Fungal diversity notes 1036–1150: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa

 Stromatolinea, a new diatrypaceous fungal genus (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes, Xylariales, Diatrypaceae) from China

Molecular phylogeny and morphological characteristics of collections of diatrypaceous fungi from Guizhou Province, China, lead to the establishment of a new genus, Stromatolinea, and the identification of four new species and two new combinations. The taxa were found growing on the dead culms of Phyllostachys bamboo. The new genus is distinguished by its well-developed, discrete linear stromata with yellow interior tissue and allantoid subhyaline ascospores. The newly described species are Stromatolineagrisea, S.guizhouensis, S.hydei, and S.xishuiensis. Additionally, two new combinations, Stromatolinealinearis and S.phaselina, are proposed based on comparative analysis and morphology. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using ITS and TUB2 sequences. The study includes comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree depicting the placement of the new taxa.

Unveiling fungi associated with Castanopsis woody litter in Yunnan Province, China: Insights into Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes) species

During a survey of the diversity of lignicolous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, we collected and identified five microfungi species from dead woody litters of Castanopsis trees in terrestrial habitats. Through both morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of multi-gene sequences, we identified two taxa as new species and three collections as new host records within Pleosporales. Pseudolophiostomalincangense sp. nov. is introduced as a sexual morph in Lophiostomataceae, Pleopunctumbaoshanense sp. nov. is introduced as a hyphomycetous fungi in Phaeoseptaceae, and Paraphomaaquatica as a first report of sexual morph in Paraphoma. In addition, Occultibambusakunmingensis and Pleopunctummegalosporum were isolated for the first time from the dead twigs of Castanopsisdelavayi and C.calathiformis, respectively. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis results are provided for the above-mentioned species.

New Species and Records of Pleurotheciaceae from Karst Landscapes in Yunnan Province, China

Pleurotheciaceae is a genera-rich and highly diverse family of fungi with a worldwide distribution in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. During the investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi from karst landscapes in Yunnan Province, China, 15 fresh strains were obtained from submerged decaying wood. Based on the morphology and phylogenetic analysis of a combined LSU, ITS, SSU, and rpb2 sequence dataset, Obliquifusoideum triseptatum, Phaeoisaria obovata, Pleurotheciella brachyspora, Pl. longidenticulata, and Pl. obliqua were introduced as new species, P. synnematica and Rhexoacrodictys melanospora were reported as new habitat records, and P. sedimenticola and Pl. hyalospora were reported as new collections. In addition, based on morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analysis, we accepted Obliquifusoideum into in the family Pleurotheciaceae (Pleurotheciales, Savoryellomycetidae). Freshwater habitats are the primary habitats of Pleurotheciaceae species, and Yunnan Province has the highest concentration and species diversity of Pleurotheciaceae in China.

Diversity of Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota) in Thailand: unveiling the hidden gems of the Kingdom

Chytrids, often overshadowed by their other fungal counterparts, take center stage as we unravel the mysteries surrounding new species within Rhizophydiales and explore their unique characteristics. In the broader spectrum of chytrids, their significance lies not only in their roles as decomposers but also as key players in nutrient cycling within aquatic ecosystems as parasites and saprobes. Baited soil and aquatic samples collected from various provinces of Thailand, yielded new species of the Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota), some of which expanded previously single species genera. Our investigation incorporated a combination of morphological and phylogenetic approaches, enabling us to identify these isolates as distinct taxa. The novel isolates possess distinguishing features, such as variations in size and shape of the sporangium and zoospores, that somewhat differentiate them from described taxa. To confirm the novelty of the species, we employed robust phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and bayesian methods. The results provided strong support for the presence of eight distinct lineages within the Rhizophydiales, representing our newly discovered species. Furthermore, we employed Poisson Tree Processes to infer putative species boundaries and supplement evidence for the establishment of our new Rhizophydiales species. By meticulously exploring their morphological characteristics and genetic makeup, we expand the known catalogue of fungal diversity by describing Alphamyces thailandicus, Angulomyces ubonensis, Gorgonomyces aquaticus, G. chiangraiensis, G. limnicus, Pateramyces pingflumenensis, Terramyces aquatica, and T. flumenensis and also provide valuable insights into the intricacies of this order. This newfound knowledge not only enriches our understanding of Rhizophydiales but also contributes significantly to the broader field of mycology, addressing a critical gap in the documentation of fungal species. The identification and characterization of these eight novel species mark a noteworthy stride towards a more comprehensive comprehension of fungal ecosystems and their vital role.

The first evidence of saprophytic Tetraploa on Siwalik (Late Miocene) monocot leaf from western Himalaya and its role in palaeoecology reconstruction

Even though the records of Tetraploa spores from Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary strata along with spore-pollen assemblages are numerous and well documented, no foliicolus Tetraploa macroconidia have been reported to date. Here, we report the first occurrence of conidia assignable to modern Tetraploa Berk. & Broome (Tetraplosphaeriaceae: Pleosporales: Dothideomycetes) on cuticular fragments of compressed monocot leaf recovered from the middle Siwalik sediments (Late Miocene; 12-8 Ma) of Himachal Himalaya, India. We determine their taxonomic position based on detailed macromorphological comparison with similar modern and fossil taxa and discuss their palaeoecological significance in terms of the present-day ecological conditions of modern analogues. This finding also represents an essential data source for understanding Tetraploa's evolution and diversification in deep time.

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.

Identification of two new species and a new host record of Distoseptispora (Distoseptisporaceae, Distoseptisporales, Sordariomycetes) from terrestrial and freshwater habitats in Southern China

During our investigation of saprophytic fungi in Guizhou and Hainan provinces, China, three hyphomycetes were collected from terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 sequence data, two new species are introduced: Distoseptisporahainanensis and D.lanceolatispora. Additionally, one known species, D.tectonae, previously unreported from Edgeworthiachrysantha, is newly reported. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree to show the two new species and the new host record of Distoseptispora are provided. In addition, a checklist of Distoseptispora species with their locations, lifestyles, habitats, and hosts is provided.

Morphology and multigene phylogeny reveal three new species of Distoseptispora (Distoseptisporales, Distoseptisporaceae) on palms (Arecaceae) from peatswamp areas in southern Thailand

Peatswamp forest is a unique habitat that supports high biodiversity, particularly fungal diversity. The current study collected submerged and dead plant parts from Eleiodoxaconferta, Eugeissonatristis and Licualapaludosa from a peatswamp forest in Narathiwat Province, Thailand. Morphological features coupled with multigene phylogenetic analyses of ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tef1-α sequence data identified our isolates as new Distoseptispora species (viz. D.arecacearumsp. nov., D.eleiodoxaesp. nov. and D.narathiwatensissp. nov.). Morphological descriptions, illustrations and notes are provided.

Diversity of Distoseptispora (Distoseptisporaceae) taxa on submerged decaying wood from the Red River in Yunnan, China

The Red River Basin is located in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and is rich in lignicolous freshwater fungi, but no systematic research has been conducted. A systematic study on the species diversity of lignicolous freshwater fungi in the basin is ongoing. Seven distoseptispora-like specimens were collected from the Red River Basin in Yunnan. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 genes and combined morphological data indicate that there are six distinct species of Distoseptispora, including two new species and four known species. Two new species were named D.suae and D.xinpingensis, and the four known species were D.bambusae, D.euseptata, D.obpyriformis and D.pachyconidia. This study provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of these six species and an updated phylogenetic backbone tree of Distoseptispora.

Two novel freshwater hyphomycetes, in Acrogenospora (Minutisphaerales, Dothideomycetes) and Conioscypha (Conioscyphales, Sordariomycetes) from Southwestern China

Freshwater fungi are highly diverse in China and frequently reported from submerged wood, freshwater insects, herbaceous substrates, sediments, leaves, foams, and living plants. In this study, we investigated two freshwater species that were collected from Yunnan and Guizhou provinces in China. Detailed morphological analysis complemented by multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on LSU, SSU, ITS, RPB2 and TEF1-α sequences data revealed them to be two new saprobic species, namely Acrogenosporaalangiisp. nov. and Conioscyphayunnanensissp. nov. in their asexual morphs. Additionally, Acrogenosporaalangiisp. nov. is reported for the first time as a freshwater ascomycete associated with the medicinal plant Alangiumchinense (Alangiaceae). Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and updated phylogenetic relationships of the new taxa are provided herein.

Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses reveal eight novel species of Distoseptispora from southern China

IMPORTANCE

Distoseptispora as a single genus in Distoseptisporaceae was introduced by morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Members of this genus occur mainly as asexual morphs, forming effuse, hairy colonies on decaying wood, plant stems, bamboo culms, and fallen leaves and shafts in terrestrial and freshwater habitats. In the present study, saprobic hyphomycetes from plant debris were investigated, and eight new Distoseptispora species were introduced based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses of LSU, ITS, TEF1, and RPB2 sequence data. This study provides important data on the species diversity, ecological environment, and geographical area of Distoseptispora, greatly updates the classification of Distoseptispora, and improves our understanding of the taxonomy of Distoseptispora.

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.

Species Diversity of Penicillium in Southwest China with Discovery of Forty-Three New Species

Penicillium species are ubiquitous in all kinds of environments, and they are of industrial, agricultural and clinical importance. In this study, soil fungal diversity in Southwestern China was investigated, and that of Penicillium turned out to be unexpectedly high. The survey included a total of 179 cultures of the genus isolated from 33 soil samples. Three-locus phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparisons were carried out. The examinations revealed that they belonged to two subgenera (Aspergilloides and Penicillium), 11 sections (Aspergilloides, Canescentia, Citrina, Exilicaulis, Fasciculata, Gracilenta, Lanata-Divaricata, Penicillium, Ramosum, Robsamsonia, and Sclerotiorum), 25 series, and 74 species. Forty-three species were discovered as new to science, and a new series, Simianshanica, was established in sect. Aspergilloides. Additionally, 11 species were recorded for the first time in China. Species isolation frequency and distribution of the group were also discussed.

Palm Fungi and Their Key Role in Biodiversity Surveys: A Review

Over the past three decades, a wealth of studies has shown that palm trees (Arecaceae) are a diverse habitat with intense fungal colonisation, making them an important substratum to explore fungal diversity. Palm trees are perennial, monocotyledonous plants mainly restricted to the tropics that include economically important crops and highly valued ornamental plants worldwide. The extensive research conducted in Southeast Asia and Australasia indicates that palm fungi are undoubtedly a taxonomically diverse assemblage from which a remarkable number of new species is continuously being reported. Despite this wealth of data, no recent comprehensive review on palm fungi exists to date. In this regard, we present here a historical account and discussion of the research on the palm fungi to reflect on their importance as a diverse and understudied assemblage. The taxonomic structure of palm fungi is also outlined, along with comments on the need for further studies to place them within modern DNA sequence-based classifications. Palm trees can be considered model plants for studying fungal biodiversity and, therefore, the key role of palm fungi in biodiversity surveys is discussed. The close association and intrinsic relationship between palm hosts and palm fungi, coupled with a high fungal diversity, suggest that the diversity of palm fungi is still far from being fully understood. The figures suggested in the literature for the diversity of palm fungi have been revisited and updated here. As a result, it is estimated that there are about 76,000 species of palm fungi worldwide, of which more than 2500 are currently known. This review emphasises that research on palm fungi may provide answers to a number of current fungal biodiversity challenges.

Four new endophytic species of Diaporthe (Diaporthaceae, Diaporthales) isolated from Cameroon

The genus Diaporthe (Diaporthaceae, Diaporthales) is a large group of fungi frequently reported as phytopathogens, with ubiquitous distribution across the globe. Diaporthe have traditionally been characterized by the morphology of their ana- and teleomorphic state, revealing a high degree of heterogeneity as soon as DNA sequencing was utilized across the different members of the group. Their relevance for biotechnology and agriculture attracts the attention of taxonomists and natural product chemists alike in context of plant protection and exploitation for their potential to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. While more than 1000 species are described to date, Africa, as a natural habitat, has so far been under-sampled. Several endophytic fungi belonging to Diaporthe were isolated from different plant hosts in Cameroon over the course of this study. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer region and intervening 5.8S nrRNA gene, and partial fragments of the calmodulin, beta-tubulin, histone and the translation elongation factor 1-α genes, demonstrated that these isolates represent four new species, i.e. D.brideliae, D.cameroonensis, D.pseudoanacardii and D.rauvolfiae. Moreover, the description of D.isoberliniae is here emended, now incorporating the morphology of beta and gamma conidia produced by two of our endophytic isolates, which had never been documented in previous records. Moreover, the paraphyletic nature of the genus is discussed and suggestions are made for future revision of the genus.

Unveiling Cryptic Species Diversity and Genetic Variation of Lasiodiplodia (Botryosphaeriaceae, Botryosphaeriales) Infecting Fruit Crops in Taiwan

The genus Lasiodiplodia, a member of the family Botryosphaeriaceae, is an important fungal disease genus in agriculture. However, the Lasiodiplodia species survey and genetic diversity in Taiwan remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the Lasiodiplodia species associated with various fruit species to explore the cryptic Lasiodiplodia species diversity, validate species delimitation, and unveil cryptic genetic diversity. Overall, six Lasiodiplodia species were identified, with several new records of infection identified. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses indicated that the relations of all isolates of L. theobromae might be paraphyletic. They were grouped with L. brasiliense based on Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD), Automatic Partitioning (ASAP) and structure-based clustering analyses. These analyses did not provide conclusive evidence for L. brasiliensis as a stable species. It may be necessary to gather more information to clarify the species delineation. The multiple new records of Lasiodiplodia species with high genetic diversity and differentiation revealed that the diversity of Lasiodiplodia in Taiwan was underestimated in the past. We found that L. theobromae has the highest number of haplotypes but the lowest number of haplotype and nucleotide diversities, indicating a recent population expansion. This was supported by the significant negative Tajima's D and Fu and Li's D* tests. The high genetic diversity, low gene flow, and host-associated differentiation of Lasiodiplodia species indicate that they might harbour powerful evolutionary potential in Taiwan. This study provided critical insights into genetic variation, host-associated differentiation, and demography of Lasiodiplodia species, which would be helpful for disease management of related pathogens.

Exploring the Diversity and Systematics of Phaeosphaeriaceae: Taxonomic Novelties from Ecologically Diverse Habitats and Their Phylogenetic Resolution

The family Phaeosphaeriaceae is a diverse group of ascomycetous fungi that are commonly found in terrestrial habitats worldwide. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the biodiversity of Phaeosphaeriaceae in China, particularly in Sichuan Province, which has not been fully explored for its high fungal diversity. In our study, we conducted extensive surveys in Sichuan Province to identify and describe new species of Ascomycota with diverse habitats. Here, we present a taxonomic revision of Phaeosphaeriaceae with taxonomic novelties from terrestrial habitats in Sichuan Province based on a multi-gene phylogenetic approach. Our study focuses on the description of four new species of Phaeosphaeriaceae, representing novel additions to the diversity of this fungal family. Using a combination of morphological and molecular data, we provide detailed descriptions of the new taxa and their placement within the family. Additionally, we discuss the phylogenetic relationships of these new taxa with other members of Phaeosphaeriaceae, providing insights into the correct taxonomic classification of the family. Our taxonomic revision contributes to understanding fungal diversity in China and provides a foundation for future studies investigating the taxonomy and ecological roles of Phaeosphaeriaceae fungi. Furthermore, our multi-gene phylogenetic approach provides increased resolution and accuracy in the delimitation of species boundaries within the family. Our study highlights the importance of continued exploration and taxonomic revision in order to fully understand the diversity and distribution of fungal species in China and beyond. New species:Paraloratospora sichuanensis, Phaeosphaeria chengduensis, P. sichuanensis, and Septoriella shoemakeri. New combinations:Paraloratospora breonadiae, P. fructigena, Septoriella ammophilicola, S. asparagicola, S. festucae, S. luzulae, and S. verrucispora. New names:Septoriella paradactylidis, and S. neomuriformis.

Two novel species and three new records of Torulaceae from Yunnan Province, China

While investigating the diversity of lignicolous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, six fresh collections of Torulaceae were collected and identified based on morphological examination and phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, ITS, SSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 sequence data. Two new species, viz. Neopodoconisyunnanensis and Torulasuae, and three new records, viz. T.canangae (new freshwater habitat record), T.masonii (new host record), and T.sundara (new freshwater habitat record) are reported. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of these species are provided.

Molecular Phylogeny and Morphology Reveal Cryptic Species in the Cordyceps militaris Complex from Vietnam

The Cordyceps militaris complex, which is a special group in the genus Cordyceps, is rich in species diversity and is widely distributed in nature. Throughout the investigations of arthropod-pathogenic fungi in the national reserves and in Vietnam parks, collections of C. militaris attacking lepidopteran pupae or larvae were located in the soil and on the leaf litter. The phylogenetic analyses of the combined nrSSU, nrLSU, TEF, RPB1, and RPB2 sequence data indicated that the fungal materials collected in Vietnam belonged to C. militaris and two hidden species in the C. militaris complex. The phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparisons presented here strongly supported the descriptions of C. polystromata and C. sapaensis as new taxa as well as C. militaris as a known species. The morphological characteristics of 11 species in the C. militaris complex, which included two novel species and nine known taxa, were also compared.

Global species diversity and distribution of the psychedelic fungal genus Panaeolus

Psychedelic fungi have received considerable attention recently due to their promising treatment potential of several psychiatric disorders and medical conditions, both in clinical settings but also as a nutraceutical. Besides research, a growing number of companies are developing capacity to conduct research and clinical trials where these fungi and their products can be used, and to provide these fungi to the public market that are rapidly becoming legal across the world. Whereas Psilocybe species are better known as psychedelic fungi, species in Panaeolus are also reputed to contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin and used recreationally. For the novice, there is no contemporary scientific summary of all the species in this genus that are known to be psychedelic, compared to those that are not. The global distribution and species diversity of these brown to white, often inconspicuous mushrooms are also not summarised, nor is it known to what extent DNA sequence data that are needed for identification have been generated for all of the species in this genus. However, psychedelic Panaeolus species are used and moved across the world. This lack of data makes it difficult to regulate bioexploitation and apply law enforcement of these fungi and the compounds they contain, especially seen in the light of the rapid development of the related markets. The aim of this review is to summarise current scientific data and knowledge on the species biodiversity, geographical distribution, extent of sequence data for identification purposes, and the psychedelic potential of species, based on published results. The review revealed where species are mostly known from, while also indicating areas seriously lacking such biodiversity data. A significant degree of study across the world is still needed to confirm which of these species are truly psychedelic and exactly what compounds they can produce.

Additions to Bambusicolous Fungi of Savoryellaceae from Southwest China

Asexual and sexual morphs of saprobic bambusicolous fungi were collected from freshwater and terrestrial habitats in Sichuan Province, China. Taxonomic identification of these fungi was carried out on the basis of morphological comparison, culture characteristics, and molecular phylogeny. Multi-gene phylogeny based on combined SSU, ITS, LSU, rpb2, and tef1α sequence data was performed to determine their phylogenetic placement, and the result showed that these fungi belong to Savoryellaceae. Morphologically, four asexual morphs are similar to Canalisporium and Dematiosporium, while a sexual morph well-fits to Savoryella. Three new species, Canalisporium sichuanense, Dematiosporium bambusicola, and Savoryella bambusicola are identified and described. Two new records, C. dehongense and D. aquaticum, were recovered from the bamboo hosts in terrestrial and freshwater habitats, respectively. In addition, the nomenclatural confusion of C. dehongense and C. thailandense is discussed.

Morphological and Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Three New Species of Distoseptispora (Distoseptisporaceae, Distoseptisporales) from Yunnan, China

Three new species of Distoseptispora, viz. D. mengsongensis, D. nabanheensis, and D. sinensis, are described and illustrated from specimens collected on dead branches of unidentified plants in Yunnan Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses of LSU, ITS, and TEF1 sequence data, using maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI), reveal the taxonomic placement of D. mengsongensis, D. nabanheensis, and D. sinensis within Distoseptispora. Both morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses supported D. mengsongensis, D. nabanheensis, and D. sinensis as three new taxa. To extend our knowledge of the diversity of Distoseptispora-like taxa, a list of recognized species of Distoseptispora with major morphological features, habitat, host, and locality is also 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.

Taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions to Diatrypaceae from southeastern Tibet in China

In this study, we investigated the diversity of diatrypaceous fungi from southeastern Tibet in China. The phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on ITS and β-tubulin sequences of 75 taxa of Diatrypaceae from around the world. Based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence, a new genus—Alloeutypa, with three new species—A. milinensis, Diatrype linzhiensis, and Eutypella motuoensis, and a new combination—A. flavovirens, were revealed by the materials in China. Alloeutypa is characterized by stromatal interior olivaceous buff, stromata producing well-developed discrete, and ascospores allantoid, subhyaline. These characteristics separate the new genus from the similar genus Eutypa. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of new taxa are provided. All novelties described herein are morphologically illustrated and phylogeny investigated to better integrate taxa into the higher taxonomic framework and infer their phylogenetic relationships as well as establish new genera and species. Our results indicate that the diatrypaceous fungi harbor higher species diversity in China.

Exploring More on Dictyosporiaceae: The Species Geographical Distribution and Intriguing Novel Additions from Plant Litter

Five fungal taxa collected from plant litter in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, are described with illustrations. The maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian analyses of combined loci of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA (LSU), and translation extension factor 1-α (tef1-α) region were used for phylogeny analyses. Dictyocheirospora acaciae is introduced as a new species from Acacia dealbata. Based on size differences in conidiomata, conidia, and DNA sequence data, it is separated from the other species in the genus. Four new host records, Dictyocheirospora garethjonesii, Di. taiwanense, Dictyosporium digitatum, and Pseudocoleophoma zingiberacearum are also reported from Bismarkia nobilis, Ficus benjamina, Cyperus aggregatus, and Hedychium spicatum, respectively. Detailed descriptions, microphotographs, and phylogenetic information were provided, and all the species were compared to similar taxa. It is noted that there is still a necessity for a collective worldwide account of the distribution of Dictyosporiaceae species. Therefore, we compiled the geographical distributions and host species associations of all the so far known Dictyosporiaceae species and discussed them here.

A contribution to Porogramme (Polyporaceae, Agaricomycetes) and related genera

The polypores with shallow pores from tropical Asia and America are studied. Our molecular phylogeny based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1), and the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1) demonstrates six clades are formed among Porogramme and related genera. Two new genera, Cyanoporus and Pseudogrammothele, are established, and the six clades represent Porogramme, Cyanoporus, Grammothele, Epithele, Theleporus, and Pseudogrammothele, respectively. The molecular clock analyses estimate the divergence times of the six clades based on a dataset (ITS + LSU + TEF1 + RPB1 + RPB2), and we recognize the mean stem ages of the six genera are earlier than 50 Mya. Three new species in Porogramme were morphologically and phylogenetically confirmed, and they are described as P. austroasiana, P. cylindrica, and P. yunnanensis. Phylogenetic analysis shows that type species of Tinctoporellus and Porogramme are nested in the same clade, and Tinctoporellus is treated as a synonym of Porogramme. Based on our phylogeny, twelve new combinations are proposed, and the differences between the new species and similar or related species are discussed.

Tapping Culture Collections for Fungal Endophytes: First Genome Assemblies for Three Genera and Five Species in the Ascomycota

The Ascomycota form the largest phylum in the fungal kingdom and show a wide diversity of lifestyles, some involving associations with plants. Genomic data are available for many ascomycetes that are pathogenic to plants, but endophytes, which are asymptomatic inhabitants of plants, are relatively understudied. Here, using short- and long-read technologies, we have sequenced and assembled genomes for 15 endophytic ascomycete strains from CABI's culture collections. We used phylogenetic analysis to refine the classification of taxa, which revealed that 7 of our 15 genome assemblies are the first for the genus and/or species. We also demonstrated that cytometric genome size estimates can act as a valuable metric for assessing assembly "completeness", which can easily be overestimated when using BUSCOs alone and has broader implications for genome assembly initiatives. In producing these new genome resources, we emphasise the value of mining existing culture collections to produce data that can help to address major research questions relating to plant-fungal interactions.

Integrative approach to species delimitation in Rhizophydiales: Novel species of Angulomyces, Gorgonomyces, and Terramyces from northern Thailand

The Chytridiomycota is a phylum of zoosporic eufungi that inhabit terrestrial, freshwater, and oceanic habitats. Within the phylum, the Rhizophydiales contains several monotypic families theorized to hold a diverse assemblage of fungi yet to be discovered and properly described. Based on morphology alone, many species in this order are difficult or impossible to identify. In this study, we isolated three chytrids from northern Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses placed the isolates in three monotypic genera within Rhizophydiales. Intrageneric genetic distances in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ranged between 1.5 and 8.5%. Angulomyces solicola sp. nov. is characterized by larger sporangia, spores, and fewer discharge papilla than A.argentinensis; Gorgonomyces thailandicus sp. nov. has larger zoospores and fewer discharge papillae in culture compared to G. haynaldii; Terramyces chiangraiensis sp. nov. produces larger sporangia than T. subangulosum. We delimited species of Angulomyces, Gorgonomyces and Terramyces using a tripartite approach that employed phylogeny, ITS genetic distances and Poisson tree processes (PTP). Results of these approaches suggest more than one species in each genus. This study contributes to the knowledge of chytrids, an understudied group in Thailand and worldwide.

Fungal diversity notes 1512-1610: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa

This article is the 14th in the Fungal Diversity Notes series, wherein we report 98 taxa distributed in two phyla, seven classes, 26 orders and 50 families which are described and illustrated. Taxa in this study were collected from Australia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chile, China, Cyprus, Egypt, France, French Guiana, India, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Mexico, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. There are 59 new taxa, 39 new hosts and new geographical distributions with one new combination. The 59 new species comprise Angustimassarina kunmingense, Asterina lopi, Asterina brigadeirensis, Bartalinia bidenticola, Bartalinia caryotae, Buellia pruinocalcarea, Coltricia insularis, Colletotrichum flexuosum, Colletotrichum thasutense, Coniochaeta caraganae, Coniothyrium yuccicola, Dematipyriforma aquatic, Dematipyriforma globispora, Dematipyriforma nilotica, Distoseptispora bambusicola, Fulvifomes jawadhuvensis, Fulvifomes malaiyanurensis, Fulvifomes thiruvannamalaiensis, Fusarium purpurea, Gerronema atrovirens, Gerronema flavum, Gerronema keralense, Gerronema kuruvense, Grammothele taiwanensis, Hongkongmyces changchunensis, Hypoxylon inaequale, Kirschsteiniothelia acutisporum, Kirschsteiniothelia crustaceum, Kirschsteiniothelia extensum, Kirschsteiniothelia septemseptatum, Kirschsteiniothelia spatiosum, Lecanora immersocalcarea, Lepiota subthailandica, Lindgomyces guizhouensis, Marthe asmius pallidoaurantiacus, Marasmius tangerinus, Neovaginatispora mangiferae, Pararamichloridium aquisubtropicum, Pestalotiopsis piraubensis, Phacidium chinaum, Phaeoisaria goiasensis, Phaeoseptum thailandicum, Pleurothecium aquisubtropicum, Pseudocercospora vernoniae, Pyrenophora verruculosa, Rhachomyces cruralis, Rhachomyces hyperommae, Rhachomyces magrinii, Rhachomyces platyprosophi, Rhizomarasmius cunninghamietorum, Skeletocutis cangshanensis, Skeletocutis subchrysella, Sporisorium anadelphiae-leptocomae, Tetraploa dashaoensis, Tomentella exiguelata, Tomentella fuscoaraneosa, Tricholomopsis lechatii, Vaginatispora flavispora and Wetmoreana blastidiocalcarea. The new combination is Torula sundara. The 39 new records on hosts and geographical distribution comprise Apiospora guiyangensis, Aplosporella artocarpi, Ascochyta medicaginicola, Astrocystis bambusicola, Athelia rolfsii, Bambusicola bambusae, Bipolaris luttrellii, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Chlorophyllum squamulosum, Colletotrichum aeschynomenes, Colletotrichum pandanicola, Coprinopsis cinerea, Corylicola italica, Curvularia alcornii, Curvularia senegalensis, Diaporthe foeniculina, Diaporthe longicolla, Diaporthe phaseolorum, Diatrypella quercina, Fusarium brachygibbosum, Helicoma aquaticum, Lepiota metulispora, Lepiota pongduadensis, Lepiota subvenenata, Melanconiella meridionalis, Monotosporella erecta, Nodulosphaeria digitalis, Palmiascoma gregariascomum, Periconia byssoides, Periconia cortaderiae, Pleopunctum ellipsoideum, Psilocybe keralensis, Scedosporium apiospermum, Scedosporium dehoogii, Scedosporium marina, Spegazzinia deightonii, Torula fici, Wiesneriomyces laurinus and Xylaria venosula. All these taxa are supported by morphological and multigene phylogenetic analyses. This article allows the researchers to publish fungal collections which are important for future studies. An updated, accurate and timely report of fungus-host and fungus-geography is important. We also provide an updated list of fungal taxa published in the previous fungal diversity notes. In this list, erroneous taxa and synonyms are marked and corrected accordingly.

Taxonomic Advances from Fungal Flora Associated with Ferns and Fern-like Hosts in Northern Thailand

Ferns are one of the most significant plant groupings that comprise a substantial proportion of the plant flora due to the fact of their great diversity, especially in tropical areas. The biodiversity of fungi associated with ferns and fern-like hosts has also received little attention in studies. Plant samples were collected from diseased and dead plants of ten fern or fern-like species from Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. Forty-one isolates were selected from the obtained isolates for molecular and morphological analysis, with a focus on pathogenic fungal genera and consideration of the diversity in host and geographical location. Twenty-six species belonging to seven genera (Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Diaporthe, Fusarium, Lasiodiplodia, Neopestalotiopsis, and Pestalotiopsis) in six families were identified. Thirty new hosts, eight new geographical hosts, and one new species, Colletotrichum polypodialium, are described. Nepestalotiopsis phangngaensis, N. pandancola, Diaporthe tectonendophytica, D. chiangraiensis, and D. delonicis were isolated for the first time from leaf spots. Additionally, new reservoirs and geographical locations for species previously isolated from leaf spots or whose pathogenicity was established were found. However, more studies are necessary to prove the pathogenicity of the fungi isolated from the leaf spots and to identify the fungi associated with other species of ferns.

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.

Four New Species of Torula (Torulaceae, Pleosporales) from Sichuan, China

Torula is an asexual and hyphomycetous genus in the family Torulaceae. Torula species are generally saprophytic. They have a worldwide distribution and abound in humid or freshwater habitats. In order to better understand this genus, we carried out several field collections from Sichuan, China. As a result, we obtained nine Torula isolates from dead woody substrates in terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Based on a biphasic approach of morphological examination and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, SSU, LSU, TEF, RPB2), these collections were identified as belonging to seven Torula species. Four of them were new species (Torula chinensis, T. longiconidiophora, T. sichuanensis and T. submersa), and the other three belonged to existing species, though one was found for the first time in China (T. masonii). Morphological and updated phylogenetic delamination of the new discoveries is also discussed. This study provides further insights into our understanding of wood-based Torula species in China.

Screening of Antibacterial Activity of Some Resupinate Fungi, Reveal Gloeocystidiellum lojanense sp. nov. (Russulales) against E. coli from Ecuador

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a serious public health problem that needs new antibacterial compounds for control. Fungi, including resupinated fungi, are a potential source to discover new bioactive compounds efficient again to bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The inhibitory capacity against the bacterial species was statistically evaluated. All the species (basidiomata and strains) were molecularly characterized with the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 barcoding marker. The strains Ceraceomyces sp., Fuscoporia sp., Gloeocystidiellum sp., Oliveonia sp., Phanerochaete sp., and Xenasmatella sp. correspond to resupinate Basidiomycetes, and only the strain Hypocrea sp. is an Ascomycete, suggesting contamination to the basidiome of Tulasnella sp. According to the antagonistic test, only the Gloeocystidiellum sp. strain had antibacterial activity against the bacterial species Escherichia coli of clinical interest. Statistically, Gloeocystidiellum sp. was significantly (<0.001) active against two E. coli pathotypes (O157:H7 and ATCC 25922). Contrarily, the antibacterial activity of fungi against other pathotypes of E. coli and other strains such as Serratia sp. was not significant. The antibacterial activity between 48 and 72 h increased according to the measurement of the inhibition halos. Because of this antibacterial activity, Gloeocystidiellum sp. was taxonomically studied in deep combined morphological and molecular characterization (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2; partial LSU D1/D2 of nrDNA). A new species Gloeocystidiellum lojanense, a resupinate and corticioid fungus from a tropical montane rainforest of southern Ecuador, with antibacterial potential against E. coli, is proposed to the science.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1436-1477

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Argentina, Colletotrichum araujiae on leaves, stems and fruits of Araujia hortorum. Australia, Agaricus pateritonsus on soil, Curvularia fraserae on dying leaf of Bothriochloa insculpta, Curvularia millisiae from yellowing leaf tips of Cyperus aromaticus, Marasmius brunneolorobustus on well-rotted wood, Nigrospora cooperae from necrotic leaf of Heteropogon contortus, Penicillium tealii from the body of a dead spider, Pseudocercospora robertsiorum from leaf spots of Senna tora, Talaromyces atkinsoniae from gills of Marasmius crinis-equi and Zasmidium pearceae from leaf spots of Smilaxglyciphylla. Brazil, Preussia bezerrensis from air. Chile, Paraconiothyrium kelleni from the rhizosphere of Fragaria chiloensis subsp. chiloensis f. chiloensis. Finland, Inocybe udicola on soil in mixed forest with Betula pendula, Populus tremula, Picea abies and Alnus incana. France, Myrmecridium normannianum on dead culm of unidentified Poaceae. Germany, Vexillomyces fraxinicola from symptomless stem wood of Fraxinus excelsior. India, Diaporthe limoniae on infected fruit of Limonia acidissima, Didymella naikii on leaves of Cajanus cajan, and Fulvifomes mangroviensis on basal trunk of Aegiceras corniculatum. Indonesia, Penicillium ezekielii from Zea mays kernels. Namibia, Neocamarosporium calicoremae and Neocladosporium calicoremae on stems of Calicorema capitata, and Pleiochaeta adenolobi on symptomatic leaves of Adenolobus pechuelii. Netherlands, Chalara pteridii on stems of Pteridium aquilinum, Neomackenziella juncicola (incl. Neomackenziella gen. nov.) and Sporidesmiella junci from dead culms of Juncus effusus. Pakistan, Inocybe longistipitata on soil in a Quercus forest. Poland, Phytophthora viadrina from rhizosphere soil of Quercus robur, and Septoria krystynae on leaf spots of Viscum album. Portugal (Azores), Acrogenospora stellata on dead wood or bark. South Africa, Phyllactinia greyiae on leaves of Greyia sutherlandii and Punctelia anae on bark of Vachellia karroo. Spain, Anteaglonium lusitanicum on decaying wood of Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica, Hawksworthiomyces riparius from fluvial sediments, Lophiostoma carabassense endophytic in roots of Limbarda crithmoides, and Tuber mohedanoi from calcareus soils. Spain (Canary Islands), Mycena laurisilvae on stumps and woody debris. Sweden, Elaphomyces geminus from soil under Quercus robur. Thailand, Lactifluus chiangraiensis on soil under Pinus merkusii, Lactifluus nakhonphanomensis and Xerocomus sisongkhramensis on soil under Dipterocarpus trees. Ukraine, Valsonectria robiniae on dead twigs of Robinia hispida. USA, Spiralomyces americanus (incl. Spiralomyces gen. nov.) from office air. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Tan YP, Bishop-Hurley SL, Shivas RG, et al. 2022. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1436-1477. Persoonia 49: 261-350. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.08.

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.

Novel Species and Records of Dictyosporiaceae from Freshwater Habitats in China and Thailand

China and Thailand are rich in fungal diversity with abundant freshwater resources that are favorable for numerous fungal encounters. Resulting from this, the majority of the Dictyosporiaceae species reported were from these two countries. During the investigation on the diversity of lignicolous freshwater fungi in the Greater Mekong Subregion, eleven collections of cheirosporous species on submerged wood were collected from lentic and lotic habitats in China and Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis that combined nuclear small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU), internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU) and translation elongation factor 1α (tef 1-α) loci revealed six new species: Dictyocheirospora chiangmaiensis, D. multiappendiculata, D. suae, Digitodesmium aquaticum, Vikalpa grandispora and V. sphaerica. In addition, four known species were also identified and reported based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The detailed descriptions and illustrations of these taxa are provided with an updated phylogenetic tree of Dictyosporiaceae.

Multi-Gene Phylogenetic Analyses Revealed Five New Species and Two New Records of Distoseptisporales from China

Eight hyphomycetes were collected as part of an investigation into the diversity of hyphomycetous fungi in China. Based on morphology and multi-loci (LSU, ITS, tef1α, and rpb2) phylogenetic analyses, five new taxa, including a new Aquapteridospora species A. hyalina and four novel Distoseptispora species, viz D. aquisubtropica, D. septata, D. tropica, and D. wuzhishanensis were introduced in Distoseptisporales (Sordariomycetes). Two new habitat records, viz Distoseptispora pachyconidia and D. xishuangbannaensis were firstly reported. Also provided in this study are detailed descriptions of eight new collections and a revised phylogenetic tree for the Distoseptisporales.

Phaeoisarialaianensis (Pleurotheciales, Pleurotheciaceae), a new species from freshwater habitats in China

Background

Freshwater fungi play an indispensable role in the ecosystem and have great research value. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses of a concatenated dataset of ITS, LSU and SSU sequences, a new species, Phaeoisarialaianensis, was introduced as a freshwater hyphomycete from Anhui Province, China.

New information

Phaeoisarialaianensis was morphologically described as erect, rigid, dark brown to black, velvety synnemata which has macronematous, septate, branched, brown to dark brown, parallel adpressed conidiophores with polyblastic, integrated, terminal, hyaline to pale brown, smooth, denticulate, sympodial conidiogenous cells and ellipsoidal to obovoid, rounded at the apex, obtuse and tapering towards base, septate, guttulate conidia. Based on molecular and morphological characteristics, it is confirmed to be a new species. All illustrations and descriptions have been provided.

Polyphasic Identification of Distoseptispora with Six New Species from Fresh Water

Twelve new specimens of sporidesmium-like taxa were collected from freshwater habitats in China and Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis of nuc 28S rDNA (LSU), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) and second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) sequence data, combined with morphological data, revealed that they are Distoseptispora species. Among them, six new species, including D. aqualignicola, D. aquamyces, D. crassispora, D. curvularia, D. nonrostrata and D. pachyconidia, are introduced. Two new combinations, D. adscendens and D. leonensis, are transferred from Ellisembia. A new habitat and geographical record are reported for D. clematidis, collected from a freshwater habitat in China. New RPB2 sequence data for D. dehongensis are provided.

Acrogenospora terricola sp. nov., a fungal species associated with seeds of pioneer trees in the soil seed bank of a lowland forest in Panama

As currently circumscribed, Acrogenospora (Acrogenosporaceae, Minutisphaerales, Dothideomycetes) is a genus of saprobic hyphomycetes with distinctive conidia. Although considered common and cosmopolitan, the genus is poorly represented by sequence data, and no neotropical representatives are present in public sequence databases. Consequently, Acrogenospora has been largely invisible to ecological studies that rely on sequence-based identification. As part of an effort to identify fungi collected during ecological studies, we identified strains of Acrogenospora isolated in culture from seeds in the soil seed bank of a lowland tropical forest in Panama. Here we describe Acrogenospora terricola sp. nov. based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. We confirm that the genus has a pantropical distribution. The observation of Acrogenospora infecting seeds in a terrestrial environment contrasts with previously described species in the genus, most of which occur on decaying wood in freshwater environments. This work highlights the often hidden taxonomic value of collections derived from ecological studies of fungal communities and the ways in which rich sequence databases can shed light on the identity, distributions and diversity of cryptic microfungi.

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.

Novel Freshwater Ascomycetes from Spain

Freshwater ascomycetes are a group of fungi of great ecological importance because they are involved in decomposition processes and the recycling of organic matter in aquatic ecosystems. The taxonomy of these fungi is complex, with representatives in several orders of the phylum Ascomycota. In the present study, we collected ninety-two samples of plant debris submerged in freshwater in different locations in Spain. The plant specimens were placed in wet chambers and developed several fungi that were later isolated in pure culture. A main phylogenetic tree using the nucleotide sequences of D1-D2 domains of the 28S nrRNA gene (LSU) was built to show the taxonomic placement of all our fungal strains, and, later, individual phylogenies for the different families were built using single or concatenated nucleotide sequences of the most suitable molecular markers. As a result, we found a new species of Amniculicola that produces a coelomycetous asexual state, a new species of Elongatopedicellata that produces an asexual state, a new species of Neovaginatispora that forms both sexual and asexual states in vitro, and the sexual states of two species of Pyrenochaetopsis, none of which have been reported before for these genera. In addition, we describe a new species of Pilidium characterized by the production of copper-colored globose conidiomata, and of Pseudosigmoidea, which produces well-developed conidiophores.

Fungi associated with dead branches of Magnolia grandiflora: A case study from Qujing, China

As a result of an ongoing survey of microfungi associated with garden and ornamental plants in Qijing, Yunnan, China, several saprobic fungal taxa were isolated from Magnolia grandiflora. Both morphological and combined SSU, LSU, ITS, tef1, and rpb2 locus phylogenetic analyses (maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analyses) were carried out to identify the fungal taxa. Three new species are introduced in Pleosporales, viz., Lonicericola qujingensis (Parabambusicolaceae), Phragmocamarosporium magnoliae, and Periacma qujingensis (Lentitheciaceae). Botryosphaeria dothidea, Diplodia mutila, and Diplodia seriata (in Botryosphaeriaceae) are reported from Magnolia grandiflora for the first time in China. Angustimassarina populi (Amorosiaceae) is reported for the first time on M. grandiflora from China, and this is the first report of a member of this genus outside Europe. Shearia formosa is also reported for the first time on M. grandiflora from China.

Phototrophic and fungal communities inhabiting the Roman cryptoporticus of the national museum Machado de Castro (UNESCO site, Coimbra, Portugal)

Caves are oligotrophic environments, characterized by constant temperatures, high humidity and low natural light. However, microbial shifts can still happen in such environments, especially with the increase in tourist activity and implementation of artificial lights, making caves even more susceptible to environmental changes. As a result, proliferation of phototrophic organisms can increase dramatically, leading to their settlement on stone surfaces, which in turn facilitates the development of heterotrophic organisms, such as fungi and bacteria. The Roman Cryptoporticus of the National Museum Machado de Castro, erected by the Romans in the 1st or second century, is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city of Coimbra. However, the majority of the rooms that constitute this monument show signs of biodeterioration by microalgae and cyanobacteria as well as of fungi. The aim of this study was to characterize the phototrophic and fungal communities at this site, employing culture-dependent and-independent methodologies. Culture-dependent results showed that the phototrophic communities were mainly composed of green microalgae, whereas the culture-independent showed that cyanobacteria were the most dominant. As to the fungal communities, both approaches identified various entomopathogenic fungal species. In addition, the culture-independent analysis also allowed to verify the presence of animal reads, suggesting the hypothesis that animal vectored dispersion can play an important role in the development of fungi at this environment.

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.

The numbers of fungi: contributions from traditional taxonomic studies and challenges of metabarcoding

The global diversity of fungi has been estimated using several different approaches. There is somewhere between 2–11 million estimated species, but the number of formally described taxa is around 150,000, a tiny fraction of the total. In this paper, we examine 12 ascomycete genera as case studies to establish trends in fungal species descriptions, and introduce new species in each genus. To highlight the importance of traditional morpho-molecular methods in publishing new species, we introduce novel taxa in 12 genera that are considered to have low species discovery. We discuss whether the species are likely to be rare or due to a lack of extensive sampling and classification. The genera are Apiospora, Bambusicola, Beltrania, Capronia, Distoseptispora, Endocalyx, Neocatenulostroma, Neodeightonia, Paraconiothyrium, Peroneutypa, Phaeoacremonium and Vanakripa. We discuss host-specificity in selected genera and compare the number of species epithets in each genus with the number of ITS (barcode) sequences deposited in GenBank and UNITE. We furthermore discuss the relationship between the divergence times of these genera with those of their hosts. We hypothesize whether there might be more species in these genera and discuss hosts and habitats that should be investigated for novel species discovery.

Stigmatomyces aff. limnophorae on dipteran hosts in Peninsular Malaysia

Flies parasitized by Laboulbeniales, captured in Selangor state, were examined and identified as Boettcherisca javanica, Boettcherisca sp ., and Hypopygiopsis violacea. The fungus was identified as Stigmatomyces aff. limnophorae based on morphology and phylogenetic analysis of sequences of the partial nuclear small and large subunit ribosomal RNA genes. This fungus represents a new record for Malaysia; and these are the first reports of Boettcherisca and Hypopygiopsis as hosts for any laboulbenialean species.