Showing papers on "Genus published in 2012"

The Genus Lactobacillus: A Taxonomic Update

Abstract: Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are a functional group of microorganisms comprising Gram-positive, catalase negative bacteria that produce lactic acid as the major metabolic end-product of carbohydrate fermentation. Among LAB, Lactobacillus is the genus including a high number of GRAS species (Generally Recognized As Safe) and many strains are among the most important bacteria in food microbiology and human nutrition, due to their contribution to fermented food production or their use as probiotics. From a taxonomic point of view, the genus Lactobacillus includes at present (October 2012), 152 validly described species, and it belongs to the family Lactobacillaceae together with genus Pediococcus, with whom it is phylogenetically intermixed. The updated phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the family is divided into 15 groups of three or more species, 4 couples and 10 single lines of descents. In addition, other taxonomically relevant information for Lactobacillus species was collected. This study aims at updating the taxonomy of the genus Lactobacillus, presenting the phylogenetic structure of the Lactobacillaceae and discussing the clusters as possible nuclei of genera to be described in the future. It is expected that scientists and producers in the field of probiotics could benefit from information reported here about the correct identification procedures and nomenclature of beneficial strains of lactobacilli.

Chemical Constituents of Agarwood Originating from the Endemic Genus Aquilaria Plants

Abstract: by Huai-Qiong Chena), Jian-He Wei*a), Jun-Shan Yanga), Zheng Zhanga), Yun Yangb), Zhi-Hui Gaoa), Chun Suia), and Bao Gongb) a) Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, P. R. China (phone: þ86-10-62818841; e-mail: wjianh@263.net) b) Hainan Branch Institute of Medicinal Plant (Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Conservation and Development of Southern Medicine), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Wanning 571533, P. R. China

Identifying the main mosquito species in China based on DNA barcoding.

Abstract: Mosquitoes are insects of the Diptera, Nematocera, and Culicidae families, some species of which are important disease vectors. Identifying mosquito species based on morphological characteristics is difficult, particularly the identification of specimens collected in the field as part of disease surveillance programs. Because of this difficulty, we constructed DNA barcodes of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, the COI gene, for the more common mosquito species in China, including the major disease vectors. A total of 404 mosquito specimens were collected and assigned to 15 genera and 122 species and subspecies on the basis of morphological characteristics. Individuals of the same species grouped closely together in a Neighborhood-Joining tree based on COI sequence similarity, regardless of collection site. COI gene sequence divergence was approximately 30 times higher for species in the same genus than for members of the same species. Divergence in over 98% of congeneric species ranged from 2.3% to 21.8%, whereas divergence in conspecific individuals ranged from 0% to 1.67%. Cryptic species may be common and a few pseudogenes were detected.

Taxonomic revision of the family closteroviridae with special reference to the grapevine leafroll-associated members of the genus ampelovirus and the putative species unassigned to the family

Abstract: New insights into the genetic structure and variability of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaVs) gained through worldwide efforts in the last decade or so, and the production and use of new sets of serological reagents, have provided the solid foundation on which the present revision of the taxonomic structure of the family Closteroviridae, and the genus Ampelovirus in particular, is based. A comparative examination of the amino acid sequence divergence of three taxonomically relevant genes [RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (polymerase), heat shock protein 70 homologue (HSP70h) and coat protein (CP)] disclosed a difference among Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 4 (GLRaV-4), -5, -6 and -9 and a group of more recently described viruses (GLRaV-Pr, GLRaV-De and GLRaV-Car) below the 25% limit recently set by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) as a discriminating criterion for the identification of species in the family Closteroviridae. This, plus the recognition that GLRaV-4, -5, -6 and -9 are serologically related, have similar biological and epidemiological traits, and that these viruses and GLRaV-Pr, GLRaV-De, GLRaV-Car have a genome with the same structure and size, supports the notion that they are all genetically divergent variants of a single species, GLRaV-4. The genus Ampelovirus is split into two subgroups designated I and II in recognition of the wide difference in the size and structure of the genome of the present members. Finally, the establishment of a fourth genus within the family Closteroviridae, comprising the unassigned putative species Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 7 (GLRaV-7), Little cherry virus 1 (LChV-1) and Cordyline virus 1 (CoV-1), is justified based on their molecular and biological characteristics that differ from those of members of the other three genera of the family.

The mayflies of Europe (Ephemeroptera).

Abstract: The present handbook is designed to provide for the first time an up-to-date standard work for Ephemeroptera identification, including last instar larvae (nymphs), subimago (dun), male and female imagines. Recent changes in nomenclature are discussed in detail as well as gaps in current knowledge and probable pitfalls concerning the reliable identification of all taxa known so far from the region. Keys are provided for genera and introductory chapters characterize every family and genus.

Conquering the Sahara and Arabian deserts: systematics and biogeography of Stenodactylus geckos (Reptilia: Gekkonidae)

Abstract: The evolutionary history of the biota of North Africa and Arabia is inextricably tied to the complex geological and climatic evolution that gave rise to the prevalent deserts of these areas. Reptiles constitute an exemplary group in the study of the arid environments with numerous well-adapted members, while recent studies using reptiles as models have unveiled interesting biogeographical and diversification patterns. In this study, we include 207 specimens belonging to all 12 recognized species of the genus Stenodactylus. Molecular phylogenies inferred using two mitochondrial (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA) and two nuclear (c-mos and RAG-2) markers are employed to obtain a robust time-calibrated phylogeny, as the base to investigate the inter- and intraspecific relationships and to elucidate the biogeographical history of Stenodactylus, a genus with a large distribution range including the arid and hyper-arid areas of North Africa and Arabia. The phylogenetic analyses of molecular data reveal the existence of three major clades within the genus Stenodactylus, which is supported by previous studies based on morphology. Estimated divergence times between clades and sub-clades are shown to correlate with major geological events of the region, the most important of which is the opening of the Red Sea, while climatic instability in the Miocene is hypothesized to have triggered diversification. High genetic variability is observed in some species, suggesting the existence of some undescribed species. The S. petrii - S. stenurus species complex is in need of a thorough taxonomic revision. New data is presented on the distribution of the sister species S. sthenodactylus and S. mauritanicus. The phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus Stenodactylus presented in this work permits the reconstruction of the biogeographical history of these common desert dwellers and confirms the importance of the opening of the Red Sea and the climatic oscillations of the Miocene as major factors in the diversification of the biota of North Africa and Arabia. Moreover, this study traces the evolution of this widely distributed and highly specialized group, investigates the patterns of its high intraspecific diversity and elucidates its systematics.

New teleomorph combinations in the entomopathogenic genus Metacordyceps

Abstract: The genus Metacordyceps contains arthro- pod pathogens in Clavicipitaceae (Hypocreales) that formerly were classified in Cordyceps sensu Kobayasi et Mains. Of the current arthropod pathogenic genera of Hypocreales, the genus Metacordyceps remains one of the most poorly understood and contains a number of teleomorphic morphologies convergent with species of Cordyceps s.s. (Cordycipitaceae) and Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordycipitaceae). Of note, the anamorph genera Metarhizium and Pochonia were found to be associated only with Metacordyceps and demonstrated to be phylogenetically informative for the clade. Several species of Cordyceps considered to have uncertain placements (incertae sedis) in the current taxonomic framework of clavicipitoid fungi were collected during field expeditions mostly in eastern Asia. Species reclassified here in Metacordyceps include Cordyceps atrovirens Kobayasi & Shimizu, Cordyceps indigotica Kobayasi & Shimizu, Cordyceps khaoyaiensis Hywel-Jones, Cordyceps kusanagiensis Kobayasi & Shimizu, Cordyceps martialis Speg., Ophiocordyceps owariensis Kobayasi, Cordyceps pseudoa- trovirens Kobayasi & Shimizu and Ophicordyceps owariensis f. viridescens (Uchiy. & Udagawa) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora. Incorpo- ration of these species in a multigene phylogenetic framework of the major clades of clavicipitoid fungi more than doubled the number of species in Metacordyceps and allowed for refinement of morpho- logical concepts for the genus consistent with the phylogenetic structure. Based on these findings we then discuss evolution of this genus, subgeneric relationships, anamorph connections, and suggest additional species that should be confirmed for possible inclusion in Metacordyceps.

Phylogeny of the genus Chrysanthemum L.: evidence from single-copy nuclear gene and chloroplast DNA sequences.

Abstract: Chrysanthemum L. (Asteraceae-Anthemideae) is a genus with rapid speciation. It comprises about 40 species, most of which are distributed in East Asia. Many of these are narrowly distributed and habitat-specific. Considerable variations in morphology and ploidy are found in this genus. Some species have been the subjects of many studies, but the relationships between Chrysanthemum and its allies and the phylogeny of this genus remain poorly understood. In the present study, 32 species/varieties from Chrysanthemum and 11 from the allied genera were analyzed using DNA sequences of the single-copy nuclear CDS gene and seven cpDNA loci (psbA-trnH, trnC-ycf6, ycf6-psbM, trnY-rpoB, rpS4-trnT, trnL-F, and rpL16). The cpDNA and nuclear CDS gene trees both suggest that 1) Chrysanthemum is not a monophyletic taxon, and the affinity between Chrysanthemum and Ajania is so close that these two genera should be incorporated taxonomically; 2) Phaeostigma is more closely related to the Chrysanthemum+Ajania than other generic allies. According to pollen morphology and to the present cpDNA and CDS data, Ajania purpurea is a member of Phaeostigma. Species differentiation in Chrysanthemum appears to be correlated with geographic and environmental conditions. The Chinese Chrysanthemum species can be divided into two groups, the C. zawadskii group and the C. indicum group. The former is distributed in northern China and the latter in southern China. Many polyploid species, such as C. argyrophyllum, may have originated from allopolyploidization involving divergent progenitors. Considering all the evidence from present and previous studies, we conclude that geographic and ecological factors as well as hybridization and polyploidy play important roles in the divergence and speciation of the genus Chrysanthemum.

A generic revision and new combinations in the Hyptidinae (Lamiaceae), based on molecular and morphological evidence

Abstract: An earlier molecular study demonstrated the monophyly of the Hyptidinae and most of the genera within it. However, the largest genus, Hyptis, is paraphyletic and all other genera seem to be derived from a Hyptis ancestor. Most of the different lineages which comprise Hyptis are already established sections, some of which are now raised to generic rank, augmenting the subtribe to 19 genera and with a greatly reduced but monophyletic Hyptis , in which the genus Peltodon is included as a section. The sections Mesosphaeria and Polydesmia are also shown not to be monophyletic, making it necessary to reassign some species from the former to the latter, and then raising the two sections to generic rank as Mesosphaerum and Cantinoa respectively, the latter a new genus name. A new genus Oocephalus is also created from two former subsections of Hyptis sect. Polydesmia. The genus Condea , formed from three former sections of Hyptis , is itself divided into two sections. A key to all recognized genera is included, together with a generic conspectus, with brief distributional data, differentiating the new genera and listing their component species. The necessary nomenclatural changes comprise 142 new combinations, 30 new or replacement lectotypifications, four neotypes, 23 new synonymies, eight stat. nov ., six newly coined generic names, five new epitypes and four new names.

Revision of Entrophospora and description of Kuklospora and Intraspora , two new genera in the arbuscular mycorrhizal Glomeromycetes

Abstract: Five mycorrhizal fungal species of the Glomeromycetes which were organized in the genus Entrophospora are revised. They all form their spores within the hyphal stalk directly beneath or in some distance of a sporiferous saccule formed intercalary or terminally in the mycelium. Based on differences respective similarities in spore morphologies and root infection characteristics only Entrophospora infrequens and Entrophospora baltica remain in this genus. The genus is the type genus for the new family Entrophosporaceae. The other three species are organized in two new genera. Kuklospora gen. nov. with Kuklospora colombiana and Kuklospora kentinensis (formerly Entrophospora colombiana and Entrophospora kentiniensis ) is placed into the family of the Acaulosporaceae. Intraspora gen. nov. so far contains only Intraspora schenckii (the former Entrophospora schenckii ) and is included into the family of the Archaeosporaceae. The morphological differences between the genera and the distribution of these fungal species in ecosystems are discussed.

Rainforest conifers of Eocene Patagonia: Attached cones and foliage of the extant Southeast Asian and Australasian genus Dacrycarpus (Podocarpaceae)

Abstract: Premise of the study Eocene caldera-lake beds at Laguna del Hunco (LH, ca. 52.2 Ma) and Rio Pichileufu (RP, ca. 47.7 Ma) in Argentine Patagonia provide copious information about the biological history of Gondwana. Several plant genera from these sites are known as fossils from southern Australia and New Zealand and survive only in Australasian rainforests. The potential presence of Dacrycarpus (Podocarpaceae) holds considerable interest due to its extensive foliage-fossil record in Gondwana, its remarkably broad modern distribution in Southeast Asian and Australasian rainforests, its high physiological moisture requirements, and its bird-dispersed seeds. However, the unique seed cones that firmly diagnose Dacrycarpus were not previously known from the fossil record. Methods I describe and interpret fertile (LH) and vegetative (LH and RP) material of Dacrycarpus and present a nomenclatural revision for fossil Dacrycarpus from South America. Key results Dacrycarpus puertae sp. nov. is the first fossil occurrence of the unusual seed cones that typify living Dacrycarpus, attached to characteristic foliage, and of attached Dacrycarpus pollen cones and foliage. Dacrycarpus puertae is indistinguishable from living D. imbricatus (montane, Burma to Fiji). Dacrycarpus chilensis (Engelhardt) comb. nov. is proposed for Eocene vegetative material from Chile. Conclusions Modern-aspect Dacrycarpus was present in Eocene Patagonia, demonstrating an astonishingly wide-ranging paleogeographic history and implying a long evolutionary association with bird dispersers. Dacrycarpus puertae provides the first significant Asian link for Eocene Patagonian floras, strengthens the biogeographic connections from Patagonia to Australasia across Antarctica during the warm Eocene, and indicates high-rainfall paleoenvironments.

Genetic diversity and multiple origins of polyploid Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Chenopodiaceae)

Abstract: Few studies have described the genetic diversity within and between populations of polyploid plant species despite the general acceptance of the importance of polyploidy in plant diversification and speciation. The genus Atriplex has a complex evolutionary history in Australia that has included polyploidy and hybridization among perennial forms. The octoploid, dioecious species Atriplex nummularia is proposed to have evolved from an octoploid ancestor in the coastal semi-arid fringe of south-western Australia, and to have spread east and diversified into taxa which occupy edaphically different habitats. Despite interest in the diversification of the genus, and the ecological and economic importance of A. nummularia, there are no descriptions of the genetic structure of the species. Nuclear microsatellite markers and principal coordinate analysis, analysis of molecular variance, Bayesian and phenetic analyses were used to investigate the diversity and taxonomic relationships of two common subspecies of A. nummularia. Genetic diversity was high overall (A = 509, A′ = 42.4, Ho = 0.824, H′ = 2.8), but values were significantly lower in the western subspecies, A. nummularia ssp. spathulata. As in other outbreeding, perennial species, most of the genetic diversity was within populations (FST = 0.125). Clear divergence of subspecies was evident in principal coordinate analysis, neighbor-joining and Bayesian clustering analyses and the differentiation of populations was very low within subspecies (FSC = 0.048). These findings support the taxonomic separation of the two subspecies. Clustering patterns based on Bayesian analyses suggested that the polyploid subspecies of A. nummularia have multiple origins. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 105, 218–230.

An Integrated Badnavirus Is Prevalent in Fig Germplasm

Abstract: Fig mosaic occurs worldwide and is the most common and important viral disease of fig. In the quest to identify the causal agent of the disease, several new viruses have been identified, including a new DNA virus, the subject of this communication. Phylogenetic analysis placed the virus, provisionally named Fig badnavirus-1 (FBV-1), in the genus Badnavirus, family Caulimoviridae. The experimental host range of FBV-1 was evaluated and the virus was mechanically transmitted to several herbaceous hosts. FBV-1 was detected in the National Clonal Germplasm Repository fig collection and additional samples from Arkansas, California, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, and South Carolina, suggesting its wide distribution in the United States. Further tests revealed the presence of FBV-1 in seedlings and meristem tissue culture plants. Forty-four isolates were used in a study evaluating the population structure of the virus in the United States. Evidence that FBV-1 is integrated in the fig genome is presente...

Direct Analysis and Identification of Pathogenic Lichtheimia Species by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Analyzer-Mediated Mass Spectrometry

Abstract: Zygomycetes of the order Mucorales can cause life-threatening infections in humans. These mucormycoses are emerging and associated with a rapid tissue destruction and high mortality. The resistance of Mucorales to antimycotic substances varies between and within clinically important genera such as Mucor, Rhizopus, and Lichtheimia. Thus, an accurate diagnosis before onset of antimycotic therapy is recommended. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) is a potentially powerful tool to rapidly identify infectious agents on the species level. We investigated the potential of MALDI-TOF MS to differentiate Lichtheimia species, one of the most important agents of mucormycoses. Using the Bruker Daltonics FlexAnalysis (version 3.0) software package, a spectral database library with m/z ratios of 2,000 to 20,000 Da was created for 19 type and reference strains of clinically relevant Zygomycetes of the order Mucorales (12 species in 7 genera). The database was tested for accuracy by use of 34 clinical and environmental isolates of Lichtheimia comprising a total of five species. Our data demonstrate that MALDI-TOF MS can be used to clearly discriminate Lichtheimia species from other pathogenic species of the Mucorales. Furthermore, the method is suitable to discriminate species within the genus. The reliability and robustness of the MALDI-TOF-based identification are evidenced by high score values (above 2.3) for the designation to a certain species and by moderate score values (below 2.0) for the discrimination between clinically relevant (Lichtheimia corymbifera, L. ramosa, and L. ornata) and irrelevant (L. hyalospora and L. sphaerocystis) species. In total, all 34 strains were unequivocally identified by MALDI-TOF MS with score values of >1.8 down to the generic level, 32 out of 34 of the Lichtheimia isolates (except CNM-CM 5399 and FSU 10566) were identified accurately with score values of >2 (probable species identification), and 25 of 34 isolates were identified to the species level with score values of >2.3 (highly probable species identification). The MALDI-TOF MS-based method reported here was found to be reproducible and accurate, with low consumable costs and minimal preparation time.

Molecular phylogeny of the genus Asparagus (Asparagaceae) explains interspecific crossability between the garden asparagus (A. officinalis) and other Asparagus species

Abstract: The genus Asparagus comprises approximately 200 species, some of which are commercially cultivated, such as the garden asparagus (A. officinalis). Many Asparagus species, including A. officinalis, are dioecious and have been grouped into a subgenus distinct from that of hermaphroditic species. Although many interspecific crossings have been attempted to introduce useful traits into A. officinalis, only some of the dioecious species were found to be cross-compatible with A. officinalis. Here, molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted to determine whether interspecific crossability is proportional to the genetic distance between the crossing pairs and to further clarify the evolutionary history of the Asparagus genus. A clade with all cross-compatible species and no cross-incompatible species was recovered in the phylogenetic tree based on analyses of non-coding cpDNA regions. In addition, a sex-linked marker developed for A. officinalis amplified a male-specific region in all cross-compatible species. The phylogenetic analyses also provided some insights about the evolutionary history of Asparagus; for example, by indicating that the genus had its origin in southern Africa, subsequently spreading throughout the old world through intensive speciation and dispersal. The results also suggest that dioecious species were derived from a single evolutionary transition from hermaphroditism in Asparagus. These findings not only contribute towards the understanding of the evolutionary history of the genus but may also facilitate future interspecific hybridization programs involving Asparagus species.

Ulva (Chlorophyta, Ulvales) Biodiversity in the North Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean, Italy): Cryptic Species and New Introductions.

Abstract: Ulva Linnaeus (Ulvophyceae, Ulvales) is a genus of green algae widespread in different aquatic environments. Members of this genus show a very simple morphology and a certain degree of phenotypic plasticity, heavily influenced by environmental conditions, making difficult the delineation of species by morphological features alone. Most studies dealing with Ulva biodiversity in Mediterranean waters have been based only on morphological characters and a modern taxonomic revision of this genus in the Mediterranean is not available. We report here the results of an investigation on the diversity of Ulva in the North Adriatic Sea based on molecular analyses. Collections from three areas, two of which subject to intense shipping traffic, were examined, as well as historical collections of Ulva stored in the Herbarium Patavinum of the University of Padova, Italy. Molecular analyses based on partial sequences of the rbcL and tufA genes revealed the presence of six different species, often with overlapping morphologies: U. californica Wille, U. flexuosa Wulfen, U. rigida C. Agardh, U. compressa Linnaeus, U. pertusa Kjellman, and one probable new taxon. U. californica is a new record for the Mediterranean and U. pertusa is a new record for the Adriatic. Partial sequences obtained from historical collections show that most of the old specimens are referable to U. rigida. No specimens referable to the two alien species were found among the old herbarium specimens. The results indicate that the number of introduced seaweed species and their impact on Mediterranean communities have been underestimated, due to the difficulties in species identification of morphologically simple taxa as Ulva.

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.

Intersection of Chlorella, Muriella and Bracteacoccus: Resurrecting the genus Chromochloris Kol et Chodat (Chlorophyceae, Chlorophyta).

Abstract: Coccoid green algae generally are difficult to classify because of their depauperate morphology, and for this reason many of them have a complicated taxonomic history. In the present study we use analyses of molecular sequence data to demonstrate the close relationship of two green coccoid taxa that have undergone multiple taxonomic transfers in the past, and argue for the recognition of a distinct lineage. We resurrect the genus Chromochloris to accommodate C. zofingiensis (= Muriella zofingiensis) and we provide data regarding the lineage's phylogenetic relationships to other chlorophyte genera, especially Bracteacoccus, Chlorella, Muriella, Mychonastes, and Pseudomuriella. In addition, we synonymize B. cinnabarinus and Bracteacoccus minutus with C. zofingiensis, and clarify the identity of three UTEX strains heretofore listed as Bracteacoccus.