to concentrate future research on how seasonal fluctuations affect nutritional mode shifts, especially in northern Thailand, which would provide the optimal spatial characteristics. In order to establish a comprehensive linkage between endophytic and saprobic modes, it is imperative to have a substantial representation of endophytic isolate sequences resembling inconspicuous xylariaceous fungi within publicly accessible databases.

Molecular Systematics and Taxonomic Analyses of Three New Wood-Inhabiting Fungi of Hyphoderma (Hyphodermataceae, Basidiomycota)

In this present study, three new wood-inhabiting fungal taxa, Hyphoderma niveomarginatum, H. sordidum and H. weishanense, are proposed. Hyphoderma niveomarginatum is characterized by the ceraceous basidiomata having a smooth, cracking hymenial surface and the presence of the moniliform cystidia and ellipsoid basidiospores (7-9 × 3.5-5 µm). Hyphoderma sordidum is characterized by its resupinate basidiomata with a smooth hymenial surface with the fimbriate margin, the presence of the tubular cystidia and ellipsoid basidiospores (3-4.5 × 2-3 µm). Hyphoderma weishanense differs in its membranous basidiomata with a slightly buff to buff hymenial surface and the presence of broadly ellipsoid basidiospores (4.5-8.5 × 4-7 µm). Sequences of ITS+nLSU+mt-SSU+RPB1+RPB2 genes were used for the phylogenetic analyses using three methods. The ITS+nLSU+mt-SSU+RPB1+RPB2 analysis of the genus Hyphoderma indicated that the 3 new species of Hyphoderma were nested into genus Hyphoderma, in which H. niveomarginatum formed a single group and then grouped with H. membranaceum and H. sinense; H. sordidum was a sister to H. nudicephalum; and H. weishanense closely grouped with H. crystallinum.

Eoscyphella luciurceolata gen. and sp. nov. (Agaricomycetes) Shed Light on Cyphellopsidaceae with a New Lineage of Bioluminescent Fungi

During nocturnal field expeditions in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, an unexpected bioluminescent fungus with reduced form was found. Based on morphological data, the taxon was first identified as belonging to the cyphelloid genus Maireina, but in our phylogenetic analyses, Maireina was recovered and confirmed as a paraphyletic group related to genera Merismodes and Cyphellopsis. Maireina filipendula, Ma. monacha, and Ma. subsphaerospora are herein transferred to Merismodes. Based upon morphological and molecular characters, the bioluminescent cyphelloid taxon is described as the new genus Eoscyphella, characterized by a vasiform to urceolate basidiomata, subglobose to broadly ellipsoid basidiospores, being pigmented, weakly to densely encrusted external hyphae, regularly bi-spored basidia, unclamped hyphae, and an absence of both conspicuous long external hairs and hymenial cystidia. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS rDNA and LSU rDNA support the proposal of the new genus and confirm its position in Cyphellopsidaceae. Eoscyphella luciurceolata represents a new lineage of bioluminescent basidiomycetes with reduced forms.

First Japanese case of disseminated blastomycosis imported from North America: A case report

Blastomycosis is a fungal infectious disease that can occur in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent populations endemic in North America, with no previous reports in Japan. A 26-year-old Japanese female patient with no relevant medical history presented intermittent left back pain and an abnormal shadow in the left upper lung field eight months ago at a local clinic. She was referred to our hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The patient currently lives in Japan, but until two years ago had spent several years in New York, Vermont and California. Chest computed tomography revealed a 30 mm mass with a cavity in the left pulmonary apex. The specimens obtained by transbronchial biopsy showed periodic acid-Schiff stain (PAS)-positive and Grocott-positive yeast-like fungi scattered among the granulomas, with no malignant findings, and the initial pathology did not lead to a definitive diagnosis. She was empirically started on fluconazole because of onset of multiple subcutaneous abscesses and was referred to the Medical Mycology Research Center. Although antibody tests could not diagnose the disease, blastomycosis was suspected based on the pathology of the skin and lung tissue at the Medical Mycology Research Center, and Blastomyces dermatitidis was identified by ITS analysis of the rRNA region. Her symptoms and CT findings gradually improved with fluconazole. We reported the first Japanese case of blastomycosis with pulmonary and cutaneous involvement in Japan. As the number of overseas travelers is expected to continue increasing, we would like to emphasize the importance of travel history interviews and information of blastomycosis.

Evaluation of MALDI-TOF MS, sequencing of D2 LSU rRNA and internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) for the identification of filamentous fungi isolated from a pharmaceutical facility

The identification of filamentous fungi through culture characterization may be hampered by phenotypic variability. Information obtained from the identification of microorganisms are important for investigation of sources of contamination of a product or process. The aim of this study was to identify filamentous fungal strains (n = 50) isolated from a pharmaceutical facility by using Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), as well as D2 domain of the large-subunit (LSU) ribosomal RNA gene and internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) sequencing. MALDI-TOF MS system only identified five strains at the species level, while 45 were not identified. The analysis through GenBank allowed the identification of up to 19 strains at the species level, while MycoBank allowed the identification of up to nine strains at the species level. The databases identified up to 11 genera: Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Chaetomium, Coniochaeta, Curvularia, Diaporthe, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Rhizopus and Microdochium. MALDI-TOF MS showed an insufficient database to identify the species of fungi. DNA sequencing was the best methodology to identify to the genus level but was unable to differentiate between closely related species. Therefore further methods for the identification of filamentous fungi from pharmaceutical areas at species level need to be developed.

Comparison of Fungal Genera Isolated from Cucumber Plants and Rhizosphere Soil by Using Various Cultural Media

Plant endophytic fungi and rhizosphere soil fungi are often reported as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens or with plant growth promotion potential. Four treatments were performed in field and greenhouse experiments where cucumber plants were inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum and Fusarium oxysporum in 2022. The roots, stems and leaves of cucumber plants and their rhizosphere soil were collected twice individually from the field and greenhouse for isolation of cucumber endophytic and rhizosphere soil fungi. All fungal strains were identified through sequence similarity of the ITS1-5.8s-ITS2 rDNA region. The potato dextrose agar (PDA) media yielded the highest number of genera isolated from cucumber plants, rhizosphere soil and both compared to other media. There were no significant differences among the four media for the isolation of all cucumber endophytic fungi. However, in the roots, the number of endophytic fungi isolated by MRBA was significantly higher than that isolated on malt extract agar (MEA), while in the stems, the number of fungi isolated with PDA was significantly higher than that isolated with Martin's rose bengal agar medium (MRBA). PDA had significantly higher isolation efficiency for the rhizosphere soil fungi than MRBA. The 28 fungal genera had high isolation efficiency, and the endophytic Trichoderma strains were significantly more isolated by MEA than those of MRBA. It is suggested that PDA can be used as a basic medium, and different cultural media can be considered for specific fungal genera.

Systematic screening strategy for fungal laccase activity of endophytes from Otoba gracilipes with bioremediation potential

Fungal laccases are promising for biotechnological applications, including bioremediation and dye biotransformation, due to their high redox potential and broad substrate specificity. However, current bioprospecting methods for identifying laccase-producing fungi can be challenging and time-consuming. For early detection, it was developed a three-step, multi-criteria weighting system that evaluates fungal strains based on: First, the biotransformation capacity of three dyes (i.e., Congo red, brilliant blue G-250, and malachite green), at three different pH values, and with a relative weighting supported for the redox potential of each colorant. The relative decolorization coefficient (RDC), used as th2e first classification criterion, expressed their potential performance. Second, under the same conditions, laccase activity was estimated by observing the different degrees of oxidation of a given substrate. The selection criterion was the relative oxidation coefficient (ROC). Finally, laccase activity was quantified in submerged fermentations using three inducers (i.e., loofah sponge, Tween 80, and veratyl alcohol). This multicriteria screening strategy evaluated sixteen isolated endophytic fungal strains from Otoba gracilipes. The system identified Beltraniopsis sp. ET-17 (at pH values of 5.00 and 5.50) as a promising strain for dye biotransformation, and Phlebia floridensis as the best laccase producer, achieving a high activity of 116 μmol min-1 L-1 with loofah sponge as an inducer. In-vitro testing confirmed the efficacy of P. floridensis, with 53.61 % decolorization of a dye mixture (brilliant blue-Congo red. ratio 1:1) after 15 days of incubation. Thus, with the proposed screening strategy it was possible to highlight two species of interest at an early bioprospecting stage on a Colombian native tree poorly explored.

Exploring diversity rock-inhabiting fungi from northern Thailand: a new genus and three new species belonged to the family Herpotrichiellaceae

Members of the family Herpotrichiellaceae are distributed worldwide and can be found in various habitats including on insects, plants, rocks, and in the soil. They are also known to be opportunistic human pathogens. In this study, 12 strains of rock-inhabiting fungi that belong to Herpotrichiellaceae were isolated from rock samples collected from forests located in Lamphun and Sukhothai provinces of northern Thailand during the period from 2021 to 2022. On the basis of the morphological characteristics, growth temperature, and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of a combination of the internal transcribed spacer, the large subunit, and the small subunit of ribosomal RNA, beta tubulin and the translation elongation factor 1-a genes, the new genus, Petriomyces gen. nov., has been established to accommodate the single species, Pe. obovoidisporus sp. nov. In addition, three new species of Cladophialophora have also been introduced, namely, Cl. rupestricola, Cl. sribuabanensis, and Cl. thailandensis. Descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic trees indicating the placement of these new taxa are provided. Here, we provide updates and discussions on the phylogenetic placement of other fungal genera within Herpotrichiellaceae.

Comprehensive Investigation of Die-Back Disease Caused by Fusarium in Durian

Durian (Durio zibethinus L.) is an economically important crop in the southern and eastern parts of Thailand. The occurrence of die-back disease caused by plant pathogenic fungi poses a serious threat to the quality and quantity of durian products. However, the identification of causal agents has been a subject of mixed information and uncertainty. In this research, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of die-back disease in nine durian plantations located in Thailand. By analyzing a total of 86 Fusarium isolates obtained from infected tissues, we aimed to provide clarity and a better understanding of the fungal pathogens responsible for this economically significant disease. Through a combination of colony characteristics, microscopic morphology, and a multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) gene, and RNA polymerase II gene (RPB2) sequences, we were able to identify and categorize the isolates into three distinct groups, namely, Fusarium incarnatum, F. solani, and F. mangiferae. Koch's postulates demonstrated that only F. incarnatum and F. solani were capable of causing die-back symptoms. This research represents the first report of F. incarnatum as a causal agent of die-back disease in durian in Thailand. Additionally, this study uncovers the association of ambrosia beetles and F. solani, highlighting the potential involvement of E. similia in facilitating the spread of die-back disease caused by Fusarium in durian.

Redefining the Genus Corollospora Based on Morphological and Phylogenetic Approaches

The present study, initially to resolve the cryptic species within Corollospora maritima, is to determine how to attain taxonomic discrimination at species and generic levels. Multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) of the ITS, 28S, and 18S regions of the nuclear ribosomal cistron were separately subjected to pairwise distance assessments, Bayesian, and Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses. Morphological descriptions of 15 type strains of Corollospora species, along with MSAs involving representatives of the whole genus Corollospora (268 isolates, many from C. maritima sensu lato) totaling 355 published sequences, allowed phylogenetic assessments conducted to the following p-distance thresholds in the ITS/28S regions: ≥3%/1% for species segregation and ≥8%/2% for generic segregation. This resulted in the introduction of 10 new genera encompassing 13 new combinations of current Corollospora species: Ajigaurospora pseudopulchella, Corollosporella anglusa, Corollosporella ramulosa, Corollosporopsis portsaidica, Garethelia parvula, Honshuriella fusca, Keraliethelia pulcehlla, Nakagariella filiformis, Paracorollospora angusta, Paracorollospora luteola, Paracorollospora marina, Shirahamella gracilis, and Tokuratelia colossa. Furthermore, seven undefined genera considered putative new genera (pNGenus A to G), and 16 undefined putative new species (seven spp. come from the resolution of the C. maritima complex), await re-assessment of their morphology and additional molecular data, which may result in the recognition of new taxa.

Two novel species and three new records of Torulaceae from Yunnan Province, China

While investigating the diversity of lignicolous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, six fresh collections of Torulaceae were collected and identified based on morphological examination and phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, ITS, SSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 sequence data. Two new species, viz. Neopodoconisyunnanensis and Torulasuae, and three new records, viz. T.canangae (new freshwater habitat record), T.masonii (new host record), and T.sundara (new freshwater habitat record) are reported. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of these species are provided.

The Fungal Microbiome of the Upper Airway Is Associated With Future Loss of Asthma Control and Exacerbation Among Children With Asthma

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence suggests that the upper airway bacterial microbiota is implicated in asthma inception, severity, and exacerbation. Unlike bacterial microbiota, the role of the upper airway fungal microbiome (mycobiome) in asthma control is poorly understood.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the upper airway fungal colonization patterns among children with asthma and their relationship with subsequent loss of asthma control and exacerbation of asthma?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was coupled with the Step Up Yellow Zone Inhaled Corticosteroids to Prevent Exacerbations (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02066129) clinical trial. The upper airway mycobiome was investigated using Internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) sequencing of nasal blow samples collected from children with asthma when asthma was well controlled (baseline, n = 194) and during early signs of loss of asthma control (yellow zone [YZ], n = 107).

RESULTS

At baseline, 499 fungal genera were detected in the upper airway samples, with two commensal fungal species, Malassezia globosa and Malassezia restricta, being most dominant. The relative abundance of Malassezia species varies by age, BMI, and race. Higher relative abundance of M globosa at baseline was associated with lower risk of future YZ episodes (P = .038) and longer time to development of first YZ episode (P = .022). Higher relative abundance of M globosa at YZ episode was associated with lower risk of progression from YZ episode to severe asthma exacerbation (P = .04). The upper airway mycobiome underwent significant changes from baseline to YZ episode, and increased fungal diversity was correlated highly with increased bacterial diversity (ρ = 0.41).

INTERPRETATION

The upper airway commensal mycobiome is associated with future asthma control. This work highlights the importance of the mycobiota in asthma control and may contribute to the development of fungi-based markers to predict asthma exacerbation.

Pleomorphic Dematiomelanommayunnanense gen. et sp. nov. (Ascomycota, Melanommataceae) from grassland vegetation in Yunnan, China

During a survey of microfungi associated with grasslands and related vegetation types from Yunnan Province in China, various ascomycetous and coelomycetous fungi were isolated. This study reports the discovery of four strains of ascomycetous and coelomycetous fungi from dead stalks of Hypericummonogynum L. (Hypericaceae) and Rubusparvifolius L. (Rosaceae) in the Zhaotong region of Yunnan Province, China. The isolates were characterized using multi-locus phylogenetic analyses and were found to represent a new monophyletic lineage in Melanommataceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes). This new clade was named as Dematiomelanommayunnanense gen. et sp. nov. which consists of both sexual and asexual morphs. The sexual morph is characterized by globose to subglobose ascomata with a central ostiole, cylindrical asci with a pedicel and ocular chamber, and muriform, ellipsoidal to fusiform ascospores. The asexual morph has synanamorphs including both brown, muriform macroconidia and hyaline, round to oblong or ellipsoidal microconidia. These findings contribute to the understanding of fungal diversity in grasslands and related vegetation types in Yunnan Province, China.