A class-wide phylogenetic assessment of Dothideomycetes

Arthrocatenales, a new order of extremophilic fungi in the Dothideomycetes

The widely treated order Capnodiales is one of the most important orders in the class Dothideomycetes. Recently, the order Capnodiales s. lat. was reassessed and split into seven orders (Capnodiales s. str., Cladosporiales, Comminutisporales, Mycosphaerellales, Neophaeothecales, Phaeothecales and Racodiales) based on multi-locus phylogeny, morphology and life strategies. In this study, two Arthrocatena strains isolated from sooty mould communities on the leaves of Tiliacordata and needles of Pinusnigra in southern Poland were analyzed. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS-LSU-SSU-rpb2-tef1) along with morphological examination showed that they belong to Capnobotryellaantalyensis, which represents a sister taxon to Arthrocatenatenebrosa. Capnobotryellaantalyensis is a rock-inhabiting fungus described from Turkey. The following new combination is proposed: Arthrocatenaantalyensis. Phylogenetic analyses also showed that Arthrocatena and related genus Hyphoconis, both known previously only from rocks, form a sister lineage to orders Cladosporiales and Comminutisporales. The new order Arthrocatenales and new family Arthrocatenaceae are proposed to this clade. Representatives of this order are extremophilic fungi that live on rocks and in sooty mould communities.

New and Interesting Pine-Associated Hyphomycetes from China

Pine trees play a crucial role in the forests of Sichuan Province, boasting rich species diversity and a lengthy evolutionary history. However, research and investigation on fungi associated with pine trees are insufficient. This study investigated the diversity of hyphomycetes fungi associated with pine trees in Sichuan Province, China. During the survey, we collected five specimens of hyphomycetes from branches and bark of species of Pinus. Five barcodes were selected for study and sequenced, including ITS, SSU, LSU, TEF1, and RPB2. Morphological examination and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses revealed three new species, viz. Catenulostroma pini sp. nov. within Teratosphaeriaceae, Kirschsteiniothelia longisporum sp. nov. within Kirschsteiniotheliaceae, Sporidesmiella sichuanensis sp. nov. within Junewangiaceae, and two known species, Paradictyoarthrinium diffractum and P. hydei within Paradictyoarthriniaceae, which are the new host records from Pinus species. Catenulostroma pini, distinguished from other species in the genus by its unique morphology, has three conidial morphologies: small terminal helicoconidia, scolecoconidia with many septa, and phragmoconidia conidia. Kirschsteiniothelia longisporum has longer spores when compared to the other species in the genus. According to phylogenetic analysis, Sporidesmiella sichuanensis formed an independent clade sister to S. aquatica and S. juncicola, distinguished by differences in conidial size.

What are the 100 most cited fungal genera?

The global diversity of fungi has been estimated between 2 to 11 million species, of which only about 155 000 have been named. Most fungi are invisible to the unaided eye, but they represent a major component of biodiversity on our planet, and play essential ecological roles, supporting life as we know it. Although approximately 20 000 fungal genera are presently recognised, the ecology of most remains undetermined. Despite all this diversity, the mycological community actively researches some fungal genera more commonly than others. This poses an interesting question: why have some fungal genera impacted mycology and related fields more than others? To address this issue, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to identify the top 100 most cited fungal genera. A thorough database search of the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed was performed to establish which genera are most cited. The most cited 10 genera are Saccharomyces, Candida, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Botrytis, Pichia, Cryptococcus and Alternaria. Case studies are presented for the 100 most cited genera with general background, notes on their ecology and economic significance and important research advances. This paper provides a historic overview of scientific research of these genera and the prospect for further research. Citation: Bhunjun CS, Chen YJ, Phukhamsakda C, Boekhout T, Groenewald JZ, McKenzie EHC, Francisco EC, Frisvad JC, Groenewald M, Hurdeal VG, Luangsa-ard J, Perrone G, Visagie CM, Bai FY, Błaszkowski J, Braun U, de Souza FA, de Queiroz MB, Dutta AK, Gonkhom D, Goto BT, Guarnaccia V, Hagen F, Houbraken J, Lachance MA, Li JJ, Luo KY, Magurno F, Mongkolsamrit S, Robert V, Roy N, Tibpromma S, Wanasinghe DN, Wang DQ, Wei DP, Zhao CL, Aiphuk W, Ajayi-Oyetunde O, Arantes TD, Araujo JC, Begerow D, Bakhshi M, Barbosa RN, Behrens FH, Bensch K, Bezerra JDP, Bilański P, Bradley CA, Bubner B, Burgess TI, Buyck B, Čadež N, Cai L, Calaça FJS, Campbell LJ, Chaverri P, Chen YY, Chethana KWT, Coetzee B, Costa MM, Chen Q, Custódio FA, Dai YC, Damm U, de Azevedo Santiago ALCM, De Miccolis Angelini RM, Dijksterhuis J, Dissanayake AJ, Doilom M, Dong W, Alvarez-Duarte E, Fischer M, Gajanayake AJ, Gené J, Gomdola D, Gomes AAM, Hausner G, He MQ, Hou L, Iturrieta-González I, Jami F, Jankowiak R, Jayawardena RS, Kandemir H, Kiss L, Kobmoo N, Kowalski T, Landi L, Lin CG, Liu JK, Liu XB, Loizides M, Luangharn T, Maharachchikumbura SSN, Makhathini Mkhwanazi GJ, Manawasinghe IS, Marin-Felix Y, McTaggart AR, Moreau PA, Morozova OV, Mostert L, Osiewacz HD, Pem D, Phookamsak R, Pollastro S, Pordel A, Poyntner C, Phillips AJL, Phonemany M, Promputtha I, Rathnayaka AR, Rodrigues AM, Romanazzi G, Rothmann L, Salgado-Salazar C, Sandoval-Denis M, Saupe SJ, Scholler M, Scott P, Shivas RG, Silar P, Souza-Motta CM, Silva-Filho AGS, Spies CFJ, Stchigel AM, Sterflinger K, Summerbell RC, Svetasheva TY, Takamatsu S, Theelen B, Theodoro RC, Thines M, Thongklang N, Torres R, Turchetti B, van den Brule T, Wang XW, Wartchow F, Welti S, Wijesinghe SN, Wu F, Xu R, Yang ZL, Yilmaz N, Yurkov A, Zhao L, Zhao RL, Zhou N, Hyde KD, Crous PW (2024). What are the 100 most cited fungal genera? Studies in Mycology 108: 1-411. doi: 10.3114/sim.2024.108.01.

Two novel Pleosporales species isolated from the bark of Acer saccharum

During a survey of culturable microfungi from the bark of sugar maple (Acer saccharum), Atrocalyx glutinosus and Nigrograna rubescens, two novel species of Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes) were isolated from several locations in eastern Ontario, Canada. Formal species descriptions are presented based on unique colony phenotypes and micromorphological characteristics and supported using multi-locus molecular phylogenetic comparisons with similar species. Both A. glutinosus and N. rubescens produce pycnidial asexual morphs in culture. As their names imply, under specific culture conditions, A. glutinosus excretes large amounts of the glutinous polysaccharide pullulan and N. rubescens produces a dark red naphthoquinone pigment that diffuses in the culture medium. Citation: Mack JN, Sproule A, Shields SW, Seifert KA, Smith M, Overy DP (2024). Two novel Pleosporales species isolated from the bark of Acer saccharum . Fungal Systematics and Evolution 13: 1-14. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2024.13.01.

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

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

Systematic revision of species of Atractilina and Spiropes hyperparasitic on Meliolales (Ascomycota) in the tropics

Atractilina Dearn. & Barthol. and Spiropes Cif. are genera of asexual fungi that comprise species mainly hyperparasitic on black mildews (Meliolales, Ascomycota). Although a common group of anamorphic fungi, they have been described up to now only by morphology and their systematic position is unknown. The present study provides a morphological treatise of all known species of Atractilina and Spiropes hyperparasitic on Meliolales, including insights into their systematic position, based on DNA sequences generated here for the first time. The study was conducted, based on 33 herbarium specimens and 23 specimens recently collected in Benin and Panama. The obtained DNA sequence data (28S rDNA and ITS rDNA) of A.parasitica and of two species of Spiropes show systematic placements in the Dothideomycetes and Leotiomycetes, respectively. The sequence data of the two Spiropes spp. do not group together. Moreover, the anamorph-teleomorph connection between Atractilinaparasitica and Malacariameliolicola, a pseudothecioid fungus, is confirmed. Three species in the genus Spiropes are proposed as new to science, namely S.angylocalycis, S.carpolobiae and S.croissantiformis. Four species are reported for Benin for the first time, three species for Panama and one species for mainland America. Atractilina and Spiropes are currently two genera with highly heterogeneous species and they might have to be split in the future, once the taxonomic concepts are validated by morphology and molecular sequence data.

First molecular evidence of lichen-inhabiting Acrospermum and new insights into the evolution of lifestyles of Acrospermales (Dothideomycetes)

Acrospermales represent one of the least studied lineages of Dothideomycetes and are characterized by diverse ecological strategies, including saprotrophic, epiphytic, fungicolous, lichenicolous, and bryophilous lifestyles. The order is composed of two teleomorphic genera, Acrospermum and Oomyces, and five anamorphic genera of unclear relationships. The objectives of the study were to establish the phylogenetic position of Acrospermum species collected from lichens in the tropical forest of Bolivia and to infer the evolution of the lichenicolous lifestyle in Acrospermales. Our results reveal that the examined specimens from Bolivia represent a new species, A. bolivianum, which is well characterized by its phylogenetic distinctness, morphological characteristics, and host selection. The new species is the first lichenicolous member of Acrospermum and forms a well-supported clade sister to the bryophilous Acrospermum adeanum. The evolution of lifestyles, concluded by phylogenetic analyses and ancestral state reconstructions, indicated that the saprotrophic lifestyle is ancestral to Acrospermales. This corresponds to their close relationship to other saprotrophic lineages of Dothideomycetes and indicates that the wide spectrum of nutritional strategies, currently observed in Acrospermales, may be a result of more recent shifts in their ecology. Our results also suggest that the lichenicolous lifestyle in Acrospermales appeared independently at least two times. Lichenicolous species are represented in our data set by Acrospermum bolivianum and Gonatophragmium physciae, which evolved from lichenicolous and plant-parasite ancestors, respectively. The genus Oomyces, represented by O. carneoalbus, was included for the first time in the phylogenetic analysis and showed a sister relationship to the remaining taxa of Acrospermales.

Neodothiora pruni sp. nov., a Biosurfactant-Producing Ascomycetous Yeast Species Isolated from Flower of Prunus mume

A yeast strain, designated as JAF-11T, was isolated from flower of Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. in Gwangyang, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain JAF-11T was closely related to Neodothiora populina CPC 39399T with 2.07 % sequence divergence (12 nucleotide substitutions and three gaps in 581 nucleotides) in the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, and Rhizosphaera macrospora CBS 208.79T with 4.66 % sequence divergence (25 nucleotide substitutions and five gaps in 535 nucleotides) in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Further analysis based on the concatenated sequences of the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene and the ITS region confirmed that strain JAF-11T was well-separated from Neodothiora populina CPC 39399T. In addition to the phylogenetic differences, strain JAF-11T was distinguished from its closest species, Neodothiora populina CPC 39399T and Rhizosphaera macrospora CBS 208.79T belonging to the family Dothioraceae by its phenotypic characteristics, such as assimilation of carbon sources. Hence, the name Neodothiora pruni sp. nov. is proposed with type strain JAF-11T (KACC 48808T; MB 850034).

First complete mitogenome of Massarineae and its contribution to phylogenetic implications in Pleosporales

Endophytic fungi play an important role in the growth and development of traditional Chinese medicine plants. We isolated a strain of Acrocalymma vagum from the endophytic fungi of the traditional Chinese plants Paris. To accurately identify this endophytic fungal species of interest, we sequenced the mitochondrial genome of A. vagum, which is the first discovered mitochondrial genome in Massarineae. The A. vagum mitochondrial genome consists of a 35,079-bp closed circular DNA molecule containing 36 genes. Then, we compared the general sequence characteristics of A. vagum with those of Pleosporales, and the second structure of the 22 tRNAs was predicted. The phylogenetic relationship of A. vagum was constructed using two different data sets (protein-coding genes and amino acids). The phylogenetic tree shows that A. vagum is located at the root of Pleosporales. The analysis of introns shows that the number of introns increases with the increase in branch length. The results showed that monophyly was confirmed for all families in Pleosporales except for Pleosporaceae. A. vagum is an ancient species in the Pleosporales, and Pleosporaceae may require further revision. In Pleosporales, the number of introns is positively correlated with branch length, providing data for further study on the origin of introns.

How does metal soil pollution change the plant mycobiome?

Microorganisms play a key role in plant adaptation to the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of toxic metals present in the soil on the biodiversity of plant-related, endophytic mycobiota. The mycobiome of plants and soil from a Zn-Pb heap and a metal-free ruderal area were compared via Illumina sequencing of the ITS1 rDNA. The biodiversity of plants and fungi inhabiting mine dump substrate was lower than that of the metal free site. In the endosphere of Arabidopsis arenosa from the mine dump the number of endophytic fungal taxa was comparable to that in the reference population, but the community structure significantly differed. Agaricomycetes was the most notably limited class of fungi. The results of plant mycobiota evaluation from the field study were verified in terms of the role of toxic metals in plant endophytic fungi community assembly in a reconstruction experiment. The results presented in this study indicate that metal toxicity affects the structure of the plant mycobiota not by changing the pool of microorganisms available in the soil from which the fungal symbionts are recruited but most likely by altering plant and fungi behaviour and the organisms' preferences towards associating in symbiotic relationships.

Genome-wide survey and evolutionary history of the pectin methylesterase (PME) gene family in the Dothideomycetes class of fungi

Once deposited in the plant cell wall, pectin undergoes demethylesterification by endogenous pectin methylesterases (PMEs), which play various roles in growth and development, including defense against pathogen attacks. Pathogen PMEs can alter pectin's methylesterification pattern, increasing its susceptibility to degradation by other fungal pectinases and thus playing a critical role as virulence factors during early infection stages. To investigate the evolutionary history of PMEs in the Dothideomycetes class of fungi, we obtained genomic data from 15 orders (79 species) and added genomic data from 61 isolates of Corynespora cassiicola. Our analyses involved maximum likelihood phylogenies, gene genealogies, and selection analyses. Additionally, we measured PME gene expression levels of C. cassiicola using soybean as a host through RT-qPCR assays. We recovered 145 putative effector PMEs and 57 putative non-effector PMEs from across the Dothideomycetes. The PME gene family exhibits a small size (up to 5 members per genome) and comprises three major clades. The evolutionary patterns of the PME1 and PME2 clades were largely shaped by duplications and recurring gene retention events, while biased gene loss characterized the small-sized PME3 clade. The presence of five members in the PME gene family of C. cassiicola suggests that the family may play a key role in the evolutionary success of C. cassiicola as a polyphagous plant pathogen. The haplogroups Cc_PME1.1 and Cc_PME1.2 exhibited an accelerated rate of evolution, whereas Cc_PME2.1, Cc_PME2.2, and Cc_PME2.3 seem to be under strong purifying selective constraints. All five PME genes were expressed during infection of soybean leaves, with the highest levels during from six to eight days post-inoculation. The highest relative expression level was measured for CC_29_g7533, a member of the Cc_PME2.3 clade, while the remaining four genes had relatively lower levels of expression.

Taxonomic and phylogenetic characterisations of six species of Pleosporales (in Didymosphaeriaceae, Roussoellaceae and Nigrogranaceae) from China

Pleosporales comprise a diverse group of fungi with a global distribution and significant ecological importance. A survey on Pleosporales (in Didymosphaeriaceae, Roussoellaceae and Nigrogranaceae) in Guizhou Province, China, was conducted. Specimens were identified, based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses using a dataset composed of ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1 and rpb2 loci. Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analyses were performed. As a result, three new species (Neokalmusiakarka, Nigrogranaschinifolium and N.trachycarpus) have been discovered, along with two new records for China (Roussoellaneopustulans and R.doimaesalongensis) and a known species (Roussoellapseudohysterioides). Morphologically similar species and phylogenetically close taxa are compared and discussed. This study provides detailed information and descriptions of all newly-identified taxa.

Complete mitochondrial genome analyses confirm that bat Polychromophilus and ungulate Plasmodium constitute a distinct clade independent of other Plasmodium species

In recent phylogenetic studies, bat Polychromophilus and ungulate Plasmodium, two relatively understudied haemosporidian parasites within the Apicomplexa phylum, have often been overlooked. Instead, the focus has been primarily on haemosporidian parasites in primates, rodents, and birds. Several phylogenetic analyses of bat Polychromophilus have relied on limited datasets and short informative DNA sequences. As a result of these inherent limitations, the substantiation of their evolutionary stance has encountered a diminished degree of robust validation. This study successfully obtained complete mitochondrial genome sequences from 11 Polychromophilus parasites originating from Hipposideros gentilis and Myotis siligoensis bats for the first time. Additionally, the authors have sequenced the apicoplast caseinolytic protease C genes from Polychromophilus murinus and a potentially new Polychromophilus species. These mitochondrial genomes range in length from 5994 to 6001 bp and consist of three protein-coding genes (PCGs), seven small subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU rRNA), 12 large subunit ribosomal RNA genes (LSU rRNA), and seven miscellaneous RNA genes. Phylogenetic analyses using Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood methods indicated robust support for the grouping of ungulate Plasmodium and bat Polychromophilus in a single clade separate from other Plasmodium spp., confirming previous reports, albeit with stronger evidence in this study. The divergence between Polychromophilus in bats and Plasmodium in ungulates occurred approximately 29.61 to 55.77 million years ago (Mya), with a node age estimated at 40.63 Mya. These findings highlight that the genus Plasmodium, which includes species found in ungulates, birds, reptiles, and other mammals, does not form a monophyletic group. By incorporating Polychromophilus in bats and Plasmodium in ungulates, this study contributes significantly to understanding the phylogenetic relationships within the Haemosporida order. It provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history and interconnections among these diverse parasites, thereby expanding knowledge in this field.

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.

Phyllosphere microbial diversity and specific taxa mediate within-cultivar resistance to Phytophthora palmivora in cacao

The oomycete pathogen Phytophthora palmivora, which causes black pod rot (BPR) on cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), is responsible for devastating yield losses worldwide. Genetic variation in resistance to Phytophthora spp. is well documented among cacao cultivars, but variation has also been observed in the incidence of BPR even among trees of the same cultivar. In light of evidence that the naturally occurring phyllosphere microbiome can influence foliar disease resistance in other host-pathogen systems, it was hypothesized that differences in the phyllosphere microbiome between two field accessions of the cultivar Gainesville II 164 could be responsible for their contrasting resistance to P. palmivora. Bacterial alpha diversity was higher but fungal alpha diversity was lower in the more resistant accession MITC-331, and the accessions harbored phyllosphere microbiomes with distinct community compositions. Six bacterial and 82 fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) differed in relative abundance between MITC-333 and MITC-331, including bacterial putative biocontrol agents and a high proportion of fungal pathogens, and nine fungal ASVs were correlated with increased lesion development. The roles of contrasting light availability and host mineral nutrition, particularly potassium, are also discussed. Results of this preliminary study can be used to guide research into microbiome-informed integrated pest management strategies effective against Phytophthora spp. in cacao. IMPORTANCE Up to 40% of the world's cacao is lost each year to diseases, the most devastating of which is black pod rot, caused by Phytophthora palmivora. Though disease resistance is often attributed to cacao genotypes (i.e., disease-resistant rootstocks), this study highlights the role of the microbiome in contributing to differences in resistance even among accessions of the same cacao cultivar. Future studies of plant-pathogen interactions may need to account for variation in the host microbiome, and optimizing the cacao phyllosphere microbiome could be a promising new direction for P. palmivora resistance research.

Identification and Fungicide Control of Bipolaris sorokiniana Causing Leaf Spot and Blight on Common Hop (Humulus lupulus) in Korea

Hop (Humulus lupulus) is a perennial herbaceous vine belonging to the family Cannabaceae. This crop is commercially grown for the brewing industry for its bitter and aromatic flavor, as well as its antiseptic properties. In June 2021, leaf spot and blight was observed on common hop plants in Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. The typical symptoms were small to large, dark-brown, necrotic lesions with yellow halos on the leaves. This study aimed to clarify the causal agent of this disease. Two fungal species, Alternaria alternata and Bipolaris sorokiniana, were isolated from the diseased leaf samples and identified by combining morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis using sequence datasets of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), Alt a1, rpb2, endoPG, and OPA10-2; and ITS, gpd, and tef1, respectively. Pathogenicity of the fungal isolates on detached leaves and living plants revealed that B. sorokiniana is the causal pathogen of this disease, while A. alternata is potentially a saprophyte. Fungicide sensitivity of the pathogen B. sorokiniana was further estimated in vitro using three classes of fungicides represented by fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin, and hexaconazole. The effective concentrations that inhibited 50% of spore germination (EC50) were 0.72, 1.90, and 0.68 μg ml-1, respectively. Moreover, all of these fungicides were able to control B. sorokiniana on detached common hop leaves at their recommended concentrations. In conclusion, this study reports leaf spot and blight of common hop caused by B. sorokiniana for the first time and proposes potential fungicides for this disease.

Seeing double on Cannabis: Haploids and heteroploids of Bipolaris gigantea on hemp and other dicots

Bipolaris gigantea (= Drechslera gigantea) causes Bipolaris leaf spot (BLS), a devastating and widespread disease on industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa). An investigation of relationships of isolates from hemp and other plants indicated variation in ploidy that has not previously been reported for Bipolaris. Isolates were obtained from BLS lesions on hemp and nearby weeds in 11 Kentucky counties and were similar to each other in morphology and growth characteristics. In total, 23 isolates were analyzed by multilocus phylogenetics, of which seven were also chosen for whole genome shotgun sequencing. Genes for RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (RPB2), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), and mating type (MAT1) indicated that 13 of the isolates were haploid with only a single allele each of RPB2 and TEF1 and either the MAT1-1 or MAT1-2 idiomorph, whereas 10 were apparently "heteroploid" with two alleles each of RPB2 and TEF1 and both MAT1 idiomorphs. Haploids all had identical RPB2 alleles except for a 1-bp difference in two isolates, identical TEF1 alleles, and (if present) identical MAT1-2 alleles. Those alleles were also present in each heteroploid along with either of two related but distinct alleles for each gene. In contrast, haploids and heteroploids shared allelic variation of MAT1-1. In total, four haploid and two heteroploid genotypes were identified. Genome sequence data assembled to 30-32 Mb for each of four haploid isolates, but 10-31 Mb larger sizes for each of three heteroploids depending on sequencing platform and assembly program. The haploids and heteroploids caused similar disease on hemp.

Case report: A case of ocular infection caused by Corynespora cassiicola

Objective

The aim of this study is to identify the pathogen causing ocular infection in a Chinese patient and to describe its morphological characteristics.

Methods

Samples from the patient's intraoperative pus were collected for microscopic examination and culture. Morphology and drug sensitivities of the isolated fungus were analyzed. Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing was performed and blasted in GenBank.

Results

A strain of fungi was repeatedly isolated from pus samples in different types of medium. No conidia were shown when the isolate cultured on normal PDA medium, whereas pseudoseptate thick-walled conidia were shown when cultured on medium containing leaf leachate. The results of BLAST and phylogenetic trees based on internal transcribed spacer, beta-tubulin, translation elongation factor 1-alpha, and RNA polymerase II gene demonstrated that the isolated fungus was Corynespora cassiicola. Minimum inhibitory concentration results of this organism were as follows: anidulafungin, 0.06 μg/ml; amphotericin B, 0.12 μg/ml; micafungin, 0.06 μg/ml; caspofungin, 0.5 μg/ml; 5-fluorocytosine, >64 μg/ml; posaconazole, 2 μg/ml; voriconazole, 0.25 μg/ml; itraconazole, 0.5 μg/ml; fluconazole, 64 μg/ml.

Conclusion

The case was infected with Corynespora cassiicola and led to eye suppurative endophthalmitis and blindness. Combined applications of morphological and molecular biology techniques facilitate accurate diagnosis of fungal infections.

Landscape characteristics shape surface soil microbiomes in the Chihuahuan Desert

Introduction

Soil microbial communities, including biological soil crust microbiomes, play key roles in water, carbon and nitrogen cycling, biological weathering, and other nutrient releasing processes of desert ecosystems. However, our knowledge of microbial distribution patterns and ecological drivers is still poor, especially so for the Chihuahuan Desert.

Methods

This project investigated the effects of trampling disturbance on surface soil microbiomes, explored community composition and structure, and related patterns to abiotic and biotic landscape characteristics within the Chihuahuan Desert biome. Composite soil samples were collected in disturbed and undisturbed areas of 15 long-term ecological research plots in the Jornada Basin, New Mexico. Microbial diversity of cross-domain microbial groups (total Bacteria, Cyanobacteria, Archaea, and Fungi) was obtained via DNA amplicon metabarcode sequencing. Sequence data were related to landscape characteristics including vegetation type, landforms, ecological site and state as well as soil properties including gravel content, soil texture, pH, and electrical conductivity.

Results

Filamentous Cyanobacteria dominated the photoautotrophic community while Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria dominated among the heterotrophic bacteria. Thaumarchaeota were the most abundant Archaea and drought adapted taxa in Dothideomycetes and Agaricomycetes were most abundant fungi in the soil surface microbiomes. Apart from richness within Archaea (p = 0.0124), disturbed samples did not differ from undisturbed samples with respect to alpha diversity and community composition (p ≥ 0.05), possibly due to a lack of frequent or impactful disturbance. Vegetation type and landform showed differences in richness of Bacteria, Archaea, and Cyanobacteria but not in Fungi. Richness lacked strong relationships with soil variables. Landscape features including parent material, vegetation type, landform type, and ecological sites and states, exhibited stronger influence on relative abundances and microbial community composition than on alpha diversity, especially for Cyanobacteria and Fungi. Soil texture, moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, lichen cover, and perennial plant biomass correlated strongly with microbial community gradients detected in NMDS ordinations.

Discussion

Our study provides first comprehensive insights into the relationships between landscape characteristics, associated soil properties, and cross-domain soil microbiomes in the Chihuahuan Desert. Our findings will inform land management and restoration efforts and aid in the understanding of processes such as desertification and state transitioning, which represent urgent ecological and economical challenges in drylands around the world.

Durian Shell-Mediated Simple Green Synthesis of Nanocopper against Plant Pathogenic Fungi

The synthesis of fungicides in eco-friendly and cost-effective ways is significantly essential for agriculture. Plant pathogenic fungi cause many ecological and economic issues worldwide, which must be treated with effective fungicides. Here, this study proposes the biosynthesis of fungicides, which combines copper and Cu₂O nanoparticles (Cu/Cu₂O) synthesized using durian shell (DS) extract as a reducing agent in aqueous media. Sugar and polyphenol compounds contained in DS, as the main phytochemicals acting in the reduction procedure, were extracted under different temperatures and duration conditions to obtain the highest yields. We confirmed the extraction process performed at 70 °C for 60 min to be the most effective in extracting sugar (6.1 g/L) and polyphenols (22.7 mg/L). We determined the suitable conditions for Cu/Cu₂O synthesis using a DS extract as a reducing agent for a synthesis time of 90 min, a volume ratio of DR extract/Cu²⁺ of 15:35, an initial pH solution of 10, a synthesis temperature of 70 °C, and a CuSO₄ concentration of 10 mM. The characterization results of as-prepared Cu/Cu₂O NP showed a highly crystalline structure of Cu₂O and Cu with sizes estimated in the range of 40-25 nm and 25-30 nm, respectively. Through in vitro experiments, the antifungal efficacy of Cu/Cu₂O against Corynespora cassiicola and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum was investigated by the inhibition zone. The green-synthesized Cu/Cu₂O nanocomposites, which are potential antifungals against plant pathogens, exhibited excellent antifungal efficacy against both Corynespora cassiicola (MIC = 0.25 g/L, the diameter of the inhibition zone was 22.00 ± 0.52 mm) and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (MIC = 0.0625 g/L, the diameter of the inhibition zone was 18.00 ± 0.58 mm). Cu/Cu₂O nanocomosites prepared in this study could be a valuable suggestion for the control of plant pathogenic fungi affecting crop species globally.

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.

Ecological Processes of Bacterial and Fungal Communities Associated with Typha orientalis Roots in Wetlands Were Distinct during Plant Development

Root-associated microbiomes are essential for the ecological function of the root system. However, their assembly mechanisms in wetland are poorly understood. In this study, we explored and compared the ecological processes of bacterial and fungal communities in water, bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, and root endosphere niches for 3 developmental stages of Typha orientalis at different wetland sites, and assessed the potential functions of root endosphere microbiomes with function prediction. Our findings suggest that the microbial diversity, composition, and interaction networks along the water-soil-plant continuum are shaped predominantly by compartment niche and developmental stage, rather than by wetland site. Source tracking analysis indicated that T. orientalis' root endosphere is derived primarily from the rhizosphere soil (bacteria 39.9%, fungi 27.3%) and water (bacteria 18.9%, fungi 19.1%) niches. In addition, we found that the assembly of bacterial communities is driven primarily by deterministic processes and fungal communities by stochastic processes. The interaction network among microbes varies at different developmental stages of T. orientalis, and is accompanied by changes in microbial keystone taxa. The functional prediction data supports the distribution pattern of the bacterial and fungal microbiomes, which have different ecological roles at different plant developmental stages, where more beneficial bacterial taxa are observed in the root endosphere in the early stages, but more saprophytic fungi in the late stages. Our findings provide empirical evidence for the assembly, sources, interactions, and potential functions of wetland plant root microbial communities and have significant implications for the future applications of plant microbiomes in the wetland ecosystem. IMPORTANCE Our findings provide empirical evidence for the assembly, sources, interactions, and potential functions of wetland plant root microbial communities, and have significant implications for the future applications of plant microbiomes in the wetland ecosystem.

Additions to Rhytidhysteron (Hysteriales, Dothideomycetes) in China

In this study, twelve terrestrial hysteriaceous saprobic fungi growing on different pieces of dead wood were collected from Yunnan Province, China. All hysteriaceous strains isolated in this study tallied with the general characteristics associated with Rhytidhysteron. Detailed morphological characteristics and combined multigene phylogeny of LSU, ITS, SSU, and TEF showed that the twelve hysteriaceous fungi strains represent four distinct new species, and seven new host or geographical records of Rhytidhysteron. Based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, the four new species (Rhytidhysteron bannaense sp. nov., R. coffeae sp. nov., R. mengziense sp. nov., and R. yunnanense sp. nov.) expand the number of species of Rhytidhysteron from thirty-three to thirty-seven, while seven new geographical records expand the records of Rhytidhysteron in China from six to thirteen. In addition, 10 new Rhytidhysteron host records are reported for the first time, thus expanding the known hosts for Rhytidhysteron from 52 to 62. Full descriptions, images of the morphology, and phylogenetic analyses to show the position of the Rhytidhysteron taxa are provided. In addition, the present study summarizes the main morphological characteristics, host associations, and locations of this genus.

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

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

Description and Genome Characterization of Three Novel Fungal Strains Isolated from Mars 2020 Mission-Associated Spacecraft Assembly Facility Surfaces-Recommendations for Two New Genera and One Species

National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) spacecraft assembly facilities are monitored for the presence of any bacteria or fungi that might conceivably survive a transfer to an extraterrestrial environment. Fungi present a broad and diverse range of phenotypic and functional traits to adapt to extreme conditions, hence the detection of fungi and subsequent eradication of them are needed to prevent forward contamination for future NASA missions. During the construction and assembly for the Mars 2020 mission, three fungal strains with unique morphological and phylogenetic properties were isolated from spacecraft assembly facilities. The reconstruction of phylogenetic trees based on several gene loci (ITS, LSU, SSU, RPB, TUB, TEF1) using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analyses supported the hypothesis that these were novel species. Here we report the genus or species-level classification of these three novel strains via a polyphasic approach using phylogenetic analysis, colony and cell morphology, and comparative analysis of WGS. The strain FJI-L9-BK-P1 isolated from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Spacecraft Assembly Facility (JPL-SAF) exhibited a putative phylogenetic relationship with the strain Aaosphaeria arxii CBS175.79 but showed distinct morphology and microscopic features. Another JPL-SAF strain, FJII-L3-CM-DR1, was phylogenetically distinct from members of the family Trichomeriaceae and exhibited morphologically different features from the genera Lithohypha and Strelitziana. The strain FKI-L1-BK-DR1 isolated from the Kennedy Space Center facility was identified as a member of Dothideomycetes incertae sedis and is closely related to the family Kirschsteiniotheliaceae according to a phylogenetic analysis. The polyphasic taxonomic approach supported the recommendation for establishing two novel genera and one novel species. The names Aaosphaeria pasadenensis (FJI-L9-BK-P1 = NRRL 64424 = DSM 114621), Pasadenomyces melaninifex (FJII-L3-CM-DR1 = NRRL 64433 = DSM 114623), and Floridaphiala radiotolerans (FKI-L1-BK-DR1 = NRRL 64434 = DSM 114624) are proposed as type species. Furthermore, resistance to ultraviolet-C and presence of specific biosynthetic gene cluster(s) coding for metabolically active compounds are unique to these strains.

First Report of Curvularia lunata Causing Leaf Spot on Oryza sativa in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has been farmed in Malaysia since ancient times and is one of the most important commercial crops (Ma'arup et al. 2020). Throughout January to August 2022, chlorotic spots with brown halos ranging 2 to 10 mm wide were found on upper leaves of rice variety Mahsuri in the vegetative stage with a severity and incidence of approximately 60% and 100%, respectively in Kampung Tagas, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo (06°09'41.8"N, 116°13'45.1"E). As the disease developed, the spots coalesced into larger chlorotic spots. Three leaf pieces (5 x 5 mm) were excised from lesion margins, surface sterilized based on Khoo et al. (2022a), before plating on water agar (WA) at 25°C. Purification of fungi was conducted on WA using hyphal tip isolation. When three pure cultures were obtained, the fungi were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and WA for 7 days in 12 h light and 12 h dark at 25°C for the macro- and micro-morphological characterization, respectively. The colonies of the three isolates on PDA were initially gray, later becoming dark. Conidia (n=30) were fusiform, smooth-walled, dark-brown, and melanized with three transverse septa, measuring 7.3 to 11.4 × 16.2 to 27.2 µm. The isolates were named Tagas01, Tagas02, Tagas03. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh mycelia of the pathogens based on the extraction method described by Khoo et al. (2022b). The primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), GPD1/GPD2 (Berbee et al. 1991), and EF1-983F/EF1-2218R (Schochet al. 2009) were used to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA, partial fragments of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and translation elongation factor (EF-1α) region, respectively based on PCR conditions as described previously (Khoo et al. 2022a). The sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers OP268402, OP271304, OP271305 (677/677 bp) (ITS), OP270699, OP270703, OP270704 (609/613 bp) (GAPDH), OP270700-OP270702 (928/930 bp) (EF-1α). They were 99.35-100% similar to the Curvularia lunata ITS (HF934911), GAPDH (LT715821), and Curvularia dactyloctenicola EF-1α (MF490858) type sequences. Although C. dactyloctenicolais related to C. lunata, the conidia of the former are much wider making them easier to differentiate (Marin-Felix et al. 2017). Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood based on the combined ITS, GAPDH and EF-1α sequences indicated that the isolate formed a supported clade to C. lunata. The pathogens were identified as C. lunata based on morphological and molecular characterization. Koch's postulates were performed. Three replicate healthy rice at the vegetative stage were sprayed with a spore suspension of 1 × 106 spore/ml in distilled sterilized water, prepared from 1-week-old fungal culture, grown in the dark on WA. Three replicate rice plants were sprayed with distilled sterilized water as control. Plants were covered with transparent polyethylene bags to keep moisture, and kept in a greenhouse at ~27°C. Bags were removed after 4 days of incubation. Monitoring and incubation were performed in greenhouse based on Iftikhar et al. (2022). The pathogenicity test was also performed using isolate Tagas02 and Tagas03. All inoculated leaves developed symptoms as described after 6 days post-inoculation, whereas no symptoms occurred on controls. The experiments were repeated twice. The reisolated fungi were identical to the pathogen morphologically and molecularly, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. C. lunata has been reported in Peninsular Malaysia (Lee et al. 2012). This is the first report of C. lunata causing leaf spot on Oryza sativa in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. This illness not only reduces yields and lowers milling quality, but it may also be mistaken for rice blast, necessitating needless fungicide spraying.

Taxonomic Novelties of Woody Litter Fungi (Didymosphaeriaceae, Pleosporales) from the Greater Mekong Subregion

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is known as a diverse geographic landscape and one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world with a high fungal diversity. Collections were carried out in terrestrial habitats to determine the diversity of woody litter fungi in the GMS, with an emphasis on northern Thailand and the Yunnan Province of China. Morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analyses of combined SSU, LSU, ITS, and tef1-α supported the placement of the new isolates in the family Didymosphaeriaceae. The phylogenetic affinities of our isolates are illustrated through maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses. Seven species of woody litter fungi were identified, comprising a new monotypic genus, Septofusispora; five novel species (Chromolaenicola sapindi, Dictyoarthrinium thailandicum, Karstenula lancangensis, Septofusispora thailandica, and Spegazzinia jinghaensis); and new host records of two species (Austropleospora archidendri, and Montagnula donacina). Furthermore, this study provides a synopsis of the Montagnula aff. donacina species based on their morphological characteristics, which can be useful in the species-level identifications in this genus.

New species and records of Neomassaria, Oxydothis and Roussoella (Pezizomycotina, Ascomycota) associated with palm and bamboo from China

Several micro fungi were gathered from bamboo and palm in Guizhou Province, China. In morphology, these taxa resemble Neomassaria, Roussoella and Oxydothis. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on combined ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2 and tef1 loci confirmed that two are new geographical records for China, (viz. Roussoellasiamensis, Neomassariafabacearum), while two of them are new to science (viz. Oxydothisfortunei sp. nov. and Roussoellabambusarum sp. nov.). The stromata of Roussoellabambusarum are similar to those of R.thailandica, but its ascospores are larger. In addition, multi-gene phylogenetic analyses show that Oxydothisfortunei is closely related to O.inaequalis, but the J- ascus subapical ring as well as the ascospores of O.inaequalis are smaller. Morphological descriptions and illustrations of all species 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.

Microscopic marine invertebrates are reservoirs for cryptic and diverse protists and fungi

BACKGROUND

Microbial symbioses in marine invertebrates are commonplace. However, characterizations of invertebrate microbiomes are vastly outnumbered by those of vertebrates. Protists and fungi run the gamut of symbiosis, yet eukaryotic microbiome sequencing is rarely undertaken, with much of the focus on bacteria. To explore the importance of microscopic marine invertebrates as potential symbiont reservoirs, we used a phylogenetic-focused approach to analyze the host-associated eukaryotic microbiomes of 220 animal specimens spanning nine different animal phyla.

RESULTS

Our data expanded the traditional host range of several microbial taxa and identified numerous undescribed lineages. A lack of comparable reference sequences resulted in several cryptic clades within the Apicomplexa and Ciliophora and emphasized the potential for microbial invertebrates to harbor novel protistan and fungal diversity.

CONCLUSIONS

Microscopic marine invertebrates, spanning a wide range of animal phyla, host various protist and fungal sequences and may therefore serve as a useful resource in the detection and characterization of undescribed symbioses. Video Abstract.

Characterization of fungal pathogens and germplasm screening for disease resistance in the main production area of the common bean in Argentina

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important grain legume in the human diet, mainly in Africa and Latin America. Argentina is one of the five major producers of the common bean in the world, and the main cultivation areas are concentrated in the northwestern provinces of this country. Crop production of the common bean is often affected by biotic factors like some endemic fungal diseases, which exert a major economic impact on the region. The most important fungal diseases affecting the common bean in Argentina are white mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, angular leaf spot caused by Pseudocercospora griseola, web blight and root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani, which can cause production losses of up to 100% in the region. At the present, the most effective strategy for controlling these diseases is the use of genetic resistance. In this sense, population study and characterization of fungal pathogens are essential for developing cultivars with durable resistance. In this review we report diversity studies carried out on these three fungal pathogens affecting the common bean in northwestern Argentina, analyzing more than 200 isolates by means of molecular, morphological and pathogenic approaches. Also, the screening of physiological resistance in several common bean commercial lines and wild native germplasm is reviewed. This review contributes to the development of sustainable management strategies and cultural practices in bean production aimed to minimize yield losses due to fungal diseases in the common bean.

The First Comprehensive Biodiversity Study of Culturable Fungal Communities Inhabiting Cryoconite Holes in the Werenskiold Glacier on Spitsbergen (Svalbard Archipelago, Arctic)

Cryoconite holes on glacier surfaces are a source of cold-adapted microorganisms, but little is known about their fungal inhabitants. Here, we provide the first report of distinctive fungal communities in cryoconite holes in the Werenskiold Glacier on Spitsbergen (Svalbard Archipelago, Arctic). Due to a combination of two incubation temperatures (7 °C and 24 ± 0.5 °C) and two media during isolation (PDA, YPG), as well as classical and molecular identification approaches, we were able to identify 23 different fungi (21 species and 2 unassigned species). Most of the fungi cultured from cryoconite sediment were ascomycetous filamentous micromycetes. However, four representatives of macromycetes were also identified (Bjerkandera adusta, Holwaya mucida, Orbiliaceae sp., and Trametes versicolor). Some of the described fungi possess biotechnological potential (Aspergillus pseudoglaucus, A. sydowii, Penicillium expansum, P. velutinum, B. adusta, and T. versicolor), thus, we propose the Arctic region as a source of new strains for industrial applications. In addition, two phytopathogenic representatives were present (P. sumatraense, Botrytis cinerea), as well as one potentially harmful to humans (Cladosporium cladosporioides). To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report the occurrence of A. pseudoglaucus, C. allicinum, C. ramotenellum, P. sumatraense, P. velutinum, P. cumulodentata, B. adusta, and T. versicolor in polar regions. In all likelihood, two unassigned fungus species (Orbiliaceae and Dothideomycetes spp.) might also be newly described in such environments. Additionally, due to experimenting with 10 sampling sites located at different latitudes, we were able to conclude that the number of fungal spores decreases as one moves down the glacier. Considering the prevalence and endangerment of glacial environments worldwide, such findings suggest their potential as reservoirs of fungal diversity, which should not be overlooked.

Amplicon Sequencing Reveals Novel Fungal Species Responsible for a Controversial Tea Disease

Amplicon sequencing is a powerful tool for analyzing the fungal composition inside plants, whereas its application for the identification of etiology for plant diseases remains undetermined. Here, we utilize this strategy to clarify the etiology responsible for tea leaf brown-black spot disease (LBSD), a noticeable disease infecting tea plants etiology that remains controversial. Based on the ITS-based amplicon sequencing analysis, Didymella species were identified as separate from Pestalotiopsis spp. and Cercospora sp., which are concluded as the etiological agents. This was further confirmed by the fungal isolation and their specific pathogenicity on diverse tea varieties. Based on the morphologies and phylogenetic analysis constructed with multi-loci (ITS, LSU, tub2, and rpb2), two novel Didymella species—tentatively named D. theae and D. theifolia as reference to their host plants—were proposed and characterized. Here, we present an integrated approach of ITS-based amplicon sequencing in combination with fungal isolation and fulfillment of Koch’s postulates for etiological identification of tea plant disease, revealing new etiology for LBSD. This contributes useful information for further etiological identification of plant disease based on amplicon sequencing, as well as understanding, prevention, and management of this economically important disease.

Comparative genomics of host-specialized populations of Corynespora cassiicola causing target spot epidemics in the southeastern United States

Numerous plant-pathogenic fungi secrete necrotrophic effectors (syn. host-selective toxins) that are important determinants of pathogenicity and virulence in species that have a necrotrophic lifestyle. Corynespora cassiicola is a necrotrophic fungus causing emerging target spot epidemics in the southeastern United States (US). Previous studies revealed that populations of C. cassiicola from cotton, soybean, and tomato are clonal, host specialized and genetically distinct. Additionally, cassiicolin - the necrotrophic effector identified in some C. cassiicola isolates - is an important toxin for virulence on rubber. It is encoded by seven Cas gene variants. Our goal was to conduct comparative genomic analyses to identify variation among putative necrotrophic effector genes and to determine if lack of one of the mating-types explained clonal populations in C. cassiicola causing outbreaks in the southeastern US and the apparent absence of sexual reproduction worldwide. A total of 12 C. cassiicola genomes, with four each from isolates from tomato, soybean, and cotton, were sequenced using an Illumina Next Seq platform. Each genome was assembled de novo, compared with the reference genome from rubber, and searched for known Cas, and other gene clusters with homologs of secondary metabolites. Cas2 and/or Cas6 were present in isolates from soybean in the southeastern US, whereas Cas1 and Cas2 were present in isolates from cotton in the southeastern US. In addition, several toxin genes, including the T-toxin biosynthetic genes were present in all C. cassiicola from cotton, soybean, and tomato. The mating-type locus was identified in all of the sequenced genomes, with the MAT1-1 idiomorph present in all cotton isolates and the rubber isolate, whereas the MAT1-2 idiomorph was present in all soybean isolates. We developed a PCR-based marker for mating-type in C. cassiicola. Both mating types were present in isolates from tomato. Thus, C. cassiicola has both mating-types necessary for sexual reproduction, but the absence of both mating-types within soybean and cotton populations could explain clonality in these populations. Variation in necrotrophic effectors may underlie host specialization and disease emergence of target spot on cotton, soybean, and tomato in the southeastern US.

Genera of phytopathogenic fungi: GOPHY 4

This paper is the fourth contribution in the Genera of Phytopathogenic Fungi (GOPHY) series. The series provides morphological descriptions and information about the pathology, distribution, hosts and disease symptoms, as well as DNA barcodes for the taxa covered. Moreover, 12 whole-genome sequences for the type or new species in the treated genera are provided. The fourth paper in the GOPHY series covers 19 genera of phytopathogenic fungi and their relatives, including Ascochyta, Cadophora, Celoporthe, Cercospora, Coleophoma, Cytospora, Dendrostoma, Didymella, Endothia, Heterophaeomoniella, Leptosphaerulina, Melampsora, Nigrospora, Pezicula, Phaeomoniella, Pseudocercospora, Pteridopassalora, Zymoseptoria, and one genus of oomycetes, Phytophthora. This study includes two new genera, 30 new species, five new combinations, and 43 typifications of older names. Taxonomic novelties: New genera: Heterophaeomoniella L. Mostert, C.F.J. Spies, Halleen & Gramaje, Pteridopassalora C. Nakash. & Crous; New species: Ascochyta flava Qian Chen & L. Cai, Cadophora domestica L. Mostert, R. van der Merwe, Halleen & Gramaje, Cadophora rotunda L. Mostert, R. van der Merwe, Halleen & Gramaje, Cadophora vinacea J.R. Úrbez-Torres, D.T. O'Gorman & Gramaje, Cadophora vivarii L. Mostert, Havenga, Halleen & Gramaje, Celoporthe foliorum H. Suzuki, Marinc. & M.J. Wingf., Cercospora alyssopsidis M. Bakhshi, Zare & Crous, Dendrostoma elaeocarpi C.M. Tian & Q. Yang, Didymella chlamydospora Qian Chen & L. Cai, Didymella gei Qian Chen & L. Cai, Didymella ligulariae Qian Chen & L. Cai, Didymella qilianensis Qian Chen & L. Cai, Didymella uniseptata Qian Chen & L. Cai, Endothia cerciana W. Wang. & S.F. Chen, Leptosphaerulina miscanthi Qian Chen & L. Cai, Nigrospora covidalis M. Raza, Qian Chen & L. Cai, Nigrospora globospora M. Raza, Qian Chen & L. Cai, Nigrospora philosophiae-doctoris M. Raza, Qian Chen & L. Cai, Phytophthora transitoria I. Milenković, T. Májek & T. Jung, Phytophthora panamensis T. Jung, Y. Balci, K. Broders & I. Milenković, Phytophthora variabilis T. Jung, M. Horta Jung & I. Milenković, Pseudocercospora delonicicola C. Nakash., L. Suhaizan & I. Nurul Faziha, Pseudocercospora farfugii C. Nakash., I. Araki, & Ai Ito, Pseudocercospora hardenbergiae Crous & C. Nakash., Pseudocercospora kenyirana C. Nakash., L. Suhaizan & I. Nurul Faziha, Pseudocercospora perrottetiae Crous, C. Nakash. & C.Y. Chen, Pseudocercospora platyceriicola C. Nakash., Y. Hatt, L. Suhaizan & I. Nurul Faziha, Pseudocercospora stemonicola C. Nakash., Y. Hatt., L. Suhaizan & I. Nurul Faziha, Pseudocercospora terengganuensis C. Nakash., Y. Hatt., L. Suhaizan & I. Nurul Faziha, Pseudocercospora xenopunicae Crous & C. Nakash.; New combinations: Heterophaeomoniella pinifoliorum (Hyang B. Lee et al.) L. Mostert, C.F.J. Spies, Halleen & Gramaje, Pseudocercospora pruni-grayanae (Sawada) C. Nakash. & Motohashi., Pseudocercospora togashiana (K. Ito & Tak. Kobay.) C. Nakash. & Tak. Kobay., Pteridopassalora nephrolepidicola (Crous & R.G. Shivas) C. Nakash. & Crous, Pteridopassalora lygodii (Goh & W.H. Hsieh) C. Nakash. & Crous; Typification: Epitypification: Botrytis infestans Mont., Cercospora abeliae Katsuki, Cercospora ceratoniae Pat. & Trab., Cercospora cladrastidis Jacz., Cercospora cryptomeriicola Sawada, Cercospora dalbergiae S.H. Sun, Cercospora ebulicola W. Yamam., Cercospora formosana W. Yamam., Cercospora fukuii W. Yamam., Cercospora glochidionis Sawada, Cercospora ixorana J.M. Yen & Lim, Cercospora liquidambaricola J.M. Yen, Cercospora pancratii Ellis & Everh., Cercospora pini-densiflorae Hori & Nambu, Cercospora profusa Syd. & P. Syd., Cercospora pyracanthae Katsuki, Cercospora horiana Togashi & Katsuki, Cercospora tabernaemontanae Syd. & P. Syd., Cercospora trinidadensis F. Stevens & Solheim, Melampsora laricis-urbanianae Tak. Matsumoto, Melampsora salicis-cupularis Wang, Phaeoisariopsis pruni-grayanae Sawada, Pseudocercospora angiopteridis Goh & W.H. Hsieh, Pseudocercospora basitruncata Crous, Pseudocercospora boehmeriigena U. Braun, Pseudocercospora coprosmae U. Braun & C.F. Hill, Pseudocercospora cratevicola C. Nakash. & U. Braun, Pseudocercospora cymbidiicola U. Braun & C.F. Hill, Pseudocercospora dodonaeae Boesew., Pseudocercospora euphorbiacearum U. Braun, Pseudocercospora lygodii Goh & W.H. Hsieh, Pseudocercospora metrosideri U. Braun, Pseudocercospora paraexosporioides C. Nakash. & U. Braun, Pseudocercospora symploci Katsuki & Tak. Kobay. ex U. Braun & Crous, Septogloeum punctatum Wakef.; Neotypification: Cercospora aleuritis I. Miyake; Lectotypification: Cercospora dalbergiae S.H. Sun, Cercospora formosana W. Yamam., Cercospora fukuii W. Yamam., Cercospora glochidionis Sawada, Cercospora profusa Syd. & P. Syd., Melampsora laricis-urbanianae Tak. Matsumoto, Phaeoisariopsis pruni-grayanae Sawada, Pseudocercospora symploci Katsuki & Tak. Kobay. ex U. Braun & Crous. Citation: Chen Q, Bakhshi M, Balci Y, Broders KD, Cheewangkoon R, Chen SF, Fan XL, Gramaje D, Halleen F, Horta Jung M, Jiang N, Jung T, Májek T, Marincowitz S, Milenković T, Mostert L, Nakashima C, Nurul Faziha I, Pan M, Raza M, Scanu B, Spies CFJ, Suhaizan L, Suzuki H, Tian CM, Tomšovský M, Úrbez-Torres JR, Wang W, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ, Yang Q, Yang X, Zare R, Zhao P, Groenewald JZ, Cai L, Crous PW (2022). Genera of phytopathogenic fungi: GOPHY 4. Studies in Mycology 101: 417-564. doi: 10.3114/sim.2022.101.06.

Morpho-Molecular Characterization of Microfungi Associated with Phyllostachys (Poaceae) in Sichuan, China

In the present study, we surveyed the ascomycetes from bamboo of Phyllostachys across Sichuan Province, China. A biphasic approach based on morphological characteristics and multigene phylogeny confirmed seven species, including one new genus, two new species, and five new host record species. A novel genus Paralloneottiosporina is introduced to accommodate Pa. sichuanensis that was collected from leaves of Phyllostachys violascens. Moreover, the newly introduced species Bifusisporella sichuanensis was isolated from leaves of P. edulis, and five species were newly recorded on bamboos, four species belonging to Apiospora, viz. Ap. yunnana, Ap. neosubglobosa, Ap. jiangxiensis, and Ap. hydei, and the last species, Seriascoma yunnanense, isolated from dead culms of P. heterocycla. Morphologically similar and phylogenetically related taxa were compared. Comprehensive descriptions, color photo plates of micromorphology are provided.

The poly-extreme tolerant black yeasts are prevalent under high ultraviolet light and climatic seasonality across soils of global biomes

Black yeasts are among the most stress‐tolerant organisms of the planet, thriving under all types of terrestrial habitats and extreme environments. Yet, their global patterns and ecology remain far less studied, limiting our capacity to identify the main environmental drivers of these important organisms across biomes. To fill this knowledge gap, we analysed topsoils from 235 terrestrial ecosystems across and within globally distributed climate groups (i.e. dry, temperate and continental). We found that soils are important repositories of black yeasts, and that ultraviolet light, fine soil texture, and precipitation seasonality are the most consistent environmental factors associated with their diversity across biomes. Finally, we identified Exophiala and Cladophialophora as the most dominant black yeasts genera in soils across the globe. These findings provide novel evidence of global distribution of black yeasts and their key environmental predictors, giving new insights for speculating the evolution and spreading of these extreme‐tolerant organisms throughout both natural and human associated extreme environments.

Comparative Genomics Reveals Evolutionary Traits, Mating Strategies, and Pathogenicity-Related Genes Variation of Botryosphaeriaceae

Botryosphaeriaceae, as a major family of the largest class of kingdom fungi Dothideomycetes, encompasses phytopathogens, saprobes, and endophytes. Many members of this family are opportunistic phytopathogens with a wide host range and worldwide geographical distribution, and can infect many economically important plants, including food crops and raw material plants for biofuel production. To date, however, little is known about the family evolutionary characterization, mating strategies, and pathogenicity-related genes variation from a comparative genome perspective. Here, we conducted a large-scale whole-genome comparison of 271 Dothideomycetes, including 19 species in Botryosphaeriaceae. The comparative genome analysis provided a clear classification of Botryosphaeriaceae in Dothideomycetes and indicated that the evolution of lifestyle within Dothideomycetes underwent four major transitions from non-phytopathogenic to phytopathogenic. Mating strategies analysis demonstrated that at least 3 transitions were found within Botryosphaeriaceae from heterothallism to homothallism. Additionally, pathogenicity-related genes contents in different genera varied greatly, indicative of genus-lineage expansion within Botryosphaeriaceae. These findings shed new light on evolutionary traits, mating strategies and pathogenicity-related genes variation of Botryosphaeriaceae.

Keqinzhangia aquatica gen. et sp. nov. and Pseudocoronospora hainanense gen. et sp. nov., isolated from freshwater in southern China

During an investigation of the diversity of aquatic hyphomycetes from southern China, two interesting isolates were collected. These two isolates were cultured and sequenced, and a BLAST search of their LSU sequences against data in GenBank revealed that the closest related taxa were in the genus Microthyrium. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the combined sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large nuclear subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU), revealed that our isolates belong to the Microthyriaceae. Combined morphological characters allowed us to describe our isolates as two new genera and species in Microthyriaceae, named as: Keqinzhangia aquatica and Pseudocoronospora hainanense. The full descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree showing the position of the two new genera were provided in this paper.

Two new asexual genera and six new asexual species in the family Microthyriaceae (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota) from China

The family Microthyriaceae is represented by relatively few mycelial cultures and DNA sequences; as a result, the taxonomy and classification of this group of organisms remain poorly understood. During the investigation of the diversity of aquatic hyphomycetes from southern China, several isolates were collected. These isolates were cultured and sequenced and a BLAST search of its LSU sequences against data in GenBank revealed that the closest related taxa are in the genus Microthyrium. Phylogenetic analyses, based on the combined sequence data from the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and the large subunit (LSU), revealed that these isolates represent eight new taxa in Microthyriaceae, including two new genera, Antidactylariagen. nov. and Isthmomycesgen. nov. and six new species, Antidactylariaminifimbriatasp. nov., Isthmomycesoxysporussp. nov., I.dissimilissp. nov., I.macrosporussp. nov., Triscelophorusanisopterioideussp. nov. and T.sinensissp. nov. These new taxa are described, illustrated for their morphologies and compared with similar taxa. In addition, two new combinations are proposed in this family.

Impact of Harvest on Switchgrass Leaf Microbial Communities

Switchgrass is a promising feedstock for biofuel production, with potential for leveraging its native microbial community to increase productivity and resilience to environmental stress. Here, we characterized the bacterial, archaeal and fungal diversity of the leaf microbial community associated with four switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) genotypes, subjected to two harvest treatments (annual harvest and unharvested control), and two fertilization levels (fertilized and unfertilized control), based on 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region amplicon sequencing. Leaf surface and leaf endosphere bacterial communities were significantly different with Alphaproteobacteria enriched in the leaf surface and Gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli enriched in the leaf endosphere. Harvest treatment significantly shifted presence/absence and abundances of bacterial and fungal leaf surface community members: Gammaproteobacteria were significantly enriched in harvested and Alphaproteobacteria were significantly enriched in unharvested leaf surface communities. These shifts were most prominent in the upland genotype DAC where the leaf surface showed the highest enrichment of Gammaproteobacteria, including taxa with 100% identity to those previously shown to have phytopathogenic function. Fertilization did not have any significant impact on bacterial or fungal communities. We also identified bacterial and fungal taxa present in both the leaf surface and leaf endosphere across all genotypes and treatments. These core taxa were dominated by Methylobacterium, Enterobacteriaceae, and Curtobacterium, in addition to Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Alternaria and Dothideales. Local core leaf bacterial and fungal taxa represent promising targets for plant microbe engineering and manipulation across various genotypes and harvest treatments. Our study showcases, for the first time, the significant impact that harvest treatment can have on bacterial and fungal taxa inhabiting switchgrass leaves and the need to include this factor in future plant microbial community studies.

New Dothideomycetes from Freshwater Habitats in Spain

The Dothideomycetes are a class of cosmopolitan fungi that are present principally in terrestrial environments, but which have also been found in freshwater and marine habitats. In the present study, more than a hundred samples of plant debris were collected from various freshwater locations in Spain. Its incubation in wet chambers allowed us to detect and to isolate in pure culture numerous fungi producing asexual reproductive fruiting bodies (conidiomata). Thanks to a morphological comparison and to a phylogenetic analysis that combined the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nrDNA with fragments of the RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2), beta tubulin (tub2), and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1) genes, six of those strains were identified as new species to science. Three belong to the family Didymellaceae: Didymella brevipilosa, Heterophoma polypusiformis and Paraboeremia clausa; and three belong to the family Phaeosphaeriaceae:Paraphoma aquatica, Phaeosphaeria fructigena and Xenophoma microspora. The finding of these new taxa significantly increases the number of the coelomycetous fungi that have been described from freshwater habitats.

Elevation-related climate trends dominate fungal co-occurrence network structure and the abundance of keystone taxa on Mt. Norikura, Japan

Soil fungi play an important role in promoting nutrient cycling and maintaining ecosystem stability. Yet, there has been little understanding of how fungal co-occurrence networks differ along elevational climate gradients, a topic of interest to both macroecology and climate change studies. Based on high-throughput sequencing technology, we investigated the trend in co-occurrence network structure of soil fungal communities at 11 elevation levels along a 2300 m elevation gradient on Mt. Norikura, Japan, and identified the keystone taxa in the network, hypothesizing a progressive decline in network connectivity with elevation due to decreased plant diversity and enhanced environmental stress caused by changes in climate and soil characteristics. Our results demonstrated that network-level topological features such as network size, average degree, clustering coefficient, and modularity decreased significantly with increasing elevation, indicating that the fungal OTUs at low elevation were more closely associated and the network structure was more compact at low elevations. This conclusion was verified by the negative correlation between positive cohesion, negative cohesion and elevation. Moreover, the negative/positive cohesion ratio reached its peak value in mid-elevations with moderate environmental stress, indicating that the fungal community structure in mid-elevations was more stable than that at other elevations. We also found that the keystone taxa were more abundant at lower elevations. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed that against a background of uniform geology, climate may play a dominant role in determining the properties and intensity of soil fungal networks, and significantly affect the abundance distribution of keystone taxa. These findings enhance understanding of the pattern and mechanism of the fungal community co-occurrence network along elevation, as well as the responses of microorganisms to climate change on a vertical scale in montane ecosystems. IMPORTANCE: Exploration of the elevational distribution of microbial networks and their driving factors and mechanisms may provide opportunities for predicting potential impacts of environmental changes, on ecosystem functions and biogeographic patterns at a broad scale. Although many studies have explored patterns of fungal community diversity and composition along various environmental gradients, it is unclear how the topological structure of co-occurrence networks shifts along elevational temperature gradients. In this study, we found that the connectivity of the fungal community decreased with increasing elevation and that climate was the dominant factor regulating co-occurrence patterns, apparently acting indirectly through soil characteristics. Our results also suggest that higher elevations on mountains have fewer keystone taxa than low elevations. These patterns may be related to the decrease of plant diversity and the increase of environmental stress along elevation gradients.

Fungal diversity notes 1387-1511: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa

This article is the 13th contribution in the Fungal Diversity Notes series, wherein 125 taxa from four phyla, ten classes, 31 orders, 69 families, 92 genera and three genera incertae sedis are treated, demonstrating worldwide and geographic distribution. Fungal taxa described and illustrated in the present study include three new genera, 69 new species, one new combination, one reference specimen and 51 new records on new hosts and new geographical distributions. Three new genera, Cylindrotorula (Torulaceae), Scolecoleotia (Leotiales genus incertae sedis) and Xenovaginatispora (Lindomycetaceae) are introduced based on distinct phylogenetic lineages and unique morphologies. Newly described species are Aspergillus lannaensis, Cercophora dulciaquae, Cladophialophora aquatica, Coprinellus punjabensis, Cortinarius alutarius, C. mammillatus, C. quercoflocculosus, Coryneum fagi, Cruentomycena uttarakhandina, Cryptocoryneum rosae, Cyathus uniperidiolus, Cylindrotorula indica, Diaporthe chamaeropicola, Didymella azollae, Diplodia alanphillipsii, Dothiora coronicola, Efibula rodriguezarmasiae, Erysiphe salicicola, Fusarium queenslandicum, Geastrum gorgonicum, G. hansagiense, Helicosporium sexualis, Helminthosporium chiangraiensis, Hongkongmyces kokensis, Hydrophilomyces hydraenae, Hygrocybe boertmannii, Hyphoderma australosetigerum, Hyphodontia yunnanensis, Khaleijomyces umikazeana, Laboulbenia divisa, Laboulbenia triarthronis, Laccaria populina, Lactarius pallidozonarius, Lepidosphaeria strobelii, Longipedicellata megafusiformis, Lophiotrema lincangensis, Marasmius benghalensis, M. jinfoshanensis, M. subtropicus, Mariannaea camelliae, Melanographium smilaxii, Microbotryum polycnemoides, Mimeomyces digitatus, Minutisphaera thailandensis, Mortierella solitaria, Mucor harpali, Nigrograna jinghongensis, Odontia huanrenensis, O. parvispina, Paraconiothyrium ajrekarii, Parafuscosporella niloticus, Phaeocytostroma yomensis, Phaeoisaria synnematicus, Phanerochaete hainanensis, Pleopunctum thailandicum, Pleurotheciella dimorphospora, Pseudochaetosphaeronema chiangraiense, Pseudodactylaria albicolonia, Rhexoacrodictys nigrospora, Russula paravioleipes, Scolecoleotia eriocamporesi, Seriascoma honghense, Synandromyces makranczyi, Thyridaria aureobrunnea, Torula lancangjiangensis, Tubeufia longihelicospora, Wicklowia fusiformispora, Xenovaginatispora phichaiensis and Xylaria apiospora. One new combination, Pseudobactrodesmium stilboideus is proposed. A reference specimen of Comoclathris permunda is designated. New host or distribution records are provided for Acrocalymma fici, Aliquandostipite khaoyaiensis, Camarosporidiella laburni, Canalisporium caribense, Chaetoscutula juniperi, Chlorophyllum demangei, C. globosum, C. hortense, Cladophialophora abundans, Dendryphion hydei, Diaporthe foeniculina, D. pseudophoenicicola, D. pyracanthae, Dictyosporium pandanicola, Dyfrolomyces distoseptatus, Ernakulamia tanakae, Eutypa flavovirens, E. lata, Favolus septatus, Fusarium atrovinosum, F. clavum, Helicosporium luteosporum, Hermatomyces nabanheensis, Hermatomyces sphaericoides, Longipedicellata aquatica, Lophiostoma caudata, L. clematidis-vitalbae, Lophiotrema hydei, L. neoarundinaria, Marasmiellus palmivorus, Megacapitula villosa, Micropsalliota globocystis, M. gracilis, Montagnula thailandica, Neohelicosporium irregulare, N. parisporum, Paradictyoarthrinium diffractum, Phaeoisaria aquatica, Poaceascoma taiwanense, Saproamanita manicata, Spegazzinia camelliae, Submersispora variabilis, Thyronectria caudata, T. mackenziei, Tubeufia chiangmaiensis, T. roseohelicospora, Vaginatispora nypae, Wicklowia submersa, Xanthagaricus necopinatus and Xylaria haemorrhoidalis. The data presented herein are based on morphological examination of fresh specimens, coupled with analysis of phylogenetic sequence data to better integrate taxa into appropriate taxonomic ranks and infer their evolutionary relationships.

Antarctolichenia onofrii gen. nov. sp. nov. from Antarctic Endolithic Communities Untangles the Evolution of Rock-Inhabiting and Lichenized Fungi in Arthoniomycetes

Microbial endolithic communities are the main and most widespread life forms in the coldest and hyper-arid desert of the McMurdo Dry Valleys and other ice-free areas across Victoria Land, Antarctica. There, the lichen-dominated communities are complex and self-supporting assemblages of phototrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms, including bacteria, chlorophytes, and both free-living and lichen-forming fungi living at the edge of their physiological adaptability. In particular, among the free-living fungi, microcolonial, melanized, and anamorphic species are highly recurrent, while a few species were sometimes found to be associated with algae. One of these fungi is of paramount importance for its peculiar traits, i.e., a yeast-like habitus, co-growing with algae and being difficult to propagate in pure culture. In the present study, this taxon is herein described as the new genus Antarctolichenia and its type species is A. onofrii, which represents a transitional group between the free-living and symbiotic lifestyle in Arthoniomycetes. The phylogenetic placement of Antarctolichenia was studied using three rDNA molecular markers and morphological characters were described. In this study, we also reappraise the evolution and the connections linking the lichen-forming and rock-inhabiting lifestyles in the basal lineages of Arthoniomycetes (i.e., Lichenostigmatales) and Dothideomycetes.

Three new species of Rhytidhysteron (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota) from Mexico

The genus Rhytidhysteron is characterised by forming navicular to apothecial hysterothecia, exposing the green, yellow, orange, red, vinaceous or black colours of the hymenium which generally releases pigments in the presence of KOH. The exciple is smooth or striated, the asci bitunicate and ascospores have 1–5 transverse septa. To date, twenty-six Rhytidhysteron species have been described from the Tropics. The present study aims to describe three new species in the Neotropics of Mexico based on molecular methods and morphological features. Illustrations and a taxonomic key are provided for all known species of this genus. Rhytidhysteroncozumelense from the Isla Cozumel Biosphere Reserve, R.esperanzae from the Sierra Juárez, Oaxaca and R.mesophilum from the Sierra Madre Oriental, Hidalgo are described as new species. With the present study, the number of species of Rhytidhysteron known from Mexico is now increased to eight.