A review of the phylogeny and biology of the Diaporthales

Appressoria-Producing Sordariomycetes Taxa Associated with Jasminum Species

Appressoria are specialized structures formed by certain phytopathogenic fungi during the early stages of the infection process. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in understanding the formation, types, and functions of appressoria. Besides being formed primarily by fungal pathogens, many studies have reported their occurrence in other life modes such as endophytes, epiphytes, and saprobes. In this study, we observed the formation of appressoria in fungal genera that have been found associated with leaf spots and, interestingly, by a saprobic species. We used morphological descriptions and illustrations, molecular phylogeny, coalescent-based Poisson tree processes (PTP) model, inter- and intra-species genetic distances based on their respective DNA markers, and Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition Analysis (GCPSR) to establish a new species (Pseudoplagiostoma jasmini), a Ciliochorella sp., and a new host record (Coniella malaysiana). The Ciliochorella sp. is reported as a saprobe, while Pseudoplagiostoma jasmini and Coniella malaysiana were found to be associated with leaf spots of Jasminum species. All three taxa produce appressoria, and this is the first study that reports the formation of appressoria by a Ciliochorella sp. and a Pseudoplagiostoma sp.

First Report of Olive Branch Dieback in Croatia Caused by Cytospora pruinosa Défago

Olive (Olea europaea L.) is a very important crop grown in the Mediterranean part of Croatia. Olive branch and fruit dieback symptoms were observed in two olive orchards in Istria, Croatia. The samples from symptomatic trees were collected and brought to the laboratory for analysis. Based on their morphological characterization, isolated fungi were identified as Cytospora sp. Two representative isolates (one per orchard) were taken for molecular analysis, and based on DNA sequence data of the ITS and TUB gene regions, and phylogenetic analysis of the sequences, the isolates were identified as Cytospora pruinosa Défago. To determine pathogenicity, pathogenicity tests were conducted on detached olive branches and two-year-old olive trees in the greenhouse. This is the first report of C. pruinosa causing olive branch and fruit dieback in Croatia.

Additions to hyphomycetes from Yungui Plateau, China with three new species (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes)

Background

Yungui Plateau is rich in fungal diversity. Hyphomycetes, growing on submerged wood, can promote the degradation of organisms and the reuse of rotten wood energy. During an investigation of hyphomycetes in this region, 19 species of dematiaceous hyphomycetes were collected in Yungui Plateau.

New information

Both morphological identification and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of ITS, tef1 and LSU sequences supported Coryneumsevenseptatis as a new species. Phaeoisariaguizhouensis and Pleurotheciumyunanensis were introduced, based on morphology. Morphological descriptions and illustrations of the new species were detailed. Known species are listed with notes.

Two new species of Diaporthe (Diaporthaceae, Diaporthales) in China

Species of Diaporthe have been reported as plant endophytes, pathogens and saprobes on a wide range of plant hosts. Strains of Diaporthe were isolated from leaf spots of Smilax glabra and dead culms of Xanthium strumarium in China, and identified based on morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses of combined internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), calmodulin (cal), histone H3 (his3), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) and β-tubulin (tub2) loci. As a result, two new species named Diaporthe rizhaoensis and D. smilacicola are identified, described and illustrated in the present study.

Phaeotubakialithocarpicola gen. et sp. nov. (Tubakiaceae, Diaporthales) from leaf spots in China

Tubakiaceae represents a distinct lineage of Diaporthales, including its type genus Tubakia and nine additional known genera. Tubakiaceous species are commonly known as endophytes in leaves and twigs of many tree species, but can also be plant pathogens causing conspicuous leaf symptoms. In the present study, isolates were obtained from diseased leaves of Lithocarpusglaber collected in Guangdong Province, China. The identification was conducted based on morphology and phylogeny of combined loci of 28S nrRNA gene (LSU), internal transcribed spacer regions and intervening 5.8S nrRNA gene (ITS) of the nrDNA operon, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) and beta tubulin (tub2). As a result, a distinct clade in Tubakiaceae was revealed named Phaeotubakialithocarpicola gen. et sp. nov., which was distinguished from the other tubakiaceous taxa by its dark brown conidiogenous cells and conidia.

Taxonomy and Multigene Phylogeny of Diaporthales in Guizhou Province, China

In a study of fungi isolated from plant material in Guizhou Province, China, we identified 23 strains of Diaporthales belonging to nine species. These are identified from multigene phylogenetic analyses of ITS, LSU, rpb2, tef1, and tub2 gene sequence data coupled with morphological studies. The fungi include a new genus (Pseudomastigosporella) in Foliocryphiaceae isolated from Acer palmatum and Hypericum patulum, a new species of Chrysofolia isolated from Coriaria nepalensis, and five new species of Diaporthe isolated from Juglans regia, Eucommia ulmoides, and Hypericum patulum. Gnomoniopsis rosae and Coniella quercicola are newly recorded species for China.

Pseudocryphonectriaelaeocarpicola gen. et sp. nov. (Cryphonectriaceae, Diaporthales) causing stem blight of Elaeocarpus spp. in China

Cryphonectriaceae is a diaporthalean family containing important plant pathogens of which Cryphonectriaparasitica is the most notorious one. An emerging stem blight disease on Elaeocarpusapiculatus (Elaeocarpaceae) and E.hainanensis was observed in Guangdong Province of China recently. Typical Cryphonectria blight-like symptoms including cankers on tree barks with obvious orange conidial tendrils were observed. Forty-eight isolates were obtained from diseased tissues and conidiomata formed on the hosts E.apiculatus and E.hainanensis. These isolates were further identified based on both morphology and molecular methods using the combined sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, large subunit of the nrDNA (LSU), the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) and DNA-directed RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) genes. As a result, the fungus represents an undescribed genus and species within the family Cryphonectriaceae. Hence, Pseudocryphonectriaelaeocarpicola gen. et sp. nov. is proposed herein to represent these isolates from diseased barks of E.apiculatus and E.hainanensis. Pseudocryphonectria differs from the other genera of Cryphonectriaceae in having dimorphic conidia. Further inoculation results showed that P.elaeocarpicola is the causal agent of this emerging blight disease in China, which can quickly infect and kill the hosts E.apiculatus and E.hainanensis.

Four new species of Diaporthe (Diaporthaceae, Diaporthales) from forest plants in China

Species of Diaporthe inhabit a wide range of plant hosts as plant pathogens, endophytes and saprobes. During trips to collect forest pathogens in Beijing, Jiangxi, Shaanxi and Zhejiang Provinces in China, 16 isolates of Diaporthe were obtained from branch cankers and leaf spots. These isolates were studied by applying a polyphasic approach including morphological, cultural data, and phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), calmodulin (cal), histone H3 (his3), partial translation elongation factor-1α (tef-1α) and β-tubulin (tub2) loci. Results revealed four new taxa, D.celticola, D.meliae, D.quercicola, D.rhodomyrti spp. nov. and two known species, D.eres and D.multiguttulata.

Postharvest Rot of Pomegranate Fruit in Southern Italy: Characterization of the Main Pathogens

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an emerging crop in Italy and particularly in southern regions, such as Apulia, Basilicata, and Sicily, due to favorable climatic conditions. The crop is affected by several pathogenic fungi, primarily in the field, but also during postharvest phases. The most important postharvest fungal diseases in pomegranate are gray and blue molds, black heart and black spot, anthracnose, dry rot, and various soft rots. The limited number of fungicides allowed for treatment in the field and the lack of postharvest fungicides make it difficult to control latent, quiescent, and incipient fungal infections. Symptomatic pomegranates from southern Italy were sampled and isolated fungi were morphologically and molecularly characterized. The data obtained revealed that various species of Penicillium sensu lato (including Talaromyces genus), Alternaria spp., Coniella granati, and Botrytis cinerea were the principal etiological agents of postharvest pomegranate fruit diseases; other relevant pathogens, although less represented, were ascribable to Aspergillus sect. nigri, Colletotrichum acutatum sensu stricto, and Cytospora punicae. About two thirds of the isolated pathogens were responsible for latent infections. The results obtained may be useful in planning phytosanitary control strategies from the field to storage, so as to reduce yield losses.

Intra- and interspecific variation in self-control capacities of parrots in a delay of gratification task

Forgoing immediate satisfaction for higher pay-offs in the future (delayed gratification) could be adaptive in situations that wild animals may encounter. To explain species-differences in self-control, hypotheses based on social complexity, feeding ecology, brain size and metabolic rate have been proposed. To explore these hypotheses in a comparative setting, we tested three macaw species (neotropical parrots)—great green macaws (N = 8), blue-throated macaws (N = 6), blue-headed macaws (N = 6)—and the distantly related African grey parrots (afrotropical parrots; N = 8) in a modified rotating tray task, in which subjects are required to inhibit consuming a constantly available low-quality reward in favour of a high-quality reward that becomes available only after an increasing delay (min. 5 s, max. 60 s). All four species successfully waited for a minimum of 8.3 s ± 11.7 s (group level mean ± SD) with African greys reaching a delay of 29.4 ± 15.2 s, and great green macaws—as best performing macaw species—tolerating delays of 20 s ± 8 s. The best performing African grey individual reached a maximum delay of 50 s, whereas, a great green and a blue-throated macaw tolerated a delay of 30 s max. Females tolerated higher maximum delays than males. Engaging in distraction behaviours enhanced waiting performance across species and all birds were able to anticipate the waiting duration. Our results suggest that both feeding and socio-ecological complexity may be a factor in self-control, but further systematically collected comparative data on self-control of different (parrot) species are required to test the evolutionary hypotheses rigorously.

Morphology and Phylogeny of Gnomoniopsis (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales) from Fagaceae Leaves in China

Gnomoniopsis (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales) is a well-classified genus inhabiting leaves, branches and fruits of the hosts in three plant families, namely Fagaceae, Onagraceae and Rosaceae. In the present study, eighteen Gnomoniopsis isolates were obtained from diseased leaves of Fagaceae hosts collected from Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, Henan, Jiangxi and Shaanxi provinces in China. Morphology from the cultures and phylogeny based on the 5.8S nuclear ribosomal DNA gene with the two flanking internally transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) and the beta-tubulin (tub2) genes were employed to identify these isolates. As a result, seven species were revealed, viz. Gnomoniopsis castanopsidis, G. fagacearum, G. guangdongensis, G. hainanensis, G. rossmaniae and G. silvicola spp. nov, as well as a known species G. daii. In addition, G. daii was firstly reported on the host Quercus aliena.

Cytospora and Diaporthe Species Associated With Hazelnut Canker and Dieback in Beijing, China

Hazelnut (Corylus heterophylla Fisch.) is an important nut crop in China but has been declining owing to the destructive effects of fungal branch canker and dieback. The identification and management of these pathogens are difficult because of the lack of attention to branch canker, insufficient understanding of phylogenetic, and overlapping morphological characteristics of the pathogens. In total, 51 strains were isolated from Chinese wild hazelnut in this study, and three species of Cytospora and two of Diaporthe were identified through morphological observation and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, act, rpb2, tef1-α, and tub2 for Cytospora; ITS, cal, his3, tef1-α, and tub2 for Diaporthe). Three new species, Cytospora corylina, C. curvispora, and Diaporthe corylicola, and two known species, Cytospora leucostoma and Diaporthe eres, grew at 5-30°C and a pH of 3.0-11.0, with optimum growth at approximately 25°C and pH 4.0-7.0. Additionally, the effects of six carbon sources on mycelial growth were investigated. This study explored the main pathogenic fungi species of Corylus heterophylla, completed the corresponding database of pathogenic fungi information, and clarified their biological characteristics. Moreover, the results of this study provided a theoretical basis for Corylus heterophylla disease management and prevention in China.

Molecular reassessment of diaporthalean fungi associated with strawberry, including the leaf blight fungus, Paraphomopsis obscurans gen. et comb. nov. (Melanconiellaceae)

Phytopathogenic fungi in the order Diaporthales (Sordariomycetes) cause diseases on numerous economically important crops worldwide. In this study, we reassessed the diaporthalean species associated with prominent diseases of strawberry, namely leaf blight, leaf blotch, root rot and petiole blight, based on molecular data and morphological characters using fresh and herbarium collections. Combined analyses of four nuclear loci, 28S ribosomal DNA/large subunit rDNA (LSU), ribosomal internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 with 5.8S ribosomal DNA (ITS), partial sequences of second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), were used to reconstruct a phylogeny for these pathogens. Results confirmed that the leaf blight pathogen formerly known as Phomopsis obscurans belongs in the family Melanconiellaceae and not with Diaporthe (syn. Phomopsis) or any other known genus in the order. A new genus Paraphomopsis is introduced herein with a new combination, Paraphomopsis obscurans, to accommodate the leaf blight fungus. Gnomoniopsis fragariae comb. nov. (Gnomoniaceae), is introduced to accommodate Gnomoniopsis fructicola, the cause of leaf blotch of strawberry. Both of the fungi causing leaf blight and leaf blotch were epitypified. Fresh collections and new molecular data were incorporated for Paragnomonia fragariae (Sydowiellaceae), which causes petiole blight and root rot of strawberry and is distinct from the above taxa. An updated multilocus phylogeny for the Diaporthales is provided with representatives of currently known families.

Mycobiota Associated with the Vascular Wilt of Poplar

In 2017, a 560-ha area of hybrid poplar plantation in northern Poland showed symptoms of tree decline. The leaves appeared smaller, yellow-brown, and were shed prematurely. Twigs and smaller branches died without distinct cankers. Trunks decayed from the base. The phloem and xylem showed brown necrosis. Ten percent of the trees died 1–2 months after the first appearance of the symptoms. None of these symptoms were typical for known poplar diseases. The trees’ mycobiota were analysed using Illumina sequencing. A total of 69 467 and 70 218 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained from the soil and wood. Blastocladiomycota and Chytridiomycota occurred only in the soil, with very low frequencies (0.005% and 0.008%). Two taxa of Glomeromycota, with frequencies of 0.001%, occurred in the wood. In the soil and wood, the frequencies of Zygomycota were 3.631% and 0.006%, the frequencies of Ascomycota were 45.299% and 68.697%, and the frequencies of Basidiomycota were 4.119% and 2.076%. At least 400 taxa of fungi were present. The identifiable Zygomycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota were represented by at least 18, 263 and 81 taxa, respectively. Many fungi were common to the soil and wood, but 160 taxa occurred only in soil and 73 occurred only in wood. The root pathogens included species of Oomycota. The vascular and parenchymal pathogens included species of Ascomycota and of Basidiomycota. The initial endophytic character of the fungi is emphasized. Soil, and possibly planting material, may be the sources of the pathogen inoculum, and climate warming is likely to be a predisposing factor. A water deficit may increase the trees’ susceptibility. The epidemiology of poplar vascular wilt reminds grapevine trunk diseases (GTD), including esca, black foot disease and Petri disease.

Micromelanconis kaihuiae gen. et sp. nov., a new diaporthalean fungus from Chinese chestnut branches in southern China

Melanconis-like fungi are distributed in several families of Diaporthales, mainly Juglanconidaceae, Melanconidaceae, Melanconiellaceae and Pseudomelanconidaceae. A new Melanconis-like genus of Pseudomelanconidaceae was discovered on branches of Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) in southern China, which was confirmed by both morphology and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, tef1a and rpb2 sequences. The new genus Micromelanconis is characterized by two types of conidia from natural substrate and manual media of PDA, respectively. Conidia from Chinese chestnut branches are pale brown, ellipsoid, multiguttulate, aseptate with hyaline sheath. While conidia from PDA plates are pale brown, long dumbbell-shaped, narrow at the middle and wide at both ends, multiguttulate, aseptate, and also with hyaline sheath. All Pseudomelanconidaceae species were only reported on tree branches in China until now. More interesting taxa may be discovered if detailed surveys on tree-inhabiting fungi are carried out in East Asia in the future.

Diaporthe species causing stem gray blight of red-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) in Malaysia

This study aimed to characterize the new fungal disease on the stem of red-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) in Malaysia, which is known as gray blight through morphological, molecular and pathogenicity analyses. Nine fungal isolates were isolated from nine blighted stems of H. polyrhizus. Based on morphological characteristics, DNA sequences and phylogeny (ITS, TEF1-α, and β-tubulin), the fungal isolates were identified as Diaporthe arecae, D. eugeniae, D. hongkongensis, D. phaseolorum, and D. tectonendophytica. Six isolates recovered from the Cameron Highlands, Pahang belonged to D. eugeniae (DF1 and DF3), D. hongkongensis (DF9), D. phaseolorum (DF2 and DF12), and D. tectonendophytica (DF7), whereas three isolates from Bukit Kor, Terengganu were recognized as D. arecae (DFP3), D. eugeniae (DFP4), and D. tectonendophytica (DFP2). Diaporthe eugeniae and D. tectonendophytica were found in both Pahang and Terengganu, D. phaseolorum and D. hongkongensis in Pahang, whereas D. arecae only in Terengganu. The role of the Diaporthe isolates in causing stem gray blight of H. polyrhizus was confirmed. To date, only D. phaseolorum has been previously reported on Hylocereus undatus. This is the first report on D. arecae, D. eugeniae, D. hongkongensis, D. phaseolorum, and D. tectonendophytica causing stem gray blight of H. polyrhizus worldwide.

Root trait-microbial relationships across tundra plant species

Fine roots, and their functional traits, influence associated rhizosphere microorganisms via root exudation and root litter quality. However, little information is known about their relationship with rhizosphere microbial taxa and functional guilds. We investigated the relationships of 11 fine root traits of 20 sub-arctic tundra meadow plant species and soil microbial community composition, using phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and high-throughput sequencing. We primarily focused on the root economics spectrum, as it provides a useful framework to examine plant strategies by integrating the co-ordination of belowground root traits along a resource acquisition-conservation trade-off axis. We found that the chemical axis of the fine root economics spectrum was positively related to fungal to bacterial ratios, but negatively to Gram-positive to Gram-negative bacterial ratios. However, this spectrum was unrelated to the relative abundance of functional guilds of soil fungi. Nevertheless, the relative abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was positively correlated to root carbon content, but negatively to the numbers of root forks per root length. Our results suggest that the fine root economics spectrum is important for predicting broader groups of soil microorganisms (i.e. fungi and bacteria), while individual root traits may be more important for predicting soil microbial taxa and functional guilds.

New species and records of Diaporthe from Jiangxi Province, China

Diaporthe species have often been reported as important plant pathogens, saprobes and endophytes on a wide range of plant hosts. Although several Diaporthe species have been recorded, little is known about species able to infect forest trees in Jiangxi Province. Hence, extensive surveys were recently conducted in Jiangxi Province, China. A total of 24 isolates were identified and analysed using comparisons of DNA sequence data for the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), calmodulin (cal), histone H3 (his3), partial translation elongation factor-1α (tef1) and β-tubulin (tub2) gene regions, as well as their morphological features. Results revealed five novel taxa, D. bauhiniae, D. ganzhouensis, D. schimae, D. verniciicola, D. xunwuensis spp. nov. and three known species, D. apiculatum, D. citri and D. multigutullata.

The genome of the butternut canker pathogen, Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum shows an elevated number of genes associated with secondary metabolism and protection from host resistance responses

Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum (Oc-j) is a plant pathogenic fungus that causes canker and branch dieback diseases in the hardwood tree butternut, Juglans cinerea. Oc-j is a member of the order of Diaporthales, which includes many other plant pathogenic species, several of which also infect hardwood tree species. In this study, we sequenced the genome of Oc-j and achieved a high-quality assembly and delineated its phylogeny within the Diaporthales order using a genome-wide multi-gene approach. We also further examined multiple gene families that might be involved in plant pathogenicity and degradation of complex biomass, which are relevant to a pathogenic life-style in a tree host. We found that the Oc-j genome contains a greater number of genes in these gene families compared to other species in the Diaporthales. These gene families include secreted CAZymes, kinases, cytochrome P450, efflux pumps, and secondary metabolism gene clusters. The large numbers of these genes provide Oc-j with an arsenal to cope with the specific ecological niche as a pathogen of the butternut tree.

Tree inhabiting gnomoniaceous species from China, with Cryphogonomonia gen. nov. proposed

Species of Gnomoniaceae are commonly associated with leaf spot diseases of a wide range of plant hosts worldwide. During our investigation of fungi associated with tree diseases in China, several gnomoniaceous isolates were recovered from symptomatic branches and leaves on different woody plants in the Fagaceae, Pinaceae, and Salicaceae families. These isolates were studied by applying a polyphasic approach including morphological, cultural data, and phylogenetic analyses of partial ITS, LSU, tef1, rpb2 and tub2 gene sequences. As a result, three species were identified with characters fitting into the family Gnomoniaceae. One of these species is described herein as Cryphognomonia pini gen. et sp. nov., characterized by developed pseudostromata and ascospores with obvious hyaline sheath; Gnomoniopsis xunwuensis sp. nov. is illustrated showing sympodially branched conidiophore, oval or fusiform conidia; and one known species, Plagiostoma populinum. The current study improves the understanding of gnomoniaceous species causing diebacks and leaf spot on ecological and economic forest trees.

Gnomoniopsis chinensis (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales), a new fungus causing canker of Chinese chestnut in Hebei Province, China

Chinese chestnut (Castaneamollissima) is an important crop tree species in China. However, branch canker and fruit rot are two kinds of severe diseases, which weaken the host and decrease chestnut production. During our investigations into chestnut diseases in China, several fungi have been confirmed as casual agents in previous studies, namely Aurantiosacculuscastaneae, Cryphonectrianeoparasitica, Cry.parasitica, Endothiachinensis and Gnomoniopsisdaii. In this study, a new canker pathogen is introduced based on morphology, phylogeny and pathogenicity. Typical Gnomoniopsis canker sign of wide, orange tendrils emerging from hosts’ glaucous lenticels were obvious on the diseased trees in the field. Symptomatic branches or bark on stems from different chestnut plantations were sampled and isolated, then strains were identified by comparisons of DNA sequence data for the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), partial translation elongation factor-1α (tef1) and β-tubulin (tub2) gene regions as well as morphological features. As a result, these strains appeared different from any known Gnomoniopsis species. Hence, we propose a novel species named Gnomoniopsischinensis. Pathogenicity was further tested using the ex-type strain (CFCC 52286) and another strain (CFCC 52288) on both detached branches and 3-year-old chestnut seedlings. The inoculation results showed that Gnomoniopsischinensis is mildly pathogenic to Chinese chestnut. However, further studies are required to confirm its pathogenicity to the other cultivated Castanea species in America, Europe and Japan.

Three new Diaporthe species from Shaanxi Province, China

Diaporthe species (Sordariomycetes, Diaporthales) are often reported as important plant pathogens, saprobes and endophytes on a wide range of plant hosts. In this study, Diaporthe specimens were collected from symptomatic twigs and branches at the Huoditang Forest Farm in Shaanxi Province, China. Identification was done using a combination of morphology and comparison of DNA sequence data of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), calmodulin (cal), histone H3 (his3), partial translation elongation factor-1α (tef1) and β-tubulin (tub2) gene regions. Three new Diaporthe species are proposed: D.albosinensis, D.coryli and D.shaanxiensis. All species are illustrated and their morphology and phylogenetic relationships with other Diaporthe species are discussed.

Fungal diversity notes 1151–1276: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa

Fungal diversity notes is one of the important journal series of fungal taxonomy that provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of new fungal taxa, as well as providing new information of fungal taxa worldwide. This article is the 11th contribution to the fungal diversity notes series, in which 126 taxa distributed in two phyla, six classes, 24 orders and 55 families are described and illustrated. Taxa in this study were mainly collected from Italy by Erio Camporesi and also collected from China, India and Thailand, as well as in some other European, North American and South American countries. Taxa described in the present study include two new families, 12 new genera, 82 new species, five new combinations and 25 new records on new hosts and new geographical distributions as well as sexual-asexual reports. The two new families are Eriomycetaceae (Dothideomycetes, family incertae sedis) and Fasciatisporaceae (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes). The twelve new genera comprise Bhagirathimyces (Phaeosphaeriaceae), Camporesiomyces (Tubeufiaceae), Eriocamporesia (Cryphonectriaceae), Eriomyces (Eriomycetaceae), Neomonodictys (Pleurotheciaceae), Paraloratospora (Phaeosphaeriaceae), Paramonodictys (Parabambusicolaceae), Pseudoconlarium (Diaporthomycetidae, genus incertae sedis), Pseudomurilentithecium (Lentitheciaceae), Setoapiospora (Muyocopronaceae), Srinivasanomyces (Vibrisseaceae) and Xenoanthostomella (Xylariales, genera incertae sedis). The 82 new species comprise Acremonium chiangraiense, Adustochaete nivea, Angustimassarina camporesii, Bhagirathimyces himalayensis, Brunneoclavispora camporesii, Camarosporidiella camporesii, Camporesiomyces mali, Camposporium appendiculatum, Camposporium multiseptatum, Camposporium septatum, Canalisporium aquaticium, Clonostachys eriocamporesiana, Clonostachys eriocamporesii, Colletotrichum hederiicola, Coniochaeta vineae, Conioscypha verrucosa, Cortinarius ainsworthii, Cortinarius aurae, Cortinarius britannicus, Cortinarius heatherae, Cortinarius scoticus, Cortinarius subsaniosus, Cytospora fusispora, Cytospora rosigena, Diaporthe camporesii, Diaporthe nigra, Diatrypella yunnanensis, Dictyosporium muriformis, Didymella camporesii, Diutina bernali, Diutina sipiczkii, Eriocamporesia aurantia, Eriomyces heveae, Ernakulamia tanakae, Falciformispora uttaraditensis, Fasciatispora cocoes, Foliophoma camporesii, Fuscostagonospora camporesii, Helvella subtinta, Kalmusia erioi, Keissleriella camporesiana, Keissleriella camporesii, Lanspora cylindrospora, Loratospora arezzoensis, Mariannaea atlantica, Melanographium phoenicis, Montagnula camporesii, Neodidymelliopsis camporesii, Neokalmusia kunmingensis, Neoleptosporella camporesiana, Neomonodictys muriformis, Neomyrmecridium guizhouense, Neosetophoma camporesii, Paraloratospora camporesii, Paramonodictys solitarius, Periconia palmicola, Plenodomus triseptatus, Pseudocamarosporium camporesii, Pseudocercospora maetaengensis, Pseudochaetosphaeronema kunmingense, Pseudoconlarium punctiforme, Pseudodactylaria camporesiana, Pseudomurilentithecium camporesii, Pseudotetraploa rajmachiensis, Pseudotruncatella camporesii, Rhexocercosporidium senecionis, Rhytidhysteron camporesii, Rhytidhysteron erioi, Septoriella camporesii, Setoapiospora thailandica, Srinivasanomyces kangrensis, Tetraploa dwibahubeeja, Tetraploa pseudoaristata, Tetraploa thrayabahubeeja, Torula camporesii, Tremateia camporesii, Tremateia lamiacearum, Uzbekistanica pruni, Verruconis mangrovei, Wilcoxina verruculosa, Xenoanthostomella chromolaenae and Xenodidymella camporesii. The five new combinations are Camporesiomyces patagoniensis, Camporesiomyces vaccinia, Camposporium lycopodiellae, Paraloratospora gahniae and Rhexocercosporidium microsporum. The 22 new records on host and geographical distribution comprise Arthrinium marii, Ascochyta medicaginicola, Ascochyta pisi, Astrocystis bambusicola, Camposporium pellucidum, Dendryphiella phitsanulokensis, Diaporthe foeniculina, Didymella macrostoma, Diplodia mutila, Diplodia seriata, Heterosphaeria patella, Hysterobrevium constrictum, Neodidymelliopsis ranunculi, Neovaginatispora fuckelii, Nothophoma quercina, Occultibambusa bambusae, Phaeosphaeria chinensis, Pseudopestalotiopsis theae, Pyxine berteriana, Tetraploa sasicola, Torula gaodangensis and Wojnowiciella dactylidis. In addition, the sexual morphs of Dissoconium eucalypti and Phaeosphaeriopsis pseudoagavacearum are reported from Laurus nobilis and Yucca gloriosa in Italy, respectively. The holomorph of Diaporthe cynaroidis is also reported for the first time.

Reevaluating Cryphonectriaceae and allied families in Diaporthales

The Diaporthales (Sordariomycetes) includes many important families of plant pathogenic fungi, such as the notorious Cryphonectriaceae. The aim of the present study was to reevaluate this family, along with other families in Diaporthales. Based on phylogenetic analyses using combined sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, large subunit of the nrDNA (28S), and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) and DNA-directed RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) genes, Cryphonectriaceae is separated into two subclades, comprising 21 genera and 55 species. Foliocryphiaceae, fam. nov., is morphologically and phylogenetically its closest relative but is distinct due to its phylogeny and dimorphic conidia. Mastigosporellaceae, fam. nov., is distinguished from other families in Diaporthales by owning apical conidial appendages. Neocryphonectria, gen. nov., within the family Foliocryphiaceae, with two species associated with Carpinus canker in China, is characterized by fusoid, aseptate macroconidia. Additionally, two new combinations are proposed, namely, Cryphonectria citrine, based on Chromendothia citrine, and Cytospora viridistroma, based on Endothia viridistoma. Based on results obtained in this study, 31 families are accepted into Diaporthales.

Identification of six Cytospora species on Chinese chestnut in China

Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) is an important crop tree species in China. In the present study, Cytospora specimens were collected from Chinese chestnut trees and identified using molecular data of combined ITS, LSU, ACT and RPB2 loci, as well as morphological features. As a result, two new Cytospora species and four new host records were confirmed, viz. C. kuanchengensis sp. nov., C. xinglongensis sp. nov., C. ceratospermopsis, C. leucostoma, C. myrtagena and C. schulzeri.

Taxonomy of two synnematal fungal species from Rhus chinensis, with Flavignomonia gen. nov. described

Rhuschinensis represents a commercially and ecologically important tree species in China, but suffers from canker diseases in Jiangxi Province. Synnemata, pycnidia and ascomata were discovered on cankered tissues. Strains were obtained from single ascospore or conidium within the fruiting bodies and identified based on morphological comparison and the phylogenetic analyses of partial ITS, LSU, tef1 and rpb2 gene sequences. As a result, two species were confirmed to represent two kinds of synnemata. One of these species is described herein as Flavignomoniarhoigenagen. et sp. nov.; and Synnemasporellaaculeans is illustrated showing ascomata, pycnidia and synnemata. Flavignomonia is distinguished from Synnemasporella by the colour of the synnematal tips. Additionally, Flavignomonia can be distinguished from the other gnomoniaceous genera by the formation of synnemata.

Diaporthalean fungi associated with canker and dieback of trees from Mount Dongling in Beijing, China

Diaporthales is a fungal order comprising important plant pathogens, saprobes and endophytes on a wide range of woody hosts. It is often difficult to differentiate the pathogens in this order, since both the morphology and disease symptoms are similar among the various species. In the current study, we obtained 15 representative diaporthalean isolates from six tree hosts belonging to plant families Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae, Rosaceae, and Ulmaceae from Mount Dongling in China. Six species were identified residing in four families of Diaporthales (Diaporthaceae, Erythrogloeaceae, Juglanconidaceae and Melanconidaceae). Based on morphological comparison and the phylogenetic analyses of partial ITS, LSU, cal, his3, rpb2, tef1-α and tub2 gene sequences, we identified five known species (Diaporthe betulina, D. eres, D. rostrata, Juglamconis oblonga and Melanconis stilbostoma) and one novel species (Dendrostoma donglinensis). These results represent the first study of diaporthalean fungi associated with canker and dieback symptoms from Mount Dongling in Beijing, China.

Understanding the Process of Latent Infection of Canker-Causing Pathogens in Stone Fruit and Nut Crops in California

The Botryosphaeriaceae family is considered a fungal family that includes pathogens causing latent infection of woody plants, and a number of species were identified as causal pathogens of canker and shoot blight diseases. To better understand the process of latent infection of major canker-causing pathogens in woody tissues in different tree crops important in California, shoot and bud samples were randomly collected from four tree crops: almond, dried plum, pistachio, and walnut. The previously developed DNA primers and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay systems were applied to detect six canker-causing pathogen groups, including Botryosphaeria dothidea, and species of Cytospora, Diplodia, Lasiodiplodia, Neofusicoccum, and Phomopsis. The concepts of molecular severity (MS) and latent infection index (LII) were introduced and applied to quantify the latent infection levels for these samples. Variation in incidence of latent infection among pathogen groups was observed, whereas the incidences were relatively low among species of Phomopsis and Diplodia. High incidences of Cytospora spp. were observed in two dried plum (prune) orchards. Most orchards showed high incidences of B. dothidea and Lasiodiplodia spp. and moderate incidences of Neofusicoccum spp. Variations in MS were observed among samples of the studied orchards, ranging from 4 to 8. The overall results of LII demonstrated that species of Diplodia and Phomopsis were less important in population development of canker-causing pathogens at the latent phase. Lasiodiplodia spp. were the most aggressive and had been well developed in populations among the studied tree crops. Cytospora spp. became predominant in two of the three dried plum orchards, whereas B. dothidea and Neofusicoccum spp. showed trends of increase in incidence across various tree crops. This study also demonstrated the usefulness of this sensitive qPCR approach in providing evidence of the latent phase of major canker-causing pathogens of stone fruit and nut crops at an early stage of latent infection in woody plant tissues.

Reassessment of Paragnomonia (Sydowiellaceae, Diaporthales) and typification of Paragnomonia fragariae, the cause of strawberry root rot and petiole blight

Paragnomonia fragariae is a plant pathogenic ascomycete causing root rot and petiole blight of perennial strawberry in northern Europe. This paper provides a revised description of Paragnomonia and P. fragariae with lecto- and epitypification based on the species original description, recent collections from four European countries, examination of specimens used in the previous taxonomic studies and phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences of LSU, ITS/5.8S and tef1-α. This study presents the first report of P. fragariae on cultivated strawberry in Finland and Lithuania. Our study on growth rate showed that P. fragariae is a cold-adapted fungus growing almost equally at 5 °C as at 20 °C and attaining maximal growth at 15 °C. New primers were designed for amplification of ca. 0.8 kb fragment of tef1-α of Sydowiella fenestrans. Additionally, newly generated sequences of tef1-α were obtained for the first time from 21 isolates of seven species belonging to five genera of Sydowiellaceae, including the type species S. fenestrans, therefore considerably contributing to the current knowledge on phylogenetic relationships of this insufficiently studied group of fungi. The phylogenetic analysis has also revealed that the recently described species "S." centaureii is genetically distant from the generic type S. fenestrans and other Sydowiella.

Microbial taxonomical composition in spruce phyllosphere, but not community functional structure, varies by geographical location

Previous studies indicate that the plant phenotypic traits eventually shape its microbiota due to the community assembly based on the functional types. If so, the distance-related variations of microbial communities are mostly only in taxonomical composition due to the different seeds pool, and there is no difference in microbial community functional structure if the location associated factors would not cause phenotypical variations in plants. We test this hypothesis by investigating the phyllospheric microbial community from five species of spruce (Picea spp.) trees that planted similarly but at three different locations. Results indicated that the geographical location affected microbial taxonomical compositions and had no effect on the community functional structure. In fact, this actually leads to a spurious difference in the microbial community. Our findings suggest that, within similar host plants, the phyllosphere microbial communities with differing taxonomical compositions might be functionally similar.

Phylogenetic relationships of Phaeochorella parinarii and recognition of a new family, Phaeochorellaceae (Diaporthales)

Species of Phaeochorella are biotrophic leaf parasites with a tropical distribution, traditionally accepted in the family Phyllachoraceae, Phyllachorales in classifications based on morphological characters. Phylogenetic evidence presented here resolves the relationship of Phaeochorella within the Sordariomycetes, based on a multilocus analysis of partial nuc rDNA large subunit (28S) and internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS), the DNA-directed RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), and the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) gene. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Phaeochorella belongs to the Diaporthales rather than the Phyllachorales. Phaeochorella parinarii, the type species of the genus, present on native hosts from the Brazilian Cerrado, forms a unique clade with a species of Phaeoappendicospora with high support. Thus, a new family, Phaeochorellaceae, Diaporthales, including both genera, is herein proposed. With the exception of P. parinarii and P. zonata, all other species in Phaeochorella (P. artocarpi, P. ciliata, P. machaerii) were excluded from the genus.

Species of Dendrostoma (Erythrogloeaceae, Diaporthales) associated with chestnut and oak canker diseases in China

Dendrostoma was recently proposed in Erythrogloeaceae (Diaporthales, Sordariomycetes), with all known members recorded as being plant pathogenic on economically important tree hosts. During our collections of Dendrostoma species in China, mild to severe canker symptoms were observed on sweet chestnut (Castaneamollissima) and oak (Quercus spp.) trees. Dead and dying plant tissues exhibiting Dendrostoma canker symptoms were sampled for fungal isolation. A total of 37 Dendrostoma isolates were obtained and analysed using morphological characteristics and molecular data (ITS, LSU, RPB2, TEF1-α). Based on these data, 10 novel clades could be distinguished, which also proved to represent morphologically distinct species described here as Dendrostomaaurorae, D.castaneae, D.castaneicola, D.chinense, D.dispersum, D. parasiticum, D.qinlingense, D.quercus, D.shaanxiense and D.shandongense spp. nov. A key to species of the genus is also provided.

Characterization of Gnomoniopsis idaeicola, the Causal Agent of Canker and Wilting of Blackberry in Serbia

Blackberry cane diseases with the symptoms of necrosis, canker, and wilting are caused by several fungi worldwide. Surveys conducted from 2013 to 2016 in Serbia revealed the occurrence of Gnomoniopsis idaeicola, the causal agent of cane canker and wilting, which was found to be distributed in almost half of the surveyed orchards, in three blackberry cultivars, and with disease incidence of up to 80%. Wide distribution and high disease incidence suggest that G. idaeicola has been present in Serbia for some time. Out of 427 samples, a total of 65 G. idaeicola isolates were obtained (isolation rate of 34.19%). Reference isolates, originating from different localities, were conventionally and molecularly identified and characterized. G. idaeicola was detected in single and mixed infections with fungi from genera Paraconiothyrium, Colletotrichum, Diaporthe, Botryosphaeria, Botrytis, Septoria, Neofusicoccum, and Discostroma, and no diagnostically specific symptoms could be related directly to the G. idaeicola infection. In orchards solely infected with G. idaeicola, blackberry plant mortality was up to 40%, and yield loses were estimated at 50%. G. idaeicola isolates included in this study demonstrated intraspecies diversity in morphological, biological, pathogenic, and molecular features, which indicates that population in Serbia may be of different origin. This is the first record of a massive outbreak of G. idaeicola infection, illustrating its capability of harmful influence on blackberry production. This study represents the initial step in studying G. idaeicola as a new blackberry pathogen in Serbia, aiming at developing efficient control measures.

Coryneumheveanum sp. nov. (Coryneaceae, Diaporthales) on twigs of Para rubber in Thailand

During studies of microfungi on para rubber in Thailand, we collected a new Coryneum species on twigs which we introduce herein as C.heveanum with support from phylogenetic analyses of LSU, ITS and TEF1 sequence data and morphological characters. Coryneumheveanum is distinct from other known taxa by its conidial measurements, number of pseudosepta and lack of a hyaline tip to the apical cell.

Taxonomic circumscription of melanconis-like fungi causing canker disease in China

Melanconis-like species comprise latent fungal pathogens with a wide range of woody hosts. Taxonomy of these pathogens is difficult due to their uninformative descriptions and similar asexual morphology. Based on molecular phylogenies, many species of this group were placed in various families of Diaporthales. In this study, eight species of melanconis-like fungi were isolated from Betulaalbosinensis, B.platyphylla (Betulaceae), Cornuscontroversa (Cornaceae), Corylusmandshurica (Betulaceae) and Juglansregia (Juglandaceae) in China. These species were phylogenetically placed in three families of Diaporhthales, i.e. Juglanconisjuglandina, J.oblonga (Juglanconidaceae), Melanconiellabetulicola sp. nov., M.corylina sp. nov. (Melanconiellaceae), Melanconisbetulae, Ms.itoana, Ms.stilbostoma (Melanconidaceae) and one new genus, Sheathospora (Melanconiellaceae). Sheathospora is proposed to accommodate Melanconiellacornuta with conical and discrete pycnidia with aseptate, hyaline, cylindrical to ellipsoidal conidia with distinct hyaline sheath on branches of Cornuscontroversa. Combined analyses of ITS, LSU, CAL, RPB2 and TEF1-α sequence data were used to construct the molecular phylogeny. Additionally, we provided separate phylogenetic trees for three families (Juglanconidaceae, Melanconidaceae and Melanconiellaceae) to show the species distribution of melanconis-like fungi in China.

New species and records of Coryneum from China

Following the abandonment of dual nomenclature and the implementation of single-name nomenclature for pleomorphic fungi, Coryneum was considered to have priority over Pseudovalsa and was recommended for use. Currently, Coryneum is the only genus in the family Coryneaceae (Diaporthales). However, DNA sequence data are lacking for most Coryneum species, and no detailed phylogenetic analyses of the genus are yet available. In the present study, fresh Coryneum samples were collected from chestnut (Castanea) and oak (Quercus) trees in China and morphologically compared with accepted Coryneum species. Based on morphological characteristics, they were identified as one known species, Coryneum castaneicola, and three novel species described here as C. gigasporum, C. sinense, and C. suttonii. Conidial dimensions and host association were considered major characters for species distinction. The previously unknown sexual morph of C. castaneicola is reported and described. A phylogenetic analysis of nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and large subunit (28S) sequence data of a representative matrix of Diaporthales confirmed Coryneaceae to represent a monophyletic clade. A phylogenetic analysis of a combined sequence matrix containing the ITS-28S rDNA, the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1α), and the second largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II (RPB2) of the four Chinese and four additional European Coryneum species was performed, confirming the distinctness of these novel species.

High diversity of Diaporthe species associated with dieback diseases in China, with twelve new species described

Diaporthe species have often been reported as important plant pathogens, saprobes and endophytes on a wide range of plant hosts. Although several Diaporthe species have been recorded in China, little is known about species able to infect forest trees. Therefore, extensive surveys were recently conducted in Beijing, Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi and Zhejiang Provinces. The current results emphasised on 15 species from 42 representative isolates involving 16 host genera using comparisons of DNA sequence data for the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), calmodulin (cal), histone H3 (his3), partial translation elongation factor-1α (tef1) and β-tubulin (tub2) gene regions, as well as their morphological features. Three known species, D.biguttulata, D.eres and D.unshiuensis, were identified. In addition, twelve novel taxa were collected and are described as D.acerigena, D.alangii, D.betulina, D.caryae, D.cercidis, D.chensiensis, D.cinnamomi, D.conica, D.fraxinicola, D.kadsurae, D.padina and D.ukurunduensis. The current study improves the understanding of species causing diebacks on ecological and economic forest trees and provides useful information for the effective disease management of these hosts in China.

Network hubs in root-associated fungal metacommunities

BACKGROUND

Although a number of recent studies have uncovered remarkable diversity of microbes associated with plants, understanding and managing dynamics of plant microbiomes remain major scientific challenges. In this respect, network analytical methods have provided a basis for exploring "hub" microbial species, which potentially organize community-scale processes of plant-microbe interactions.

METHODS

By compiling Illumina sequencing data of root-associated fungi in eight forest ecosystems across the Japanese Archipelago, we explored hubs within "metacommunity-scale" networks of plant-fungus associations. In total, the metadata included 8080 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) detected from 227 local populations of 150 plant species/taxa.

RESULTS

Few fungal OTUs were common across all the eight forests. However, in each of the metacommunity-scale networks representing northern four localities or southern four localities, diverse mycorrhizal, endophytic, and pathogenic fungi were classified as "metacommunity hubs," which were detected from diverse host plant taxa throughout a climatic region. Specifically, Mortierella (Mortierellales), Cladophialophora (Chaetothyriales), Ilyonectria (Hypocreales), Pezicula (Helotiales), and Cadophora (incertae sedis) had broad geographic and host ranges across the northern (cool-temperate) region, while Saitozyma/Cryptococcus (Tremellales/Trichosporonales) and Mortierella as well as some arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were placed at the central positions of the metacommunity-scale network representing warm-temperate and subtropical forests in southern Japan.

CONCLUSIONS

The network theoretical framework presented in this study will help us explore prospective fungi and bacteria, which have high potentials for agricultural application to diverse plant species within each climatic region. As some of those fungal taxa with broad geographic and host ranges have been known to promote the survival and growth of host plants, further studies elucidating their functional roles are awaited.

Diversity, host-specificity and stability of sponge-associated fungal communities of co-occurring sponges

Fungi play a critical role in a range of ecosystems; however, their interactions and functions in marine hosts, and particular sponges, is poorly understood. Here we assess the fungal community composition of three co-occurring sponges (Cymbastela concentrica, Scopalina sp., Tedania anhelans) and the surrounding seawater over two time points to help elucidate host-specificity, stability and potential core members, which may shed light into the ecological function of fungi in sponges. The results showed that ITS-amplicon-based community profiling likely provides a more realistic assessment of fungal diversity in sponges than cultivation-dependent approaches. The sponges studied here were found to contain phylogenetically diverse fungi (eight fungal classes were observed), including members of the family Togniniaceae and the genus Acrostalagmus, that have so far not been reported to be cultured from sponges. Fungal communities within any given sponge species were found to be highly variable compared to bacterial communities, and influenced in structure by the community of the surrounding seawater, especially considering temporal variation. Nevertheless, the sponge species studied here contained a few "variable/core" fungi that appeared in multiple biological replicates and were enriched in their relative abundance compared to seawater communities. These fungi were the same or highly similar to fungal species detected in sponges around the world, which suggests a prevalence of horizontal transmission where selectivity and enrichment of some fungi occur for those that can survive and/or exploit the sponge environment. Our current sparse knowledge about sponge-associated fungi thus indicate that fungal communities may perhaps not play as an important ecological role in the sponge holobiont compared to bacterial or archaeal symbionts.