Showing papers in "Fungal Diversity in 2012"

Endophytic mediation of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant activity in plants: a review

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species are in all types of organisms from microbes to higher plants and animals. They are by-products of normal metabolism, such as photosynthesis and respiration, and are responsive to abiotic and biotic stress. Accumulating evidence suggests reactive oxygen species play a vital role in programmed cell death, stress responses, plant defense against pathogens and systemic stress signaling in conjunction with antioxidant production. Here, we propose that reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, as both universal and evolutionarily conserved, are likely to play important role(s) in symbiotic interactions. To support this hypothesis we review the root and foliar fungal endophyte literature specific to fungal-plant symbiotum production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants in response to stress. These asymptomatic fungi can produce antioxidants in response to both biotic and abiotic stress when grown in culture as well as in planta. In addition, there is a growing but nascent literature reporting a significant impact of endophyte colonization on the antioxidant activity of colonized (E+) hosts when compared to uncolonized (E-) hosts, especially when exposed to stress. Here we summarize general patterns emerging from the growing literature specific to antioxidant activity of endophytes in colonized hosts and bring up possible future research questions and approaches. The consequences of changes in reactive oxygen species production and increased antioxidant activity in the symbiotum appear to be beneficial in many instances; but costs are also indicated. Unexplored questions are: 1) to what extent do antioxidants originating from the fungal endophyte mediate host metabolism, and thereby control host responses to endophyte colonization; (2) what role do fungal, plant, or symbiotum produced reactive oxygen species and antioxidants have in determining symbiotic outcome between extremes of pathogenicity and mutualism; and (3) what role if any, do the production of reactive oxygen species and their antioxidant counterparts play in the symbiotum’s ability to respond to changing selection pressures? If as the literature suggests, such endophyte imposed mediation can be utilized to foster increases in plant production in resource limited habitats then the utilization of fungal endophytes may prove useful in agronomic and conservation settings.

Endophytes and their role in phytoremediation

Abstract: Many endophytes have been found to be resistant to heavy metals and/or capable of degrading organic contaminants, and endophyte-assisted phytoremediation has been documented as a promising technology for in situ remediation of contaminated soils. During the phytoremediation of heavy metals, the heavy-metal-resistant endophytes can enhance plant growth, decrease metal phytotoxicity, and affect metal translocation and accumulation in plants. For the phytoremediation of organic contaminants, endophytes can produce various enzymes to degrade organic contaminants and reduce both the phytotoxicity and evapotranspiration of volatile contaminants. This paper reviews the diversity of contaminant-resistant/degrading endophytes and their role in phytoremediation and discusses some issues that have been raised surrounding this area of research.

Towards a natural classification of Botryosphaeriales

Abstract: The type specimens of Auerswaldia, Auerswaldiella, Barriopsis, Botryosphaeria, Leptoguignardia, Melanops, Neodeightonia, Phaeobotryon, Phaeobotryosphaeria, Phyllachorella, Pyrenostigme, Saccharata, Sivanesania, Spencermartinsia and Vestergrenia were examined and fresh specimens of Botryosphaeriales were collected from Thailand. This material is used to provide a systematic treatment of Botryosphaeriales based on morphology and phylogeny. Two new genera, Botryobambusa and Cophinforma are introduced and compared with existing genera. Four species new to science, Auerswaldia dothiorella, A. lignicola, Botryosphaeria fusispora and Phaeobotryosphaeria eucalypti, are also described and justified. We accept 29 genera in Botryosphaeriales, with Macrovalsaria being newly placed. In the phylogenetic tree, the 114 strains of Botyrosphaeriales included in the analysis cluster into two major clades with 80 %, 96 % and 1.00 (MP, ML and BY) support, with Clade A containing the family type of Botryosphaeriaceae, and Clade B containing Phyllosticta, Saccharata and Melanops species. This group may represent Phyllostictaceae. In Clade A the taxa analyzed cluster in eight sub-clades (Clades A1–8). Clade A1 comprises three distinct subclusters corresponding to the genera Diplodia (Diplodia Clade), Neodeightonia (Neodeightonia Clade) and Lasiodiplodia (Lasiodiplodia Clade). Clade A2 clusters into three groups representing Phaeobotryosphaeria (100 %), Phaeobotryon (100 %) and Barriopsis (94 %). Clade A3 incorporates 17 strains that cluster into three well-supported genera (Dothiorella (86 %), Spencermartinsia (100 %) and Auerswaldia (63 %); the position of Macrophomina is not stable. Clade A4 is a single lineage (100 %) representing the new genus Botryobambusa. Clade A5 is a well-supported subclade incorporating Neofussicoccum. Clade A6 represents the type species of Botryosphaeria, three other Botryosphaeria species and two other genera, Neoscytalidium and Cophinforma gen. nov. Clade A7 comprises two Pseudofusicoccum species and Clade A8 has two Aplosporella species. These sub-clades may eventually require separate families but this requires analysis of a much larger dataset. Our data advances the understanding of Botryosphaeriales, there is, however, still much research to be carried out with resolution of families and genera, linkage of sexual and asexual morphs and differentiation of cryptic species.

A phylogenetic and taxonomic re-evaluation of the Bipolaris - Cochliobolus - Curvularia Complex

Abstract: Three genera, Cochliobolus, Bipolaris and Curvularia form a complex that contains many plant pathogens, mostly on grasses (Poaceae) with a worldwide distribution. The taxonomy of this complex is confusing as frequent nomenclatural changes and refinements have occurred. There is no clear morphological boundary between the asexual genera Bipolaris and Curvularia, and some species show intermediate morphology. We investigated this complex based on a set of ex-type cultures and collections from northern Thailand. Combined gene analysis of rDNA ITS (internal transcribed spacer), GPDH (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase), LSU (large subunit) and EF1-α (translation elongation factor 1-α) shows that this generic complex divides into two groups. Bipolaris and Cochliobolus species clustered in Group 1 along with their type species, whereas Curvularia species (including species named as Bipolaris, Cochliobolus and Curvularia) clustered in Group 2, with its generic type. The nomenclatural conflict in this complex is resolved giving priority to the more commonly used established generic names Bipolaris and Curvularia. Modern descriptions of the genera Bipolaris and Curvularia are provided and species resolved in this study are transferred to one of these genera based on their phylogeny.

Medicinal mushrooms in prevention and control of diabetes mellitus

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening chronic metabolic disease caused by lack of insulin and/or insulin dysfunction, characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia). Millions worldwide suffer from diabetes and its complications. Significantly, it has been recognized that type 2 diabetes is an important preventable disease and can be avoided or delayed by lifestyle intervention. Presently, there are many chemical and biochemical hypoglycemic agents (synthetic drugs), that are used in treating diabetes and are effective in controlling hyperglycemia. However, as they may have harmful side-effects and fail to significantly alter the course of diabetic complications, natural anti-diabetic drugs from medicinal plants have attracted a great deal of attention. Medicinal mushrooms have been valued as a traditional source of natural bioactive compounds over many centuries and have been targeted as potential hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic agents. Bioactive metabolites including polysaccharides, proteins, dietary fibres, and many other biomolecules isolated from medicinal mushrooms and their cultured mycelia have been shown to be successful in diabetes treatment as biological anti-hyperglycemic agents. In this review we discuss the biological nature of diabetes and, in particular, explore some promising mushrooms that have experimental anti-diabetic properties, preventing or reducing the development of diabetes mellitus. The importance of medicinal mushrooms as agents of medical nutrition therapy and how their metabolites can be used as supportive candidates for prevention and control of diabetes is explored. Future prospects for this field of study and the difficulties and constraints that might affect the development of rational drug products from medicinal mushrooms are discussed.

Species clarification of the prize medicinal Ganoderma mushroom “Lingzhi”

Abstract: “Lingzhi” is a mushroom that has been renowned in China for more than 2,000 years because of its claimed medicinal properties plus its symbolic fortune. “Lingzhi” has high economic value mostly as a dietary supplement in the modern market especially in East Asia, and its medicinal functions have become a hot study topic. For over a century, the highly prized medicinal fungus, known as “Lingzhi” in East Asia, has been assigned to Ganoderma lucidum, a species originally described from Europe. Molecular studies in recent years have revealed that the commercially cultivated ‘G. lucidum’ (“Lingzhi”) in East Asia is a different species from the true G. lucidum. The present study aims to clarify the species identity of “Lingzhi” based on morphological studies and analysis of rDNA nuc-ITS sequences, and additional gene fragments of mt-SSU, RPB1, RPB2, and TEF1-α of “Lingzhi” were provided. All Ganoderma species that mostly resemble “Lingzhi” in phylogeny and /or morphology were included for analysis. We propose a new species G. lingzhi for “Lingzhi”, which has an East Asia distribution. The most striking characteristics which differentiate G. lingzhi from G. lucidum are the presence of melanoid bands in the context, a yellow pore surface and thick dissepiments (80–120 μm) at maturity. G. curtisii is most closely related to G. lingzhi in phylogeny and is from North America. Ganoderma flexipes, G. multipileum, G. sichuanense, G. tropicum and ‘G. tsugae’, are also closely related with G. lingzhi and are reported from China. These species are compared and discussed. ‘Ganoderma tsuage’ reported from China is determined as conspecific with G. lucidum, hence the distribution of G. lucidum extends from Europe to northeastern China.

Medicinal mushrooms in supportive cancer therapies: an approach to anti-cancer effects and putative mechanisms of action

Abstract: Medicinal mushrooms have been valued as natural sources of bioactive compounds since times immemorial and have been recognized as potential immunomodulating and anti-cancer agents. Their consumption has consistently been shown to have beneficial effects on human health. Cancer is a generic term for several types of diseases that can be chronic and are responsible for a large number of deaths worldwide. Although there has been considerable progress in modern cancer therapy research, difficulties in understanding the molecular behavior of various types of cancers and the numerous side effects experienced by patients from treatments means that this whole subject area is still problematic. Thus, biological immunotherapy using natural bioactive compounds as supportive treatments in conventional cancer therapies has become in vogue. Bioactive metabolites isolated from medicinal mushrooms have shown potential successes in cancer treatment as biological immunotherapeutic agents that stimulate the immune system against cancer cells. They also act as an effective source of anti-cancer agents, capable of interfering with cellular signal transduction pathways linked to cancer development and progression. In this review we compile available data on the characteristics of medicinal mushrooms that appear to be particularly effective as biological immunotherapeutic agents. Major consideration is given to biological constituents and the putative mechanisms of action by which bioactive compounds act on the human body. Consideration is also given to the benefits that have been claimed for the use of mushrooms in treating cancer and the future prospects of using medicinal mushrooms as potent supportive candidate bioagents for treatment of cancers is discussed.

A multi-locus phylogenetic evaluation of Diaporthe (Phomopsis)

Abstract: The genus Diaporthe (Phomopsis) includes important plant pathogenic fungi with wide host ranges and geographic distributions. In the present study, phylogenetic species recognition in Diaporthe is re-evaluated using a multi-locus phylogeny based on a combined data matrix of rDNA ITS, and partial sequences from the translation elongation factor 1-α (EF 1-α), β tubulin (TUB) and calmodulin (CAL) molecular markers. DNA sequences of available ex-type cultures have been included, providing a multi-locus backbone tree for future studies on Diaporthe. Four utilizable loci were analyzed individually and in combination, and ITS, EF 1-α and multi-locus phylogenetic trees are presented. The phylogenetic tree inferred by combined analysis of four loci provided the best resolution for species as compared to single gene analysis. Notes are provided for nine species previously known in Phomopsis that are transferred to Diaporthe in the present study. The unraveling of cryptic species complexes of Diaporthe based on Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition (GCPSR) is emphasized.

A multi-locus backbone tree for Pestalotiopsis, with a polyphasic characterization of 14 new species

Abstract: Pestalotiopsis is a taxonomically confused, pathogenic and chemically creative genus requiring a critical re-examination using a multi-gene phylogeny based on ex-type and ex-epitype cultures. In this study 40 isolates of Pestalotiopsis, comprised of 28 strains collected from living and dead plant material of various host plants from China were studied by means of morphology and analysis of ITS, β–tubulin and tef1 gene sequence data. Based on molecular and morphological data we describe 14 new species (Pestalotiopsis asiatica, P. chinensis, P. chrysea, P. clavata, P. diversiseta, P. ellipsospora, P. inflexa, P. intermedia, P. linearis, P. rosea, P. saprophyta, P. umberspora, P. unicolor and P. verruculosa) and three species are epitypified (P. adusta, P. clavispora and P. foedans). Of the 10 gene regions (ACT, β-tubulin, CAL, GPDH, GS, ITS, LSU, RPB 1, SSU and tef1) utilized to resolve cryptic Pestalotiopsis species, ITS, β–tubulin and tef1 proved to be the better markers. The other gene regions were less useful due to poor success in PCR amplification and/or in their ability to resolve species boundaries. As a single gene tef1 met the requirements for an ideal candidate and functions well for species delimitation due to its better species resolution and PCR success. Although β-tubulin showed fairly good differences among species, a combination of ITS, β-tubulin and tef1 gene data gave the best resolution as compared to single gene analysis. This work provides a backbone tree for 22 ex-type/epitypified species of Pestalotiopsis and can be used in future studies of the genus.

What if esca disease of grapevine were not a fungal disease

Abstract: Esca disease, which attacks the wood of grapevine, has become increasingly devastating during the past three decades and represents today a major concern in all wine-producing countries. This disease is attributed to a group of systematically diverse fungi that are considered to be latent pathogens, however, this has not been conclusively established. This study presents the first in-depth comparison between the mycota of healthy and diseased plants taken from the same vineyard to determine which fungi become invasive when foliar symptoms of esca appear. An unprecedented high fungal diversity, 158 species, is here reported exclusively from grapevine wood in a single Swiss vineyard plot. An identical mycota inhabits wood of healthy and diseased adult plants and presumed esca pathogens were widespread and occurred in similar frequencies in both plant types. Pioneer esca-associated fungi are not transmitted from adult to nursery plants through the grafting process. Consequently the presumed esca-associated fungal pathogens are most likely saprobes decaying already senescent or dead wood resulting from intensive pruning, frost or other mecanical injuries as grafting. The cause of esca disease therefore remains elusive and requires well executive scientific study. These results question the assumed pathogenicity of fungi in other diseases of plants or animals where identical mycota are retrieved from both diseased and healthy individuals.

Characterization of fungal pathogens associated with grapevine trunk diseases in Arkansas and Missouri

Abstract: Grapevine trunk diseases are a major concern to the wine- and table-grape industries worldwide, limiting both vineyard longevity and productivity. Field surveys conducted throughout the grape-growing regions of Arkansas and Missouri revealed the presence of three economically important grapevine trunk diseases including, Botryosphaeria canker, Eutypa dieback and esca. Morphological studies along with multi-gene phylogenetical analyses confirmed the identification of 15 different fungal taxa associated with different vascular symptoms. These include Botryosphaeria dothidea, Diatrypella sp., Diplodia seriata, Dothiorella americana, Eutypa lata, Eutypella vitis, Lasiodiplodia missouriana, Lasiodiplodia viticola, Neofusicoccum ribis, Neofusicoccum vitifusiforme, Pestalotiopsis sp., Pestalotiopsis uvicola, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Phomopsis viticola, Schyzophyllum commune, and Togninia minima. All of these represent new records on grapevines in Arkansas and Missouri. Dothiorella americana, L. missouriana and L. viticola are described as new species, and both N. ribis and N. vitifusiforme are first reported as grapevine pathogens in North America. Koch’s postulates confirmed the pathogenicity of all fungal species except S. commune in the interspecific hybrids Vignoles, Chambourcin, Norton, and Traminette. Lasiodiplodia spp., N. ribis, and P. viticola were the most virulent fungi, while D. americana, E. vitis and N. vitifusiforme were considered to be weak pathogens. This research highlights the importance that grapevine trunk diseases have on grapevine health in growing regions where, due to different climatological conditions, interspecific hybrid cultivars are predominantly grown.

Fungal endophytes: an untapped source of biocatalysts

Abstract: Horizontally transmitted endophytes are an ecological group of fungi that infect living plant tissues and survive in them without causing any disease symptoms. Even as facets of the endophyte-plant symbiotic relationship are being uncovered, there is an increasing appreciation of the different growth substrates exploited by endophytes and the vast repertoire of secreted enzymes of these fungi. These attributes exemplify the striking biodiversity of fungal endophytes and should motivate bioprospecting these organisms to identify novel biocatalysts that might help address challenges in medicine, food security, energy production and environmental quality.

Endophytes and associated marine derived fungi—ecological and chemical perspectives

Abstract: The potential of endophytes and algal or invertebrate associated marine derived fungi as promising sources of structurally unprecedented bioactive natural products is undeniable and continues to attract broad attention. This review highlights new bioactive fungal metabolites reported in 2011 until April 2012, as well as known compounds for which novel biological activities have been disclosed. All compounds are grouped according to their reported biological activities which include cytotoxic, anti-infective, as well as radical scavenging, enzyme inhibition, anti-fouling and anti-parasitic activities. Overall, 178 fungal metabolites, including 138 new natural products are presented. Furthermore, new insights into fungal-host interaction, chemical communication, and chemo-ecological roles of fungal metabolites, as well as new strategies for bioprospecting are presented.

A new classification for the family Graphidaceae (Ascomycota: Lecanoromycetes: Ostropales)

Abstract: A revised classification for the emended family Graphidaceae is proposed, based on recent phylogenetic studies, including the finding that three previously separated families (Asterothyriaceae, Gomphillaceae, Thelotremataceae) are nested within Graphidaceae and in part polyphyletic. The family comprises three major clades which are here delimited as subfamilies Fissurinoideae, Gomphilloideae, and Graphidoideae. The latter is composed of three major clades which are formally delimited as tribes Graphideae, Ocellularieae, and Thelotremateae. In addition, three new genera are described to accommodate the Ocellularia clandestina (Clandestinotrema) group, the Ocellularia cruentata group (Cruentotrema) and Myriotrema pycnoporellum (Pycnotrema). Keys are provided for the species placed in the new genera.

A new currency for mutualism? Fungal endophytes alter antioxidant activity in hosts responding to drought

Abstract: Fungal endophytes have significant effects on host performance including but not limited to changes in reproductive output, as well as, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. The ultimate mechanisms for resistance to herbivory have been documented in a number of fungal-plant symbiota and involve the production of alkaloids by the fungus. Alkaloids have thus been defined as a currency responsible for increased host resistance to herbivory. We provide support for the hypothesis that another currency may be responsible for increased host tolerance to abiotic stress resulting from endophyte colonization; namely antioxidants. We report comparatively higher activity of antioxidants in endophyte colonized hosts resulting from abiotic stress and propose antioxidants are another currency via which mutualistic interactions between fungal endophytes and their hosts can occur. We recognize fungal endophyte interactions are diverse and complex and include antagonisms, commensalisms, and mutualisms.

The Longibrachiatum Clade of Trichoderma: a revision with new species

Abstract: The Longibrachiatum Clade of Trichoderma is revised. Eight new species are described (T. aethiopicum, T. capillare, T. flagellatum, T. gillesii, T. gracile, T. pinnatum, T. saturnisporopsis, T. solani). The twenty-one species known to belong to the Longibrachiatum Clade are included in a synoptic key. Trichoderma parareesei and T. effusum are redescribed based on new collections or additional observations. Hypocrea teleomorphs are reported for T. gillesii and T. pinnatum. Previously described species are annotated.

Prized edible Asian mushrooms: ecology, conservation and sustainability

Abstract: Mushrooms can be found in forests worldwide and have long been exploited as resources in developed economies because of their important agro-industrial, medicinal and commercial uses. For less developed countries, such as those within the Greater Mekong Subregion, wild harvesting and mushroom cultivation provides a much-needed alternative source of income for rural households. However, this has led to over-harvesting and ultimately environmental degradation in certain areas, thus management guidelines allowing for a more sustained approach to the use of wild mushrooms is required. This article addresses a selection of the most popular and highly sought after edible mushrooms from Greater Mekong Subregion: Astraeus hygrometricus, Boletus edulis, Morchella conica, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Phlebopus portentosus, Pleurotus giganteus, Termitomyces eurhizus, Thelephora ganbajun, Tricholoma matsuake, and Tuber indicum in terms of value, ecology and conservation. The greatest threat to these and many other mushroom species is that of habitat loss and over-harvesting of wild stocks, thus, by creating awareness of these issues we wish to enable a more sustainable use of these natural products. Thus our paper provides baseline data for these fungi so that future monitoring can establish the effects of continued harvesting on mushroom populations and the related host species.

Phyllosticta species associated with citrus diseases in China

Abstract: Phyllosticta species associated with diseases of four commercial Citrus species grown in China are reported. Totally, 496 Phyllosticta strains were isolated from mandarins (Citrus reticulata), pomeloes (C. maxima), oranges (C. sinensis) and lemons (C. limon) in the main citrus producing regions across China, and 74 strains were selected for phylogenetic analysis. Analyses inferred from the sequences of internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1, 5.8S nrDNA and ITS2), partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) and partial actin gene (ACT), showed these representative Phyllosticta isolates clustered in four distinct clades corresponding to three known, and one undescribed species. The newly resolved taxon, Phyllosticta citrichinaensis was isolated from leaves and fruits of all four Citrus species and is introduced in this paper. This taxon caused minor damage, showing irregular spots or freckles. Phyllosticta citriasiana, associated with tan spot of pomeloes, was isolated only from pomeloes, and never from lemons, mandarins and oranges. Phyllosticta citricarpa, the citrus black spot pathogen, which is presently subjected to phytosanitary legislation in the EU and United States, was isolated from lemons, mandarins and oranges, but never from pomeloes. The isolates of P. citricarpa clustered in two subclades, one from mandarins, the other from oranges and lemons. P. capitalensis was isolated from all four Citrus species as an endophyte, causing false melanose, or together with P. citricarpa or P. citriasiana. Morphological, cultural and biochemical characters were consistent with the results of phylogenetic analysis. In addition, a specific primer pair Pca8/ITS4 was designed and selected, and its corresponding PCR procedure was developed for the detection of P. citriasiana in this study.

Phylogeny of the industrial relevant, thermophilic genera Myceliophthora and Corynascus

Abstract: Species of the genus Myceliophthora and its teleomorph Corynascus have attracted increasing interest due to their potential to produce thermostable enzymes. This study re-assessed the phylogenetic relationship of 49 isolates of nine species belonging to Myceliophthora and Corynascus. One species, M. vellerea, was shown not to belong to the genus Myceliophthora and should be placed in the genus Ctenomyces. The other species belonged to two phylogenetic clusters: mesophilic fungi with the type species M. lutea and C. sepedonium, and thermophilic fungi with M. thermophila, M. hinnulea and C. thermophilus. The phylogenetic data provides no clear separation of the two genera Corynascus and Myceliophthora. To avoid confusion in future taxonomic studies, it is proposed that all existing Corynascus species be renamed to Myceliophthora, which is the old name and the one more frequently used. Furthermore, this study identified two groups within the isolates listed as M. thermophila and assigned one group (five isolates) to M. heterothallica based on AFLP analysis and mating behavior. This study provides new insights into the genetic differences within the genus Myceliophthora and will therefore be essential for the interpretation of future genomic and physiological studies of these species.

Phylogenetic relationships of five genera of Xylariales and Rosasphaeria gen. nov. (Hypocreales)

Abstract: Eight inconspicuous non-stromatic perithecial fungi immersed in plant tissue are assessed with respect to their morphology, ecology and phylogenetic position Emphasis is laid on two genera now and then placed in the family Hyponectriaceae, Xylariales: Leiosphaerella with its type species L praeclara occurring on Vaccinium, and Pseudomassaria with its type species P chondrospora occurring on Tilia In molecular phylogenetic analyses of LSU and ITS sequences, the generic types of these genera are closely related, but their familial affiliation within Xylariales remains unresolved Pseudomassaria sepincoliformis clusters with P chondrospora, whereas P fallax is not congeneric with Pseudomassaria and P lycopodina is combined in Leiosphaerella despite its apiospores Three species thought to belong to Leiosphaerella are re-assessed: L moravica that occurs on Rosa, is disposed in the new genus Rosasphaeria, which is close to Eucasphaeria in the Niessliaceae (Hypocreales), according to multi-gene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tef1) For L vexata the genus Pseudomassariella is revived A Leiosphaerella-like fungus on Lycopodium is described as the new species Monographella lycopodina In addition the phylogenetic relationships of two fungi forming superficial stromata are here clarified: Collodiscula japonica belongs to the Xylariaceae, while Melogramma campylosporum may currently be interpreted as representing a family of its own, the Melogrammataceae

Multigene phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Melanconiella (Diaporthales)

Abstract: Molecular phylogenetic analyses of LSU rDNA demonstrate monophyly of the genus Melanconiella, and its status as a genus distinct from Melanconis is confirmed. Data of macro- and microscopic morphology, pure cultures and phylogenetic analyses of partial SSU-ITS-LSU rDNA, tef1 and rpb2 sequences revealed 13 distinct species of Melanconiella, six of which are described as new (M. chrysodiscosporina, M. chrysomelanconium, M. chrysorientalis, M. echinata, M. elegans, M. meridionalis). Melanconiella hyperopta var. orientalis is described as a new variety. Diaporthe carpinicola, D. ellisii, D. flavovirens, D. hyperopta and D. ostryae are formally combined into Melanconiella. The name Melanconiella chrysostroma is excluded from Melanconiella, as it is an obligate synonym of Wuestneia xanthostroma. The type of Melanconiella is confirmed as M. spodiaea. Several species are lecto- and/or epitypified. A key to all treated species of Melanconiella is provided, and the circumscriptions of the genera Melanconis and Melanconiella are emended. Most Melanconiella species revealed by molecular phylogenetic analyses can be well characterised by a suite of morphological traits including ascospore shape, length and width, colour, absence/presence and shape of appendages and the anamorph. Anamorph-teleomorph connections were confirmed by pure culture and DNA data, revealing the presence of a single melanconium- or discosporina-like anamorph for each species. Colony growth was found to be characteristic of the respective species. Melanconiella is shown to be confined to the host family Betulaceae, and all species are found to be highly host-specific, mostly confined to a single host species. The biodiversity of Melanconiella was determined to be centred on the genus Carpinus with nine species, five of which have been confirmed on C. betulus. Europe appears to be the geographic centre of Melanconiella biodiversity.

Diversity and cold adaptation of endophytic fungi from five dominant plant species collected from the Baima Snow Mountain, Southwest China

Abstract: The diversity and cold adaptation of endophytic fungi associated with five dominant plant species collected from the Baima Snow Mountain (altitude 4,000–4,300 m), Southwest China, were investigated. A total of 604 culturable endophytic fungi were isolated from 800 stems and leaf segments. The colonization rate of endophytic fungi in the five plant species ranged from 54% to 91%, and the colonization rate of endophytic fungi in the stems was significantly higher (87%) than that in the leaves (67%) (X ∼ 2 = 45.172, P < 0.001, chi-squared test). Based on the morphological characteristics and the ITS sequence analysis, the isolates were identified to 43 taxa, of which Cephalosporium, Sirococcus, Penicillium and Aspergillus were the dominant genera, and their relative frequencies were 14.06%, 12.58%, 9.44% and 7.95%, respectively. The Shannon-Weiner diversity indices and the Sorenson’s coefficient similarity indices of the endophytic fungi from the five plant species ranged from 1.25 to 2.70 and 0.53 to 0.67, respectively. Growth temperature tests indicated that 75% of the isolates from the Baima Snow Mountain were psychrotrophs and 14% were the transitional type between psychrotrophs and mesophiles, whereas all of the isolates from the Yuanjiang Dry-hot Valley were mesophiles, which suggested that the endophytes from the Baima Snow Mountain possess a remarkable ability to adapt to cold environments.

Diversity of foliar endophytes in wind-fallen Picea abies trees

Abstract: The unmanaged Norway spruce montane forests in the Bohemian Forest National Park (Czech Republic) suffered from repeated large-scale bark beetle outbreaks in last decade. In this study, the diversity of culturable foliar endophyte microfungi in needles originating from eleven recently wind-fallen trees in this area was surveyed. Our aims were to describe their diversity and to determine the relative host and organ specificities of isolated endophyte species to estimate the species pool and abundance of foliar endophytes before the forest degradation. Microfungi were isolated from surface-sterilized needles, and the outgrowing strains were identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics (analyses of ITS1, ITS2 and partial 28S rDNA). Fungal communities in the needles were diverse, with ascomycetes (mostly anamorphs of Helotiales) dominating basidiomycetes. The most frequent species (Phacidiopycnis sp., Cistella acuum, Sirococcus sp. and two species of Chalara) did not correspond with those recorded in previous studies of Picea spp. For example, the widely distributed Lophodermium piceae was rarely recorded in this study. This pattern may be caused by different methods of sterilization and cultivation or by physiological characteristics of the needles, or it may reflect the species distribution in the studied area. Members of the Helotiales, along with sequences from GenBank, showed substantial overlap in host affinities, most prominently between Pinus and Picea, and also among species from distant plant lineages.

Trichomeriaceae, a new sooty mould family of Chaetothyriales

Abstract: Trichomerium is a genus of foliar epiphytes with the appearance of sooty moulds, mostly occurring on the surface of living leaves and apparently gaining their nutrients from insect exudates. Species have ascostromata with setae and develop on a loosely interwoven mycelial mass of dark brown hyphae, while asci have a bitunicate appearance with hyaline ascospores. In this study, we made 16 collections of Trichomerium from Thailand. All were isolated, and the LSU and ITS rDNA gene regions sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Trichomerium species form a monophyletic clade within Chaetothyriales and warrant the introduction of a new family Trichomeriaceae. Bootstrap support for the Chaetothyriales is 100 % and clearly separates Trichomeriaceae from Capnodiales which are morphologically very similar. A detailed account of Trichomerium is provided and we describe and illustrate three new species based on morphological and molecular data. We propose that T. foliicola is adopted as the generic type of Trichomerium because it has been impossible to obtain the holotype specimen of T. coffeicola and also no molecular data exists in worldwide databases for this species or genus.

Taxonomic placement of Epichloë poae sp. nov. and horizontal dissemination to seedlings via conidia

Abstract: A new Epichloe species distributed in Africa, Europe, North America and South America on host genera Bromus, Festuca, Lolium and Poa is described. Stromata, characteristic of the genus, frequently occurred on the reproductive tillers of Poa secunda subsp. juncifolia, but neither perithecia nor mature asci were observed. Conidiogenous cells and conidial characteristics were in the range of Epichloe typhina. Regions of the genes encoding β-tubulin (tub2) and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1) were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of these sequences grouped the Poa secunda subsp. juncifolia endophyte into one group within a non-hybrid Epichloe species complex. On the basis of morphology, host range and evolutionary history we propose that this endophyte represents a new species of Epichloe. The name Epichloe poae is proposed for this endophyte. The infectivity of the conidia produced on plants was evaluated. In the first experiment, using conidia of Epichloe poae from leaves and endophyte-free seeds of Poa secunda subsp. juncifolia we show that when germinating seeds and developing seedlings of the plant were exposed to conidia, 28–57 % of seedlings became infected by the endophyte. The non-inoculated control plants showed no colonization by the endophyte. In the following spring after vernalization, colonized plants on flowering culms produced stromata with conidia. In the second experiment, using stromal conidia and the same procedure, 19–42 % of seedlings of Poa secunda subsp. juncifolia became colonized by the endophyte. Our results demonstrate that Epichloe poae may spread to uninfected grass hosts by conidia frequently formed on the surfaces of plant leaves as well as by conidia formed on stromata.

Endophytic and pathogenic fungi of developing cranberry ovaries from flower to mature fruit: diversity and succession

Abstract: Culturable fungal population diversity and succession was investigated in developing cranberry ovaries of fruit rot-resistant and rot-susceptible cranberry selections, from flower through mature fruit. Fungi were recovered in culture from 1185 of 1338 ovary tissues collected from June to September, yielding 2255 isolates that represented 42 morphotaxa. During the season, species richness varied from 2 to 17 and 2 to 18 in rot-resistant and rot-susceptible selections, respectively, increasing from wk1 to wk10 and then gradually declining to wk14. Shannon-Wiener diversity index varied from 0.27 to 2.32 in rot-resistant and 0.18 to 2.38 in rot-susceptible, and Pielou’s evenness index varied from 0.11 to 0.63 and 0.06 to 0.64 in rot-resistant and rot-susceptible selections, respectively, confirming that diversity of fungi in developing ovaries was similar among rot-resistant and rot-susceptible selections, but varied among sampling time points. Principal component analysis grouped samples collected at the same sampling time point together regardless of rot susceptibility of the selections, and detected the predominant fungal species associated with each stage of development. Successional changes were observed in populations of endophytic, pathogenic and saprophytic fungi throughout the season as ovaries matured.

Phyllosticta species associated with freckle disease of banana

Abstract: The identity of the casual agent of freckle disease of banana was investigated. The pathogen is generally referred to in literature under its teleomorphic name, Guignardia musae, or that of its purported anamorph, Phyllosticta musarum. Based on morphological and molecular data from a global set of banana specimens, several species were found associated with freckle disease. Phyllosticta maculata (from Southeast Asia and Oceania) is introduced as a new name for Guignardia musae, and an epitype is designated from Australia. Phyllosticta musarum (from India and Thailand) is shown to represent a distinct species, and the name is fixed by designation of an epitype from India. Guignardia stevensii is confirmed as distinct species from Hawaii, while Guignardia musicola from northern Thailand is shown to contain different taxa and is regarded as nomen confusum. Phyllosticta cavendishii is described as a new, widely distributed species, appearing primarily on Cavendish, but also on non-Cavendish banana cultivars.

Briancoppinsia , a new coelomycetous genus of Arthoniaceae ( Arthoniales ) for the lichenicolous Phoma cytospora , with a key to this and similar taxa

Abstract: Morphological, anatomical, chemical and molecular data suggest that a relatively common lichenicolous coelomycete on Lecanora conizaeoides is conspecific with Phoma cytospora, previously known only from parmelioid lichens, and that further populations on Cladonia and Pertusaria belong to the same species. This species is distinguished from Phoma by several taxonomically important characters and obviously represents a previously unrecognized genus, for which the name Briancoppinsia is introduced. Phylogenetic analyses using nuLSU and mtSSU sequences of isolates obtained in pure culture suggest that the new genus belongs to the Arthoniaceae (Arthoniales). This is the first obligate lichenicolous, non-lichenized anamorph confirmed to belong to the Arthoniales based on molecular data.

Phylogenetic placement of lichenicolous Phoma species in the Phaeosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes)

Abstract: More than twenty species of lichenicolous fungi have been described in Phoma, a large anamorphic genus of primarily plant-associated pathogens with broad geographic distributions. We obtained nuclear and mitochondrial rDNA sequences from 19 fungal cultures isolated from specimens representing four described and two undescribed lichenicolous species in the genus. Our multilocus phylogeny indicates that lichenicolous Phoma species represent at least two phylogenetically distinct clades in the Phaeosphaeriaceae, one including a new species, Phoma puncteliae, isolated from a specimen of Punctelia rudecta collected in Maryland, USA, and another group of primarily lichenicolous species. This latter group includes four described lichenicolous Phoma species, an unidentified melanized rock fungus, and a new lichenicolous Phoma species isolated from Xanthomendoza species collected in Canada that we are naming P. xanthomendozae. Some specimens in this clade collected from different lichen genera and species were found to be very similar genetically, which calls into question the recent practice of recognizing lichenicolous Phoma species mainly by differences in host preference.

Fungal symbionts of marine sponges from Rameswaram, southern India: species composition and bioactive metabolites

Abstract: Ten marine sponge species from Rameswaram, southern India were studied for their filamentous fungal symbionts. The results suggest that fungal symbionts of marine sponges are hyperdiverse. Genera such as Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium were frequently isolated; no true marine fungal species were present. Species of Aspergillus were dominant and co-dominant in all the sponges screened. The fungal isolates produced antialgal, antifungal, antioxidant, antibiotic, antiinsect metabolites. A few fungi produced acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.