Fungal diversity notes 253–366: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions to fungal taxa

An overview of Melanommataceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes): Current insight into the host associations and geographical distribution with some interesting novel additions from plant litter

Melanommataceous species exhibit high diversity with a cosmopolitan distribution worldwide and show a prominent saprobic lifestyle. In this study, we explored five saprobic species collected from plant litter substrates from terrestrial habitats in China and Thailand. A combination of morphological characteristics and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses was used to determine their taxonomic classifications. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses of combined LSU, SSU, ITS and tef1-α sequence data were used to clarify the phylogenetic affinities of the species. Byssosphaeriapoaceicola and Herpotrichiazingiberacearum are introduced as new species, while three new host records, Bertiellafici, By.siamensis and Melanommapopulicola are also reported from litter of Cinnamomumverum, Citrustrifoliata and Fagussylvatica, respectively. Yet, despite the rising interest in the melanommataceous species, there is a considerable gap in knowledge on their host associations and geographical distributions. Consequently, we compiled the host-species associations and geographical distributions of all the so far known melanommataceous species.

Morphological and Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Three New Species of Entomopathogenic Fungi Belonging to Clavicipitaceae (Hypocreales, Ascomycota)

This study aims to report three new species of Conoideocrella and Moelleriella from Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Species of Conoideocrella and Moelleriella parasitize scale insects (Coccidae and Lecaniidae, Hemiptera) and whiteflies (Aleyrodidae, Hemiptera). Based on the phylogenetic analyses of the three-gene nrLSU, tef-1α, and rpb1, it showed one new record species (Conoideocrella tenuis) and one new species (Conoideocrella fenshuilingensis sp. nov.) in the genus Conoideocrella, and two new species, i.e., Moelleriella longzhuensis sp. nov. and Moelleriella jinuoana sp. nov. in the genus Moelleriella. The three new species were each clustered into separate clades that distinguished themselves from one another. All of them were distinguishable from their allied species based on their morphology. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, and comparisons of the allied taxa of the four species are provided in the present paper. In addition, calculations of intraspecific and interspecific genetic distances were performed for Moelleriella and Conoideocrella.

Morphological and molecular data reveal Cerrenacaulinicystidiata sp. nov. and Polyporusminutissimus sp. nov. in Polyporales from Asia

Two new species of Polyporales, Cerrenacaulinicystidiata and Polyporusminutissimus, are illustrated and described on the basis of morphological studies and phylogenetic analyses from southern China and Vietnam. C.caulinicystidiata is characterized by annual, resupinate, sometimes effused-reflexed basidiocarps, greyish orange to brownish orange pore surface, irregular pores (3-8 per mm), a trimitic hyphal system, pyriform to ventricose cystidia, and subglobose basidiospores 3.2-4.5 × 2.8-3.5 µm in size. P.minutissimus is characterized by annual, solitary, fan-shaped with a depressed center or infundibuliform basidiocarps, obvious black stipe, cream to buff yellow pileal surface with glabrous, occasionally zonate and radially aligned stripes, angular pores (6-9 per mm), a dimitic hyphal system, and cylindrical basidiospores, 5-9.2 × 2.2-4 μm. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the two new species are provided. The differences between the two new species and their morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are discussed.

Toxicity, biochemical and molecular docking studies of Acacia nilotica L., essential oils against insect pests

Botanical essential oils are natural insecticides derived from plants, offering eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic chemicals for pest control. In this study, the essential oils were extracted from Acacia nilotica seed cotyledons, and their toxicity was tested against insect pests. Furthermore, the chemical components of the essential oils were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The essential oil extracted from A. nilotica seeds exhibited the highest mortality rates of 60% and 98% in Culex quinquefasciatus, and 60% and 96.66% mortality in Plutella xylostella at 24 and 48 h after treatment, respectively. The essential oils resulted in a lower LC50 of 159.263 ppm/mL, and LC90 of 320.930 ppm/mL within 24 h. In 48 h, the LC50 was 52.070 ppm/mL and the LC90 was 195.123 ppm/mL for C. quinquefasciatus. In the essential oil treatment of P. xylostella, the lower LC50 was 165.900 ppm/mL, and the LC90 was 343.840 ppm/mL 24 h after the treatment. At 48 h post-treatment, the LC50 decreased to 62.965 ppm/mL, and the LC90 decreased to 236.795 ppm/mL in P. xylostella. The study investigated the impact of essential oils on insect enzymes 24 h after treatment. The study revealed significant changes in the levels of insect enzymes, including a decrease in acetylcholinesterase enzymes and an increase in glutathione S-transferase compared to the control group. Essential oils had minimal effects, resulting in mortality rates of 30.66% and 46% at 24 and 48 h after treatment on Artemia salina. After 48 h, minimal toxic effects of essential oils were observed on E. eugeniae, with a mortality rate of 11.33%. The GC-MS analysis of A. nilotica seed-derived essential oils revealed ten major chemical constituents, including 6-hydroxymellein, phthalic acid, trichloroacetic acid, hexadecane, acetamide, heptacosane, eicosane, pentadecane, 1,3,4-eugenol, and chrodrimanin B. Among these constituents, Heptacosane is the major chemical component, and this molecule has a high potential for involvement in insecticidal activity.

New Insights into Tetraplosphaeriaceae Based on Taxonomic Investigations of Bambusicolous Fungi and Freshwater Fungi

Species within Tetraplosphaeriaceae have been frequently documented in recent years with the extensive investigations of microfungi along a latitudinal gradient from north to south in the Asian/Australian region. Both bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats serve as extensive reservoirs, hosting a rich diversity of fungi that exhibit broad geographical distributions. The most common fungi in these two environments are generally distributed in distinct families. However, our statistics have revealed an intriguingly distinct preference of Tetraplosphaeriaceae species for inhabiting both bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats. The genera Pseudotetraploa (100%) and Triplosphaeria (100%) exhibit a strong preference, followed by Shrungabeeja (71%) and Quadricrura (67%). Our taxonomic and phylogenetic study of microfungi in southern China have identified four additional novel species, viz., Aquatisphaeria bambusae sp. nov., Pseudotetraploa phyllostachydis sp. nov., Pseudotetraploa yangjiangensis sp. nov., and Tetraploa submersa sp. nov. from bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats. In addition, Aquatisphaeria thailandica has previously been documented from freshwater habitats in Thailand; however, we have once again isolated this species from decaying bamboo substrates in Guangdong, China. The new findings substantiate our hypothesis that the preference of Tetraplosphaeriaceae species for colonizing bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats will be more evident through more extensive investigations conducted in such environments.

Insights into the molecular phylogeny and morphology of three novel Dothiora species, along with a worldwide checklist of Dothiora

Most species of Dothiora are known from the dead parts of various host plants as saprobic fungi in terrestrial habitats occurring in tropical and temperate regions. In the present study, samples of Dothiora were collected from dead twigs and branches of Capparis spinosa, Rhaponticum repens, and an unknown angiosperm plant from the Tashkent and Jizzakh regions of Uzbekistan. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on a combined ITS, LSU, SSU, TEF1, and TUB2 sequence data revealed their taxonomic positions within the Dothideaceae. Three new species of Dothiora, namely, Dothiora capparis, Dothiora rhapontici, and Dothiora uzbekistanica were proposed by molecular and morphological data. Likewise, the phylogenetic relationship and morphology of Dothiora are discussed. In addition, we provide a list of accepted Dothiora species, including host information, distribution, morphology descriptions, and availability of sequence data, to enhance the current knowledge of the diversity within Dothiora.

Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal two new entomopathogenic species of Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) parasitic on termites from China

Two new termite-pathogenic species, Ophiocordycepsglobiperitheciata and O.longistipes, are described from Yunnan Province, China. Six-locus (ITS, nrSSU, nrLSU, tef-1α, rpb1 and rpb2) phylogenetic analyses in combination with morphological observations were employed to characterize these two species. Phylogenetically, O.globiperitheciata is most closely related to Hirsutellacryptosclerotium and O.communis, whereas O.longistipes shares a sister relationship with O.fusiformis. However, O.globiperitheciata differs from H.cryptosclerotium by parasitizing Blattodea and producing clavate, unbifurcated stromata. Ophiocordycepsglobiperitheciata is distinguished from O.communis by multiple stromata, shorter asci and ascospores. Ophiocordycepslongistipes differs from O.fusiformis in producing larger stromata, perithecia, asci and ascospores, as well as smaller citriform or oval conidia. Morphological descriptions of the two new species and a dichotomous key to the 19 termite-pathogenic Ophiocordyceps species are presented.

Molecular phylogenetics of the Ophiocordyceps sinensis-species complex lineage (Ascomycota, Hypocreales), with the discovery of new species and predictions of species distribution

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a famous traditional Chinese medicine adapted to the alpine environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and adjacent regions. Clarification of the species diversity of Ophiocordyceps sinensis and its relatives could expand the traditional medicinal resources and provide insights into the speciation and adaptation. The study is prompted by the discovery of a new species, O. megala, described here from a biodiversity hotspot in the Hengduan Mountains, China. Combined morphological, ecological, and phylogenetic evidence supports its distinctiveness from O. sinensis, O. xuefengensis, and O. macroacicularis. Additionally, based on the phylogenetic construction of Ophiocordyceps, a special clade was focused phylogenetically on the more closely related O. sinensis complex, which was defined as the O. sinensis- species complex lineage. A total of 10 species were currently confirmed in this lineage. We made a comprehensive comparison of the sexual/asexual morphological structures among this species complex, distinguishing their common and distinctive features. Furthermore, using the method of species distribution modelling, we studied the species ocurrences in relation to climatic, edaphic, and altitudinal variables for the eight species in the O. sinensis-species complex, and determined that their potential distribution could extend from the southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the Xuefeng Mountains without isolating barrier. Thus, the biodiversity corridor hypothesis was proposed around the O. sinensis-species complex. Our study highlights the phylogeny, species diversity, and suitable distribution of the O. sinensis-species complex lineage, which should have a positive implication for the resource discovery and adaptive evolution of this unique and valuable group.

Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic evidence reveal two new species and the first report of Comoclathris (Pleosporaceae, Pleosporales) on dicotyledonous plants from China

Two novel Comoclathris species were identified from dicotyledonous plants (Clematis sp. and Xanthocerassorbifolium) in China. The results were supported by morphological characters and Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) analyses. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of the ITS, LSU, SSU and rpb2 sequences revealed two new species Comoclathrisclematidis and C.xanthoceratis, which are phylogenetically distinct. The new species are phylogenetically closely related to C.arrhenatheri. However, they are distinguishable from C.arrhenatheri by having comparatively larger asci and ascospores. This study improves our knowledge of Comoclathris as no species has been previously described from China. This suggests such taxa may be rare and it is likely that new taxa will be discovered from hosts and environments that have not yet been extensively investigated.

Three New Species of Gongronella (Cunninghamellaceae, Mucorales) from Soil in Hainan, China Based on Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny

The genus Gongronella is important in agriculture and industry by secreting various natural bioactive metabolites such as chitosanases and organic acids. During the most recent 8 years, a total of 14 new species have been described, remarkably enriching the diversity of this genus. In this study, we added three more new species to this valuable genus, based on a combination of morphological traits and phylogenetic information. Six strains of the genus Gongronella were isolated from soil collected in Hainan Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS and LSU rDNA sequences grouped these strains into three independent clades. According to their unique morphological characteristics, they were classified as G. multiramosa sp. nov., G. qichaensis sp. nov. and G. oleae sp. nov. The G. multiramosa was characterized by multiple branched sporangiophores and was closely related to G. pedratalhadensis. The G. qichaensis was characterized by obscure collars and closely related to G. butleri, G. hydei and G. banzhaoae. The G. oleae was characterized by the presence of oil droplets in the sporangiospores and was closely related to G. chlamydospora and G. multispora. Their descriptions and illustrations were provided, and their differences from morphological allies and phylogenetic-related species are discussed.

Morphophylogenetic evidence reveals four new fungal species within Tetraplosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales, Ascomycota) from tropical and subtropical forest in China

Tetraplosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales, Ascomycota) is a family with many saprobes recorded from various hosts, especially bamboo and grasses. During a taxonomic investigation of microfungi in tropical and subtropical forest regions of Guizhou, Hainan and Yunnan provinces, China, several plant samples were collected and examined for fungi. Four newly discovered species are described based on morphology and evolutionary relationships with their allies inferred from phylogenetic analyses derived from a combined dataset of LSU, ITS, SSU, and tub2 DNA sequence data. Detailed illustrations, descriptions and taxonomic notes are provided for each species. The four new species of Tetraplosphaeriaceae reported herein are Polyplosphaeriaguizhouensis, Polyplosphaeriahainanensis, Pseudotetraploayunnanensis, and Tetraploahainanensis. A checklist of Tetraplosphaeriaceae species with available details on their ecology is also provided.

Additions to Diatrypaceae (Xylariales): Novel Taxa and New Host Associations

Diatrypaceae members have a broad distribution and are commonly found on decaying wood. Despite taxonomic and morphological challenges within this group, there has been a growing interest in Diatrypaceae in recent years. The dead branches of several plant hosts with fungal fruiting bodies were collected from Doi Tung National Park, Chiang Rai, and the Narathiwat Provinces in Thailand. Their morphological characteristics, coupled with a molecular phylogeny of combined ITS and tub2 sequence data, were used to introduce two novel Allodiatrype species (A. dalbergiae and A. eleiodoxae) and one new Melanostictus species (M. chiangraiensis). Moreover, four new host records, Diatrypella heveae, D. major, Melanostictus thailandicus, and Paraeutypella citricola on Microcos paniculata, Nayariophyton zizyphifolium, Dalbergia cultrata, and M. paniculata, respectively, as well as a new geographical record of D. major are reported. This research provides detailed descriptions of macro- and microcharacteristics, coupled with a phylogenetic tree for the newly introduced species and host records. The morphological features of Allodiatrype and Melanostictus are listed in the synoptic table.

Four new species of Russula from the Xizang Autonomous Region and other provinces of China

Russula is the largest genus in the Russulales and is widespread throughout the world. Almost all Russula species are known to be ectomycorrhizal with high ecological and edible values, and some are lethal poisonous. In this study, four new species belonging to the subgenus Russula crown clade are identified based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence from the Xizang Autonomous Region and other provinces of China. Morphologically, Russula paragraveolens (sect. Polychromae, subsect. Xerampelinae) is mainly characterised by a cherry red to blood red pileus centre, a reddish orange pileus margin; R. pseudograveolens (sect. Polychromae, subsect. Xerampelinae) is characterised by a violet brown to brownish red pileus centre, a pale red to pastel red pileus margin and short basidia; R. shigatseensis (sect. Flavisiccantes, subsect. Lepidinae) is characterised by a brownish orange to madder red pileus centre, pinkish red pileus margin, and having lateral branches or branches of hyphal terminations in pileipellis; R. yadongensis (sect. Tenellae, subsect. Laricinae) is characterised by a dark purplish red pileus centre with brownish purple tints and having isolated to clustered spines of spore ornamentations. Their distinct taxonomic status is confirmed by the positions of the four new species in both the ITS and 4-locus (nucLSU, mtSSU, rpb2, tef1) phylogenetic trees.

Lignicolous Freshwater Fungi from Plateau Lakes in China (I): Morphological and Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Eight Species of Lentitheciaceae, Including New Genus, New Species and New Records

During the investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi in plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, China, eight Lentitheciaceae species were collected from five lakes viz. Luguhu, Qiluhu, Xingyunhu, Cibihu, and Xihu lake. Based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, SSU, and tef 1-α sequence data, a new genus Paralentithecium, two new species (Paralentithecium suae, and Setoseptoria suae), three new records (Halobyssothecium phragmitis, H. unicellulare, and Lentithecium yunnanensis) and three known species viz. Halobyssothecium aquifusiforme, Lentithecium pseudoclioninum, and Setoseptoria bambusae are reported.

Fungicolous Mucor on mushrooms: One novel species and six host records from southwest China and northern Thailand

Mucor species are a group of common soil-borne fungi, known to cause infections on humans and animals, interfere in food production, and act as useful agents in biotechnological applications. This study reports one new Mucor species, M. yunnanensis, which was found to be fungicolous on an Armillaria sp. from southwest China. Further, M. circinelloides on Phlebopus sp., M. hiemalis on Ramaria sp. and Boletus sp., M. irregularis on Pleurotus sp., M. nederlandicus on Russula sp., and M. yunnanensis on Boletus sp. are reported as new host records. Mucor yunnanensis and M. hiemalis have been collected from Yunnan Province in China, whereas M. circinelloides, M. irregularis, and M. nederlandicus have been collected from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Provinces in Thailand. All the Mucor taxa reported herein were identified based on both morphology and phylogenetic analyses of a combined nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and partial nuc 28S rDNA (28S) sequence matrix. Comprehensive descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree are provided for all the taxa reported in the study to show the placements of taxa, and the new taxon is compared with its sister taxa.

Exploring the Xylariaceae and its relatives

The Xylariaceae and its relatives rank as one of the best-known members of the Ascomycota. They are now well recognized for their diversity, global distribution, ecological activities and their outstanding novel metabolites with wide ranging bioactivity.

Adding a missing piece to the puzzle of oomycete phylogeny: the placement of Rhipidium interruptum (Rhipidiaceae)

Oomycetes are a group of fungus-like organisms, which phylogenetically comprise early diverging lineages that are mostly holocarpic, and two crown classes, the Peronosporomycetes and Saprolegniomycetes, including many well-investigated pathogens of plants and animals. However, there is a poorly studied group, the Rhipidiales, which placement amongst the crown oomycetes is ambiguous. It accommodates several taxa with a sophisticated vegetative and reproductive cycle, as well as structural organisation, that is arguably the most complex in the oomycete lineage. Despite the remarkable morphological complexity and their notable perseverance in the face of faster-growing saprotrophic oomycetes and fungi, the knowledge on Rhipidiales is limited to date, as the most complex members are not easily cultured, even by targeted approaches. This also leads to inadequate sequence data for the order, which was sourced from only the two least complex out of seven introduced genera, i.e. Sapromyces and Salispina. In the present study, ex-situ baiting was done using various fruit substrates, and naturally-shed twigs or fruits acquired from water bodies were examined. As a result of these efforts, the species Rhipidium interruptum was obtained and gross cultivation was accomplished using poplar (Populus nigra) twigs as substrate, which allowed further documentation of both asexual and sexual reproduction. This enabled phylogenetic and detailed morphological study, as well as an epitypification of the species. Phylogenetic analyses based on cox2 and nrLSU sequences revealed Rhipidium as the sister genus of Sapromyces. The morphological studies done support a conspecificity of R. interruptum and R. continuum, which might in turn be conspecific with R. americanum. Though several further studies will be required to fit the scattered missing pieces of knowledge on Rhipidiales together revealing a more complete picture of oomycete evolution, we hope that the current study can serve as a cornerstone for future investigations in the group. Citation: Tsai I, Thines M (2023). Adding a missing piece to the puzzle of oomycete phylogeny: the placement of Rhipidium interruptum (Rhipidiaceae). Fungal Systematics and Evolution 11: 95-108. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.11.08.

Taxonomic Novelties and New Records of Amanita Subgenus Amanitina from Thailand

The Amanita subgenus Amanitina contains six sections, and the species diversity of this subgenus has still not been explored in Thailand. Twenty samples collected in 2019 and 2020, which had the morphological characteristics of the Amanita subgen. Amanitina, were observed in this study. Both the microscopical characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of the ITS, nrLSU, RPB2, TEF1-α, and TUB gene regions revealed that the 20 samples represented nine species and dispersed into four sections. Remarkably, three taxa were different from any other currently known species. Here, we describe them as new to science, namely A. albifragilis, A. claristriata, and A. fulvisquamea. Moreover, we also recognized six interesting taxa, including four records that were new to Thailand, viz. A. cacaina, A. citrinoannulata, A. griseofarinosa, and A. neoovoidea, as well as two previously recorded species, A. caojizong and A. oberwinkleriana. Moreover, we provide the first RPB2 and TEF1-α gene sequences for A. cacaina. Detailed descriptions, illustrations as line drawings, and comparisons with related taxa are provided.

Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Hyphomycetous Muriform Conidial Taxa from the Tibetan Plateau, China

During the investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi in the Tibetan Plateau habitat, fifteen collections were isolated from submerged decaying wood. Fungal characteristics are commonly found as punctiform or powdery colonies with dark pigmented and muriform conidia. Multigene phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, SSU and TEF DNA sequences showed that they belong to three families in Pleosporales. Among them, Paramonodictys dispersa, Pleopunctum megalosporum, Pl. multicellularum and Pl. rotundatum are established as new species. Paradictyoarthrinium hydei, Pleopunctum ellipsoideum and Pl. pseudoellipsoideum are reported as new records on the freshwater habitats in Tibetan Plateau, China. The morphological descriptions and illustrations of the new collections are provided.

Diversity, morphology, and molecular phylogeny of Diatrypaceae from southern China

During an investigation of Diatrypaceae from southern China, 10 xylariales-like taxa have been collected. Morphological and multi-gene analyses confirmed that these taxa reside in Diatrypaceae and represent eight novel taxa and two new records belonging to six genera (viz., Allocryptovalsa, Diatrype, Diatrypella, Paraeutypella, Peroneutypa, and Vasilyeva gen. nov.). Vasilyeva gen. nov. was proposed to accommodate Vasilyeva cinnamomi sp. nov. Among the other collections, seven new species were introduced (viz., Diatrype camelliae-japonicae sp. nov., Diatrype rubi sp. nov., Diatrypella guiyangensis sp. nov., Diatrypella fatsiae-japonicae sp. nov., Paraeutypella subguizhouensis sp. nov., Peroneutypa hainanensis sp. nov., and Peroneutypa qianensis sp. nov.), while two were reported as new records from China (Allocryptovalsa rabenhorstii and Diatrype enteroxantha). For Diatrypaceae, the traditional taxonomic approach based on morphology may not be applicable.

Unravelling the Lipids Content and the Fatty Acid Profiles of Eight Recently Described Halophytophthora Species and H. avicennae from the South Coast of Portugal

In this study, mycelia of eight recently described species of Halophytophthora and H. avicennae collected in Southern Portugal were analysed for lipids and fatty acids (FA) content to evaluate their possible use as alternative sources of FAs and understand how each species FAs profile relates to their phylogenetic position. All species had a low lipid percentage (0.06% in H. avicennae to 0.28% in H. frigida). Subclade 6b species contained more lipids. All species produced monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) and saturated (SFA) FAs, the latter being most abundant in all species. H. avicennae had the highest FA variety and was the only producer of γ-linolenic acid, while H. brevisporangia produced the lowest number of FAs. The best producer of arachidonic acid (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was H. thermoambigua with 3.89% and 9.09% of total FAs, respectively. In all species, palmitic acid (SFA) was most abundant and among the MUFAs produced oleic acid had the highest relative percentage. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed partial segregation of species by phylogenetic clade and subclade based on their FA profile. H. avicennae (Clade 4) differed from all other Clade 6 species due to the production of γ-linolenic and lauric acids. Our results disclosed interesting FA profiles in the tested species, adequate for energy (biodiesel), pharmaceutical and food industries (bioactive FAs). Despite the low amounts of lipids produced, this can be boosted by manipulating culture growth conditions. The observed interspecific variations in FA production provide preliminary insights into an evolutionary background of its production.

Isolation, morphological identification, and xylanase characteristics of anaerobic gut fungi Neocallimastix from Anatolian wild goat

This study shows the morphological identification of anaerobic fungal strains isolated from fecal samples of goats inhabiting Turkey and the effects of various metal ions and chemicals on extracellular xylanase production. Three different anaerobic gut fungi isolated from wild goats in Turkey were identified as Neocallimastix spp. xylanase, cellulase, and lichenase production were tested in culture supernatants, and the maximum-specific activities were found as 560.42 ± 9.39, 159.70 ± 3.88, and 157.36 ± 3.83 (μmol/min/mg protein), respectively. While the optimum temperature range of exo-xylanases was found as 40-50°C, their optimum pH range was determined as 6.0-6.5. Xylanase activity decreased in metal ions and other chemical reactants based on dose. The metal ion that significantly inhibited xylanase activity was Fe⁺³ . It was found that the ferric ions inhibited xylanase activity in all three anaerobic gut fungi by 30%-90% depending on molarity. On the contrary, the 1 mM concentrations of the Mn⁺² , Ba⁺² , Co⁺² , Cu⁺² , Sn⁺² , and Mg⁺² metal ions and the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and β-mercaptoethanol reagents had a positive effect at rates in the range of 3%-92%. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that anaerobic gut fungus has very stable fibrolytic enzymes that need to be separated, as well and the existence of a unique resource for industrial applications.

Re-Evaluating Botryosphaeriales: Ancestral State Reconstructions of Selected Characters and Evolution of Nutritional Modes

Botryosphaeriales (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota) occur in a wide range of habitats as endophytes, saprobes, and pathogens. The order Botryosphaeriales has not been subjected to evaluation since 2019 by Phillips and co-authors using phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses. Subsequently, many studies introduced novel taxa into the order and revised several families separately. In addition, no ancestral character studies have been conducted for this order. Therefore, in this study, we re-evaluated the character evolution and taxonomic placements of Botryosphaeriales species based on ancestral character evolution, divergence time estimation, and phylogenetic relationships, including all the novel taxa that have been introduced so far. Maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference analyses were conducted on a combined LSU and ITS sequence alignment. Ancestral state reconstruction was carried out for conidial colour, septation, and nutritional mode. Divergence times estimates revealed that Botryosphaeriales originated around 109 Mya in the early epoch of the Cretaceous period. All six families in Botryosphaeriales evolved in the late epoch of the Cretaceous period (66-100 Mya), during which Angiosperms also appeared, rapidly diversified and became dominant on land. Families of Botryosphaeriales diversified during the Paleogene and Neogene periods in the Cenozoic era. The order comprises the families Aplosporellaceae, Botryosphaeriaceae, Melanopsaceae, Phyllostictaceae, Planistromellaceae and Saccharataceae. Furthermore, current study assessed two hypotheses; the first one being "All Botryosphaeriales species originated as endophytes and then switched into saprobes when their hosts died or into pathogens when their hosts were under stress"; the second hypothesis states that "There is a link between the conidial colour and nutritional mode in botryosphaerialean taxa". Ancestral state reconstruction and nutritional mode analyses revealed a pathogenic/saprobic nutritional mode as the ancestral character. However, we could not provide strong evidence for the first hypothesis mainly due to the significantly low number of studies reporting the endophytic botryosphaerialean taxa. Results also showed that hyaline and aseptate conidia were ancestral characters in Botryosphaeriales and supported the relationship between conidial pigmentation and the pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriales species.

Molecular Phylogeny and Morphology Reveal Four Novel Species of Corynespora and Kirschsteiniothelia (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota) from China: A Checklist for Corynespora Reported Worldwide

Plant debris are habitats favoring survival and multiplication of various microbial species. During continuing mycological surveys of saprobic microfungi from plant debris in Yunnan Province, China, several Corynespora-like and Dendryphiopsis-like isolates were collected from dead branches of unidentified perennial dicotyledonous plants. Four barcodes, i.e., ITS, LSU, SSU and tef1-α, were amplified and sequenced. Morphological studies and multigene phylogenetic analyses by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference revealed three new Corynespora species (C. mengsongensis sp. nov., C. nabanheensis sp. nov. and C. yunnanensis sp. nov.) and a new Kirschsteiniothelia species (K. nabanheensis sp. nov.) within Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota. A list of identified and accepted species of Corynespora with major morphological features, host information and locality was compiled. This work improves the knowledge of species diversity of Corynespora and Kirschsteiniothelia in Yunnan Province, China.

An open-access T-BAS phylogeny for emerging Phytophthora species

Phytophthora species cause severe diseases on food, forest, and ornamental crops. Since the genus was described in 1876, it has expanded to comprise over 190 formally described species. There is a need for an open access phylogenetic tool that centralizes diverse streams of sequence data and metadata to facilitate research and identification of Phytophthora species. We used the Tree-Based Alignment Selector Toolkit (T-BAS) to develop a phylogeny of 192 formally described species and 33 informal taxa in the genus Phytophthora using sequences of eight nuclear genes. The phylogenetic tree was inferred using the RAxML maximum likelihood program. A search engine was also developed to identify microsatellite genotypes of P. infestans based on genetic distance to known lineages. The T-BAS tool provides a visualization framework allowing users to place unknown isolates on a curated phylogeny of all Phytophthora species. Critically, the tree can be updated in real-time as new species are described. The tool contains metadata including clade, host species, substrate, sexual characteristics, distribution, and reference literature, which can be visualized on the tree and downloaded for other uses. This phylogenetic resource will allow data sharing among research groups and the database will enable the global Phytophthora community to upload sequences and determine the phylogenetic placement of an isolate within the larger phylogeny and to download sequence data and metadata. The database will be curated by a community of Phytophthora researchers and housed on the T-BAS web portal in the Center for Integrated Fungal Research at NC State. The T-BAS web tool can be leveraged to create similar metadata enhanced phylogenies for other Oomycete, bacterial or fungal pathogens.

Isolation of strains and their genome sequencing to analyze the mating system of Ophiocordyceps robertsii

The fungal genus Ophiocordyceps contains a number of insect pathogens. One of the best known of these is Ophiocordyceps sinensis, which is used in Chinese medicine and its overharvesting threatens sustainability; hence, alternative species are being sought. Ophiocordyceps robertsii, found in Australia and New Zealand, has been proposed to be a close relative to O. sinensis, but little is known about this species despite being also of historical significance. Here, O. robertsii strains were isolated into culture and high coverage draft genome sequences obtained and analyzed. This species has a large genome expansion, as also occurred in O. sinensis. The mating type locus was characterized, indicating a heterothallic arrangement whereby each strain has an idiomorphic region of two (MAT1-2-1, MAT1-2-2) or three (MAT1-1-1, MAT1-1-2, MAT1-1-3) genes flanked by the conserved APN2 and SLA2 genes. These resources provide a new opportunity for understanding the evolution of the expanded genome in the homothallic species O. sinensis, as well as capabilities to explore the pharmaceutical potential in a species endemic to Australia and New Zealand.

Morphology, phylogeny, mitogenomics and metagenomics reveal a new entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordycepsnujiangensis (Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) from Southwestern China

Ophiocordyceps contains the largest number of Cordyceps sensu lato, various species of which are of great medicinal value. In this study, a new entomopathogenic fungus, Ophiocordycepsnujiangensis, from Yunnan in southwestern China, was described using morphological, phylogenetic, and mitogenomic evidence, and its fungal community composition was identified. It was morphologically characterized by a solitary, woody, and dark brown stromata, smooth-walled and septate hyphae, solitary and gradually tapering conidiogenous cells with plenty of warty protrusions, and oval or fusiform conidia (6.4-11.2 × 3.7-6.4 µm) with mucinous sheath. The phylogenetic location of O.nujiangensis was determined based on the Bayesian inference (BI) and the maximum likelihood (ML) analyses by concatenating nrSSU, nrLSU, tef-1a, rpb1, and rpb2 datasets, and ten mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs) datasets (atp6, atp9, cob, cox2, nad1, nad2, nad3, nad4, nad4L, and nad5). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that O.nujiangensis belonged to the Hirsutellasinensis subclade within the Hirsutella clade of Ophiocordyceps. And O.nujiangensis was phylogenetically clustered with O.karstii, O.liangshanensis, and O.sinensis. Simultaneously, five fungal phyla and 151 fungal genera were recognized in the analysis of the fungal community of O.nujiangensis. The fungal community composition differed from that of O.sinensis, and differences in the microbial community composition of closely related species might be appropriate as further evidence for taxonomy.

Diversity of Sporocadaceae (pestalotioid fungi) from Rosa in China

Rosa (Rosaceae) is an important ornamental and medicinal plant genus worldwide, with several species being cultivated in China. Members of Sporocadaceae (pestalotioid fungi) are globally distributed and include endophytes, saprobes but also plant pathogens, infecting a broad range of host plants on which they can cause important plant diseases. Although several Sporocadaceae species were recorded to inhabit Rosa spp., the taxa occurring on Rosa remain largely unresolved. In this study, a total of 295 diseased samples were collected from branches, fruits, leaves and spines of eight Rosa species (R. chinensis, R. helenae, R. laevigata, R. multiflora, R. omeiensis, R. rugosa, R. spinosissima and R. xanthina) in Gansu, Henan, Hunan, Qinghai, Shaanxi Provinces and the Ningxia Autonomous Region of China. Subsequently 126 strains were obtained and identified based on comparisons of DNA sequence data. Based on these results 15 species residing in six genera of Sporocadaceae were delineated, including four known species (Pestalotiopsis chamaeropis, Pes. rhodomyrtus, Sporocadus sorbi and Spo. trimorphus) and 11 new species described here as Monochaetia rosarum, Neopestalotiopsis concentrica, N. subepidermalis, Pestalotiopsis tumida, Seimatosporium centrale, Seim. gracile, Seim. nonappendiculatum, Seim. parvum, Seiridium rosae, Sporocadus brevis, and Spo. spiniger. This study also represents the first report of Pes. chamaeropis, Pes. rhodomyrtus and Spo. sorbi on Rosa. The overall data revealed that Pestalotiopsis was the most prevalent genus, followed by Seimatosporium, while Pes. chamaeropis and Pes. rhodomyrtus were the two most prevalent species. Analysis of Sporocadaceae abundance on Rosa species and plant organs revealed that spines of R. chinensis had the highest species diversity. Citation: Peng C, Crous PW, Jiang N, et al. 2022. Diversity of Sporocadaceae (pestalotioid fungi) from Rosa in China. Persoonia 49: 201-260. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.07.

Morphological Characteristics and Phylogeny Reveal Six New Species in Russula Subgenus Russula (Russulaceae, Russulales) from Yanshan Mountains, North China

Species of the genus Russula are key components of ectomycorrhizal ecosystems worldwide, some of which are famous edible fungi. Although many new species have been described in China, their diversity in North China is still poorly known. Based on the morphology observation of specimens and molecular phylogenetic analyses, combined with the current classification frame of Russula, six new species of Russula subgenus Russula are proposed from the Yanshan Mountains in northern Beijing and northern Hebei Province of China in this study: viz. Russula miyunensis (subsection Chamaeleontinae), R. plana (subsection Chamaeleontinae), R. sinoparva (subsection Puellarinae), R. sinorobusta (subsection Puellarinae), R. subversatilis (subsection Roseinae), and R. yanshanensis (subsection Puellarinae). This is the first report of the species of Russula subgenus Russula from the Yanshan Mountains. This study enriches the species diversity of Russula in North China and provides new data support for the systematic study of Russula in subsequent research, including research and development on edibility.

Multigene phylogeny, morphology, and pathogenicity trials reveal novel Cytospora species involved in perennial canker disease of apple trees in Iran

In recent years, canker and die-back diseases have become a growing threat for the productivity and longevity of apple orchards in Iran. In this study, 131 Cytospora isolates were recovered from symptomatic tissues of apple trees in apple orchards of Iran. Multigene phylogenetic inference based on combined sequence data of ITS, act, rpb2, and tef1-α loci, supplemented with morphological characteristics and pathogenicity assay revealed four novel Cytospora species which were described as C. avicennae, C. azerbaijanica, C. ershadii, and C. iranica, and four known species, namely C. chrysosperma, C. parasitica, C. paratranslucens, and C. sorbicola. Also, C. sorbicola is newly reported on apple trees worldwide. Koch's postulates were fulfilled to confirm that all eight species in this study were pathogenic on apple trees in Iran, among which C. sorbicola was the most intensive species. The results of this study further highlight rich diversity among Cytospora species occurring on apple trees, revealing several novel Cytospora species on this host. The host range, geographical distribution, and economic significance of novel species on apple industry remains to be studied.

First Record of Colletotrichum anthrisci Causing Anthracnose on Avocado Fruits in Chile

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species is one of the most frequent and damaging fungal diseases affecting avocado fruits (Persea americana Mill.) worldwide. In Chile, the disease incidence has increased over the last decades due to the establishment of commercial groves in more humid areas. Since 2018, unusual symptoms of anthracnose have been observed on Hass avocado fruits, with lesions developing a white to gray sporulation. Morphological features and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses using six DNA barcodes (act, chs-1, gapdh, his3, ITS, and tub2) allowed the identification of the causal agent as Colletotrichum anthrisci, a member of the dematium species complex. Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculating healthy Hass avocado fruits with representative isolates, reproducing the same symptoms initially observed, and successfully reisolating the same isolates from the margin of the necrotic pulp. Previously, several Colletotrichum species belonging to other species complexes have been associated with avocado anthracnose in other countries. To our knowledge, this is the first record of C. anthrisci and of a species of the dematium species complex causing anthracnose on avocado fruits in Chile and worldwide.

Additions to Neopestalotiopsis (Amphisphaeriales, Sporocadaceae) fungi: two new species and one new host record from China

Background

In this study, three Neopestalotiopsis taxa were identified, associated with leaves of Zingiberofficinale, Elaeagnuspungens and Salaccazalacca.

New information

Based on morphology and multi-gene analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (TUB2) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1), the five strains of Neopestalotiopsis represent two novel and one known species. They are introduced with descriptions, illustrations and notes herein.

Anamorphic chaetosphaeriaceous fungi from China

Chaetosphaeriaceae is one of the largest families in Sordariomycetes with its members commonly found on decaying leaf, fruit, branch, bark and wood in both terrestrial and submerged environment in nature. This paper reports our research result of diversity, taxonomy and phylogeny of anamorphic Chaetosphaeriaceae in China, which is based on a systematic study with an integrated approach of morphological observation and phylogenetic analysis for a large collection (> 1300 herbarium specimens and 1100 living strains). The family Chaetosphaeriaceae is expanded to accommodate 89 accepted genera, including 22 new genera and 10 newly assigned genera. Most of these genera (except for Chaetosphaeria and several other relatively large genera) are delimitated as monophyletic genera with well-defined diagnostic characters in morphology. The phylogenetic connection of non-phialidic Sporidesmium-like fungi is further confirmed and expanded to 10 different genera. The polyphyletic Codinaea/Dictyochaeta/Tainosphaeria complex is further resolved with a taxonomic framework of 28 monophyletic genera by redelimitation of Codinaea and Dictyochaeta with narrower concept, acceptance of the 16 established genera, and finally introduction of 10 new genera. Chloridium is phylogenetically redefined as monophyletic genus with narrower concept as typified by the type species, but a systematic review in both generic and species level is still needed. For biodiversity of chaetosphaeriaceous fungi, a total of 369 species in 76 genera, including 119 new species, 47 new combinations, and one new name, are documented. The identification keys are provided for most genera, especially the large genera such as Codinaea s. str., Codinaeella, Stilbochaeta, Cryptophiale, Thozetella, Dinemasporium and Pseudolachnella. In addition, ten known species were excluded from the family and reclassified. Systematic revision of several relatively large polyphyletic genera should be conducted in future studies, including Bahusutrabeeja, Ellisembia, Stanjehughesia, Cacumisporium, Chaetosphaeria, Chloridium, Craspedodidymum, Cryptophiale, Cryptophialoidea, Dictyochaetopsis, Minimidochium, and many published species of Codinaea and Dictyochaeta.

Taxonomy of the anaerobic gut fungi (Neocallimastigomycota): a review of classification criteria and description of current taxa

Members of the anaerobic gut fungi (Neocallimastigomycota) reside in the rumen and alimentary tract of larger mammalian and some reptilian, marsupial and avian herbivores. The recent decade has witnessed a significant expansion in the number of described Neocallimastigomycota genera and species. However, the difficulties associated with the isolation and maintenance of Neocallimastigomycota strains has greatly complicated comparative studies to resolve inter- and intra-genus relationships. Here, we provide an updated outline of Neocallimastigomycota taxonomy. We critically evaluate various morphological, microscopic and phylogenetic traits previously and currently utilized in Neocallimastigomycota taxonomy, and provide an updated key for quick characterization of all genera. We then synthesize data from taxa description manuscripts, prior comparative efforts and molecular sequence data to present an updated list of Neocallimastigomycota genera and species, with an emphasis on resolving relationships and identifying synonymy between recent and historic strains. We supplement data from published manuscripts with information and illustrations from strains in the authors' collections. Twenty genera and 36 species are recognized, but the status of 10 species in the genera Caecomyces, Piromyces, Anaeromyces and Cyllamyces remains uncertain due to the unavailability of culture and conferre (cf.) strains, lack of sequence data, and/or inadequacy of available microscopic and phenotypic data. Six cases of synonymy are identified in the genera Neocallimastix and Caecomyces, and two names in the genus Piromyces are rejected based on apparent misclassification.

Facile synthesis of nanomaterials as nanofertilizers: a novel way for sustainable crop production

Nutrient fertilization plays a major role in improving crop productivity and maintaining soil fertility. In the last few decades, the productivity of current agricultural practices highly depends on the use of chemical fertilizers. Major drawback of traditional fertilizers is their low crop nutrient use efficiency and high loss into water. Nanomaterial in agriculture is a multipurpose tool for increasing growth, development, and yield of plants. Nanotechnology facilitates the amplifying of agriculture production by reducing relevant losses and improving the input efficiency. Nanotechnology has emerged as an attractive field of research and has various agriculture applications, especially the use of nano-agrochemicals to increase nutrient use efficiency and agricultural yield. Nanofertilizers are more effective as compared to chemical fertilizers due to their cost-efficient, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and more stable in nature. Overall, this chapter focuses on synthesis of nanofertilizers through physical, chemical, and biological methods. This chapter will also explore the use of nano-enabled fertilizers to enhance the nutrient use efficiency for sustainable crop production, and global food safety.

Characterization and rank assignment criteria for the anaerobic fungi (Neocallimastigomycota)

Establishing a solid taxonomic framework is crucial for enabling discovery and documentation efforts. This ensures effective communication between scientists as well as reproducibility of results between laboratories, and facilitates the exchange and preservation of biological material. Such framework can only be achieved by establishing clear criteria for taxa characterization and rank assignment. Within the anaerobic fungi (phylum Neocallimastigomycota), the need for such criteria is especially vital. Difficulties associated with their isolation, maintenance and long-term storage often result in limited availability and loss of previously described taxa. To this end, we provide here a list of morphological, microscopic, phylogenetic and phenotypic criteria for assessment and documentation when characterizing newly obtained Neocallimastigomycota isolates. We also recommend a polyphasic rank-assignment scheme for novel genus-, species- and strain-level designations for newly obtained Neocallimastigomycota isolates.

Bambusicolous Fungi in Pleosporales: Introducing Four Novel Taxa and a New Habitat Record for Anastomitrabeculia didymospora

While conducting a survey of bambusicolous fungi in northern Thailand and southwestern China, several saprobic fungi were collected from dead branches, culms and twigs of bamboos, which were preliminarily identified as species belonging to Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes) based on a morphological approach. Multigene phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2, tef1-α and tub2 demonstrated four novel taxa belonging to the families Parabambusicolaceae, Pyrenochaetopsidaceae and Tetraploasphaeriaceae. Hence, Paramultiseptospora bambusae sp. et gen. nov., Pyrenochaetopsis yunnanensis sp. nov. and Tetraploa bambusae sp. nov. are introduced. In addition, Anastomitrabeculia didymospora found on bamboo twigs in terrestrial habitats is reported for the first time. Detailed morphological descriptions and updated phylogenetic trees of each family are provided herein.

Discovery of Three New Mucor Species Associated with Cricket Insects in Korea

Species in the genus Mucor have a worldwide distribution and are isolated from various substrata and hosts, including soil, dung, freshwater, and fruits. However, their diversity from insects is still much too little explored. The aim of this study was to characterize three new species of Mucor: Mucor grylli sp. nov., M. hyangburmii sp. nov., and M. kunryangriensis sp. nov., discovered in Kunryang-ri, Cheongyang in the Chungnam Province of Korea, during an investigation of Mucorales from cricket insects. The new species are described using morphological characters and molecular data including ITS and LSU rDNA regions. Mucor grylli is characterized by the highly variable shape of its columellae, which are subglobose to oblong, obovoid, strawberry-shaped, and sometimes slightly or strongly constricted in the center. Mucor hyangburmii is characterized by the production of azygospores and growth at 40 °C. Mucor kunryangriensis is characterized by the variable shape of its columellae, which are elongated-conical, obovoid, cylindrical ellipsoid, cylindrical, and production of abundant yeast-like cells on PDA, MEA, and SMA media. Based on the sequence analysis of two genetic markers, our phylogenic assessment strongly supported M. grylli, M. hyangburmii, and M. kunryangriensis as new species. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic trees are provided.

Mycology-Nanotechnology Interface: Applications in Medicine and Cosmetology

In today's time, nanotechnology is being utilized to develop efficient products in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The application of nanotechnology in transforming bioactive material into nanoscale products substantially improves their biocompatibility and enhances their effectiveness, even when used in lower quantities. There is a significant global market potential for these nanoparticles because of which research teams around the world are interested in the advancements in nanotechnology. These recent advances have shown that fungi can synthesize metallic nanoparticles via extra- and intracellular mechanisms. Moreover, the chemical and physical properties of novel metallic nanoparticles synthesised by fungi are improved by regulating the surface chemistry, size, and surface morphology of the nanoparticles. Compared to chemical synthesis, the green synthesis of nanoparticles offers a safe and sustainable approach for developing nanoparticles. Biosynthesised nanoparticles can potentially enhance the bioactivities of different cellular fractions, such as plant extracts, fungal extracts, and metabolites. The nanoparticles synthesised by fungi offer a wide range of applications. Recently, the biosynthesis of nanoparticles using fungi has become popular, and various ways are being explored to maximize nanoparticles synthesis. This manuscript reviews the characteristics and applications of the nanoparticles synthesised using the different taxa of fungi. The key focus is given to the applications of these nanoparticles in medicine and cosmetology.

Species Diversity and Ecological Habitat of Absidia (Cunninghamellaceae, Mucorales) with Emphasis on Five New Species from Forest and Grassland Soil in China

Although species of Absidia are known to be ubiquitous in soil, animal dung, and insect and plant debris, the species diversity of the genus and their ecological habitats have not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, we describe five new species of Absidia from forest and grassland soils in southwestern China, with support provided by phylogenetic, morphological, and physiological evidence. The species diversity and ecological habitat of Absidia are summarized. Currently, 22 species are recorded in China, which mainly occur in soil, especially in tropical and subtropical forests and mountains. An updated key to the species of Absidia in China is also provided herein. This is the first overview of the Absidia ecological habitat.

Current Insight into Traditional and Modern Methods in Fungal Diversity Estimates

Fungi are an important and diverse component in various ecosystems. The methods to identify different fungi are an important step in any mycological study. Classical methods of fungal identification, which rely mainly on morphological characteristics and modern use of DNA based molecular techniques, have proven to be very helpful to explore their taxonomic identity. In the present compilation, we provide detailed information on estimates of fungi provided by different mycologistsover time. Along with this, a comprehensive analysis of the importance of classical and molecular methods is also presented. In orderto understand the utility of genus and species specific markers in fungal identification, a polyphasic approach to investigate various fungi is also presented in this paper. An account of the study of various fungi based on culture-based and cultureindependent methods is also provided here to understand the development and significance of both approaches. The available information on classical and modern methods compiled in this study revealed that the DNA based molecular studies are still scant, and more studies are required to achieve the accurate estimation of fungi present on earth.

Pleocatenata chiangraiensis gen. et. sp. nov. (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) from medicinal plants in northern Thailand

Pleocatenata, a new genus, is introduced with its type species, Pleocatenatachiangraiensis, which was isolated from withered twigs of two medicinal plants, Clerodendrumquadriloculare (Blanco) Merr (Verbenaceae) and Tarennastellulata (Hook.f.) Ridl (Rubiaceae) in northern Thailand. The genus is characterized by mononematous, septate, brown or dark brown conidiophores, monotretic conidiogenous cells and catenate, obclavate, olivaceous to blackish brown conidia. Phylogenetic analysis of combined LSU, SSU, tef1-α, rpb2 and ITS sequence data showed Pleocatenata forms a distinct phylogenetic lineage in Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes. Therefore, we treat Pleocatenata as Pleosporales genera incertae sedis based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses. Descriptions and illustrations of the new taxa are provided, and it is compared with morphologically similar genera.

Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Novel and Extant Taxa in Pleosporales Associated with Mangifera indica from Yunnan, China (Series I)

Pleosporales is the largest fungal order with a worldwide distribution in terrestrial and aquatic environments. During investigations of saprobic fungi associated with mango (Mangifera indica) in Baoshan and Honghe, Yunnan, China, fungal taxa belonging to pleosporales were collected. Morphological examinations and phylogenetic analyses of ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2 and tef1-α loci were used to identify the fungal taxa. A new genus, Mangifericomes; four new species, namely Mangifericomes hongheensis, Neomassaria hongheensis, Paramonodictys hongheensis, and Paramonodictys yunnanensis; and six new host and country records, namely Byssosphaeria siamensis, Crassiparies quadrisporus, Paradictyoarthrinium aquatica, Phaeoseptum mali, Torula fici, and Vaginatispora amygdali, are introduced. Photoplates, full descriptions, and phylogenetic trees to show the placement of new and known taxa are provided.

Two New Amanita Species in Section Amanita from Thailand

Based on a survey of macro-fungi in northern and northeastern Thailand, nine samples collected in 2020 are identified as Amanita and introduced here as two new species, Amanita kalasinensis and A. ravicrocina. Typical macro- and microscopical characteristics indicate that both of these two species belong to Amanita section Amanita, but differ from other currently known species. Amanita kalasinensis is characterized by having a greyish yellow pileus covering with a conical to granuliform, yellowish white volval remnant; the presence of clamps; and a broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid basidiospore. Amanita ravicrocina is characterized by having a brown to greyish orange pileus covering with a patchy, white volval remnant; a collar-like volval remnant on the stipe; and a subglobose to broadly ellipsoid basidiospore. Multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of partial nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), partial nuclear rDNA large subunit region (nrLSU), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α), and beta-tubulin gene (TUB) also revealed that positions of A. kalasinensis and A. ravicrocina are well-supported within A. section Amanita, but form distinct lineages and do not show any close relationship with any species. The detailed morphological features, line-drawing illustration, and comparison with morphological similar taxa are provided.

Morpho-Molecular Characterization of Five Novel Taxa in Parabambusicolaceae (Massarineae, Pleosporales) from Yunnan, China

Parabambusicolaceae is a well-studied family in Massarineae, Pleosporales, comprising nine genera and approximately 16 species. The family was introduced to accommodate saprobic bambusicola-like species in both freshwater and terrestrial environments that mostly occur on bamboos and grasses but are also found on different host substrates. In the present study, we surveyed and collected ascomycetes from bamboo and submerged grass across Yunnan Province, China. A biphasic approach based on morphological characteristics and multigene phylogeny demonstrated five new taxa in Parabambusicolaceae. A novel genus Scolecohyalosporium is introduced as a monotypic genus to accommodate S. submersum sp. nov., collected from dead culms of grass submerged in a freshwater stream. The genus is unique in forming filiform ascospores, which differ from other known genera in Parabambusicolaceae. Multigene phylogeny showed that the genus has a close relationship with Multiseptospora. Moreover, the novel monotypic genus Neomultiseptospora, isolated from bamboo, was introduced to accommodate N. yunnanensis sp. nov. Neomultiseptospora yunnanensis formed a separated branch basal to Scolecohyalosporium submersum and Multiseptospora thailandica with high support (100% ML, 1.00 PP). Furthermore, the newly introduced species, Parabambusicola hongheensis sp. nov. was also isolated from bamboo in terrestrial habitats. Parabambusicola hongheensis clustered with the other three described Parabambusicola species and has a close relationship with P. bambusina with significant support (88% ML, 1.00 PP). Parabambusicola hongheensis was reported as the fourth species in this genus. Detailed description, illustration, and updated phylogeny of Parabambusicolaceae were provided.

Eight new Halophytophthora species from marine and brackish-water ecosystems in Portugal and an updated phylogeny for the genus

During an oomycete survey in December 2015, 10 previously unknown Halophytophthora taxa were isolated from marine and brackish water of tidal ponds and channels in saltmarshes, lagoon ecosystems and river estuaries at seven sites along the Algarve coast in the South of Portugal. Phylogenetic analyses of LSU and ITS datasets, comprising all described Halophytophthora species, the 10 new Halophytophthora taxa and all relevant and distinctive sequences available from GenBank, provided an updated phylogeny of the genus Halophytophthora s.str. showing for the first time a structure of 10 clades designated as Clades 1–10. Nine of the 10 new Halophytophthora taxa resided in Clade 6 together with H. polymorphica and H. vesicula. Based on differences in morphology and temperature-growth relations and a multigene (LSU, ITS, Btub, hsp90, rpl10, tigA, cox1, nadh1, rps10) phylogeny, eight new Halophytophthora taxa from Portugal are described here as H. brevisporangia, H. cele­ris, H. frigida, H. lateralis, H. lusitanica, H. macrosporangia, H. sinuata and H. thermoambigua. Three species, H. frigida, H. macrosporangia and H. sinuata, have a homothallic breeding system while the remaining five species are sterile. Pathogenicity and litter decomposition tests are underway to clarify their pathological and ecological role in the marine and brackish-water ecosystems. More oomycete surveys in yet undersurveyed regions of the world and population genetic or phylogenomic analyses of global populations are needed to clarify the origin of the new Halophytophthora species.