Showing papers in "Mycological Progress in 2017"
TL;DR: Both morphological and molecular characters confirmed the placement of the new species in Ceriporiopsis, and showed that C. kunmingensis belonged to the phlebioid clade, formed a monophyletic lineage with a strong support, and was closely related to Phlebia aurea and then grouped with P. livida and P. subserialis.
Abstract: A new poroid wood-inhabiting fungal species, Ceriporiopsis kunmingensis sp. nov., is proposed based on morphological and molecular characters. The species is characterized by resupinate basidiocarps with pale cinnamon-buff to ochreous color when dry; generative hyphae unbranched and subparallel along the tubes; presence of hyphal ends; allantoid basidiospores, 4.5–5 × 1.5–2 μm. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene sequences of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data of ITS + nLSU sequences showed that C. kunmingensis belonged to the phlebioid clade, formed a monophyletic lineage with a strong support (100% BS, 100% BP, 1.00 BPP), and was closely related to Phlebia aurea, and then grouped with P. livida and P. subserialis. Both morphological and molecular characters confirmed the placement of the new species in Ceriporiopsis.
54 citations
TL;DR: Not a single metabolite which is also known from the host plant has ever been isolated as a major component from an endophytic Diaporthe strain, despite the fact that many of the recent studies were targeting endophytics fungi of medicinal plants.
Abstract: The genus Diaporthe (asexual state: Phomopsis) comprises pathogenic, endophytic and saprobic species with both temperate and tropical distributions. Although species of Diaporthe have in the past chiefly been distinguished based on host association, studies have confirmed several taxa to have wide host ranges, suggesting that they move freely between hosts, frequently co-colonizing diseased or dead tissue, while some species are known to be host-specific. They are also very frequently isolated as endophytes of seed plants. Due to their importance as plant pathogens, the genus has been thoroughly investigated for secondary metabolites, including during screening programs aimed at the discovery of novel bioactive natural products, but the respective information has never been compiled. Therefore, we have examined the relevant literature to explore and highlight the major classes of metabolites of Diaporthe and their Phomopsis conidial states. These fungi predominantly produce a large number of polyketides, but cytochalasins and other types of commonly encountered fungal secondary metabolites are also predominant in some species. Interestingly, not a single metabolite which is also known from the host plant has ever been isolated as a major component from an endophytic Diaporthe strain, despite the fact that many of the recent studies were targeting endophytic fungi of medicinal plants.
54 citations
TL;DR: Pucciniomycotina with yeast stages are reviewed and plates for representative species of orders have been arranged because the structural qualities are the prerequisites for specific functions that cannot be expressed by phylogenetic dendrograms.
Abstract: Recent results in taxonomic, phylogenetic and ecological studies of basidiomycetous yeast research are remarkable. Here, Pucciniomycotina with yeast stages are reviewed. The phylogenetic origin of single-cell basidiomycetes still remains unsolved. But the massive occurrence of yeasts in basal basidiomycetous taxa indicates their early evolutionary presence. Yeasts in Cryptomycocolacomycetes, Mixiomycetes, Agaricostilbomycetes, Cystobasidiomycetes, Septobasidiales, Heterogastridiomycetes, and Microbotryomycetes will be discussed. The apparent loss of yeast stages in Tritirachiomycetes, Atractiellomycetes, Helicobasidiales, Platygloeales, Pucciniales, Pachnocybales, and Classiculomycetes will be mentioned briefly for comparative purposes with dimorphic sister taxa. Since most phylogenetic papers suffer considerably from the lack of adequate illustrations, plates for representative species of orders have been arranged. The structural qualities are the prerequisites for specific functions that cannot be expressed by phylogenetic dendrograms.
40 citations
TL;DR: The traditional medicinal fungus, Lingzhi, has long been considered to be Ganoderma lucidum, but was recently described as G. lingzhi based on both morphological and molecular data, and the designation of the epitype is considered to conflict with the regulations of the Code and should be rejected.
Abstract: The traditional medicinal fungus, Lingzhi, has long been considered to be Ganoderma lucidum, but was recently described as G. lingzhi based on both morphological and molecular data. Months earlier than this description, the species was identified as G. sichuanense by another research group. A sequenced epitype for G. sichuanense was selected that, if accepted, meant that it became a synonym of, and an earlier name for, G. lingzhi. However, the holotype of G. sichuanense is well developed with distinct morphological characters, and its ITS sequence, the DNA barcode for fungal taxonomy, is available. The holotype of G. sichuanense does not possess the typical morphological characteristics of Lingzhi, and the designated epitype is not conspecific with the holotype from morphological, phylogenetic and ecological perspectives. Consequently, the designation of the epitype is considered to conflict with the regulations of the Code and should be rejected. As no other previously published species name matches Lingzhi, the correct name for this fungus is G. lingzhi.
40 citations
TL;DR: Two new genera (Bezerromyces and Xiliomyces), a new family and a new order are introduced to accommodate these novel taxa, here introduced as Wiesneriomycetales.
Abstract: During a survey of endophytic fungi from the cactus Tacinga inamoena in a Brazilian tropical dry forest (Caatinga) some undescribed ascomycetous fungi were isolated. These fungi are characterized by superficial and immersed, globose to subglobose, smooth or hairy ascomata, bitunicate asci, and muriformly septate, ellipsoidal ascospores. Multigene phylogenetic analyses using sequences from partial ITS, SSU and LSU nrDNA and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef1) demonstrated a monophyletic clade accommodating these endophytic fungi in the class Dothideomycetes, closely related to the order Tubeufiales. Based on morphological features and phylogenetic analyses, these fungi could not be placed in the order Tubeufiales, in the new order Wiesneriomycetales, or any other known genus in the class Dothideomycetes. Thus, two new genera (Bezerromyces, with B. brasiliensis and B. pernambucoensis, and Xiliomyces with X. brasiliensis), a new family (Bezerromycetaceae) and a new order (Bezerromycetales) are introduced to accommodate these novel taxa. Our phylogenetic analyses also demonstrated that the clade accommodating Wiesneriomycetaceae represents a new order, here introduced as Wiesneriomycetales.
39 citations
TL;DR: In general, among the endophytes isolated, Trichoderma spp.
Abstract: Fungal endophytes use different strategies to protect host plants from abiotic and biotic stress. In this study, we isolated endophytic fungi from Pistacia vera and characterised their antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and their release of some factors that can alter plant growth capability. Trichoderma harzianum TH 5-1-2, T. harzianum TH 10-2-2 and T. atroviride TA 2-2-1 exhibited the highest growth inhibition percentages in dual culture assays against A. flavus, R. solani and S. sclerotiorum, respectively. Among the fungal endophyte cultures, ethyl acetate extracts of T. harzianum TH 10-2-2, T. harzianum TH 5-1-2 and T. atroviride TA 2-2-1 exhibited the highest growth inhibition of S. sclerotiorum, R. solani and A. flavus, respectively. Phosphate solubilisation was induced by Byssochlamys nivea BN 1-1-1 in culture. Large amounts of siderophore production were observed with Quambalaria cyanescens QC 11-3-2 and Epicoccum nigrum EN1, but Trichoderma spp. also produced siderophore in lower amounts. Trichoderma harzianum TH 5-1-2 produced the highest chitinase activity (2.92 U/mL). In general, among the endophytes isolated, Trichoderma spp. appear to have the most promise for promoting healthy growth of P. vera.
38 citations
TL;DR: This work documents 32 new Preussia isolates from the Iberian Peninsula, including endophytic and saprobic strains, and inferred 11 chemotypes on the basis of combined analyses.
Abstract: This work documents 32 new Preussia isolates from the Iberian Peninsula, including endophytic and saprobic strains The morphological study of the teleomorphs and anamorphs was combined with a molecular phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of the ribosomal rDNA gene cluster and chemotaxonomic studies based on liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray mass spectrometry Sixteen natural compounds were identified On the basis of combined analyses, 11 chemotypes are inferred
36 citations
TL;DR: Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS and partial β-tubulin (β-tub) sequence data support their natural placements in the genera Diatrypella and Peroneutypa as new species.
Abstract: Two novel species of Diatrypaceae, Diatrypella tectonae and Peroneutypa mackenziei, were collected from dead wood in northern Thailand. The new species are introduced in this paper, with evidence from morphology and phylogenetic analyses. The new taxa are described, illustrated and compared with related taxa. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS and partial β-tubulin (β-tub) sequence data support their natural placements in the genera Diatrypella and Peroneutypa as new species.
28 citations
TL;DR: The phylogenetic placement of two oomycete parasitoids one parasitic to Pseudo-nitzschia pungens and the other parasitic to Rhizosolenia imbricata is reported, report the taxonomy of Ectrogella-like organisms and Olpidiopsis is discussed and, as a consequence of morphological differences and phylogenetics, two new species are introduced.
Abstract: Despite their widespread nature and economic impact, little is known regarding the diversity and phylogeny of diatom-infecting oomycetes. While the phylogenetic affinities of Lagenisma, affecting large centric diatoms, has recently been resolved, no member of the widespread genus Ectrogella has, so far, been investigated using molecular phylogenetics. The genus Ectrogella contains about a dozen species, which are all holocarpic. The species in the genus are diverse in terms of morphology and development, and primarily set apart from other holocarpic oomycete genera on the basis of their occurrence in unicellular or colonial algae, predominantly licmophoroid and bacillarioid diatoms. Here, we report the phylogenetic placement of two oomycete parasitoids one parasitic to Pseudo-nitzschia pungens and the other parasitic to Rhizosolenia imbricata. While both parasitoids were placed outside the crown oomycete groups represented by Saprolegniomycetes and Peronosporomycetes, they did not form a monophyletic assemblage. The Rhizosolenia parasitoid was embedded amongst marine Olpidiopsis species, while the Pseudo-nitzschia parasitoid was placed as the sister clade to all remaining oomycetes. The taxonomy of Ectrogella-like organisms and Olpidiopsis is discussed and, as a consequence of morphological differences and phylogenetic placement, two new species, Miracula helgolandica and Olpidiopsis drebesii, are introduced.
28 citations
TL;DR: Nigelia is described as a new genus closely related to Metarhizium, to the scale insect pathogens Aschersonia, Samuelsia and Moelleriella, and to plant pathogens in Claviceps and Balansia, and other relatives.
Abstract: In several surveys in the tropical forests in Thailand, specimens that looked morphologically similar to Metarhizium martiale and Cordyceps variegata, as well as other Metarhizium species were collected and cultured in vitro. A combined phylogeny of several genes including the small (18S) and large (28S) subunits of the ribosomal DNA, elongation factor 1-α (TEF), RNA polymerase II subunits 1 and 2 (RPB1, RPB2) genes has shown these to be new taxa in the Clavicipitaceae. Nigelia is described as a new genus closely related to Metarhizium, to the scale insect pathogens Aschersonia (Hypocrella), Samuelsia and Moelleriella, and to plant pathogens in Claviceps and Balansia, and other relatives. Nigelia comprises M. martiale and a new species Nigelia aurantiaca, which has been found infecting lepidopteran larvae and which produces pseudoimmersed, obliquely arranged, obpyriform perithecia with curved or bent ostioles and with whole (non-separating) cylindric ascospores. Metarhizium chaiyaphumense, M. kalasinense, M. prachinense, M. samlanense, and M. takense are described as new species of Metarhizium. Metarhizium martiale is transferred to Nigelia, and Paecilomyces reniformis is transferred to Metarhizium.
27 citations
TL;DR: A list of species, a phylogenetic tree with eight new sequences from holotypes and three other previously unsequenced species, emendations of the genera and new keys to all accepted species are provided.
Abstract: Phylogenetic trees indicate that Hyphodontia s.l. consists of various genera. In addition to the studies of Hjortstam and Ryvarden (Syn Fung 15:7–17, 2002; Syn Fung 26:33–55, 2009), 35 new combinations are proposed, based on morphological and/or phylogenetic information. A list of species, a phylogenetic tree with eight new sequences from holotypes and three other previously unsequenced species, emendations of the genera and new keys to all accepted species are provided.
TL;DR: The results indicate that eukaryotic freshwater communities are composed of different guilds, with distinctive sensitivity and tolerance to anthropogenic stressors, and possible interdependencies between both groups.
Abstract: Multiple anthropogenic stressors have been shown to impact animal and plant communities in freshwater ecosystems, but the responses of aquatic fungi remain largely unknown. Stressor effects on fungal communities may, however, result in changes of decomposition of plant litter and, thus, impact nutrient cycling, a key process for ecosystem functioning. We tested the impact of increased chloride and sediment levels, as well as reduced water flow velocity, on eukaryotic freshwater communities, with an emphasis on fungi, in a mesocosm experiment. Each of the three stressors was applied individually and in all combinations in a full-factorial design. Litterbags with non-sterilised tree leaves and sterile ceramic tiles were added to the mesocosms, to analyse the responses of communities in decaying plant material and in biofilms. Fungi preferably occurring in biofilms were supposed to represent indigenous aquatic fungi, while litterbag communities should be predominantly composed of fungi known from terrestrial litter. Community composition was assessed by high-throughput sequencing of amplified barcoding regions. Similarity matrices of operational taxonomic unit (OTU) tables calculated by UCLUST and CD-HIT-OTU-Illumina were significantly correlated. Preferred occurrence in biofilm and litter communities, respectively, was used for the grouping of OTUs into three ecological guilds. Stressor sensitivity varied among the guilds. While non-fungal, in particular autotrophic, OTUs responded to several treatments, two of the fungal guilds, i.e. those exclusively colonising litter and those preferably occurring on the ceramic tiles, showed no response to any applied treatment. Only fungi preferably, but not exclusively, colonising litter significantly responded to chloride addition. Their distribution patterns again correlated significantly with those of non-fungal OTUs, indicating possible interdependencies between both groups. The results indicate that eukaryotic freshwater communities are composed of different guilds, with distinctive sensitivity and tolerance to anthropogenic stressors.
TL;DR: Ancestral state reconstruction suggests that the common ancestor of the Crown clade and the Integrae clade probably did not have any incrustations in the pileipellis, had a mild taste, yellow spore print and were associated with angiosperms.
Abstract: Russula is one of the most speciose genera of mushroom-forming fungi, but phylogenetic relationships among species and subgeneric groupings are poorly understood. Our multi-locus phylogenetic reconstruction places R. firmula, R. rubra, R. rutila and R. veternosa in a well-supported Rubrinae clade, belonging to the Integrae clade of the Crown clade of the genus Russula. Traditional morphology-based classifications placed these four species in two different subsections based on the presence or absence of incrustations on pileocystidia. The Integrae clade also contains R. integra and related species that are traditionally placed in other groups based on their mild taste. Ancestral state reconstruction suggests that the common ancestor of the Crown clade and the Integrae clade probably did not have any incrustations in the pileipellis, had a mild taste, yellow spore print and were associated with angiosperms. All four species of the Rubrinae clade are defined by a darker yellow or ochre spore print, acrid taste and incrustations on pileocystidia. This last character contradicts the former splitting of the group because incrustations were apparently overlooked in R. firmula and R. veternosa. Incrustation type is now highlighted as being important for the delimitation of species and groups within the Crown clade. Pink or red staining of the incrustations in sulphovanillin is present in all species of the Rubrinae clade and a majority of the analysed species of the Integrae clade. The delimitation of the Rubrinae clade and its species circumscriptions are summarised here in a new diagnostic key.
TL;DR: The domesticated Auricularia thailandica, a newly identified edible species that was collected from the wild in Thailand, has an attractive reddish orange colour and larger basidiocarps than other commercially available species.
Abstract: In order to fulfill the increasing demand for edible mushrooms and maintain a steady supply throughout the year, it is necessary to domesticate new wild edible mushroom species. In this study, we domesticated Auricularia thailandica, a newly identified edible species that was collected from the wild in Thailand. We compared the growth of A. thailandica in three different growth media: sawdust, wheat husk and sugarcane bagasse. The use of sawdust resulted in the fastest rate of mycelial colonisation at 56.4 ± 1.2 days, pinheads were formed in 14.2 ± 0.4 days and the biological efficiency was 17.1 ± 2.8%. Nutritional analysis showed that A. thailandica contained a higher proportion of protein (12.99 ± 0.05%) and fat (2.93 ± 0.66%) by dry weight than other commercial Auricularia spp. available on the market. The antioxidant potential of A. thailandica varied with the extraction solvent used, and the effective concentration was found to be significantly lower in methanol extract than aqueous extract. Additionally, this species has an attractive reddish orange colour and larger basidiocarps than other commercially available species.
TL;DR: Four new species and two new host records of Torula (Torulaceae, Pleosporales) are described and illustrated from herbaceous litter collected in Italy and Thailand to infer phylogenetic relationships and discuss phylogenetic affinities with morphologically similar species.
Abstract: Four new species and two new host records of Torula (Torulaceae, Pleosporales) are described and illustrated from herbaceous litter collected in Italy and Thailand. The new species possess colony, conidiophore and conidial characteristics that fit within the generic concept of Torula. Detailed morphological observations clearly demarcate four of these from extant species and are hence described as new (Torula chiangmaiensis sp. nov., Torula pluriseptata sp. nov., Torula chromolaenae sp. nov., Torula mackenziei sp. nov.). Details of asexual morphs are described, and justifications for establishing these new species are provided. The nuclear are sequenced ribosomal RNA genes as well as protein coding genes to infer phylogenetic relationships and discuss phylogenetic affinities with morphologically similar species. Our morphological distinction is further supported by phylogenetic discrimination. In particular, phylogenies depict a close relationship of Torula chiangmaiensis and T. pluriseptata to T. hollandica, while T. chromolaenae and T. mackenziei constitute an independent phylogenetic lineage basal to T. herbarum and T. ficus. Torula ficus and T. masonii are also described and their phylogeny investigated as new host records from Bidens pilosa and Iris germanica, respectively.
TL;DR: Production of such metabolites by the endolichenic fungi could aid them in overcoming competition within the lichen thallus, and it is possible that they also alter the ecological fitness of lichens.
Abstract: Eleven lichen species belonging to five families (two fruticose and nine foliose) growing on the bark of Quercus leucotrichophora trees from four forests of Champawat district, Uttarakhand state, northern India were studied for their endolichenic fungal assemblage. We obtained 942 isolates of endolichenic fungi belonging to 33 morphospecies from these lichens. Xylaria spp. dominated the assemblage of 6 of the 11 lichens; it was the most common endolichenic fungus and constituted 31.4% of the total isolates. In co-culture experiments where 33 Xylaria isolates and select endolichenic fungi were cultured together, 39% of the combinations showed mutual stasis, while in 36% of the challenges, Xylaria overgrew the other endolichenic fungus co-cultured with it; Xylaria was inhibited only in 6% of the challenges. Of the 62 isolates tested by bioautogram, 45 and 37 isolates exhibited antialgal and antifungal activity, respectively, while 30 isolates showed both antialgal and antifungal activities. While production of such metabolites by the endolichenic fungi could aid them in overcoming competition within the lichen thallus, it is possible that they also alter the ecological fitness of lichens.
TL;DR: The results illustrate non-monophyly of Quambalariaceae and Microstromataceae as currently circumscribed and validate the genus Jaminaea, its respective species and two species of Sympodiomycopsis and provide a new combination, Microstroma bacarum comb.
Abstract: Environmental sampling yielded two yeast species belonging to Microstromatales (Exobasidiomycetes, Ustilaginomycotina). The first species was collected from a leaf phylloplane infected by the rust fungus Coleosporium plumeriae, and represents a new species in the genus Jaminaea, for which the name Jaminaea rosea sp. nov. is proposed. The second species was isolated from air on 50% glucose media and is most similar to Microstroma phylloplanum. However, our phylogenetic analyses reveal that species currently placed in Microstroma are not monophyletic, and M. phylloplanum, M. juglandis and M. albiziae are not related to the type species of this genus, M. album. Thus, Pseudomicrostroma gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate the following species: P. glucosiphilum sp. nov., P. phylloplanum comb. nov. and P. juglandis comb. nov. We also propose Parajaminaea gen. nov. to accommodate P. albizii comb. nov. and P. phylloscopi sp. nov. based on phylogenetic analyses that show these are not congeneric with Jaminaea or Microstroma. In addition, we validate the genus Jaminaea, its respective species and two species of Sympodiomycopsis and provide a new combination, Microstroma bacarum comb. nov., for the anamorphic yeast Rhodotorula bacarum. Our results illustrate non-monophyly of Quambalariaceae and Microstromataceae as currently circumscribed. Taxonomy of Microstroma and the Microstromataceae is reviewed and discussed. Finally, analyses of all available small subunit rDNA sequences for Jaminaea species show that J. angkorensis is the only known species that possess a group I intron in this locus, once considered a potential feature indicating the basal placement of this genus in Microstromatales.
TL;DR: This issue focuses on six genera, including macro- and microfungi, four of which the type species is epitypified, and two new families within Pleosporales and Xylariales are proposed to accommodate two of them.
Abstract: The current paper represents the third contribution in the Genera of Fungi series, linking the type species of fungal genera to their morphology and DNA sequence data, and, where possible, ecology. In this issue, we have focused on six genera, including macro- and microfungi, four of which the type species is epitypified. In addition, two new families within Pleosporales and Xylariales are proposed to accommodate two of them. The genera treated here include: Aleurocystis (Aleurocystis hakgallae; incertae sedis, Agaricales), Blastacervulus (Blastacervulus eucalypti; Asterinaceae, Asterinales), Clypeophysalospora (Clypeophysalospora latitans; Clypeophysalosporaceae, Xylariales), Licrostroma (Licrostroma subgiganteum; Peniophoraceae, Russulales), Neohendersonia (Neohendersonia kickxii; Neohendersoniaceae, Pleosporales) and Spumatoria (Spumatoria longicollis; Ophiostomataceae, Ophiostomatales). Authors interested in contributing accounts of individual genera to larger multi-authored papers should contact the associate editors listed on the List of Protected Generic Names for Fungi.
TL;DR: The goal of this review is to underline some ecological interactions involving fungi and other organisms and to indicate high fungal plasticity in terms of ontogenetic perspective.
Abstract: Their hyphal structure, the common events of hybridization and horizontal gene transfer, as well as intimate associations with prokaryotes (including endobiotic bacteria) and cooperation with eukaryotes have made fungi very flexible at the genetic, physiological, and ecological levels. It is manifested with the fungal ability to perfectly exploit existing nutrient sources and plastically fit into a changing environment. Although the links between fungi and other ecosystem components are rarely clearly visible and unambiguous, fungi can be ecosystem buffers playing a homeostatic role throughout global ecosystems, reacting to changes in various ways, not only by modifications of gene expression but also by nuclear status and “extended phenotype”. The goal of this review is to underline some ecological interactions involving fungi and other organisms and to indicate high fungal plasticity in terms of ontogenetic perspective.
TL;DR: The genomes of two ascospore isolates of M. importuna with opposite mating-type were sequenced and two idiomorphs, MAT1–1 and MAT1-2, were identified, and it is suggested that these three black morels are heterothallic.
Abstract: Morels (Morchella spp) are highly prized for their culinary qualities and intensively collected worldwide by mycophiles Morels are divided into three clades by phylogenetic analyses: black morels, yellow morels and the rufobrunnea clade Morchella importuna, Mel-20 and M sextelata are included in the black morel clade and are widely distributed in Yunnan province, China M importuna and M sextelata have been artificially cultured in recent years, but their life cycles and reproductive systems are still poorly understood, which delays the progress of morel cultivation In this study, the genomes of two ascospore isolates of M importuna with opposite mating-type were sequenced and two idiomorphs, MAT1–1 and MAT1–2, were identified The MAT1–2 idiomorph was 67 kb in length containing a single MAT1–2-1 gene, and the MAT1–1 idiomorph was 105 kb containing a MAT1–1-1 gene and two other open reading frames (ORFs), GME3123 and GME3124 These ORFs differed greatly from the homologues of previously published mating-type genes; therefore, we speculate that they are novel mating genes found only in morels Single-ascospore populations of M importuna, M sextelata and Mel-20 were analysed, and the result indicated that the ratios of MAT1–1- and MAT1–2-harbouring idiomorphs were not significantly different from a 1:1 ratio The results suggest that these three black morels are heterothallic
TL;DR: Four new species of Tubeufia are described and illustrated and the phylogenetic placement of the new species is confirmed by analysis of combined ITS, LSU and TEF1α sequence data.
Abstract: Tubeufia was named for a sexual morph taxon. However, several asexual morph species have been accommodated in this genus as well. In our study, four new species of Tubeufia, viz. T. filiformis, T. latispora, T. laxispora and T. mackenziei, are described and illustrated. The phylogenetic placement of the new species is confirmed by analysis of combined ITS, LSU and TEF1α sequence data. A key to Tubeufia species is provided and the new species are compared with similar fungal taxa.
TL;DR: A new genus Rhopalophora is described for Phialophora clavispora, a lignicolous species formerly placed in Phialophile section Catenulatae that possesses pigmented conidiophores, phialides with a single conidiogenous locus that occasionally appear as schizophialides, and clavate, aseptate conidia arranged in chains or sometimes in heads.
Abstract: A new genus Rhopalophora is described for Phialophora clavispora, a lignicolous species formerly placed in Phialophora section Catenulatae that possesses pigmented conidiophores, phialides with a single conidiogenous locus that occasionally appear as schizophialides, and clavate, aseptate conidia arranged in chains or sometimes in heads. Sexual morphs are not known for this taxon. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from five loci (nucSSU, ITS, nucLSU, mitSSU, rpb1 and rpb2) of this and related fungi supports the introduction of a new family, Sclerococcaceae, for which we establish the order Sclerococcales. This order belongs to the new subclass Sclerococcomycetidae, a strongly supported clade within the Eurotiomycetes that is basal to a lineage containing the Chaetothyriomycetidae, Coryneliomycetidae and Eurotiomycetidae. Rhopalophora clavispora fits in this new family and is closely related to an isolate of Fusichalara minuta. The Sclerococcales also encompass marine, lignicolous species of Dactylospora, two species of the lichenicolous genus Sclerococcum, and a lineage comprised of strains from the digestive tracts of Neotropical wood-inhabiting beetles. We confirm that Dactylospora is polyphyletic; the phylogenetic placement of D. parasitica, the generic type, remains unknown.
TL;DR: A new genus of the Peronosporaceae, Calycofera, is introduced in this manuscript to accommodate Halophytophthora operculata, and is distinct compared to Phytopythium s.
Abstract: The genus Halophytophthora is a predominantly marine or estuarine genus of the oomycete family Peronosporaceae. This genus has been revealed as a highly polyphyletic assemblage of largely unrelated species. A new genus of the Peronosporaceae, Calycofera, is introduced in this manuscript to accommodate Halophytophthora operculata. Calycofera is distinct compared to Phytopythium s. str. and to Halophytophthora s. str. on the basis of sporangium morphology, sporangiogenous hyphae, and the development and release of zoospores. Phylogenetic analyses using ITS, cox2 and cox1 sequences strongly supported the establishment of this taxon. In addition, a second species of the genus was found, which is genetically more divergent from C. operculata than most sister species in the sister genus Phytopythium, and is described as C. cryptica based on diagnostic nucleotides.
TL;DR: This study is the first report of the successful cultivation of a wild strain of L. sordida from Thailand and the morphological description and molecular examination of the fungus are included, in order to confirm the identification of the species.
Abstract: Lepista sordida is an edible and medicinal mushroom, but, until now, it had to be collected from the wild. The present study is the first report of the successful cultivation of a wild strain of L. sordida from Thailand. The morphological description and molecular examination of the fungus are included, in order to confirm the identification of the species. Optimization was carried out for mycelium growth and fruiting body production. yeast malt extract (YMA), pH 6.0 - 7.0 and a temperature of 25 - 30 °C. A sorghum mushroom spawn was used for upscaling of the mycelium to be used for fruiting body production. Optimal conditions for the fruiting phase were 25 °C with 95–97% humidity in a compost rice straw medium with sandy-soil casing layer. Additionally, the secondary metabolites of fruiting body and cultured mycelium were investigated. Nudic acid B, a known toxic polyacetylene, was isolated from submerged cultures of L. sordida, while no polyacetylenic compounds were found in the fruiting bodies.
TL;DR: Morphological studies and phylogenetic approaches based on multilocus DNA sequence data showed that three Leptographium species occur in association with I. subelongatus infestations of Larix spp.
Abstract: The larch bark beetle (Ips subelongatus), which occurs in larch plantations over a vast area of eastern Asia, infects both dying and fallen trees. When its population reaches a high density, the beetle may also infect healthy trees, resulting in tree decline and, eventually, death. Leptographium spp., in both their sexual and asexual states, are mainly associated with conifer-infesting bark beetles; some species are important tree pathogens. The aims of this study were to identify the Leptographium spp. associated with I. subelongatus infestations of Larix spp. in northern China and to examine their pathogenicity towards the tree. Morphological studies and phylogenetic approaches based on multilocus DNA sequence data (ITS2- partial r28S, partial β-tubulin, and EF-1α gene regions) showed that three Leptographium species occur in association with I. subelongatus in the areas investigated: Leptographium taigense, which is recorded in China for the first time, and two new species, namely L. innermongolicum sp. nov. and L. zhangii sp. nov. Leptographium innermongolicum is closely related to L. taigense, whereas L. zhangii belongs to the Grosmannia piceaperda species complex. The pathogenicity of these Leptographium species towards mature Larix spp. was tested by stem inoculation in forests. All inoculations only resulted in small lesions on the inner bark; therefore, the three Leptographium species were not considered to be pathogenic.
TL;DR: A polyphasic approach, including sequence-based methods, morphological and physiological studies, was used for species characterization and in this paper is described as Aspergillus pepii, which is closely related to A. versicolor.
Abstract: Multilocus DNA sequence-based identification methods raised the number of known species assigned to the Aspergillus section Versicolores. Currently, there are 16 species accepted in the section, including A. amoenus, A. austroafricanus, A. creber, A. cvjetkovicii, A. fructus, A. griseoaurantiacus, A. hongkongensis, A. jensenii, A. protuberus, A. puulaauensis, A. subversicolor, A. sydowii, A. tabacinus, A. tennesseensis, A. venenatus, and A. versicolor. Based on morphological identifications, most of these species were identified as either A. sydowii or A. versicolor, with the latter reported to have a world-wide distribution, growing in many habitats. Aspergillus versicolor has been implicated in health hazards including sick building syndrome, human and animal mycoses, and contamination of food and feed were assigned primarily to this species. A. versicolor is still commonly isolated from indoor surveys, even though species such as A. jensenii and A. creber seem more common. From indoor air samples collected at a grain mill in Croatia, we isolated an undescribed species assigned to the Aspergillus section Versicolores. A polyphasic approach, including sequence-based methods, morphological and physiological studies, was used for species characterization and in this paper is described as Aspergillus pepii. Additionally, sterigmatocystin producing abilities have been confirmed. Based on a combined phylogenetic tree, morphological features and sterigmatocystin producing abilities, A. pepii is closely related to A. versicolor. Further studies should explore the frequency of the species in indoor environments and its medical, industrial, and environmental significance.
TL;DR: A phylogenetic pattern indicates that the geographic distribution, rather than the relationship with host plants, played a major role in the evolution of Coleosporium species, particularly applies to the European species, which are genetically uniform according to the ITS and LSU sequences.
Abstract: Recently, an unknown rust fungus of the genus Coleosporium appeared in Germany and Switzerland on giant goldenrod, Solidago gigantea, an invasive neophyte from North America, and on the indigenous European goldenrod, S. virgaurea. For identification, DNA barcodes were assembled in the course of the German Barcode of Life (GBOL) project and the investigation of neomycetes in Switzerland. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using ITS and LSU sequences of Coleosporium species representing various host plants and geographic regions. These analyses resulted in the first molecular evidence of the North American rust Coleosporium solidaginis in Europe. Coleosporium solidaginis is split into two subclades that are closely related to Coleosporium asterum, a species on Aster s.l., which was formerly synonymized with C. solidaginis. The genus is divided into an American and a Eurasian clade. This phylogenetic pattern indicates that the geographic distribution, rather than the relationship with host plants, played a major role in the evolution of Coleosporium species. This finding particularly applies to the European species, which are genetically uniform according to the ITS and LSU sequences. Taxonomical consequences are discussed. Coleosporium solidaginis is fragmentarily distributed in Europe. The place of its introduction and host shift to S. virgaurea remains uncertain. Life cycle and propagation are mainly restricted to asexual urediniospores. Telia were found only once and the aecial stage was not observed at all on pine trees. The ecological impact of this neomycete is still unknown, but C. solidaginis has the potential to harm wild and cultivated goldenrods in Europe.
TL;DR: The phylogenetic analyses of five loci support the monophyly of the new genus Corinectria, and those based on ACT, BTUB and TEF1 support the segregation of thenew species.
Abstract: Corinectria gen. nov. is described for C. constricta sp. nov., C. fuckeliana comb. nov. and C. tsugae comb. nov. The new genus is distinguished from Neonectria sensu stricto on the basis of morphological differences and biology. The species in Corinectria are only known from conifers from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The phylogenetic analyses of five loci (ACT, ITS, LSU, RPB1, TEF1) support the monophyly of the new genus, and those based on ACT, BTUB and TEF1 support the segregation of the new species. Corinectria constricta was previously reported as “Neonectria” cf. fuckeliana, causing cankers in Pinus radiata plantations in Chile.
TL;DR: Molecular identification of the species complex based on sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), and two genes that encode subunits of RNA polymerase II (RPB1 and RPB2) indicated thatRPB2 was the most promising candidate segment of DNA barcode for the P. ostreatus species complex.
Abstract: Species of the Pleurotus ostreatus complex (oyster mushrooms) are one of the main groups of cultivated edible mushrooms in China, with abundant strains and a complex genetic background. Although the cultivation of oyster mushrooms is a very important industry in China, the inconsistent nomenclature of the complex is controversial and has led to much confusion and economic loss in the mushroom industry. In this study, we performed molecular identification of the species complex based on sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), and two genes that encode subunits of RNA polymerase II (RPB1 and RPB2). A total of 284 samples with different commercial names gathered from different mushroom spawn preservation centers, companies, and field isolations were investigated via phylogenetic analyses inferred from a single locus or multi-loci. Our analyses indicated that 56% of the strains were labeled with improper scientific names and that all of the strains could be divided into seven lineages, representing one morphological species each, namely P. abieticola, P. eryngii, P. cf. floridanus, P. ostreatus, P. placentodes, P. pulmonarius, and P. tuoliensis. Reference sequences for accurate identification of the taxa were developed or suggested. Meanwhile, we evaluated the suitability of the four candidate segments as DNA barcodes. Our analyses indicated that RPB2 was the most promising candidate segment of DNA barcode for the P. ostreatus species complex, taking into consideration the polymorphisms and other aspects of the four markers.
TL;DR: Phylogenetically, Pseudofibroporia is closely related to Fibroporia, but morphologically, the former is different from the latter in its distinct pileate basidiomata with entire margin and lacking rhizomorphs.
Abstract: In this study, phylogenetic analysis of Fibroporia and its related genera was carried out based on multiple loci of ITS, nLSU, nSSU, mtSSU, tef1 and rpb2. Combined with the morphological characters, a new genus, Pseudofibroporia gen. nov., is established. Phylogenetically, Pseudofibroporia is closely related to Fibroporia, but morphologically, the former is different from the latter in its distinct pileate basidiomata with entire margin and lacking rhizomorphs. In addition, three new species, Fibroporia bambusae sp. nov., F. ceracea sp. nov. and Pseudofibroporia citrinella sp. nov., are described from China. Fibroporia bambusae is different from other species by its cream to pinkish buff pore surface, cinnamon buff rhizomorphs and a dimitic hyphal system with both clamped and simple-septate generative hyphae. F. ceracea is distinguished by its ceraceous pore surface and a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae. Pseudofibroporia citrinella is characterized by white to lemon yellow pileal surface, lemon yellow to curry buff pores, a dimitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae and oblong to broadly ellipsoid, and slightly thick-walled basidiospores (4–4.5 × 2.2–2.8 μm). Illustrated descriptions of the novel species and a key to known species of Fibroporia from China are provided.