The diversity of cultivable endophytic fungi of the sand coast plant Ipomoeapes-caprae in Taiwan

Background

Ipomoeapes-caprae is a plant of sand coasts and it can tolerate stresses, such as high salinity, strong wind and sand movements and lack of nutrients. It plays an important role in coast protection and preventing erosion. Fungal endophytes show high biodiversity and have a strong influence on the survival of plants under different stress factors. Although this plant is important for sand coast ecosystems, little is known about the associated fungi. In this study, we isolated and identified endophytic fungi of Ipomoeapes-caprae, a dominant plant along the shore of Taiwan. The dataset contains 896 records, which correspond to 177 species. The geographical scope of the dataset covers the northern subtropical area of the main island of Taiwan, with its sand coasts in New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Taichung and two botanical gardens in Taipei and Taichung. The detailed original data of fungal diversity are rarely publicly shared under strictly formalised and, thus, reusable standards. As an example for such an approach, the complete occurrence dataset was made available in the Darwin Core Archive format via the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) under Version 1.13, Taiwan Biodiversity Information Facility (TaiBIF) https://doi.org/10.15468/9h9rcg. In this first data paper on endophytic fungi, the scientific name and associated DNA sequence in the dataset were directly linked to other free online resource (Index Fungorum, GenBank), which shows the potential of GBIF for linking together different online data repositories.

New information

We describe a dataset, in which the diversity of endophytic fungi of the sand coast plant Ipomoeapes-caprae in Taiwan was investigated.

Competing sexual-asexual generic names in Agaricomycotina (Basidiomycota) with recommendations for use

With the change to one scientific name for fungal taxa, generic names typified by species with sexual or asexual morph types are being evaluated to determine which names represent the same genus and thus compete for use. In this paper generic names of the Agaricomycotina (Basidiomycota) were evaluated to determine synonymy based on their type. Forty-seven sets of sexually and asexually typified names were determined to be congeneric and recommendations are made for which generic name to use. In most cases the principle of priority is followed. However, 16 generic names are recommended for use that do not have priority and thus need to be protected: Aleurocystis over Matula; Armillaria over Acurtis and Rhizomorpha; Asterophora over Ugola; Botryobasidium over Acladium, Allescheriella, Alysidium, Haplotrichum, Physospora, and Sporocephalium; Coprinellus over Ozonium; Coprinopsis over Rhacophyllus; Dendrocollybia over Sclerostilbum and Tilachlidiopsis; Diacanthodes over Bornetina; Echinoporia over Echinodia; Neolentinus over Digitellus; Postia over Ptychogaster; Riopa over Sporotrichum; Scytinostroma over Artocreas, Michenera, and Stereofomes; Tulasnella over Hormomyces; Typhula over Sclerotium; and Wolfiporia over Gemmularia and Pachyma. Nine species names are proposed for protection: Botryobasidium aureum, B. conspersum, B. croceum, B. simile, Pellicularia lembosporum (syn. B. lembosporum), Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Polyporus metamorphosus (syn. Riopa metamorphosa), Polyporus mylittae (syn. Laccocephalum mylittae), and Polyporus ptychogaster (syn. Postia ptychogaster). Two families are proposed for protection: Psathyrellaceae and Typhulaceae. Three new species names and 30 new combinations are established, and one lectotype is designated.

First records of powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphales) on medicinal plants in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Production of medicinal plants in Taiwan is not only hampered by international market competition, but also lack of knowledge of their pathogens, such as powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphales, Ascomycota). Records of these fungi in Taiwan originate from few researchers for the last one hundred years and are still incomplete. Since powdery mildews in tropical/subtropical environments rarely develop the sexual stages with morphologically diagnostic characteristics, internal transcribed spacer sequences (ITS) of the ribosomal RNA genes obtained from the asexual stages have become important modern tools for species identification.

RESULTS

Powdery mildews on medicinal plants from educational and ornamental plantations in Taiwan were identified based on the anamorph morphology and ITS sequences. Four powdery mildews on medicinal plants are new records for Taiwan, Arthrocladiella mougeotii on Lycium chinense, Erysiphe glycines on Pueraria lobata, Erysiphe lespedezae on Bauhinia sp., Desmodium caudatum, and Uraria crinita, and E. lonicerae on Lonicera japonica. Eryngium foetidum is a new host for Erysiphe heraclei hitherto known on other host plants in Taiwan. Eryngium foetidum and Uraria crinita are new host plants for powdery mildews worldwide. Only specific field collection of the pathogens yielded the new records, not checking plant specimens in a phanerogam herbarium. The pathogens did not cause death of the host plants, but appeared to enhance stress by infection of mature leaves.

CONCLUSIONS

Taxonomic study of powdery mildews in Taiwan results into new host records of economically important medicinal plants in Taiwan with potential consequences for plant production and quarantine and also shows that host records are quite incomplete worldwide. Although ITS sequences were useful for species identification, the lack of data for several species on the same host genus on the one hand and the low variation between closely related species on the other indicate the need for further study.

First Inventory of Fungi in Symptomless and Symptomatic Chinese Mesona Indicates Phytopathological Threat

Chinese mesona (Platostoma palustre) plays an important role as special crop in Southeast Asia and Taiwan for the production of herbal tea, grass jelly, and further processed food. In order to assess the potential threat of fungi to Chinese mesona, we surveyed isolates from symptomless plants in the area of mesona production, as well as from leaf spots of potted plants in a garden shop and a plantation in a botanical garden in Taiwan. From leaves, stems, and roots of 15 symptomless plants sampled at five collection events over two years, 154 isolates from 810 surface-sterilized plant fragments were obtained and identified based on DNA sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer region, and partially of the β-tubulin and histone H3 genes. The most common species belonged to the genera Cercospora, Colletotrichum, and Fusarium and were considered to be potential plant pathogens. Latent pathogenicity was confirmed by an infection experiment with an endophytic strain of Corynespora cassiicola. Observation of leaf spot disease associated with Cercospora kikuchii suggested pathogenicity of this fungus, which was also isolated as an endophyte from symptomless leaves. We hypothesize that the most common endophytic fungi are latent pathogens in the host and may cause plant disease when the host becomes weakened by senescence or changed cultivation condition. Leaf spots of plants in the botanical garden were associated with a species of Pseudocercospora, which was not found among the endophytic isolates and is newly described based on morphology and analysis of translation elongation factor 1 alpha gene sequences.

First report of the oil palm disease fungus Marasmius palmivorus from Taiwan causing stem rot disease on native Formosa palm Arenga engleri as new host

Basidiomata were found on dead stems of wild native Formosa palm (Arenga engleri) in Taiwan. The fungus was identified based on morphology and internal transcribed spacer sequence comparison as the oil palm pathogen Marasmius palmivorus. A pathogenicity test with cultivated mycelium of M. palmivorus positively produced disease symptoms and death of non-wounded Formosa palm tree seedlings under excessive moisture conditions. These results indicate that mycelial inoculum may be more important for pathogenesis than spore inoculum and that the fungus does not require wounds for entry into the plant. Host records in the literature are critically revised. The extended geographical and host distribution indicate a greater risk by M. palmivorus in palm plantations than hitherto anticipated. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Certain palm species are susceptible to disease caused by Marasmius palmivorus, particularly in oil and coconut palm plantations in tropical countries. Hitherto, there is no published information on the morphology and pathogenicity of the species in Taiwan.

Biodegradation of the endocrine disrupter 4-t-octylphenol by the non-ligninolytic fungus Fusarium falciforme RRK20: Process optimization, estrogenicity assessment, metabolite identification and proposed pathways

4-t-octylphenol (4-t-OP), a well-known endocrine disrupting compound, is frequently found in various environmental compartments at levels that may cause adverse effects to the ecosystem and public health. To date, most of the studies that investigate microbial transformations of 4-t-OP have focused on the process mediated by bacteria, ligninolytic fungi, or microbial consortia. There is no report on the complete degradation mechanism of 4-t-OP by non-ligninolytic fungi. In this study, we conducted laboratory experiments to explore and characterize the non-ligninolytic fungal strain Fusarium falciforme RRK20 to degrade 4-t-OP. Using the response surface methodology, the initial biomass concentration and temperature were the factors identified to be more influential on the efficiency of the biodegradation process as compared with pH. Under the optimized conditions (i.e., 28 °C, pH 6.5 with an initial inoculum density of 0.6 g L^-1), 25 mg L^-1 4-t-OP served as sole carbon source was completely depleted within a 14-d incubation; addition of low dosage of glucose was shown to significantly accelerate 4-t-OP degradation. The yeast estrogenic screening assay further confirmed the loss of estrogenic activity during the biodegradation process, though a longer incubation period was required for complete removal of estrogenicity. Metabolites identified by LC-MS/MS revealed that strain RRK20 might degrade 4-t-OP as sole energy source via alkyl chain oxidation and aromatic ring hydroxylation pathways. Together, these results not only suggest the potential use of non-ligninolytic fungi like strain RRK20 in remediation of 4-t-OP contaminated environments but may also improve our understanding of the environmental fate of 4-t-OP.

The importance of ST elevation in V2-4 ECG leads in athletes

BACKGROUND

Early repolarization in the anterior ECG leads (ERV_2-4) is considered to be a sign of right ventricular (RV) remodeling, but its etiology and importance are unclear.

METHODS

A total of 243 top-level endurance-trained athletes (ETA; 183 men and 60 women, weekly training hours: 15-20) and 120 leisure-time athletes (LTA; 71 men and 49 women, weekly training hours: 5-6) were investigated. The ERV_2-4 sign was evaluated concerning type of sport, gender, transthoracic echocardiographic parameters, and ECG changes, which can indicate elevated RV systolic pressure [left atrium enlargement (LAE), right atrium enlargement (RAE), RV conduction defect (RVcd)].

RESULTS

Stroke volume and left ventricular mass were higher in ETAs vs. LTAs in both genders (p < 0.01). Prevalence of the ERV_2-4 sign was significantly higher in men than in women [p = 0.000, odds ratio (OR) = 36.4] and in ETAs than in LTAs (p = 0.000). The highest ERV_2-4 prevalence appeared in the most highly trained triathlonists and canoe and kayak paddlers (OR = 13.8 and 5.2, respectively). Within the ETA group, the post-exercise LAE, RAE, and RVcd changes developed more frequently in cases with than without ERV_2-4 (LAE: men: p < 0.05, females: p < 0.005; RAE: men: p < 0.05, females: p < 0.005; RVcd: N.S.). These post-exercise appearing LAE, RAE, and RVcd are associated with the ERV_2-4 sign (OR = 4.0, 3.7, and 3.8, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

According to these results, ERV_2-4 develops mainly in male ETAs due to long-lasting and repeated endurance training. The ERV_2-4 sign indicates RV's adaptation to maintain higher compensatory pulmonary pressure and flow during exercise but its danger regarding malignant arrhythmias is unclear.

Medicinal Mushroom Taiwanofungus camphoratus: A potential cure for cancer

Background: Based on traditional and folk medicine, mushrooms have been developed into anti-cancer therapeutics. In this article, a brief overview is given of the most important medical mushroom species and their specific anti-cancer functions and mechanisms. Taiwanofungus camphoratus (Antrodia cinnamomea), is a medical fungus chosen  to examine  the process from ethnomedicine to developing new products for the market based on scientific, analytic, and experimental evidence. The bioactive compounds have indirect effects in cancer treatment by benefiting the immune system as well as having direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.Taiwanofungus camphoratus is a fungus endemic to Taiwan and one of the most popular known alternative remedies for liver cancer in Taiwan. To date, more than 150 liver cancer patients have survived using T. camphoratus. The treatment has caused tumor shrinking, as well as the disappearance of a tumor altogether in some cases. The ratio between male and female patients has been nearly equal, with ages ranging between 20-79 years. The most effective candidates are those between the ages of 40-60 years.The complex mixture of bioactive compounds in natural fruit bodies is a challenge for artificial production in vitro. Particular problems in developing T. camphoratus into therapeutics for the global market are its rarity in nature and its close dependence on an endemic tree in Taiwan. These challenges can help promote new solutions which could be utilized in the future with other medical fungiKeywords: Medicinal mushrooms, anti-cancer therapeutics, Taiwanofungus camphoratus, liver cancer.

The plant growth-promoting potential of the mesophilic wood-rot mushroom Pleurotus pulmonarius

AIMS

To demonstrate the plant growth-promoting potential of a wood-decay mushroom.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A wild strain of a white rot fungus (Pleurotus pulmonarius) was found to convert 10 mmol l^-1 L-tryptophan (TRP) to approximately 15 μg ml^-1 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) under the optimal growth conditions of 30°C and pH 5 for 15 days. Results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry indicated IAA synthesis through the indole-3-pyruvic acid pathway when using cellulose as a sole carbon source. The mycelium as well as the culture filtrate promoted the growth and chlorophyll content of seedlings. In a monocotyledonous plant (rice), the number of lateral roots was increased experimentally, whereas in a dicotyledonous plant (tomato), the fungus led to an increased length of shoots and roots.

CONCLUSIONS

TRP-dependent IAA production was demonstrated for the first time for P. pulmonarius and may be responsible for enhancing plant growth in vitro.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Synthesis of IAA as the most prevalent phytohormone in plants has been demonstrated for soil microfungi. Pleurotus pulmonarius is reported as an IAA-producing wood-decay macrofungus. The higher temperature optimum of P. pulmonarius isolated from subtropical environment compared to other Pleurotus species from temperate regions makes it more suitable for application in subtropical/tropical regions.

Diversity of Endophytic Fungi of the Coastal Plant Vitex rotundifolia in Taiwan

Vitex rotundifolia L. f. (Lamiaceae), which commonly grows at sand coasts, is important for coast protection and the prevention of erosion. However, the diversity and roles of fungi associated with this plant remain unclear. A total of 1,052 endophytic isolates from 1,782 plants tissues from two sand beaches in northern Taiwan were classified into 76 morphospecies based on culture morphology and ITS or LSU rRNA gene sequence comparisons. Critical species were further identified using protein gene sequences and microscopy. Most of the isolates at both sites belonged to the phylum Ascomycota, with Pleosporales having the most species (15 species). The largest number of isolates (47.7%) was from the stems, followed by the roots (22.5%), leaves (16.6%), and branches (13.1%). The three species with the highest isolation frequencies at both sites were Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus terreus, and an undescribed species of Alpestrisphaeria. A. terreus was found in all organs. A. alternata was detected in all organs, except the roots. Alpestrisphaeria sp. was only found in the roots and stems. In the stems and roots, strain numbers from cortical tissues were approximately two-fold higher than those from the corresponding woody tissue. The overall colonization rate in the stems was significantly higher than those that in the roots and leaves. The majority of fungi appeared to be saprobes, which may play important roles in nutrient recycling during sand burial and mediate further stress factors in the coastal habitat.

Competing sexual and asexual generic names in Pucciniomycotina and Ustilaginomycotina (Basidiomycota) and recommendations for use

With the change to one scientific name for pleomorphic fungi, generic names typified by sexual and asexual morphs have been evaluated to recommend which name to use when two names represent the same genus and thus compete for use. In this paper, generic names in Pucciniomycotina and Ustilaginomycotina are evaluated based on their type species to determine which names are synonyms. Twenty-one sets of sexually and asexually typified names in Pucciniomycotina and eight sets in Ustilaginomycotina were determined to be congeneric and compete for use. Recommendations are made as to which generic name to use. In most cases the principle of priority is followed. However, eight generic names in the Pucciniomycotina, and none in Ustilaginomycotina, are recommended for protection: Classicula over Naiadella, Gymnosporangium over Roestelia, Helicobasidium over Thanatophytum and Tuberculina, Melampsorella over Peridermium, Milesina over Milesia, Phragmidium over Aregma, Sporobolomyces over Blastoderma and Rhodomyces, and Uromyces over Uredo. In addition, eight new combinations are made: Blastospora juruensis, B. subneurophyla, Cronartium bethelii, C. kurilense, C. sahoanum, C. yamabense, Milesina polypodii, and Prospodium crusculum combs. nov.

Considerations and consequences of allowing DNA sequence data as types of fungal taxa

Nomenclatural type definitions are one of the most important concepts in biological nomenclature. Being physical objects that can be re-studied by other researchers, types permanently link taxonomy (an artificial agreement to classify biological diversity) with nomenclature (an artificial agreement to name biological diversity). Two proposals to amend the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN), allowing DNA sequences alone (of any region and extent) to serve as types of taxon names for voucherless fungi (mainly putative taxa from environmental DNA sequences), have been submitted to be voted on at the 11th International Mycological Congress (Puerto Rico, July 2018). We consider various genetic processes affecting the distribution of alleles among taxa and find that alleles may not consistently and uniquely represent the species within which they are contained. Should the proposals be accepted, the meaning of nomenclatural types would change in a fundamental way from physical objects as sources of data to the data themselves. Such changes are conducive to irreproducible science, the potential typification on artefactual data, and massive creation of names with low information content, ultimately causing nomenclatural instability and unnecessary work for future researchers that would stall future explorations of fungal diversity. We conclude that the acceptance of DNA sequences alone as types of names of taxa, under the terms used in the current proposals, is unnecessary and would not solve the problem of naming putative taxa known only from DNA sequences in a scientifically defensible way. As an alternative, we highlight the use of formulas for naming putative taxa (candidate taxa) that do not require any modification of the ICN.

Enrichment, isolation, and biodegradation potential of long-branched chain alkylphenol degrading non-ligninolytic fungi from wastewater

4-t-Octylphenol (4-t-OP) has become a serious environmental concern due to the endocrine disruption in animals and humans. The biodegradation of 4-t-OP by pure cultures has been extensively investigated only in bacteria and wood-decaying fungi. In this study we isolated and identified 14 filamentous fungal strains from wastewater samples in Taiwan using 4-t-OP as a sole carbon and energy source. The isolates were identified based on sequences from different DNA regions. Of 14 fungal isolates, 10 strains grew effectively on solid medium with a wide variety of endocrine disrupting chemicals as the sole carbon and energy source. As revealed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, the most effective 4-t-OP degradation (>70%) in liquid medium was observed in Fusarium falciforme after 15days. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the degradation of 4-t-OP as a sole carbon and energy source by non-ligninolytic fungi.

A case of bilateral otomycosis associated with Aspergillus flavus and A. terreus in Taiwan

Otitis externa caused by fungi (otomycosis) occurs more commonly in tropical areas with high moisture than in temperate regions. Bilateral otomycosis is, however, rarely reported. In a case of bilateral otitis externa in a 56-year-old male patient in Taiwan, direct microscopic examination of the cerumen as well as isolation of strains indicated the presence of two Aspergillus species being different in each of both ears. The species were identified by DNA sequence comparisons and additional morphological confirmation of diagnostic characteristics as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus. The rarely reported occurrence of two Aspergillus species in otitis of the same patient deserves attention in other cases of otomycosis, particularly with respect to potentially different resistances of different species against antifungals. Treatment with nystatin/neomycin was not successful, but with clotrimazole was effective.

Biodegradation of the endocrine disrupter 4-tert-octylphenol by the yeast strain Candida rugopelliculosa RRKY5 via phenolic ring hydroxylation and alkyl chain oxidation pathways

4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutane)-phenol (4-tert-OP) is one of the most prevalent endocrine disrupting pollutants. Information about bioremediation of 4-tert-OP remains limited, and no study has been reported on the mechanism of 4-tert-OP degradation by yeasts. The yeast Candida rugopelliculosa RRKY5 was proved to be able to utilize 4-methylphenol, bisphenol A, 4-ethylphenol, 4-tert-butylphenol, 4-tert-OP, 4-tert-nonylphenol, isooctane, and phenol under aerobic conditions. The optimum conditions for 4-tert-OP degradation were 30°C, pH 5.0, and an initial 4-tert-OP concentration of 30mgL^-1; the maximum biodegradation rate constant was 0.107d^-1, equivalent to a minimum half-life of 9.6d. Scanning electron microscopy revealed formation of arthroconidia when cells were grown in the presence of 4-tert-OP, whereas the cells remained in the budding form without 4-tert-OP. Identification of the 4-tert-OP degradation metabolites using liquid chromatography-hybrid mass spectrometry revealed three different mechanisms via both branched alkyl side chain and aromatic ring cleavage pathways.

Characterization of fungal and bacterial components in gut/fecal microbiome

The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem that affects the development, nutritional status and immunological responses of the host. Prokaryotes and fungi in the community have the abilities to withstand the adverse conditions of high temperature, low oxygen etc. and to decompose complex organic molecules. The novel approaches of metagenomics and metaproteomics provide data that allow the detection of patterns of constancy or changes in time or under different conditions, such as different diets, disease condition and antibiotic therapy. These large-scale patterns can be correlated with certain health or disease conditions. From the organismic point of view, however, the species identity of the organisms and their interactions in the gut and how these interactions influence the prevention or development of disease are poorly known. The diversity and roles of fungi in animal feces appear to be better known than in human gut/feces. A combined compilation of the diverse methods applied towards prokaryotes and fungi in the gut/feces microbiome serves as a base for meeting the challenges of masses of large-scale datasets on the one hand and lack of substantial organismic understanding on the other. Starting from long-term monitoring and large-scale characterization of the composition of microbiome from systematic higher groups down to the genus level, microbial genomes and proteomes, particular key components with antimicrobial or immune functions can be selected and investigated in detail with respect to understanding of host-microbiota interaction, disease pathogenesis and developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

Aerobic degradation of estrogenic alkylphenols by yeasts isolated from a sewage treatment plant

Long-chain alkylphenols including octylphenol (OP) are well-known toxic pollutants prevailing in the environment due to the massive demand of these chemicals in industry and have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

Vulvovaginal photodynamic therapy vs. topical corticosteroids in genital erosive lichen planus: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Genital erosive lichen planus (GELP) in women is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by painful vulval and vaginal erosions. Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly used in premalignant and malignant diseases and may have an effect in inflammatory diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of hexyl 5-aminolevulinate-hydrocloride (HAL)-PDT in GELP.

METHODS

Forty women, diagnosed with GELP at a specialized vulva clinic, were randomized to one session HAL-PDT in vulva and/or vagina (n = 20) or daily applications of clobetasol propionate 0·05% ointment in vulva and optional hydrocortisone acetate 1·0% foam in vagina for 6 weeks (n = 20). After 6 weeks, all patients were allowed to use topical corticosteroids as needed. Clinical examinations were performed at weeks 0, 6 and 24, using a clinical score developed for the study. All patients wrote a weekly log on pain, topical corticosteroid use and adverse events.

RESULTS

Three patients, all in the corticosteroid group, withdrew from the study after 1-3 weeks. The mean reduction in clinical scores was similar in the PDT group and the corticosteroid group; 25% vs. 22% after 6 weeks (P = 0·787) and 35% vs. 38% after 24 weeks (P = 0·801). The mean reduction in pain visual analogue scale scores was 38% vs. 55% after 6 weeks (P = 0·286) and 39% vs. 12% after 24 weeks (P = 0·452). Patients in the PDT group reported significantly less topical corticosteroid use during weeks 7-24 than those in the corticosteroid group. No major adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Vulvovaginal HAL-PDT seems to be an effective and safe treatment for GELP.

Onychomycosis Associated with Exophiala oligosperma in Taiwan

A fungus was isolated from a nail of a 54-year-old female patient with onychomycosis in Taiwan. Based on ITS rDNA as well as beta tubulin gene sequences and microscopic analyses, this fungus was identified as Exophiala oligosperma. This is the first record of E. oligosperma in Taiwan. Negative keratin azure test indicates that keratin degradation is not involved in cases of E. oligosperma associated with skin and nail diseases.

Sarocladium spinificis, a new endophytic species from the coastal grass Spinifex littoreus in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Sarocladium species are frequently associated with grasses as saprobes, parasites, and mutualistic endophytes. A species of Sarocladium (anamorphic Hypocreales) was isolated as endophytic fungus from the coastal grass Spinifex littoreus (Poaceae).

RESULTS

According to characterization by LSU and ITS rDNA sequences and culture morphology and micromorphology, the species differed from the species hitherto described in Sarocladium. A key to the known species of Sarocladium is given.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarocladium spinificis is proposed as a new species. LSU rDNA sequences and conidiophore branching and conidium size are useful characters for distinguishing between species of Sarocladium.

Clarifications needed concerning the new Article 59 dealing with pleomorphic fungi

The new rules formulated in Article 59 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) will cause numerous, often undesirable, name changes, when only phylogenetically defined clades are named. Our task is to name fungal taxa and not just clades. Two suggestions are made here that may help to alleviate some disadvantages of the new system. (1) Officially an epithet coined in a list-demoted genus that is older than the oldest one available in the list-accepted genus would have to be recombined in the accepted genus. We recommend that individual authors and committees establishing lists of protected names should generally not recombine older epithets from a demoted genus into the accepted genus, when another one from pre-2013 is available in that genus. (2) Because the concepts of correlated teleomorph and anamorph genera are often incongruent, enforced congruence leads to a loss of information. Retaining the most suitable generic name is imperative, even when this is subordinated to another, list-accepted, generic name. Some kind of cryptic dual generic nomenclature is bound to persist. We therefore strongly recommend the retention of binomials in genera where they are most informative. With these recommendations, the upheaval of fungal nomenclature ensuing from the loss of the former Art. 59 can be reduced to an unavoidable minimum.

Talaromyces indigoticus Takada & Udagawa, the first record for Panama and the American continent

In a survey of mycotic human skin and nail lesions in Chiriquí, Western Panama, Talaromyces indigoticus was isolated in one case. This ascomycete is characterised by formation of gymnothecia containing oval, spinose and yellow ascospores, which become blue in mounting fluids, and by short monoverticillate or biverticillate penicilli. It is here reported the first time for Panama and the American continent. Because the strain was isolated from an onychomycosis together with a dermatophyte and other fungal strains, the pathological impact of Talaromyces indigoticus is not evident.