Five new Simplicillium species (Cordycipitaceae) from soils in Tokyo, Japan

A novel aromatic compound from the fungus Synnemellisia sp. FKR-0921

The filamentous fungus Synnemellisia sp. strain FKR-0921 was obtained from soil collected on Kume Island, Okinawa. The MeOH extract of FKR-0921 cultured on a solid rice medium yielded a new aromatic compound, synnemellisitriol A (1). The structure, including the absolute configuration, was elucidated by spectroscopic analysis (FT-IR, NMR, and HR-ESI-MS), and the absolute configuration at C-9 of 1 was determined using the modified Mosher's method. Additionally, 1 was evaluated for its biological activities, including metallo-β-lactamase inhibitory activity, type III secretion system inhibitory activity, antimicrobial activity, antimalarial activity, and cytotoxicity.

Simplicillium sinense sp. nov., a novel potential pathogen of tinea faciei

Simplicillium species are widely distributed with a broad spectrum of hosts and substrates. Generally, these species are entomopathogenic or mycoparasitic. Notably, some isolates of Simplicillium lanosoniveum and Simplicillium obclavatum were obtained from human tissues. In this study, two fungi were isolated from the annular itchy patch of infected skin of a 46-year-old man with diabetes mellitus. Based on a combination of morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, a novel species, Simplicillium sinense, was introduced herein. It morphologically differs from the remaining Simplicillium in the size of phialides and conidia. Additionally, it grows slowly on YPD at 37°C. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing presented that this fungus is resistant to most azole antifungals. Therefore, the diagnosis of tinea faciei was made, and after 2 weeks of being treated with oral terbinafine (250 mg, once a day) and topical terbinafine cream for 1 month, the rash was mainly resolved and no recurrence happened after 6 months of follow-up. Herein, Simplicillium sinense was introduced as a new fungal taxon. Meanwhile, a case of superficial infection caused by S. sinense was reported. So far, it is the third Simplicillium species obtained from human tissue. Meanwhile, terbinafine is recommended as the first-line antifungal treatment against Simplicillium infection.

Antifungal Activity and Biocontrol Potential of Simplicillium lamellicola JC-1 against Multiple Fungal Pathogens of Oilseed Rape

A fungal strain (JC-1) of Simplicillium was isolated from a pod of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) infested with the blackleg pathogen Leptosphaeria biglobosa. This study was done to clarify its taxonomic identity using morphological and molecular approaches, to characterize its antifungal activity through bioassays and genome-based identification of antifungal metabolites, and to determine its efficacy in inducing systemic resistance (ISR) in oilseed rape. The results showed that JC-1 belongs to Simplicillium lamellicola. It displayed a strong antagonistic relationship with L. biglobosa, Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (stem rot). The cultural filtrates of JC-1 showed a high efficacy in suppressing infection by S. sclerotiorum on detached leaves of oilseed rape. Genome analysis indicated that JC-1 has the capability of producing multiple antifungal metabolites, including aureobasidin A1, squalestatin S1 and verlamelin. Inoculation of JC-1 on seeds of oilseed rape caused a suppressive effect on infection by L. biglobosa on the cotyledons of the resulting seedlings, suggesting that JC-1 can trigger ISR. Endophytic growth, accumulation of anthocyanins, up-regulated expression of CHI (for chalcone isomerase) and PR1 (for pathogenesis-related protein 1), and down-regulated expression of NECD3 (for 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase) were detected to be associated with the ISR. This study provided new insights into the biocontrol potential and modes of action of S. lamellicola.

Multigene phylogeny, phylogenetic network, and morphological characterizations reveal four new arthropod-associated Simplicillium species and their evolutional relationship

Simplicillium species are widely distributed and commonly found on various substrates. A minority of species are associated with arthropods. A spider-associated species Simplicillium araneae, and three insect-associated species, Simplicillium coleopterorum, Simplicillium guizhouense, and Simplicillium larvatum, are proposed as novel species based on a multi-locus phylogenetic analysis and morphological characteristics. These Simplicillium species completely fit the nutritional model of Hypocreales fungi and could be used as a model to study their evolutionary relationship. A phylogenetic network analysis based on ITS sequences suggests that a host jump was common among Simplicillium species, and S. araneae may have originally come from an insect host and then jumped to a spider host. However, the evolutionary relationship of S. coleopterorum, S. guizhouense, and S. larvatum was not clear in the phylogenetic network and more sequencing information should be added to the network. In addition, strain CBS 101267 was identified as Simplicillium subtropicum.

Development of a saprophytic fungal inoculum for the biodegradation of sub-bituminous coal

The rhizospheres of the weeds Ageratum conyzoides, Axonopus compressus, Emilia coccinea, Synedrella nodiflora, Urena lobata and Sida acuta from a sub-bituminous coal mining site and a control site, without coal discards, were screened for new fungi with ability to degrade sub-bituminous coal in the laboratory. The isolates were identified by cultural and molecular methods. Seventeen out of the sixty-one fungal isolates tested could utilize sub-bituminous coal as an energy source. Upon further evaluation, only seven of these were promising candidates for coal biodegradation, and they were assayed for their biosolubilization and depolymerization activities to determine their mechanisms of coal biodegradation. Based on the accumulation of humic acid (HA), which is the marker for biosolubilization, Mucor circinelloides and Aspergillus tubingensis were the most active. On the other hand, Cunninghamella bertholletiae, Simplicillium subtropicum, Penicillium daleae and Trichoderma koningiopsis were the highest producers of fulvic acid (FA), the indicator of depolymerization. Purpureocillium lilacinum produced the lowest yields of both HA and FA compared to the other six coal-degrading candidates. The presence of laccase in Trichoderma koningiopsis, Penicillium daleae and Simplicillium subtropicum suggests a role for this enzyme in the enhancement of the coal biodegradation process. However, the inability to amplify the laccase gene in Cunninghamella bertholletiae indicates that another enzyme probably aids its coal bioconversion. The current investigation highlights the potentials of these strains in harnessing biotechnological processes of sub-bituminous coal conversion into value-added products, which could be extended to the bioremediation of coal-polluted soils. The fungi with the highest coal bioconversion capabilities belonged to Ascomycota and Zygomycota and were found in the rhizospheres of the weeds Emilia coccinea, Ageratum conyzoides and Axonopus compressus.

Entomopathogenic Fungi Biodiversity in the Soil of Three Provinces Located in Southwest China and First Approach to Evaluate Their Biocontrol Potential

Entomopathogenic fungi (EF), who represent active agents to control insect natural populations, usually persist in terrestrial habitats. Southwest area in China has various climate conditions and abundant plant biodiversity (crop, forest, grassy, orchard and arable areas). Nevertheless, the potential of soil-inhabitant EF as insect pest biocontrol agents, is unknown. In this study, first the EF biodiversity from soil of three provinces (Guizhou, Sichuan, and Yunnan) was surveyed. Then, the virulence of 29 isolated strains against Bemesia tabaci and Spodoptera litura was assessed. After analyzing 212 soil samples, 497 isolated fungi were identified. Out of them, 490 isolates were classified in 45 species of 24 genera, whereas the other seven isolates, belonging to Paecilomyces and Purpureocillium genera, were not identified under species level. Furthermore, the EF biodiversity from soil of Sichuan, Yunan, and Guizhou areas, analyzed by Shannon Wiener Index (SWI) was rated at 2.98, 1.89, and 2.14, while SWIs-biodiversity in crop, forest, grassy, orchard and arable areas was rated at 2.88, 2.74, 3.05, 2.39, and 2.47. SWI data suggested that soil from Sichuan area and grassy had higher EF biodiversity compared with other analyzed provinces and areas. Virulence bioassay results indicated that, out of the 29 isolates tested, 24 were pathogenic against B. tabaci and S. litura, resulting in mortality rates >10%. In conclusion, this study reports the EF distribution and biodiversity in soil from three provinces located at Southwest China, whereas their potential use as a tool for the B. tabaci and S. litura biocontrol must be further investigated.

An efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method for Simplicillium subtropicum (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae)

Filamentous fungi are the organisms of choice for most industrial biotechnology. Some species can produce a variety of secondary metabolites and enzymes of commercial interest, and the production of valuable molecules has been enhanced through different molecular tools. Methods for genetic manipulation and transformation have been essential for the optimization of these organisms. The genus Simplicillium has attracted increased attention given several potential biotechnological applications. The Simplicillium genus harbors several entomopathogenic species and some isolates have been explored for bioremediation of heavy metal contaminants. Furthermore, the myriad of secondary metabolites isolated from Simplicillium spp. render these organisms as ideal targets for deep exploration and further biotechnological mining possibilities. However, the lack of molecular tools hampered the exploration of this genus. Thus, an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method was established for Simplicillium subtropicum, employing the far-red fluorescent protein TURBOFP635/Katushka, as a visual marker, and the selection marker SUR gene, that confers resistance to chlorimuron ethyl. Notably, one round of transformation using the established method yielded almost 400 chlorimuron resistant isolates. Furthermore, these transformants displayed mitotic stability for, at least, five generations. We anticipate that this method can be useful for deep molecular exploration and improvement of strains in the Simplicillium genus.

Taxonomic and phylogenetic characterizations reveal four new species of Simplicillium (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) from Guizhou, China

Simplicillium species are commonly found from soil, seawater, rock surface, decayed wood, air and as symbiotic, endophytic, entomopathogenic and mycoparasitic fungi. Minority insect-associated species was reported. Simplicillium coccinellidae, S. hymenopterorum, S. neolepidopterorum and S. scarabaeoidea were introduced as the newly insect-associated species. The phylogenetic analyses of two combined datasets (LSU + RPB1 + TEF and SSU + ITS + LSU) revealed that S. coccinellidae and S. hymenopterorum were both nested in an independent clade. S. neolepidopterorum and S. scarabaeoidea have a close relationship with S. formicidae and S. lepidopterorum, respectively. S. neolepidopterorum can be easily distinguished from S. formicidae by ellipsoidal to cylindrical, solitary conidia which occasionally gather in short imbricate chains. S. scarabaeoidea could be easily distinguished from S. lepodopterorum by having longer phialides and larger conidia. Based on the morphological and phylogenetic conclusion, we determine the four newly generated isolates as new species of Simplicillium and a new combination is proposed in the genus Leptobacillium.

Mycological Investigation of Bottled Water Dispensers in Healthcare Facilities

The usage of bottled water dispensers (BWDs) has spread worldwide. Despite their popularity, few studies have dealt with their microbial contaminants, and little attention is given to their fungal contamination. To our knowledge this is the first mycological study of BWDs in Europe. 36 devices have been examined in Budapest, Hungary. Despite of the strictly regulated water hygiene system in Hungary, molds and yeasts were detected in 86.8% of the samples, 56.76% were highly contaminated. Elevated heterotrophic plate counts were also observed in all samples compared to that of Hungarian drinking water. As all physical and chemical water quality characteristics have met the relevant national and European parametric values and neither totally explained the results of microbial counts, the effect of usage and maintenance habits of the devices were examined. Fungal concentrations were affected by the time elapsed since disinfection, days remaining until expiration of bottles, month of sampling and exposure to sunlight during storage. Microbes are able to proliferate in the bottled water and disperse inside the BWDs. Many of the detected fungal species (Sarocladium kiliense, Acremonium sclerotigenum/egyptiacum, Exophiala jeanselmei var. lecanii-corni, Exophiala equina, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Cystobasidium slooffiae, Aspergillus jensenii, Bisifusarium biseptatum) are opportunistic pathogens for subpopulations of sensitive age groups and patients with immunodeficient conditions, including cystic fibrosis. Thus BWDs may pose a health risk to visitors of healthcare institutions, especially to patients with oral lesions in dental surgeries. The study draws attention to the need to investigate microbial contamination of these devices in other countries as well.

Isolation of Simplicillium sympodiophorum and Toxicocladosporium irritans from the Blowout Air of Household Air Conditioners

Household air conditioners are known to be contaminated with dematiaceous fungi such as genus Toxicocladosporium and genus Cladosporium. We frequently encounter cases in which a large amount of fungi, which are presumed to belong to the family Cordycipitaceae, are isolated from the blowout air of the household air conditioners. Therefore, the Cordycipitaceae isolated in the survey of four cases of the air conditioners were identified by genetic analyses. As a result, all of them were found to be Simplicillium sympodiophorum. The concentration of airborne fungi, S. sympodiophorum in the blowout air was high (> 10⁴ cfu/m³) as exceeding the upper limit of quantification in three of four cases, and 5,000 cfu/m³ in one case. This study revealed that S. sympodiophorum contaminated multiple air conditioners. Genus Toxicocladosporium was also isolated from the two air conditioners, and it was found to be Toxicocladosporium irritans by the genetic analysis.

Diversity and Functions of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Roots and Leaves of Stipa purpurea in an Alpine Steppe at Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Stipa purpurea is a unique and dominant herbaceous plant species in the alpine steppe and meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). In this work, we analyzed the composition and diversity of the culturable endophytic fungi in S. purpurea according to morphological and molecular identification. Then, we investigated the bioactivities of these fungi against plant pathogenic fungi and 1- aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACCD) deaminase activities. A total of 323 fungal isolates were first isolated from S. purpurea, and 33 fungal taxa were identified by internal transcribed spacer primers and grouped into Ascomycota. The diversity of endophytic fungi in S. purpurea was significantly higher in roots as compared to leaves. In addition, more than 40% of the endophytic fungi carried the gene encoding for the ACCD gene. The antibiosis assay demonstrated that 29, 35, 28, 37 and 34 isolates (43.9, 53.1, 42.4, 56.1, and 51.5%) were antagonistic to five plant pathogenic fungi, respectively. Our study provided the first assessment of the diversity of culturedepending endophytic fungi of S. purpurea, demonstrated the potential application of ACCD activity and antifungal activities with potential benefits to the host plant, and contributed to high biomass production and adaptation of S. purpurea to an adverse environment.

Draft Genome Sequence of Simplicillium aogashimaense 72-15.1, a Putative Endophyte of Brachiaria brizantha

Here, we report a 29-Mb draft genome sequence of strain 72-15.1 of Simplicillium aogashimaense (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales). Strain 72-15.1 was a unique fungal isolate obtained from asymptomatic tillers of the tropical grass Brachiaria brizantha.

Here, we report a 29-Mb draft genome sequence of strain 72-15.1 of Simplicillium aogashimaense (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales). Strain 72-15.1 was a unique fungal isolate obtained from asymptomatic tillers of the tropical grass Brachiaria brizantha.

Clonocoprogens A, B and C, new antimalarial coprogens from the Okinawan fungus Clonostachys compactiuscula FKR-0021

Three new antimalarial compounds, clonocoprogens A, B, and C, were isolated from the static culture of an Okinawan fungus, Clonostachys compactiuscula FKR-0021. These compounds were new analogs of N¹⁴-palmitoylcoprogen, reported as a siderophore. They showed moderate antimalarial activity against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.7 to 9.9 µM.

The genus Simplicillium

Simplicillium species have a wide host range and an extensive distribution. Some species are associated with rusts, as well as other plant pathogenic fungi and play an important role in biological control. In this study, two specimens of Simplicillium were collected from Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Simplicilliumformicae sp. nov. was isolated from an infected ant and S.lanosoniveum from Ophiocordycepsunilateralis which is a new host record. Species were initially identified using ITS gene sequences and confirmed using morphology coupled with phylogenetic analyses of a combined nrLSU, nrSSU, TEF and RPB1 dataset. Simplicilliumformicae differs from other species in the genus by the presence of flask-shaped synnemata and phialides with intercalary nodes. Simplicilliumlanosoniveum resembles other collections of the species by its completely solitary, tapering phialides and globose to ellipsoidal conidia which adhere in a slimly head. A key to species of Simplicillium is also provided.

Three novel insect-associated species of Simplicillium (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) from Southwest China

In this paper, we introduce three new species of Simplicillium, viz. S. cicadellidae, S. formicidae and S. lepidopterorum, which were isolated from an infected leafhopper, ant and carpenterworm, respectively. Morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses based on multigene datasets (LSU+RPB1+RPB2+TEF and ITS+LSU) support the establishment of the three new species. Simplicillium cicadellidae was distinguished from other species in morphological characteristics by having smaller phialides and ellipsoidal conidia, and lacking octahedral crystals. The reverse of colonies were yellowish (#FFBF00), especially in the middle, and radially sulcate. Simplicillium formicidae was morphologically distinguished from other by having longer phialides and filiform to fusoid conidia, and by lacking octahedral crystals. Simplicillium lepidopterorum was morphologically distinguished from other species by having smaller, ellipsoidal to fusiform conidia, and by lacking octahedral crystals. The reverse of the colony was pale white. The three new species are likely to be nourished by plant to animal (especially insect) nutrients based on the evolutionary pattern of the Hypocreales, and they are described herein as being clearly distinct from other species in Simplicillium.

Simpotentin, a new potentiator of amphotericin B activity against Candida albicans, produced by Simplicillium minatense FKI-4981

Simpotentin, a new potentiator of amphotericin B activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, was isolated from the culture broth of Simplicillium minatense FKI-4981 by Diaion HP-20 column chromatography, centrifugal partition chromatography, and preparative HPLC. The structure of simpotentin was elucidated by spectroscopic analyses including NMR and MS. The compound has a mannose core to which two medium-chain fatty acids are linked. Simpotentin was found to potentiate amphotericin B activity against C. albicans by the microdilution method.

Lecanicilliumcauligalbarum sp. nov. (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales), a novel fungus isolated from a stemborer in the Yao Ren National Forest Mountain Park, Guizhou

A new species of entomopathogenic fungi, Lecanicilliumcauligalbarum, was discovered from a survey of invertebrate-associated fungi in the Yao Ren National Forest Mountain Park in China. The synnemata of this species emerged from the corpse of a stemborer (Lepidoptera), which was hidden amongst pieces of wood on the forest floor. It differs from morphologically similar Lecanicillium species mainly in its short conidiogenous cells and ellipsoid to ovoid and aseptate conidia. Phylogenetic analysis of a combined data set comprising ITS, SSU, LSU, TEF, RPB1 and RPB2 sequence data supported the inclusion of L.cauligalbarum in the Lecanicillium genus and its recognition as a distinct species.

Streptomyces boninensis sp. nov., isolated from soil from a limestone cave in the Ogasawara Islands

Actinomycete strain K11-0400^T was isolated from a soil sample collected in the Ogasawara Islands (also known as the Bonin Islands), Tokyo, Japan. Mature spore chains of strain K11-0400^T had more than 20 spores per chain. The strain contained ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid in whole-cell hydrolysates, and MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H4) were the predominant menaquinones. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol, and no diagnostic whole-cell sugar was detected. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 72 mol%. These morphological and chemical features of strain K11-0400^T indicated that it belonged to the genus Streptomyces. Strain K11-0400^T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Streptomyces naganishii NBRC 12892^T (97.58 %). However, the DNA-DNA relatedness value between strain K11-0400^T and the related strain was below 70 %. Based on morphological, cultural and physiological characteristics, and DNA-DNA relatedness data, strain K11-0400^T should be classified as a new species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces boninensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of S. boninensis is K11-0400^T (=NBRC 113073^T, TBRC 7755^T).

A phylogenetically-based nomenclature for Cordycipitaceae (Hypocreales)

The ending of dual nomenclatural systems for pleomorphic fungi in 2011 requires the reconciliation of competing names, ideally linked through culture based or molecular methods. The phylogenetic systematics of Hypocreales and its many genera have received extensive study in the last two decades, however resolution of competing names in Cordycipitaceae has not yet been addressed. Here we present a molecular phylogenetic investigation of Cordycipitaceae that enables identification of competing names in this family, and provides the basis upon which these names can be maintained or suppressed. The taxonomy presented here seeks to harmonize competing names by principles of priority, recognition of monophyletic groups, and the practical usage of affected taxa. In total, we propose maintaining nine generic names, Akanthomyces, Ascopolyporus, Beauveria, Cordyceps, Engyodontium, Gibellula, Hyperdermium, Parengyodontium, and Simplicillium and the rejection of eight generic names, Evlachovaea, Granulomanus, Isaria, Lecanicillium, Microhilum, Phytocordyceps, Synsterigmatocystis, and Torrubiella. Two new generic names, Hevansia and Blackwellomyces, and a new species, Beauveria blattidicola, are described. New combinations are also proposed in the genera Akanthomyces, Beauveria, Blackwellomyces, and Hevansia.

Taxonomy, phylogeny and ecology of cultivable fungi present in seawater gradients across the Northern Antarctica Peninsula

Thirty-six seawater samples collected at different depths of the Gerlache and Bransfield Straits in the Northern Antarctic Peninsula were analyzed, and the average of the total fungal counts ranged from 0.3 to >300 colony forming units per liter (CFU/L) in density. The fungal were purified and identified as 15 taxa belonged to the genera Acremonium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Cystobasidium, Exophiala, Glaciozyma, Graphium, Lecanicillium, Metschnikowia, Penicillium, Purpureocillium and Simplicillium. Penicillium chrysogenum, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and Graphium rubrum were found at high densities in at least two different sites and depths. Our results show at the first time that in the seawater of Antarctic Ocean occur diverse fungal assemblages despite extreme conditions, which suggests the presence of a complex aquatic fungi food web, including species reported as barophiles, symbionts, weak and strong saprobes, parasites and pathogens, as well as those found in the polluted environments of the world. Additionally, some taxa were found in different sites, suggesting that the underwater current might contribute to fungal (and microbial) dispersal across the Antarctic Ocean, and nearby areas such as South America and Australia.

Simplifungin and Valsafungins, Antifungal Antibiotics of Fungal Origin

The targets of antifungal antibiotics in clinical use are more limited than those of antibacterial antibiotics. Therefore, new antifungal antibiotics with different mechanisms of action are desired. In the course of our screening for antifungal antibiotics of microbial origins, new antifungal antibiotics, simplifungin (1) and valsafungins A (2) and B (3), were isolated from cultures of the fungal strains Simplicillium minatense FKI-4981 and Valsaceae sp. FKH-53, respectively. The structures of 1 to 3 including their absolute stereochemistries were elucidated using various spectral analyses including NMR and collision-induced dissociation (CID)-MS/MS as well as chemical approaches including modifications to the Mosher's method. They were structurally related to myriocin. They inhibited the growth of yeast-like and zygomycetous fungi with MICs ranging between 0.125 and 8.0 μg/mL. An examination of their mechanisms of action by the newly established assay using LC-MS revealed that 1 and 2 inhibited serine palmitoyltransferase activity, which is involved in sphingolipid biosynthesis, with IC50 values of 224 and 24 nM, respectively.

Combination cellulose plate (non-agar solid support) and agar plate method improves isolation of fungi from soil

This is the first report describing the improved isolation of common filamentous fungi via a method combining cellulose plate and agar plate system. A cellulose plate is a porous plate made of nanofibrous crystaline cellulose. Isolating fungi from soils using these types of media separately resulted in the number of fungal colonies appearing on cellulose plates being lower than that on agar plates. However, the number of actual fungal species isolated using cellulose plates alone was more or less the same as that found using agar plates. Significantly, the diversity of isolates using a combination of the two media was greater than using each media individually. As a result, numerous new or rare fungal species with potential, including previously proposed new species, were isolated successfully in this way. All fungal colonies, including the Penicillium species, that appeared on the cellulose plate penetrated in potato dextrose were either white or yellow. Cultivation on cellulose plates with added copper ion overcomes the change in coloration, the colonies appearing as they do following cultivation on potato dextrose agar.

Three new Pochonia taxa (Clavicipitaceae) from soils in Japan

Fifty Pochonia strains were isolated from soil samples collected throughout Japan. Using a combination of micromorphological characters and multigene (SSU, LSU, TEF, RPB1, RPB2) phylogenics, seven taxa were identified, three of which previously were undescribed. In this paper we describe the new species, P. boninensis, and two new varieties, P. chlamydosporia var. ellipsospora and var. spinulospora. They were recovered from Chichi-jima, Aogashima and Okinawa's main island. The three new taxa are distinguished from known species and varieties by conidial morphology. We also report the first finding of P. rubescens from Japan.