Stachybotrys musae sp. nov., S. microsporus, and Memnoniella levispora (Stachybotryaceae, Hypocreales) Found on Bananas in China and Thailand

Comparison and analysis of soil microbial communities in organic and conventional paddy fields by farming season

Interest in soil health and biodiversity conservation has become increasingly important. Consequently, studies comparing the chemical and biological characteristics of organic and traditional paddy soils have been increasing. Soil microorganisms are essential in nutrient cycling; however, their diversity is challenging to ascertain because of their environmental sensitivity and complex interactions. Particularly, in domestic rice cultivation, the soil undergoes multiple irrigation and drainage processes during crop growth, providing a diverse ecological environment for soil microorganisms. The objective of this study is to compare the microbial community and diversity between paddy soils in two agricultural systems. We selected organic and conventional paddy fields in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, and collected monthly samples from August to November 2022 for analysis. Bacteria and fungi were amplified from the 16S rRNA V3V4 region, ITS 3-4 region respectively, For the comparison of microbial diversity, Alpha diversity indices (Chao1, Shannon, Gini-Simpson indices) were analyzed. The results indicated genus-level differences in microbial communities, with the genera Mucor and Sirastachys exclusively present in organic paddy soils, while the genus Ustilaginoidea was exclusively found in conventional paddy soils. Among them, Ustilaginoidea is reported to be a fungus causing false smut disease, causing damage to crop growth and quality. Additionally, the comparison of microbial diversity between the two farming showed no significant differences (p>0.05). In conclusion, When the microbial communities present in both farming systems were examined, organic farming appeared to be more advantageous than conventional farming regarding crop disease and health. This study provides essential soil chemical and microbiological data for understanding the fundamental characteristics of paddy soils in South Korea.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of Smaragdinisetamusae sp. nov. and Albifimbriaverrucaria (Hypocreales, Stachybotryaceae) on Musa from Thailand

Background

Smaragdinisetamusae is introduced as a leaf-based novel saprobic species from Musa. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) and β-tubulin (tub2) data support the taxonomic placement of the new collection in Smaragdiniseta (Hypocreales, Stachybotryaceae). The novel species is characterised by cup-shaped sporodochia covered by numerous peripheral setae and simple hyaline, guttulate conidia produced by the ultimate branches (phialides) of conidiophores.

New information

This is the first report of Smaragdiniseta from Thailand and on Musaceae. In addition, we report Albifimbriaverrucaria for the first time from Thailand, based on morpho-molecular evidence.