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Showing papers in "Mycological Progress in 2003"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the potential for sustainable control of invasive alien organisms, such as Crinipellis roreri, the causal agent of frosty pod rot, in the mesic forests of north-west Ecuador.
Abstract: The main constraint and continuing threat to cocoa production in Latin America is disease caused by two basidiomycete fungi belonging to the genus Crinipellis (Agaricales), both of which are currently on an invasive front Classical biological control, in which coevolved natural enemies are considered to offer the most potential for sustainable control of invasive alien organisms, is investigated as a management strategy Our initial approach has been to search for the suspected coevolved host (Theobroma gileri) of one of these pathogens, Crinipellis roreri, the causal agent of frosty pod rot, in the mesic forests of north-west Ecuador; to isolate the endophytes and mycoparasites associated with both host and pathogen; to screen selected fungi in the greenhouse and laboratory, in order to determine their biocontrol potential Endophytes were isolated directly in the field from healthy tree boles and pods, and over 40 genera were recorded, mainly representing anamorphs of Hypocreales in the genera Acremonium, Clonostachys, Trichoderma and Verticillium, as well as basidiomycetes belonging to the Agaricales and Polyporales Of the endophytic fungi tested, most can be inoculated into and recovered from asymptomatic cocoa seedlings Twenty-eight mycoparasitic species were isolated from diseased pods and selected mycoparasites as well as endophytes were screened against C roreri using the pre-colonised plate method Consistently high mycoparasitism of the C roreri pseudostroma was demonstrated, particularly by a complex of Clonostachys and Trichoderma species

244 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Cladosporium malorum proved to provide the correct epithet for Pseudocladosporium kellermanianum and C. malorum is allocated to Alternaria based on differences in conidiogenesis and the structure of the conidiogenous loci, further supported by molecular data.
Abstract: A phylogenetic study employing sequence data from the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1, ITS2) and 5.8S gene, as well as the 18S rRNA gene of various Cladosporium-like hyphomycetes revealed Cladosporium s. lat. to be heterogeneous. The genus Cladosporium s. str. was shown to represent a sister clade to Mycosphaerella s. str., for which the teleomorph genus Davidiella is proposed. The morphology, phylogeny and taxonomy of the cladosporioid fungi are discussed on the basis of this phylogeny, which consists of several clades representing Cladosporium-like genera. Cladosporium is confined to Davidiella (Mycosphaerellaceae) anamorphs with coronate conidiogenous loci and conidial hila. Pseudocladosporium is confined to anamorphs of Caproventuria (Venturiaceae). Cladosporium-like anamorphs of the Venturia (conidia catenate) are referred to Fusicladium. Human-pathogenic Cladosporium species belong in Cladophialophora (Capronia, Herpotrichiellaceae) and Cladosporium fulvum is representative of the Mycosphaerella/Passalora clade (Mycosphaerellaceae). Cladosporium malorum proved to provide the correct epithet for Pseudocladosporium kellermanianum (syn. Phaeoramularia kellermaniana, Cladophialophora kellermaniana) as well as Cladosporium porophorum. Based on differences in conidiogenesis and the structure of the conidiogenous loci, further supported by molecular data, C. malorum is allocated to Alternaria.

171 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The current concept of the genus Leucosporidium and its apparent polyphyletic nature were addressed, as well as the relationships of this genus with the Microbotryales and Mastigobasidium, and the concepts of the order Sporidiales and family Sporidiobolaceae were reviewed.
Abstract: The subclass Microbotryomycetidae (Basidiomycota, Urediniomycetes) comprises a remarkably diverse assemblage of fungi. This group includes phytoparasites, mycoparasites and probably also saprobes that show a wide range of ecological preferences. In order to study the phylogenetic relationships within the Microbotryomycetidae, and to develop a more natural classification system, mitosporic and meiosporic taxa were investigated using an integrated approach. Sequence data of 26S rDNA D1/D2 domains were analyzed using several procedures, including the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method of phylogenetic inference. Ultrastructural markers such as the type of septal pore and presence / absence of colacosomes were investigated and micromorphological and nutritional properties were compared. In this study the current concept of the genus Leucosporidium and its apparent polyphyletic nature were addressed, as well as the relationships of this genus with the Microbotryales and Mastigobasidium. The classification of the anamorphic species closely related to Leucosporidium, and the concepts of the order Sporidiales and family Sporidiobolaceae were also reviewed.

68 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The phylogeny of Lepiota, Cystolepiota, Melanophyllum, Coprinus comatus, and Chamaemyces fracidus was examined with molecular techniques, and the consequences for morphological classification were considered.
Abstract: The phylogeny of Lepiota, Cystolepiota, Melanophyllum, Coprinus comatus, and Chamaemyces fracidus was examined with molecular techniques, and the consequences for morphological classification were considered. This group (excluding Chamaemyces fracidus and Coprinus comatus and allies) can be split up into several clades, which do not correspond to currently recognized genera, subgenera and sections. Structure of the pileus covering appears to be a key morphological character; colour and shape of the spores do not reflect the new phylogeny. Lepiota sect. Ovisporae is not monophyletic, and a separate genus for Cystolepiota, Lepiota sect. Echinatae, Melanophyllum and Pulverolepiota combined seems warranted. More research, especially on developmental morphology and on more tropical taxa, will be necessary to solidly erect a new classification.

61 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Examination of a soil microfungal community at the western shore of the Dead Sea confirms the conclusion of many mycologists working in areas with saline and arid soils that there is no halo-and thermophilous mycobiota characteristic for those soils.
Abstract: In the present study, a soil microfungal community was examined over a one-year period (1999–2000) at the western shore of the Dead Sea. A total of 78 species from 40 genera were isolated. The most prominent features of mycobiota of the territory studied were: (i) the prevailing number of melanin-containing micromycetes (46 species, 65.5 % of the total isolate number); (ii) a large share of teleomorphic Ascomyceta (26 species, 18.5 % of isolates); (iii) combination of true soil and plant surface inhabiting species; (iv) spatial and temporal variation of the mycobiota composition; (v) very low fungal density (nearly 500-fold lower than in the Judean Desert soil). These features are formed under the extremely stressful xeric and oligotrophic conditions in which the Dead Sea coastal micromycete community exists. Nine species (Alternaria alternata, A. raphani, Aspergillus niger, Aureobasidium pullulans, Chaetomium globosum, Ch. murorum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium aurantiogriseum, and Stachybotrys chartarum) were considered a characteristic micromycete complex for the Dead Sea coastal habitat based on the spatial and temporal occurrence of these species. Many of the micromycetes isolated, including almost all the species listed above, are known to be distributed worldwide occurring in different soil types. This confirms the conclusion of many mycologists working in areas with saline and arid soils that there is no halo-and thermophilous mycobiota characteristic for those soils.

54 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Fungal colonisation originating from endophytic thalli in wood of healthy European beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) was studied and microscopic investigations showed a great number of hyphae within the cell lumina of vessels and a distinct wood degradation already after eight weeks of wood incubation.
Abstract: Fungal colonisation originating from endophytic thalli in wood of healthy European beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) was studied. Fungi were isolated from wood immediately after felling and after incubation for 8, 16 and 24 weeks under two different drying regimes. Two media were used to isolate fungi: malt extract agar with and without thiabendazol. Thiabendazol was added to inhibit non-basidiomycetes. The two drying regimes had no influence on the species composition of the recovered mycobiota and the frequency of isolation of these species. Mycelia of basidiomycetes except Coniophora puteana emerged only from wood samples inoculated onto malt extract agar containing thiabendazol. Only a few isolates were obtained from freshly cut wood, but a great number of isolates was recovered already after eight weeks of wood incubation. Four taxa accounted for 88 % of the total number of isolates: Hypoxylon fragiforme, Trichoderma spp., and the basidio-mycetes Coniophora puteana and Fomes fomentarius. The latter had not been considered an endophyte before. The isolates of F. fomentarius were made exclusively from the stem and some large diameter branches, which are the locations of its basidiocarps on dying trees. Every isolate of F. fomentarius was genetically different as revealed by tests for somatic compatibility. Advantages of the presumed endophytic strategy of F. fomentarius are discussed. Microscopic investigations showed a great number of hyphae within the cell lumina of vessels and a distinct wood degradation already after eight weeks of wood incubation.

49 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results support the recent generic segregation by Gams, Zare and co-workers because pochonins were found to occur exclusively in species of the genus Pochonia and point toward the existence of further, cryptic species.
Abstract: Pochonins are antiviral and antiparasitic resorcylic acid lactones (RAL) structurally related to monorden. They were found in the invertebrate-associated fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia. Their production and distribution was studied by means of High Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV-visual and mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-UV/Vis and HPLCMS) in cultures of Pochonia species and further conidial fungi with Verticillium-like anamorphs that had until recently been included in Verticillium sect. Prostrata. The results support the recent generic segregation by Gams, Zare and co-workers because pochonins were found to occur exclusively in species of the genus Pochonia. With few exceptions, the production of RAL appeared to be a rather constant feature in cultures of P. chlamydosporia from around the world. According to preliminary results, secondary metabolite profiles in strains of allied genera such as Lecanicillium, Haptocillium and Rotiferophthora are different from those encountered in Pochonia. The alkaloid pseurotin A was found as main metabolite in several of the P. chlamydosporia isolates examined. As inferred from HPLC profiling data, strains of P. suchlasporia clustered into at least three chemotypes. The ex-type strain of P. suchlasporia var. catenata produced monorden, while several other strains produced metabolites whose HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS characteristics were similar to the mycotoxins, aurovertin B and citreoviridin A. Yet different metabolites were detected in a third chemotype of P. suchlasporia. Differences in secondary metabolite profiles were also found in two strains of P. bulbillosa. While the ex-type strain was found devoid of all aforementioned compounds, CBS 247.68 contained the aurovertin-related metabolites detected in part of the P. suchlasporia isolates. The sequence of the ITS nrDNA of CBS 247.68 was different from that of the type strain but identical to the sequences of P. suchlasporia var. catenata. Several strains of the latter variety showed identical sequences, despite considerable variations in their HPLC metabolite profiles. Minisatellite PCR fingerprinting was found useful to segregate Pochonia at species and strain level, pointing toward the existence of further, cryptic species. The possible chemotaxonomical importance and ecological functions of secondary metabolites in these fungi is discussed.

43 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The incorporation of Tweens (1 %, 2 %, 5 %) or Olive Oil (1% or 2 %) in soil or in soil-containing substrate strongly stimulated mycelial growth of the edible ectomycorrhizal mushroom Tricholoma matsutake (Matsutake) after 1 or 3 months, respectively.
Abstract: The incorporation of Tweens (1 %, 2 %, 5 %) or olive oil (1 %, 2 %) in soil or in soil-containing substrate strongly stimulated mycelial growth of the edible ectomycorrhizal mushroom Tricholoma matsutake (Matsutake) after 1 or 3 months, respectively. The growth responses to Tween 40 and Tween 80 were dose-dependent. Fungal biomass increased up to 15-fold as a result of olive oil incorporation. After 4 months of Matsutake/pine co-culture in the presence of olive oil (2 %), compact aggregates of substrate, hyphae, and surface-colonized roots were observed, recalling in some ways the mycelial mat structure of Matsutake in the field, i.e. Shiro. Olive oil did not prevent formation of well-developed Hartig net palmettis although those seemed rather less abundant than without oil addition. The incorporation of Tween 80 or olive oil (2 %) into nutrient agar induced the proliferation of peripheral hydrophilic-like hyphae penetrating the medium. Tricholoma matsutake growth stimulation, possibly related to the presence of fatty acids in surfactants and oil, could be a consequence of the higher hydrophilicity of treated hyphae, or of enhanced lytic enzyme excretion and activity. Parameters such as adjuvant type, concentration, and growth conditions will be further optimised to formulate culture substrates adapted to the co-culture of T. matsutake and its host plants.

36 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Resistance of parenchyma cells to degradation by brown rot fungi appears to be related to the cell wall morphology of parechma cells and may also reflect a low co-evolutionary adaptation of brown rot fungus to the xylem of broadleaved trees.
Abstract: Wood degradation by two basidiomycetes, Fomitopsis pinicola and Laetiporus sulphureus was studied in one conifer and four broadleaved trees: Picea abies (Norway spruce), Acer pseudoplatanus (sycamore), Betula pendula (birch), Quercus robur (common oak) and Robinia pseudoacacia (robinia). Observations of birefringence under polarized light showed that in all hosts both brown rot fungi affected cells of the early wood before those of the late wood. Degradation of cellulose, as shown by the loss of birefringence, was apparent after 6 weeks in the cell wall of fibres and fibre tracheids, but even after 12 weeks, axial parenchyma showed no signs of degradation. The results indicate that both brown rot fungi cause higher weight losses in hosts (P. abies and B. pendula) with a small amount of parenchyma cells, whereas the lowest weight losses are associated with wood containing a high amount of parenchyma cells (Q. robur and R. pseudoacacia). Resistance of parenchyma cells to degradation by brown rot fungi appears to be related to the cell wall morphology of parenchyma cells and may also reflect a low co-evolutionary adaptation of brown rot fungi to the xylem of broadleaved trees.

35 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Morphological and molecular arguments are given here to treat L. vinosus as a separate species and its relationship to closely related species of Lactarius section Deliciosi is discussed.
Abstract: Lactarius vinosus is often considered as a variety of L. sanguifluus. Morphological (especially macroscopical characters and spore-ornamentation) and molecular arguments (based on ITS-sequencing) are given here to treat it as a separate species. Its relationship to closely related species of Lactarius section Deliciosi is discussed.

35 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Downy mildew isolate from Plasmopara halstedii shows no differences from isolates originating from Helianthus annuus, its fatty acid pattern is indistinguishable, and also its LSU rDNA sequence is identical.
Abstract: A collection of Plasmopara halstedii s. l. from Helianthus × laetiflorus is recorded, described and characterised by laboratory cross infection studies, light microscopical studies, fatty acid pattern and LSU rDNA data. Its ability to infect Helianthus annuus was demonstrated in laboratory cross infection studies, however, it could not be unequivocally ascribed to a known pathotype. Microscopically, it shows no differences from isolates originating from Helianthus annuus, its fatty acid pattern is indistinguishable, and also its LSU rDNA sequence is identical. Due to this identity in a broad range of characters, the investigated downy mildew isolates from H. × laetiflorus and from H. annuus are regarded as conspecific.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The taxonomic status of the genera Lignincola and Nais was re-evaluated by phylogenetic analysis of the partial large subunit ribosomal DNA sequence and they are inferred to be polyphyletic genera.
Abstract: The taxonomic status of the genera Lignincola and Nais was re-evaluated by phylogenetic analysis of the partial large subunit ribosomal DNA sequence. Both Lignincola and Nais are inferred to be polyphyletic genera. Lignincola laevis and L. longirostris are phylogenetically related taxa but they are not monophyletic. Nais inornata, the type species of the genus, has a close relationship with Aniptodera (A. chesapeakensis) while N. glitra forms a well-supported clade with Halosarpheia abonnis and H. ratnagiriensis. Neptunella gen. nov. is introduced to accommodate L. longirostris and Saagaromyces gen. nov. to accommodate H. abonnis, H. ratnagiriensis and N. glitra.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The myxomycete biota of the Colorado Plateau displays a high level of similarity to those of other arid regions of the world, differing considerably from temperate, boreal and tropical biotas.
Abstract: A rapid biodiversity assessment for myxomycetes (plasmodial slime moulds) was carried out during a two-week field trip to the Colorado Plateau (western U.S.A.). Due to the very arid climate of the region, the moist chamber culture technique formed a major part of the survey. A total of 1165 records belonging to 93 species and 1 variety from 27 genera was collected from the 433 moist chamber cultures prepared with the bark surface of living plants, litter and weathered dung of herbivorous animals. Only 31 specimens of 16 wood-inhabiting species were collected in the field, mainly at higher elevations. Subsequent moist chamber cultures produced numerous bark-inhabiting species that are usually considered to be rare, including Echinostelium coelocephalum, Protophysarum phloiogenum, and Macbrideola declinata. The most common litter-inhabiting species were Didymium mexicanum and Badhamia melanospora (mainly on decaying parts of Opuntia spp. and Agave spp.); the most abundant coprophilous species were Badhamia cf. apiculospora, Fuligo cinerea, Perichaena liceoides, and Licea tenera. Both, species richness and diversity, increase from sagebrush desert to pine-juniper open woodland and pine-oak woodland. The myxomycete biota of the Colorado Plateau displays a high level of similarity to those of other arid regions of the world (mean coefficient of community Cs = 0.67), differing considerably from temperate (mean Cs = 0.34), boreal (mean Cs = 0.49) and tropical biotas (mean Cs = 0.42).

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The most dense populations of A. arachnoidea were associated with places having considerable air pollution — roadsides and tree plantations in towns, and production of sclerotia was observed mainly outside such areas.
Abstract: The corticioid fungus Athelia arachnoidea is common and evenly distributed in Belarus. It parasitizes epiphytic lichens, green coccoid algae, and mosses. A detailed morphological description of the fungus and characterization of its substrata and host range are given. Most of the collections represent vegetative mycelium; small sterile fruitbodies were registered in 8 % of collections — on bark, once on lichen thalli, and once on Peniophora cinerea basidiomata; only one find of spore-producing basidiomata was made. In about 27 % of collections the spreading of hyphae over bark apart of lichens and algae was observed. The fungus attacks 19 species of lichens (predominantly Phaeophyscia orbicularis and Melanelia exasperatula), and 6 species of mosses (mostly Orthotrichum pumilum), inhabiting trunks and branches of 20 species of trees and shrubs (predominantly Tilia cordata, Acer platanoides, and Malus domestica). The fungus demonstrated preferential parasitism on the Physciaceae members. The most dense populations of A. arachnoidea were associated with places having considerable air pollution — roadsides and tree plantations in towns. Production of sclerotia was observed mainly outside such areas.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Caloplaca erodens is a new species of sect.
Abstract: Caloplaca erodens is a new species of sect. Pyrenodesmia, characterised by an orbicular, sorediate, bluish-grey thallus which is endolithic but emerges at the periphery with a white, K−, obscurely lobate prothallus. The species is frequent on calcareous outcrops and walls of isolated churches and ruins of the Central Apennines (Sibillini, Gran Sasso), where it may occur in large monospecific populations, from 1000 to 2500 m asl., and is also known from dry sites of the southern Alps. It has been found with apothecia only in the type locality, being predominantly sterile. The reproduction of this lichen is evidently linked to the release of fragments of clusters of photobiont cells and mycobiont hyphae which are continuously exposed with the dissolution of the substratum. Readily distinguished from the apparently similar endolithic C. alociza (which is characterised by numerous apothecia, black, K+ purple prothallus, and esorediate thallus), C. erodens probably belongs to the C. circumalbata complex, whose taxa are always epilithic but have a white, K− prothallus. The phylogenetic position of the new species within sect. Pyrenodesmia as inferred by ITS sequences of the nuclear ribosomal DNA is shortly discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study compares the occurrence of ECM of Cortinarius obtusus, Lactarius decipiens, L. theiogalus, and Russula ochroleuca and soil nutrient concentrations at a micro-scale (1 cm2) in the OF layer of a pure Norway spruce stand to reveal any significant correlation with any of the tested nutrients or pH.
Abstract: Most of the fine root tips of boreal and temperate forests are colonized by ectomycorrhizal fungi. Thus ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis is an important factor in supplying trees with water and a wide range of nutrients. ECM are frequently patchily distributed and often form dense systems in small areas. One of the reasons for this uneven distribution might be a heterogeneous and patchy distribution of nutrients. The present study compares the occurrence of ECM of Cortinarius obtusus, Lactarius decipiens, L. theiogalus, and Russula ochroleuca and soil nutrient concentrations at a micro-scale (1 cm2) in the OF layer of a pure Norway spruce stand. In addition to the macronutrients K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, NO3 −, NH4 +, the concentrations of Na+, Fe3++Mn2+, Al3+, Cl−, SO4 2− are studied, as well as pH. Whereas Russula ochroleuca and Lactarius decipiens did not reveal any significant correlation with any of the tested nutrients or pH, the occurrence of L. theiogalus was significantly (p < 5 %) positively correlated with NH4 +, K+, Na+, Mg2+, Fe3++Mn2+, and pH. Cortinarius obtusus was positively correlated at the same significance level only with NH4 + and Mg2+.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The investigation was directed to study the state of mycorrhization, its pattern and variation, if any and, the differences in nutritional uptake of each AM-host symbiosis under the root organ culture system (ROC) in vitro.
Abstract: Carrots (Daucus carota) are used extensively for culturing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under the root organ culture system (ROC) in vitro. Four different cultivars of carrot and one of clover (Trifolium subterraneum) root cultures were used to investigate symbiotic events with Glomus intraradices when introduced to different host-transformed roots. The investigation was directed to study the state of mycorrhization, its pattern and variation, if any and, the differences in nutritional uptake of each AM-host symbiosis. The findings suggest the role of the host on the differential expression of G. intraradices with respect to colonization, spore production, intraradical and extramatrical spread of the fungus, nutritional kinetics of each host-fungus symbiosis, pattern of growth and differences in anatomical and morphological features of host roots.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Phylogenetic analyses with a set of Pythium spp.
Abstract: During a study on soilborne Pythiaceae in the Bavarian Alps, 3 isolates of a papillate Pythium species with aplerotic oospores were found in rhizosphere soil from a declining spruce stand. The isolates showed a unique combination of sporangial and gametangial characters, and could not be assigned to any known species of the genus. They were characterised by a relatively low growth rate, internally proliferating sporangia and extremely variable, monoclinous, sessile or shortly stalked antheridia. Direct germination of sporangia frequently occurred in water culture. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the ribosomal DNA showed very low levels of similarity to those of all known species of Pythium. This paper describes the isolates as Pythium montanum sp. nov., gives details on its morphology and provides preliminary information on its pathogenicity. Additional molecular evidence for its status as a new species is also provided. Phylogenetic analyses with a set of Pythium spp. showed that P. montanum groups in a clade together with P. vexans, a species whose taxonomical status still remains unclear, and that is considered a ‘border species’ between Pythium and Phytophthora.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: During the course of a monographic study of the genus Cercospora, several previously undescribed cercosporoid hyphomycetes were encountered, some of which are treated in the present paper.
Abstract: During the course of a monographic study of the genus Cercospora, several previously undescribed cercosporoid hyphomycetes were encountered, some of which are treated in the present paper. Ten new species of Pseudocercospora [on Anogeissus (Combretaceae), Catalpa (Bignoniaceae), Cedrela (Meliaceae), Citrus (Rutaceae), Flacourtia (Flacourtiaceae), Gelsemium (Loganiaceae), Oenothera (Onagraceae), Ribes (Grossulariaceae), Roystonea (Arecaceae) and Vaccinium (Ericaceae)], two species of Pseudocercosporella [on Solidago (Asteraceae) and Trichodesma (Boraginaceae)], two species of Stenella [on Cassia (Leguminosae) and Solidago (Asteraceae)], and a new species of Ramularia on Oplopanax (Araliaceae) are described.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The new species seems to be closely related to Laboulbenia pheropsophi, but can be distinguished from the latter by the much more slender and elongate habit, and by the different structure of the appendages.
Abstract: Laboulbenia phaeoxanthae sp. nov. (Ascomycota: Laboulbeniales) parasitic on the tiger beetle Phaeoxantha aequinoctialis bifasciata (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cicindelinae) from Brazil is described. The new species seems to be closely related to Laboulbenia pheropsophi, but can be distinguished from the latter by the much more slender and elongate habit, and by the different structure of the appendages. The new species is only the second Laboulbeniales species reported on tiger beetles. The widespread Laboulbenia variabilis was previously recorded on Tetracha fulgida from Ecuador.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Haustorial branches are described and illustrated in Filobasidiella depauperata and their close association with hyphae of Verticillium lecanii indicates that F. depauenata is mycoparasitic and not, as previously thought, entomopathogenic.
Abstract: Haustorial branches are described and illustrated in Filobasidiella depauperata (Basidiomycota: Tremellales). Their close association with hyphae of Verticillium lecanii indicates that F. depauperata is mycoparasitic and not, as previously thought, entomopathogenic. A key to the taxa of the genus is included.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The anamorphic fungus Sporothrix inflata, known as a soil-borne fungus with worldwide distribution, was isolated for the first time from the cortex and central cylinder of living and dead roots of healthy and diseased oak trees.
Abstract: The anamorphic fungus Sporothrix inflata, known as a soil-borne fungus with worldwide distribution, was isolated for the first time from the cortex and central cylinder of living and dead roots of healthy and diseased oak trees (Quercus robur and Q. petraea). Isolation frequencies of S. inflata from oak roots varied according to the health status of trees, oak species, study sites, soil depth and root diameter. Colony morphology and growth rate of isolates are influenced by colony age and type of culture medium.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: European species of Taphrina on Alnus species (Betulaceae) were identified using morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics, the latter including determination of PCR fingerprints and of nucleotide sequences from selected nuclear ribosomal DNA regions to clarify phylogenetic relationships.
Abstract: All Taphrina species are dimorphic with a mycelium stage biotrophic on vascular plants and a saprophytic yeast stage. European species of Taphrina on Alnus species (Betulaceae) were identified using morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics, the latter including determination of PCR fingerprints and of nucleotide sequences from selected nuclear ribosomal DNA regions. PCR fingerprinting gives a good overview of species identification, as do nucleotide sequences, which in addition, help to clarify phylogenetic relationships. Taphrina alni is a homogeneous species that exhibited more than 50% similarity in PCR fingerprinting with three different primers. Morphologically, it produces tongue-like outgrowths from female catkins of Alnus incana. Taphrina robinsoniana from A. rugosa and A. serrulata in North America is phylogenetically closely related to T. alni, but the two species could be separated by their PCR fingerprints, partial sequences of 26S rDNA (D1/D2) and ITS1/ITS2 sequences. T. epiphylla and T. sadebeckii are two phylogenetically closely related species. T. epiphylla causes witches brooms in crowns of A. incana. In addition, T. epiphylla forms slightly yellow white-grey leaf spots in midsummer on A. incana. Yellow white-grey leaf spots up to 10 mm on A. glutinosa are characteristic for T. sadebeckii. Both species can be separated well by PCR fingerprinting. Different from T. epiphylla, T. sadebeckii is genotypically more heterogeneous. Only two out of three different primers showed similarity values above 50% in different European strains of T. sadebeckii. Although genetic variability was not detected in complete sequences of the 18S ribosomal DNA of T. sadebeckii, ITS1/ITS2 sequences appeared to be more heterogeneous, too. Taphrina tosquinetii is a genotypically homogeneous species causing leaf curl on Alnus glutinosa. It was not possible to distinguish the yeast phases from different Taphrina species on Alnus using morphological and physiological characteristics only.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Two new species of Pyxidiophora associated with bark beetles colonising the sapwood and secondary phloem of conifers in Europe are described and each of both fungal species appeared to be connected with a Gabarnaudia-like anamorph.
Abstract: Two new species of Pyxidiophora (Ascomycota, Laboulbeniomycetes, Pyxidiophorales) associated with bark beetles (Coleoptera, Scolytidae) colonising the sapwood and secondary phloem of conifers (Larix decidua and Picea abies) in Europe are described. Each of both fungal species appeared to be connected with a Gabarnaudia-like anamorph. Pyxidiophora corallisetosa could only be cultivated in the presence of the hyphomycete Clonostachys rosea, and a connection of P. corallisetosa with its Gabarnaudia-like anamorph was proven by the development of perithecia after axenic transfer of conidia to cultures of C. rosea. Pyxidiophora cuniculicola was found in cultures originating from bark beetles placed onto agar media. Conidia developing directly from germinating ascospores were identical to those developing from Gabarnaudia-like conidiophores also present in these cultures, which indicates an anamorph-teleomorph connection. The probable interactions between both species of Pyxidiophora with associated fungi are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Penicillium spp.
Abstract: Soil microfungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Coniothyrium, Paecilomyces, Penicillium and Trichoderma, as well as wood-and litter-decomposing basidiomycetes, were able to degrade the explosive RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) co-metabolically, but were unable to utilize it as a sole carbon or nitrogen source. The most efficient RDX-degrading microfungi were characterized morphologically and by analysis of the ITS region of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster as Penicillium janczewskii and an unidentifiable Penicillium sp. with uniseriate phialides. Both species catalysed 80–100 % disappearance of RDX in a liquid defined medium. RDX degradation was inhibited by the presence of 30 mM NH4+ but not by 40 mM NO3−. In basidiomycetes but not Penicillium spp., RDX degradation was greatly reduced when biomass pregrown at 23 °C was incubated with RDX at 15 °C. Because of their production of copious conidial inoculum, simple growth requirements and ability to degrade RDX at reduced temperature, Penicillium spp. show promise for the bioremediation of RDX-contaminated groundwater.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Campanophyllum is proposed as a new genus name to accommodate Lentinus proboscideus Fries, based on morphological and molecular data from collections made in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Mexico and based on ribosomal large subunit DNA data, appears to be placed in the “/gloeostereae” clade where it is nested with Cheimonophyllity and Chondrostereum.
Abstract: Campanophyllum is proposed as a new genus name to accommodate Lentinus proboscideus Fries, based on morphological and molecular data from collections made in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Mexico. A neotype specimen is designated. The taxonomic circumscription of the new genus is compared to those of a wide array of agaric genera having cyphelloid, pseudostipitate members. Based on ribosomal large subunit DNA data, Campanophyllum appears to be placed in the “/gloeostereae” clade where it is nested with Cheimonophyllum, Chondrostereum and Gloeostereum.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The involvement of a nitrate reductase in RDX degradation by Penicillium has practical implications for bioremediation strategies which are discussed and an equivalent effect of ammonium, molybdenum and tungsten was observed in protoplasts of this fungus assayed for nitrate reduction activity.
Abstract: In liquid culture on a defined growth medium, Penicillium sp. AK96151 efficiently degraded the explosive hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX, hexogen), causing > 80 % disappearance after 10 d. RDX degradation was reduced to a basal level ( 150 μM ammonium ions or when the molybdenum component of the medium was replaced by sodium tungstate. An equivalent effect of ammonium, molybdenum and tungsten was observed in protoplasts of this fungus assayed for nitrate reductase activity. This enzyme was not inhibited by RDX itself. The involvement of a nitrate reductase in RDX degradation by Penicillium has practical implications for bioremediation strategies which are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new combination of M. auriorbis and M. congolensis is proposed, Mycoamaranthus cambodgensis, which is likely to be the same as Dendrogaster cambodegensis.
Abstract: Two species have been described for the sequestrate genus Mycoamaranthus: M. auriorbis, and M. congolensis. Availability of several more collections of this genus from Thailand led us to re-examine M. auriorbis, which proved to be the same as Dendrogaster cambodgensis. Accordingly, we propose the new combination, Mycoamaranthus cambodgensis.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Development and morphology of mycelial chlamydospores and thromboplerous hyphae of the agaricoid Hymenomycete Lepista flaccida are described from laboratory cultures.
Abstract: Development and morphology of mycelial chlamydospores and thromboplerous hyphae of the agaricoid Hymenomycete Lepista flaccida are described from laboratory cultures. The chlamydospore mother cell wall produces finger-like projections that become empty, stellate appendices of the mature spore. The fully developed wall is multi-layered. The cytoplasm contains two nuclei and one or two big oil drops. In thromboplerous hyphae, initial grains of the deuteroplasm condense into a solid, homogeneous mass.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The morphological and anatomical re-examination of type material has shown both species belong to the genus Nochascypha, and their inclusion extends the former range of NochAscypha species whose surface hyphae are colourless by two distinct members with yellowish surface hymphae.
Abstract: Nochascypha jacksonii and N paraensis proposed for combination were previously placed in the cyphellaceous genus Maireina Unlike the typical representatives of the genus Maireina, both taxa have only pale coloured surface hyphae The morphological and anatomical re-examination of type material has shown both species belong to the genus Nochascypha Their inclusion extends the former range of Nochascypha species whose surface hyphae are colourless by two distinct members with yellowish surface hyphae Nochascypha jacksonii and N paraensis are described and illustrated in detail An updated key for Nochascypha is presented