Fungal Planet description sheets: 1112-1181

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.

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

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

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.

Rostrupomyces, a new genus to accommodate Xerocomussisongkhramensis, and a new Hemileccinum species (Xerocomoideae, Boletaceae) from Thailand

A new genus, Rostrupomyces is established to accommodate Xerocomussisongkhramensis based on multiple protein-coding genes (atp6, cox3, tef1, and rpb2) analyses of a wide taxon sampling of Boletaceae. In our phylogeny, the new genus was sister to Rubinosporus in subfamily Xerocomoideae, phylogenetically distant from Xerocomus, which was highly supported as sister to Phylloporus in the same subfamily Xerocomoideae. Rostrupomyces is different from other genera in Boletaceae by the following combination of characters: rugulose to subrugulose pileus surface, white pores when young becoming pale yellow in age, subscabrous stipe surface scattered with granulose squamules, white basal mycelium, unchanging color in any parts, yellowish brown spore print, and broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid, smooth basidiospores. In addition, Hemileccinuminferius, also from subfamily Xerocomoideae, is newly described. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the new genus and new species are presented.

A New Genus of the Microascaceae (Ascomycota) Family from a Hypersaline Lagoon in Spain and the Delimitation of the Genus Wardomyces

The Saladas de Sástago-Bujaraloz is an endorheic and arheic complex of lagoons located in the Ebro Basin and protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Due to the semi-arid climate of the region and the high salinity of their waters, these lagoons constitute an extreme environment. We surveyed the biodiversity of salt-tolerant and halophilic fungi residents of the Laguna de Pito, a lagoon belonging to this complex. Therefore, we collected several samples of water, sediments, and soil of the periphery. Throughout the study, we isolated 21 fungal species, including a strain morphologically related to the family Microascaceae. However, this strain did not morphologically match any of genera within this family. After an in-depth morphological characterization and phylogenetic analysis using a concatenated sequence dataset of four phylogenetically informative molecular markers (the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA); the D1-D2 domains of the 28S gene of the nuclear ribosomal RNA (LSU); and a fragment of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α) and the β-tubulin (tub2) genes), we established the new genus Dactyliodendromyces, with Dactyliodendromyces holomorphus as its species. Additionally, as a result of our taxonomic study, we reclassified the paraphyletic genus Wardomyces into three different genera: Wardomyces sensu stricto, Parawardomyces gen. nov., and Pseudowardomyces gen. nov., with Parawardomyces ovalis (formerly Wardomyces ovalis) and Pseudowardomyces humicola (formerly Wardomyces humicola) as the type species of their respective genera. Furthermore, we propose new combinations, including Parawardomyces giganteus (formerly Wardomyces giganteus) and Pseudowardomyces pulvinatus (formerly Wardomyces pulvinatus).

Two new species and one new combination of Ophiocordyceps (Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) in Guizhou

Ophiocordyceps is the largest genus in Ophiocordycipitaceae and has a broad distribution with high diversity in subtropical and tropical regions. In this study, two new species, pathogenic on lepidopteran larvae are introduced, based on morphological observation and molecular phylogeny. Ophiocordycepsfenggangensissp. nov. is characterised by having fibrous, stalked stroma with a sterile tip, immersed perithecia, cylindrical asci and filiform ascospores disarticulating into secondary spores. Ophiocordycepsliangiisp. nov. has the characteristics of fibrous, brown, stipitate, filiform stroma, superficial perithecia, cylindrical asci and cylindrical-filiform, non-disarticulating ascospores. A new combination Ophiocordycepsmusicaudata (syn. Cordycepsmusicaudata) is established employing molecular analysis and morphological characteristics. Ophiocordycepsmusicaudata is characterised by wiry, stipitate, solitary, paired to multiple stromata, yellowish, branched fertile part, brown stipe, immersed perithecia, cylindrical asci and cylindrical-filiform, non-disarticulating ascospores.

Insights into Some Onygenalean Fungi from Freshwater Sediments in Spain and Description of Novel Taxa

During the course of a project investigating culturable Ascomycota diversity from freshwater sediments in Spain, we isolated 63 strains of cycloheximide-resistant fungi belonging to the order Onygenales. These well-known ascomycetes, able to infect both humans and animals, are commonly found in terrestrial habitats, colonizing keratin-rich soils or dung. Little is known about their diversity in aquatic environments. Combining morphological features and sequence analyses of the ITS and LSU regions of the nrDNA, we identified 14 species distributed in the genera Aphanoascus, Arachniotus, Arthroderma, Arthropsis, Emmonsiellopsis, Gymnoascoideus, Leucothecium, Malbranchea, and Myriodontium. Furthermore, three novel species for the genus Malbranchea are proposed as M. echinulata sp. nov., M. irregularis sp. nov., and M. sinuata sp. nov. The new genera Albidomyces and Neoarthropsis are introduced based on Arachniotus albicans and Arthropsis hispanica, respectively. Neoarthropsis sexualis sp. nov. is characterized and differentiated morphologically from its counterpart by the production of a sexual morph. The novel family Neoarthropsidaceae is proposed for the genera Albidomyes, Apinisia, Arachnotheca, Myriodontium, and Neoarthropsis, based on their phylogenetic relationships and phenotypic and ecological traits. Pseudoamaurascopsis gen. nov. is introduced to accommodate P. spiralis sp. nov., a fungus with unclear taxonomy related to Amaurascopsis and Polytolypa. We traced the ecology and global distribution of the novel fungi through ITS environmental sequences deposited in the GlobalFungi database. Studying the fungal diversity from freshwater sediments not only contributes to filling gaps in the relationships and taxonomy of the Ascomycota but also gives us insights into the fungal community that might represent a putative risk to the health of animals and humans inhabiting or transient in aquatic environments.

Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal two new graminicolous species, Curvularia aurantiasp. nov. and C. vidyodayana sp. nov. with new records of Curvularia spp. from Sri Lanka

Despite being a small island, Sri Lanka is rich in fungal diversity. Most of the fungi from Sri Lanka have been identified as pathogens of vegetables, fruits, and plantation crops to date. The pleosporalean genus Curvularia (Dothideomycetes) includes phytopathogenic, saprobic, endophytic, and human/animal opportunistic pathogenic fungal species. The majority of the plant-associated Curvularia species are known from poaceous hosts. During the current study, 22 geographical locations of the country were explored and collections were made from 10 different poaceous hosts. Morphology and molecular phylogeny based on three loci, including nuclear internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 with 5.8S nrDNA (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh), and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1) supported the description of two new species of fungi described herein as C. aurantia sp. nov. and C. vidyodayana sp. nov. Moreover, novel host-fungal association records for C. chiangmaiensis, C. falsilunata, C. lonarensis, C. plantarum, and C. pseudobrachyspora are updated herein. In addition, five species within the genus Curvularia, viz., C. asiatica, C. geniculata, C. lunata, C. muehlenbeckiae, and C. verruculosa represent new records of fungi from Sri Lanka. Citation: Ferdinandez HS, Manamgoda DS, Udayanga D, Munasinghe MS, Castlebury LA (2023). Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal two new graminicolous species, Curvularia aurantia sp. nov. and C. vidyodayana sp. nov. with new records of Curvularia spp. from Sri Lanka. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 12: 219-246. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.12.11.

Kgaria (Boletaceae, Boletoideae) gen. nov. in Australia: Neither a Tylopilus nor a Porphyrellus

Kgaria is described as a new porphyrellus-like genus of Boletaceae to accommodate Tylopilus cyanogranulifer, a dark brown to dull lilac/violet, or rarely, nearly black bolete with a series of oxidation reactions progressing from blue to red then nearly black and a dark brown spore deposit. Idiosyncratic blue-green pigment encrustations (cyanogranules) and a similarly colored reaction of the hyphae located on pileus and stipe surfaces are also diagnostic. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear large-subunit rDNA (nrLSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1), and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2) infer Kgaria as a unique generic lineage with two species, one of which is newly described (K. similis). Tylopilus olivaceoporus, originally described at the same time and as distinct from T. cyanogranulifer, appears to be conspecific with the latter. Some darkly pigmented taxa with similar oxidation reactions that were recently described from Brazil, Guyana, and China are further supported by morphology and molecular data as discrete lineages in separate genera in subfamily Boletoideae. Citation: Halling RE, Fechner NA, Holmes G, Davoodian N (2023). Kgaria (Boletaceae, Boletoideae) gen. nov. in Australia: Neither a Tylopilus nor a Porphyrellus. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 12: 31-45. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.12.02.

Phytophthora

Many members of the Oomycota genus Phytophthora cause economic and environmental impact diseases in nurseries, horticulture, forest, and natural ecosystems and many are of regulatory concern around the world. At present, there are 223 described species, including eight unculturable and three lost species. Twenty-eight species need to be redescribed or validated. A lectotype, epitype or neotype was selected for 20 species, and a redescription based on the morphological/molecular characters and phylogenetic placement is provided. In addition, the names of five species are validated: P. cajani, P. honggalleglyana (Synonym: P. hydropathica), P. megakarya, P. pisi and P. pseudopolonica for which morphology and phylogeny are given. Two species, P. ×multiformis and P. uniformis are presented as new combinations. Phytophthora palmivora is treated with a representative strain as both lecto- and epitypification are pending. This manuscript provides the updated multigene phylogeny and molecular toolbox with seven genes (ITS rDNA, β-tub, COI, EF1α, HSP90, L10, and YPT1) generated from the type specimens of 212 validly published, and culturable species (including nine hybrid taxa). The genome information of 23 types published to date is also included. Several aspects of the taxonomic revision and phylogenetic re-evaluation of the genus including species concepts, concept and position of the phylogenetic clades recognized within Phytophthora are discussed. Some of the contents of this manuscript, including factsheets for the 212 species, are associated with the "IDphy: molecular and morphological identification of Phytophthora based on the types" online resource (https://idtools.org/tools/1056/index.cfm). The first version of the IDphy online resource released to the public in September 2019 contained 161 species. In conjunction with this publication, we are updating the IDphy online resource to version 2 to include the 51 species recently described. The current status of the 223 described species is provided along with information on type specimens with details of the host (substrate), location, year of collection and publications. Additional information is provided regarding the ex-type culture(s) for the 212 valid culturable species and the diagnostic molecular toolbox with seven genes that includes the two metabarcoding genes (ITS and COI) that are important for Sanger sequencing and also very valuable Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTU) for second and third generation metabarcoding High-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies. The IDphy online resource will continue to be updated annually to include new descriptions. This manuscript in conjunction with IDphy represents a monographic study and the most updated revision of the taxonomy and phylogeny of Phytophthora, widely considered one of the most important genera of plant pathogens. Taxonomic novelties: New species: Phytophthora cajani K.S. Amin, Baldev & F.J. Williams ex Abad, Phytophthora honggalleglyana Abad, Phytophthora megakarya Brasier & M.J. Griffin ex Abad, Phytophthora pisi Heyman ex Abad, Phytophthora pseudopolonica W.W. Li, W.X. Huai & W.X. Zhao ex Abad & Kasiborski; New combinations: Phytophthora ×multiformis (Brasier & S.A. Kirk) Abad, Phytophthora uniformis (Brasier & S.A. Kirk) Abad; Epitypifications (basionyms): Peronospora cactorum Lebert & Cohn, Pythiacystis citrophthora R.E. Sm. & E.H. Sm., Phytophthora colocasiae Racib., Phytophthora drechsleri Tucker, Phytophthora erythroseptica Pethybr., Phytophthora fragariae Hickman, Phytophthora hibernalis Carne, Phytophthora ilicis Buddenh. & Roy A. Young, Phytophthora inundata Brasier et al., Phytophthora megasperma Drechsler, Phytophthora mexicana Hotson & Hartge, Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan, Phytophthora phaseoli Thaxt., Phytophthora porri Foister, Phytophthora primulae J.A. Toml., Phytophthora sojae Kaufm. & Gerd., Phytophthora vignae Purss, Pythiomorpha gonapodyides H.E. Petersen; Lectotypifications (basionym): Peronospora cactorum Lebert & Cohn, Pythiacystis citrophthora R.E. Sm. & E.H. Sm., Phytophthora colocasiae Racib., Phytophthora drechsleri Tucker, Phytophthora erythroseptica Pethybr., Phytophthora fragariae Hickman, Phytophthora hibernalis Carne, Phytophthora ilicis Buddenh. & Roy A. Young, Phytophthora megasperma Drechsler, Phytophthora mexicana Hotson & Hartge, Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan, Phytophthora phaseoli Thaxt., Phytophthora porri Foister, Phytophthora primulae J.A. Toml., Phytophthora sojae Kaufm. & Gerd., Phytophthora vignae Purss, Pythiomorpha gonapodyides H.E. Petersen; Neotypifications (basionym): Phloeophthora syringae Kleb., Phytophthora meadii McRae Citation: Abad ZG, Burgess TI, Bourret T, Bensch K, Cacciola S, Scanu B, Mathew R, Kasiborski B, Srivastava S, Kageyama K, Bienapfl JC, Verkleij G, Broders K, Schena L, Redford AJ (2023). Phytophthora: taxonomic and phylogenetic revision of the genus. Studies in Mycology 106: 259-348. doi: 10.3114/sim.2023.106.05.

Eight novel cave fungi in Thailand's Satun Geopark

Karst caves are unique oligotrophic ecosystems characterised by the scarcity of organic litter, darkness, low to moderate temperatures, and high humidity, supporting diverse fungal communities. Despite their importance, little is known about the fungi in karst caves in Thailand. In 2019, we explored the culturable mycobiota associated with three selected types of substrates (air, soil/sediment and organic litter samples) from two karst caves, the Le Stegodon and Phu Pha Phet Caves, in the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark in southern Thailand. Based on morphological characters and multilocus phylogenetic analyses, eight new species (Actinomortierella caverna, Hypoxylon phuphaphetense, Leptobacillium latisporum, Malbranchea phuphaphetensis, Scedosporium satunense, Sesquicillium cavernum, Thelonectria satunensis and Umbelopsis satunensis) were described, illustrated, and compared to closely related species. These new fungal taxa form independent lineages distinct from other previously described species and classified into eight different families across six orders and two phyla (Ascomycota and Mucoromycota). This paper provides additional evidence that the karst caves located within the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark, situated in the southern region of Thailand, harbour a diverse range of newly discovered species. Citation: Preedanon S, Suetrong S, Srihom C, Somrithipol S, Kobmoo N, Saengkaewsuk S, Srikitikulchai P, Klaysuban A, Nuankaew S, Chuaseeharonnachai C, Chainuwong B, Muangsong C, Zhang ZF, Cai L, Boonyuen N (2023). Eight novel cave fungi in Thailand's Satun Geopark. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 12: 1-30. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.12.01.

Morphological and Phylogenetic Characterization of Three Novel Thaxterogaster (Cortinariaceae) Species from China with an Emphasis on Their Subtropical Distribution

Three new phlegmaciod species of Thaxterogaster, T. borealicremeolinus, T. rufopurpureus, and T. sinopurpurascens spp. nov., from subtropical China were described based on their morphological characteristics and molecular data. Thaxterogaster borealicremeolinus belongs to the sect. Cremeolinae and differs from the other species in this section in its larger basidiospores and its habitat in the Northern Hemisphere associated with Quercus sp. trees. Thaxterogaster rufopurpureus and T. sinopurpurascens belong to sect. Purpurascentes, in which T. rufopurpureus is characterized by a pileus with a reddish-brown coloration when mature and a clavate stipe, while T. sinopurpurascens is characterized by a violet basidiomata, except for a greyish orange to brown pileus, the distinctly marginate bulb of its stipe, and its distribution in subtropical China. The phylogenetic analyses were performed based on nrITS, and detailed descriptions of the new species are provided herein.

Vishniacozyma pseudocarnescens sp. nov., a new anamorphic tremellomycetous yeast species

Three strains belonging to the basidiomycetous yeast genus Vishniacozyma were isolated from marine water samples collected from intertidal zones in Liaoning province, northeast China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA), the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA), the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), the two subunits of DNA polymerase II (RPB1 and RPB2), the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), and the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b (CYTB) showed that these strains together with 20 strains from various geographic and ecological origins from other regions of the world represent a novel species in the genus Vishniacozyma. We propose the name Vishniacozyma pseudocarnescens sp. nov. (holotype CGMCC 2.6457) for the new species, which differs phenotypically from its close relatives V. carnescens, V. tephrensis, and V. victoriae by its ability to grow at 30 °C and on 50 % (w/v) glucose-yeast extract agar.

Penicillium rhizophilum, a novel species in the section Exilicaulis isolated from the rhizosphere of sugarcane in Southwest Iran

During a survey of species diversity of Penicillium and Talaromyces in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) rhizosphere in the Khuzestan province of Iran [1], 195 strains were examined, from which 187 belonged to Penicillium (11 species) and eight to Talaromyces (one species). In the present study, three strains of Penicillium belonging to section Exilicaulis series Restricta, identified as P. restrictum by Ansari et al. [1], were subjected to a phylogenetic study. The multilocus phylogeny of partial β-tubulin, calmodulin and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit genes enabled the recognition of one new phylogenetic species that is here formally described as Penicillium rhizophilum sp. nov. This species is phylogenetically distinct in series Restricta, but it does not show significant morphological differences from other species previously classified in the series. Therefore, we here placed bias on the phylogenetic species concept. The holotype of Penicillium rhizophilum sp. nov. is IRAN 18169F and the ex-type culture is LA30T (=IRAN 4042CT=CBS 149737T).

Production of a New Biosurfactant by a New Yeast Species Isolated from Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc

Biosurfactants reduce surface and interfacial tension due to their amphiphilic properties and are an eco-friendly alternative for chemical surfactants. In this study, a new yeast strain JAF-11 that produces a biosurfactant was selected using drop collapse method, and the properties of the extracts were investigated. The nucleotide sequences of the strain were compared with closely related strains and identified based on the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Neodothiora populina CPC 39399T, the closest species with strain JAF-11, showed a sequence similarity of 97.75% for LSU and 94.27% for ITS, respectively. The result suggests that the strain JAF-11 represents a distinct species that cannot be assigned to any existing genus or species in the family Dothideaceae. Strain JAF-11 produced a biosurfactant reducing the surface tension of water from 72 mN/m to 34.5 mN/m on the sixth day of culture and the result of measuring the critical micelle concentration (CMC) by extracting the crude biosurfactant was found to be 24 mg/l. The molecular weight 502 of the purified biosurfactant was confirmed by measuring the fast atom bombardment mass spectrum. The chemical structure was analyzed by measuring 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, and two-dimensional NMRs of the compound. The molecular formula was C26H46O9, and it was composed of one octanoyl group and two hexanoyl groups to myo-inositol moiety. The new biosurfactant is the first report of a compound produced by a new yeast strain, JAF-11.

Heteroverticillium phytelephatis gen. et sp. nov. intercepted from nuts of Phytelephas macrocarpa, with an updated phylogenetic assessment of Nectriaceae

An entry postal parcel with mature nuts of Phytelephas macrocarpa from Togo was inspected at Dalian Customs (China) in December 2021, and four strains were isolated from symptomatic tissues of the nuts. Based on morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses, above strains were identified as a new species which is mainly characterised by the verticillately branching conidiophores. Based on multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, this new species forms a monophyletic clade closely related to Corallomycetella, Paracremonium and Xenoacremonium but could not be accommodated in any known genera of Nectriaceae. Thus, a new genus Heteroverticillium is established to accommodate this new species (H. phytelephatis). To our knowledge, this is the first time that Chinese customs have intercepted a new fungal genus. In addition, we provided an updated backbone tree for the generic relationships in Nectriaceae, which may largely assist future identification of nectriaceous fungi to genus level in quarantine inspections. Based on our analysis, Varicosporellopsis is likely a late synonym of Paracremonium.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1478-1549

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia, Aschersonia mackerrasiae on whitefly, Cladosporium corticola on bark of Melaleuca quinquenervia, Penicillium nudgee from soil under Melaleuca quinquenervia, Pseudocercospora blackwoodiae on leaf spot of Persoonia falcata, and Pseudocercospora dalyelliae on leaf spot of Senna alata. Bolivia, Aspicilia lutzoniana on fully submersed siliceous schist in high-mountain streams, and Niesslia parviseta on the lower part and apothecial discs of Erioderma barbellatum on a twig. Brazil, Cyathus bonsai on decaying wood, Geastrum albofibrosum from moist soil with leaf litter, Laetiporus pratigiensis on a trunk of a living unknown hardwood tree species, and Scytalidium synnematicum on dead twigs of unidentified plant. Bulgaria, Amanita abscondita on sandy soil in a plantation of Quercus suber. Canada, Penicillium acericola on dead bark of Acer saccharum, and Penicillium corticola on dead bark of Acer saccharum. China, Colletotrichum qingyuanense on fruit lesion of Capsicum annuum. Denmark, Helminthosphaeria leptospora on corticioid Neohypochnicium cremicolor. Ecuador (Galapagos), Phaeosphaeria scalesiae on Scalesia sp. Finland, Inocybe jacobssonii on calcareous soils in dry forests and park habitats. France, Cortinarius rufomyrrheus on sandy soil under Pinus pinaster, and Periconia neominutissima on leaves of Poaceae. India, Coprinopsis fragilis on decaying bark of logs, Filoboletus keralensis on unidentified woody substrate, Penicillium sankaranii from soil, Physisporinus tamilnaduensis on the trunk of Azadirachta indica, and Poronia nagaraholensis on elephant dung. Iran, Neosetophoma fici on infected leaves of Ficus elastica. Israel, Cnidariophoma eilatica (incl. Cnidariophoma gen. nov.) from Stylophora pistillata. Italy, Lyophyllum obscurum on acidic soil. Namibia, Aureobasidium faidherbiae on dead leaf of Faidherbia albida, and Aureobasidium welwitschiae on dead leaves of Welwitschia mirabilis. Netherlands, Gaeumannomycella caricigena on dead culms of Carex elongata, Houtenomyces caricicola (incl. Houtenomyces gen. nov.) on culms of Carex disticha, Neodacampia ulmea (incl. Neodacampia gen. nov.) on branch of Ulmus laevis, Niesslia phragmiticola on dead standing culms of Phragmites australis, Pseudopyricularia caricicola on culms of Carex disticha, and Rhodoveronaea nieuwwulvenica on dead bamboo sticks. Norway, Arrhenia similis half-buried and moss-covered pieces of rotting wood in grass-grown path. Pakistan, Mallocybe ahmadii on soil. Poland, Beskidomyces laricis (incl. Beskidomyces gen. nov.) from resin of Larix decidua ssp. polonica, Lapidomyces epipinicola from sooty mould community on Pinus nigra, and Leptographium granulatum from a gallery of Dendroctonus micans on Picea abies. Portugal, Geoglossum azoricum on mossy areas of laurel forest areas planted with Cryptomeria japonica, and Lunasporangiospora lusitanica from a biofilm covering a biodeteriorated limestone wall. Qatar, Alternaria halotolerans from hypersaline sea water, and Alternaria qatarensis from water sample collected from hypersaline lagoon. South Africa, Alfaria thamnochorti on culm of Thamnochortus fraternus, Knufia aloeicola on Aloe gariepensis, Muriseptatomyces restionacearum (incl. Muriseptatomyces gen. nov.) on culms of Restionaceae, Neocladosporium arctotis on nest of cases of bag worm moths (Lepidoptera, Psychidae) on Arctotis auriculata, Neodevriesia scadoxi on leaves of Scadoxus puniceus, Paraloratospora schoenoplecti on stems of Schoenoplectus lacustris, Tulasnella epidendrea from the roots of Epidendrum × obrienianum, and Xenoidriella cinnamomi (incl. Xenoidriella gen. nov.) on leaf of Cinnamomum camphora. South Korea, Lemonniera fraxinea on decaying leaves of Fraxinus sp. from pond. Spain, Atheniella lauri on the bark of fallen trees of Laurus nobilis, Halocryptovalsa endophytica from surface-sterilised, asymptomatic roots of Salicornia patula, Inocybe amygdaliolens on soil in mixed forest, Inocybe pityusarum on calcareous soil in mixed forest, Inocybe roseobulbipes on acidic soils, Neonectria borealis from roots of Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris, Sympoventuria eucalyptorum on leaves of Eucalyptus sp., and Tuber conchae from soil. Sweden, Inocybe bidumensis on calcareous soil. Thailand, Cordyceps sandindaengensis on Lepidoptera pupa, buried in soil, Ophiocordyceps kuchinaraiensis on Coleoptera larva, buried in soil, and Samsoniella winandae on Lepidoptera pupa, buried in soil. Taiwan region (China), Neophaeosphaeria livistonae on dead leaf of Livistona rotundifolia. Türkiye, Melanogaster anatolicus on clay loamy soils. UK, Basingstokeomyces allii (incl. Basingstokeomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Allium schoenoprasum. Ukraine, Xenosphaeropsis corni on recently dead stem of Cornus alba. USA, Nothotrichosporon aquaticum (incl. Nothotrichosporon gen. nov.) from water, and Periconia philadelphiana from swab of coil surface. Morphological and culture characteristics for these new taxa are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Crous PW, Osieck ER, Shivas RG, et al. 2023. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1478-1549. Persoonia 50: 158- 310. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2023.50.05.

Redisposition of acremonium-like fungi in Hypocreales

Acremonium is acknowledged as a highly ubiquitous genus including saprobic, parasitic, or endophytic fungi that inhabit a variety of environments. Species of this genus are extensively exploited in industrial, commercial, pharmaceutical, and biocontrol applications, and proved to be a rich source of novel and bioactive secondary metabolites. Acremonium has been recognised as a taxonomically difficult group of ascomycetes, due to the reduced and high plasticity of morphological characters, wide ecological distribution and substrate range. Recent advances in molecular phylogenies, revealed that Acremonium is highly polyphyletic and members of Acremonium s. lat. belong to at least three distinct orders of Sordariomycetes, of which numerous orders, families and genera with acremonium-like morphs remain undefined. To infer the phylogenetic relationships and establish a natural classification for acremonium-like taxa, systematic analyses were conducted based on a large number of cultures with a global distribution and varied substrates. A total of 633 cultures with acremonium-like morphology, including 261 ex-type cultures from 89 countries and a variety of substrates including soil, plants, fungi, humans, insects, air, and water were examined. An overview phylogenetic tree based on three loci (ITS, LSU, rpb2) was generated to delimit the orders and families. Separate trees based on a combined analysis of four loci (ITS, LSU, rpb2, tef-1α) were used to delimit species at generic and family levels. Combined with the morphological features, host associations and ecological analyses, acremonium-like species evaluated in the present study are currently assigned to 63 genera, and 14 families in Cephalothecales, Glomerellales and Hypocreales, mainly in the families Bionectriaceae, Plectosphaerellaceae and Sarocladiaceae and five new hypocrealean families, namely Chrysonectriaceae, Neoacremoniaceae, Nothoacremoniaceae, Pseudoniessliaceae and Valsonectriaceae. Among them, 17 new genera and 63 new combinations are proposed, with descriptions of 65 new species. Furthermore, one epitype and one neotype are designated to stabilise the taxonomy and use of older names. Results of this study demonstrated that most species of Acremonium s. lat. grouped in genera of Bionectriaceae, including the type A. alternatum. A phylogenetic backbone tree is provided for Bionectriaceae, in which 183 species are recognised and 39 well-supported genera are resolved, including 10 new genera. Additionally, rpb2 and tef-1α are proposed as potential DNA barcodes for the identification of taxa in Bionectriaceae. Taxonomic novelties: New families: Chrysonectriaceae L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Neoacremoniaceae L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Nothoacremoniaceae L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Pseudoniessliaceae L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Valsonectriaceae L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous. New genera: Bionectriaceae: Alloacremonium L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Gossypinidium L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Monohydropisphaera L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Musananaesporium L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Paragliomastix L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Proliferophialis L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Proxiovicillium L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Ramosiphorum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Verruciconidia L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Waltergamsia L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Clavicipitaceae: Subuliphorum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Neoacremoniaceae: Neoacremonium L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Nothoacremoniaceae: Nothoacremonium L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Plectosphaerellaceae: Allomusicillium L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Parafuscohypha L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Pseudoniessliaceae: Pseudoniesslia L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Sarocladiaceae: Polyphialocladium L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous. New species: Bionectriaceae: Alloacremonium ferrugineum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Al. humicola L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Acremonium aerium L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, A. brunneisporum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, A. chlamydosporium L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, A. ellipsoideum L.W. Hou, Rämä, L. Cai & Crous, A. gamsianum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, A. longiphialidicum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, A. multiramosum L.W. Hou, Rämä, L. Cai & Crous, A. mycoparasiticum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, A. stroudii K. Fletcher, F.C. Küpper & P. van West, A. subulatum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, A. synnematoferum L.W. Hou, Rämä, L. Cai & Crous, Bulbithecium ammophilae L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, B. ellipsoideum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, B. truncatum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Emericellopsis brunneiguttula L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Gliomastix musae L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Gossypinidium sporodochiale L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Hapsidospora stercoraria L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, H. variabilis L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Mycocitrus odorus L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Nectriopsis ellipsoidea L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Paracylindrocarpon aurantiacum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Pn. foliicola Lechat & J. Fourn., Paragliomastix rosea L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Proliferophialis apiculata L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Protocreopsis finnmarkica L.W. Hou, L. Cai, Rämä & Crous, Proxiovicillium lepidopterorum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Ramosiphorum echinoporiae L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, R. polyporicola L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, R. thailandicum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Verruciconidia erythroxyli L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Ve. infuscata L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Ve. quercina L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Ve. siccicapita L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Ve. unguis L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Waltergamsia alkalina L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, W. catenata L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, W. moroccensis L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, W. obpyriformis L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Chrysonectriaceae: Chrysonectria crystallifera L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Nectriaceae: Xenoacremonium allantoideum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Neoacremoniaceae: Neoacremonium distortum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, N. flavum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Nothoacremoniaceae: Nothoacremonium subcylindricum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, No. vesiculophorum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Myrotheciomycetaceae: Trichothecium hongkongense L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Plectosphaerellaceae: Brunneomyces polyphialidus L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Parafuscohypha proliferata L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Sarocladiaceae: Chlamydocillium acaciae L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, C. antarcticum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, C. guttulatum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, C. lolii L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, C. soli L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, C. terrestre L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Parasarocladium chondroidum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous,Polyphialocladium fusisporum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Sarocladium agarici L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, S. citri L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, S. ferrugineum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, S. fuscum L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous,S. theobromae L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Valsonectriaceae: Valsonectria crystalligena L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, V. hilaris L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous. New combinations: Bionectriaceae: Acremonium purpurascens (Sukapure & Thirum.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Bulbithecium arxii (Malloch) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Bu. borodinense (Tad. Ito et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Bu. pinkertoniae (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Bu. spinosum (Negroni) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Emericellopsis exuviara (Sigler et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, E. fimetaria (Pers.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, E. fuci (Summerb. et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, E. moniliformis (A. Giraldo et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, E. salmonea (W. Gams & Lodha) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, E. tubakii (Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Fusariella arenula (Berk. & Broome) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Hapsidospora chrysogena (Thirum. & Sukapure) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, H. flava (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, H. globosa (Malloch & Cain) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, H. inversa (Malloch & Cain) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Hydropisphaera aurantiaca (C.A. Jørg.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Lasionectria atrorubra (Lechat & J. Fourn.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L. bisepta (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L. castaneicola (Lechat & Gardiennet) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L. cerealis (P. Karst.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, L. olida (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Lasionectriopsis dentifera (Samuels) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Lasionectriella arenuloides (Samuels) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, La. marigotensis (Lechat & J. Fourn.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Monohydropisphaera fusigera (Berk. & Broome) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Musananaesporium tectonae (R.F. Castañeda) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Mycocitrus zonatus (Sawada) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Nectriopsis microspora (Jaap) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Ovicillium asperulatum (A. Giraldo et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, O. variecolor (A. Giraldo et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Paracylindrocarpon multiloculatum (Samuels) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Pn. multiseptatum (Samuels)L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Paragliomastix chiangraiensis (J.F. Li et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Px. luzulae (Fuckel) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Px. znieffensis (Lechat & J. Fourn.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Protocreopsis rutila (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Proxiovicillium blochii (Matr.)L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Stanjemonium dichromosporum (Gams & Sivasith.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Verruciconidia persicina (Nicot) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Ve. verruculosa (W. Gams & Veenb.-Rijks) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Waltergamsia citrina (A. Giraldo et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, W. dimorphospora (A. Giraldo et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, W. epimycota (Samuels) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, W. fusidioides (Nicot) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, W. hennebertii (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, W. parva (A. Giraldo et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, W. pilosa (A. Giraldo et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, W. zeylanica (Petch) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Cephalothecaceae: Phialemonium thermophilum (W. Gams & J. Lacey) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Clavicipitaceae: Subuliphorum camptosporum (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Coniochaetaceae: Coniochaeta psammospora (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Nothoacremoniaceae: Nothoacremonium exiguum (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Neoacremoniaceae: Neoacremonium minutisporum (Sukapure & Thirum.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Ne. taiwanense (K.L. Pang et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Ne. vitellinum (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Plectosphaerellaceae: Allomusicillium domschii (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Brunneomyces pseudozeylanicus (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Pseudoniessliaceae: Pseudoniesslia minutispora (W. Gams et al.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Sarocladiaceae: Chlamydocillium curvulum (W. Gams) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, Parasarocladium funiculosum (Sukapure & Thirum.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous; Valsonectriaceae: Valsonectria inflata (C.H. Dickinson) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous, V. roseola (G. Sm.) L.W. Hou, L. Cai & Crous. Epitype (basionym): Sphaeria violacea J.C. Schmidt ex Fr. Neotype (basionym): Mastigocladium blochii Matr. Citation: Hou LW, Giraldo A, Groenewald JZ, Rämä T, Summerbell RC, Zang P, Cai L, Crous PW (2023). Redisposition of acremonium-like fungi in Hypocreales. Studies in Mycology 105: 23-203. doi: 10.3114/sim.2023.105.02.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1550-1613

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Argentina, Neocamarosporium halophilum in leaf spots of Atriplex undulata. Australia, Aschersonia merianiae on scale insect (Coccoidea), Curvularia huamulaniae isolated from air, Hevansia mainiae on dead spider, Ophiocordyceps poecilometigena on Poecilometis sp. Bolivia, Lecanora menthoides on sandstone, in open semi-desert montane areas, Sticta monlueckiorum corticolous in a forest, Trichonectria epimegalosporae on apothecia of corticolous Megalospora sulphurata var. sulphurata, Trichonectria puncteliae on the thallus of Punctelia borreri. Brazil, Catenomargarita pseudocercosporicola (incl. Catenomargarita gen. nov.) hyperparasitic on Pseudocercospora fijiensis on leaves of Musa acuminata, Tulasnella restingae on protocorms and roots of Epidendrum fulgens. Bulgaria, Anthracoidea umbrosae on Carex spp. Croatia, Hymenoscyphus radicis from surface-sterilised, asymptomatic roots of Microthlaspi erraticum, Orbilia multiserpentina on wood of decorticated branches of Quercus pubescens. France, Calosporella punctatispora on dead corticated twigs of Aceropalus. French West Indies (Martinique), Eutypella lechatii on dead corticated palm stem. Germany, Arrhenia alcalinophila on loamy soil. Iceland, Cistella blauvikensis on dead grass (Poaceae). India, Fulvifomes maritimus on living Peltophorum pterocarpum, Fulvifomes natarajanii on dead wood of Prosopis juliflora, Fulvifomes subazonatus on trunk of Azadirachta indica, Macrolepiota bharadwajii on moist soil near the forest, Narcissea delicata on decaying elephant dung, Paramyrothecium indicum on living leaves of Hibiscus hispidissimus, Trichoglossum syamviswanathii on moist soil near the base of a bamboo plantation. Iran, Vacuiphoma astragalicola from stem canker of Astragalus sarcocolla. Malaysia, Neoeriomycopsis fissistigmae (incl. Neoeriomycopsidaceae fam. nov.) on leaf spots on flower Fissistigma sp. Namibia, Exophiala lichenicola lichenicolous on Acarospora cf. luederitzensis. Netherlands, Entoloma occultatum on soil, Extremus caricis on dead leaves of Carex sp., Inocybe pseudomytiliodora on loamy soil. Norway, Inocybe guldeniae on calcareous soil, Inocybe rupestroides on gravelly soil. Pakistan, Hymenagaricus brunneodiscus on soil. Philippines, Ophiocordyceps philippinensis parasitic on Asilus sp. Poland, Hawksworthiomyces ciconiae isolated from Ciconia ciconia nest, Plectosphaerella vigrensis from leaf spots on Impatiens noli-tangere, Xenoramularia epitaxicola from sooty mould community on Taxus baccata. Portugal, Inocybe dagamae on clay soil. Saudi Arabia, Diaporthe jazanensis on branches of Coffea arabica. South Africa, Alternaria moraeae on dead leaves of Moraea sp., Bonitomyces buffels-kloofinus (incl. Bonitomyces gen. nov.) on dead twigs of unknown tree, Constrictochalara koukolii on living leaves of Itea rhamnoides colonised by a Meliola sp., Cylindromonium lichenophilum on Parmelina tiliacea, Gamszarella buffelskloofina (incl. Gamszarella gen. nov.) on dead insect, Isthmosporiella africana (incl. Isthmosporiella gen. nov.) on dead twigs of unknown tree, Nothoeucasphaeria buffelskloofina (incl. Nothoeucasphaeria gen. nov.), on dead twigs of unknown tree, Nothomicrothyrium beaucarneae (incl. Nothomicrothyrium gen. nov.) on dead leaves of Beaucarnea stricta, Paramycosphaerella proteae on living leaves of Protea caffra, Querciphoma foliicola on leaf litter, Rachicladosporium conostomii on dead twigs of Conostomium natalense var. glabrum, Rhamphoriopsis synnematosa on dead twig of unknown tree, Waltergamsia mpumalanga on dead leaves of unknown tree. Spain, Amanita fulvogrisea on limestone soil, in mixed forest, Amanita herculis in open Quercus forest, Vuilleminia beltraniae on Cistus symphytifolius. Sweden, Pachyella pulchella on decaying wood on sand-silt riverbank. Thailand, Deniquelata cassiae on dead stem of Cassia fistula, Stomiopeltis thailandica on dead twigs of Magnolia champaca. Ukraine, Circinaria podoliana on natural limestone outcrops, Neonematogonum carpinicola (incl. Neonematogonum gen. nov.) on dead branches of Carpinus betulus. USA, Exophiala wilsonii water from cooling tower, Hygrophorus aesculeticola on soil in mixed forest, and Neocelosporium aereum from air in a house attic. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Crous PW, Costa MM, Kandemir H, et al. 2023. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1550-1613. Persoonia 51: 280-417. doi: 10.3767/persoonia.2023.51.08.

Diversity and novel lineages of black yeasts in Chaetothyriales from freshwater sediments in Spain

Black yeasts comprise a group of Ascomycota of the order Chaetothyriales with highly variable morphology, a great diversity of ecological niches and life cycles. Despite the ubiquity of these fungi, their diversity in freshwater sediments is still poorly understood. During a survey of culturable Ascomycota from river and stream sediments in various sampling sites in Spain, we obtained 47 isolates of black yeasts by using potato dextrose agar supplemented with cycloheximide. A preliminary morphological study and sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and the large subunit (LSU) of the nuclear rDNA revealed that most of the isolates belonged to the family Herpotrichiellaceae. We have confidently identified 30 isolates representing the following species: Capronia pulcherrima, Cladophialophora emmonsii, Exophiala equina, Exophiala pisciphila, Exophiala radicis, and Phialophora americana. However, we encountered difficulty in assigning 17 cultures to any known species within Chaetothyriales. Combining phenotypic and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses based on the ITS, LSU, β-tubulin (tub2) and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α) gene markers, we propose the new genus Aciculomyces in the Herpotrichiellaceae to accommodate the novel species Aciculomyces restrictus. Other novel species in this family include Cladophialophora denticulata, Cladophialophora heterospora, Cladophialophora irregularis, Exophiala candelabrata, Exophiala dehoogii, Exophiala ramosa, Exophiala verticillata and Phialophora submersa. The new species Cyphellophora spiralis, closely related to Cyphellophora suttonii, is described, and the phylogeny of the genus Anthopsis in the family Cyphellophoraceae is discussed. By utilizing these four markers, we were able to strengthen the phylogenetic resolution and provide more robust taxonomic assessments within the studied group. Our findings indicate that freshwater sediments may serve as a reservoir for intriguing black yeasts, which warrant further investigation to address gaps in phylogenetic relationships, particularly within Herpotrichiellaceae. Citation: Torres-Garcia D, García D, Réblová M, et al. 2023. Diversity and novel lineages of black yeasts in Chaetothyriales from freshwater sediments in Spain. Persoonia 51: 194-228. doi: 10.3767/persoonia.2023.51.05.

Villoboletus persicinus, gen. et sp. nov. (Boletaceae), a bolete with flocculent-covered stipe from northern China

Some collections from northern China are proposed as the new genus and species Villoboletus persicinus based on morphological assessments and molecular phylogenetic evidence. It is circumscribed by the pink pileus, white context turning pale blue to bule when exposed, yellow hymenophore surface turning blue when bruised, stipe covered with plenty of flocculent hairs, ellipsoid-fusiform to subfusiform smooth basidiospores, and the presence of hymenial cystidia. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from four gene fragments (28S, tef1, rpb1, and rpb2) revealed a distinct position of this new genus in Boletaceae, but no place to accommodate it at subfamily rank.

Boletaceae in China: Taxonomy and phylogeny reveal a new genus, two new species, and a new record

Boletaceae, the largest family in Boletales, has been attracted by mycologists in the world due to its diverse morphology and complex history of evolution. Although considerable work has been done in the past decades, novel taxa are continually described. The current study aimed to introduce three new taxa and one new record of Boletaceae from China. The morphological descriptions, color photographs, phylogenetic trees to show the positions of the taxa, and comparisons with allied taxa are provided. The new genus Hemilanmaoa is unique in the Pulveroboletus group, and Hemilanmaoa retistipitatus was introduced as the type species. It can be distinguished by its bluing basidioma when injured, a decurrent hymenophore, a stipe covered with distinct reticulations, and a fertile stipitipellis. Porphyrellus pseudocyaneotinctus is characterized by its pileipellis consisting of broadly concatenated cells and thin-walled caulocystidia in Porphyrellus. In Phylloporus, Phylloporus biyangensis can be distinguished by its hymenophores that change to blue when injured and yellow basal mycelium. Lanmaoa angustispora, as a new record, is first reported in Northern China. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 28S rDNA (28S), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α), RNA polymerase II subunit 1 (rpb1), and RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2) were employed to execute phylogenetic analyses.

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

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

Natural infection of Chiromyzinae larvae (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) in southern Chile by Tolypocladium valdiviae sp. nov

A new species from the fungal genus Tolypocladium (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) that infects Stratiomyidae larva from the genus Hylorops is described: Tolypocladium valdiviae Gallardo-Pillancari, Montalva & González. The description is based on both genomic data and morphological characteristics. The sexual stage of T. valdiviae presents fleshy and visible stromata; unlike Tolypocladium ophioglossoides, it is smaller and emerges directly from its host and resembles Tolypocladium longisegmentis and Tolypocladium capitatum, both of which are parasites of deer truffle fungi of the genus Elaphomyces (Ascomycota: Eurotiales). In the anamorphic state, T. valdiviae presents conidiogenous cells similar in shape and arrangement to those of Tolypocladium inflatum, however T. valdiviae produces larger conidiogenous cells and, occasionally, produces chlamydospores. Phylogenetic evidence suggested that T. valdiviae is in a clade close to T. longisegmentis, T. inflatum and T. ophioglossoides, species also recognized to be parasites of fungi of the genus Elaphomyces. The new species is known so far only from Valdivia, southern Chile.

Exophialayunnanensis and Exophialayuxiensis (Chaetothyriales, Herpotrichiellaceae), two new species of soil-inhabiting Exophiala from Yunnan Province, China

During a survey of soil fungi collected from Yunnan Province, China, two new species of Exophiala, E.yunnanensis and E.yuxiensis, were isolated from the soil of karst rocky desertification (KRD). The DNA sequences of these respective strains, including internal transcribed spacers (ITS), large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA), partial small subunit (SSU) and β-tubulin (tub2) were sequenced and compared with those from species closely-related to Exophiala. Exophialayunnanensis differs from the phylogenetically closely related E.nagquensis and E.brunnea by its smaller aseptate conidia. Exophialayuxiensis is phylogenetically related to E.lecanii-corni, E.lavatrina and E.mali, but can be distinguished from them by its larger conidia. Full descriptions, illustrations and phylogenetic positions of E.yunnanensis and E.yuxiensis were provided.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1436-1477

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

New and Interesting Fungi. 5

Nine new genera, 17 new species, nine new combinations, seven epitypes, three lectotypes, one neotype, and 14 interesting new host and / or geographical records are introduced in this study. New genera: Neobarrmaelia (based on Neobarrmaelia hyphaenes), Neobryochiton (based on Neobryochiton narthecii), Neocamarographium (based on Neocamarographium carpini), Nothocladosporium (based on Nothocladosporium syzygii), Nothopseudocercospora (based on Nothopseudocercospora dictamni), Paracamarographium (based on Paracamarographium koreanum), Pseudohormonema (based on Pseudohormonema sordidus), Quasiphoma (based on Quasiphoma hyphaenes), Rapidomyces (based on Rapidomyces narthecii). New species: Ascocorticium sorbicola (on leaves of Sorbus aucuparia, Belgium), Dactylaria retrophylli (on leaves of Retrophyllum rospigliosii, Colombia), Dactylellina miltoniae (on twigs of Miltonia clowesii, Colombia), Exophiala eucalyptigena (on dead leaves of Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. viminalis supporting Idolothrips spectrum, Australia), Idriellomyces syzygii (on leaves of Syzygium chordatum, South Africa), Microcera lichenicola (on Parmelia sulcata, Netherlands), Neobarrmaelia hyphaenes (on leaves of Hyphaene sp., South Africa), Neobryochiton narthecii (on dead leaves of Narthecium ossifragum, Netherlands), Niesslia pseudoexilis (on dead leaf of Quercus petraea, Serbia), Nothocladosporium syzygii (on leaves of Syzygium chordatum, South Africa), Nothotrimmatostroma corymbiae (on leaves of Corymbia henryi, South Africa), Phaeosphaeria hyphaenes (on leaves of Hyphaene sp., South Africa), Pseudohormonema sordidus (on a from human pacemaker, USA), Quasiphoma hyphaenes (on leaves of Hyphaene sp., South Africa), Rapidomyces narthecii (on dead leaves of Narthecium ossifragum, Netherlands), Reticulascus parahennebertii (on dead culm of Juncus inflexus, Netherlands), Scytalidium philadelphianum (from compressed air in a factory, USA). New combinations: Neobarrmaelia serenoae, Nothopseudocercospora dictamni, Dothiora viticola, Floricola sulcata, Neocamarographium carpini, Paracamarographium koreanum, Rhexocercosporidium bellocense, Russula lilacina. Epitypes: Elsinoe corni (on leaves of Cornus florida, USA), Leptopeltis litigiosa (on dead leaf fronds of Pteridium aquilinum, Netherlands), Nothopseudocercospora dictamni (on living leaves of Dictamnus albus, Russia), Ramularia arvensis (on leaves of Potentilla reptans, Netherlands), Rhexocercosporidium bellocense (on leaves of Verbascum sp., Germany), Rhopographus filicinus (on dead leaf fronds of Pteridium aquilinum, Netherlands), Septoria robiniae (on leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia, Belgium). Lectotypes: Leptopeltis litigiosa (on Pteridium aquilinum, France), Rhopographus filicinus (on dead leaf fronds of Pteridium aquilinum, Netherlands), Septoria robiniae (on leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia, Belgium). Neotype: Camarographium stephensii (on dead leaf fronds of Pteridium aquilinum, Netherlands). Citation: Crous PW, Begoude BAD, Boers J, Braun U, Declercq B, Dijksterhuis J, Elliott TF, Garay-Rodriguez GA, Jurjević Ž, Kruse J, Linde CC, Loyd A, Mound L, Osieck ER, Rivera-Vargas LI, Quimbita AM, Rodas CA, Roux J, Schumacher RK, Starink-Willemse M, Thangavel R, Trappe JM, van Iperen AL, Van Steenwinkel C, Wells A, Wingfield MJ, Yilmaz N, Groenewald JZ (2022) New and Interesting Fungi. 5. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 10: 19-90. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2022.10.02.

Contribution to the Knowledge of Fungi of the Kampinos National Park (Central Poland): Part 6 – With Particular Emphasis on the Species Occurring on Windthrown Areas

We identified 17 species of fungi that are new to Kampinos National Park. Sixteen were found during surveys of areas damaged by a strong wind in 2017. The remaining species was found outside the windthrow area. Descriptions of four species new to Poland ( Cortinarius subcompar , Hyaloscypha quercicola , Hypocrea tremelloides , and Trechispora aff. invisitata ) are also provided. The current number of macromycetes taxa identified in Kampinos National Park is 1,654.

Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Fungi Associated with Mangifera indica from Yunnan, China

During investigations of saprobic fungi associated with mango (Mangifera indica) in Baoshan and Honghe of Yunnan Province (China), fungal taxa belonging to the orders Botryosphaeriales, Calosphaeriales, Chaetothyriales, Diaporthales, and Xylariales were recorded. Morphological examinations coupled with phylogenetic analyses of multigene sequences (ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1-α, rpb1, rpb2, β-tubulin and CAL) were used to identify the fungal taxa. A new genus viz. Mangifericola, four new species viz. Cyphellophora hongheensis, Diaporthe hongheensis, Hypoxylon hongheensis, and Mangifericola hongheensis, four new host and geographical records viz. Aplosporella artocarpi, Hypomontagnella monticulosa, Paraeutypella citricola and Pleurostoma ootheca, and two new collections of Lasiodiplodia are reported.

New Strain of Cyphellophora olivacea Exhibits Striking Tolerance to Sodium Bicarbonate

The cyanobacterium strain Synechococcus cedrorum SAG 88.79 stock culture has fungal contamination stated by the Sammlung von Algenkulturen der Universität Göttingen itself. In this recent work, this particular fungal strain was isolated, identified, and morphologically characterised. The fungal strain AGSC12 belongs to the species Cyphellophora olivacea, with respect to the sequence similarity, phylogeny, and morphology of the strain. Colony morphology and growth capability were examined on SMA, EMMA, PDA, MEA, YEA, and YPA plates. Growth of the colonies was the most successful on YPA plates, followed by PDA and MEA containing plates. Surprisingly, the AGSC12 strain showed extreme tolerance to NaHCO3, albeit it, is is considered a general fungistatic compound. Moreover, positive association between the AGSC12 and SAG 88.79 strains was revealed, as the SAG 88.79 strain always attained higher cell density in co-cultures with the fungus than in mono-cultures. Besides, a taxonomic note on the SAG 88.79 strain itself was also stated.

Phylogeny and Systematics of the Genus Tolypocladium (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales)

The taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Tolypocladium are herein revised based on the most comprehensive dataset to date. Two species-level phylogenies of Tolypocladium were constructed: a single-gene phylogeny (ITS) of 35 accepted species and a multigene phylogeny (nrSSU, nrLSU, tef-1α, rpb1, and rpb2) of 27 accepted species. Three new species, Tolypocladium pseudoalbum sp. nov., Tolypocladium subparadoxum sp. nov., and Tolypocladium yunnanense sp. nov., are described in the present study. The genetic divergences of four markers (ITS, tef-1α, rpb1 and rpb2) among Tolypocladium species are also reported. The results indicated that species of Tolypocladium were best delimited by rpb1 sequence data, followed by the sequence data for the rpb2, tef-1α, and ITS provided regions. Finally, a key to the 48 accepted species of Tolypocladium worldwide is provided.

Resources of Iranian agarics (Basidiomycota) with an outlook on their antioxidant potential

Agaric fungi are an important group of macromycetes with diverse ecological and functional properties, yet are poorly studied in many parts of the world. Here, we comprehensively analyzed 558 agaric species in Iran to reveal their resources of edible and poisonous species as well as their ecological guilds and luminescence potential. We also made a thorough survey of the antioxidant activity of the species. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed based on nuclear ribosomal LSU and ITS sequences. Our results reveal that agarics of Iran comprise about 189 edible, 128 poisonous, 254 soil saprotrophic, 172 ectomycorrhizal, 146 wood-inhabiting, 18 leaf/litter-inhabiting, 9 parasitic, and 19 luminescent species. Twenty percent of the Iranian agaric species possess antioxidant activity, phylogenetically distributed in four orders and 21 agaric families. About 5% of the antioxidant species can be considered strong antioxidants, many of which are also edible and could be utilized to develop functional foods. This is the first study combining phylogeny and antioxidant potential of agaric mushrooms in a large scale, and the obtained results would guide the selection of agaric taxa to be examined in the future for taxonomic revisions, biotechnological applications, and applied phylogeny studies.

Anamorphic chaetosphaeriaceous fungi from China

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

Species Diversity, Distribution, and Phylogeny of Exophiala with the Addition of Four New Species from Thailand

The genus Exophiala is an anamorphic ascomycete fungus in the family Herpotrichiellaceae of the order Chaetothyriales. Exophiala species have been classified as polymorphic black yeast-like fungi. Prior to this study, 63 species had been validated, published, and accepted into this genus. Exophiala species are known to be distributed worldwide and have been isolated in various habitats around the world. Several Exophiala species have been identified as potential agents of human and animal mycoses. However, in some studies, Exophiala species have been used in agriculture and biotechnological applications. Here, we provide a brief review of the diversity, distribution, and taxonomy of Exophiala through an overview of the recently published literature. Moreover, four new Exophiala species were isolated from rocks that were collected from natural forests located in northern Thailand. Herein, we introduce these species as E. lamphunensis, E. lapidea, E. saxicola, and E. siamensis. The identification of these species was based on a combination of morphological characteristics and molecular analyses. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of a combination of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and small subunit (nrSSU) of ribosomal DNA, along with the translation elongation factor (tef), partial β-tubulin (tub), and actin (act) genes support that these four new species are distinct from previously known species of Exophiala. A full description, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree showing the position of four new species are provided.

New Species of Talaromyces (Trichocomaceae, Eurotiales) from Southwestern China

Species of Talaromyces are cosmopolitan and ubiquitous, and some are of industrial and medicinal importance. Species of Talaromyces have been successively reported in China. During our examinations of samples collected from southwestern China, two new species belonging to Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces were further discovered based on phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparisons. Talaromyces ginkgonis sp. nov., isolated from a partially colonized fruit of Ginkgo biloba, differs from closely-related fungi in the combination of conidia ellipsoidal, smooth and 3.5−4 × 2−3 μm, no growth on CYA at 37 °C and sequence divergences; T. shilinensis sp. nov. is distinguished from its related allies in the combination of smooth conidia, colonies 10−11 mm diameter on CYA at 25 °C and sequence differences. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the new taxa are given.

Identification and Pathogenicity of Paramyrothecium Species Associated with Leaf Spot Disease in Northern Thailand

Species of Paramyrothecium that are reported as plant pathogens and cause leaf spot or leaf blight have been reported on many commercial crops worldwide. In 2019, during a survey of fungi causing leaf spots on plants in Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces, northern Thailand, 16 isolates from 14 host species across nine plant families were collected. A new species Paramyrothecium vignicola sp. nov. was identified based on morphology and concatenated (ITS, cmdA, rpb2, and tub2) phylogeny. Further, P. breviseta and P. foliicola represented novel geographic records to Thailand, while P. eichhorniae represented a novel host record (Psophocarpus sp., Centrosema sp., Aristolochia sp.). These species were confirmed to be the causal agents of the leaf spot disease through pathogenicity assay. Furthermore, cross pathogenicity tests on Coffea arabica L., Commelina benghalensis L., Glycine max (L.) Merr., and Dieffenbachia seguine (Jacq.) Schott revealed multiple host ranges for these pathogens. Further research is required into the host-pathogen relationship of Paramyrothecium species that cause leaf spot and their management. Biotic and abiotic stresses caused by climate change may affect plant health and disease susceptibility. Hence, proper identification and monitoring of fungal communities in the environment are important to understand emerging diseases and for implementation of disease management strategies.

Talaromyces-Insect Relationships

Facing the urgent need to reduce the input of agrochemicals, in recent years, the ecological relationships between plants and their associated microorganisms have been increasingly considered as an essential tool for improving crop production. New findings and data have been accumulated showing that the application of fungi can go beyond the specific role that has been traditionally assigned to the species, employed in integrated pest management as entomopathogens or mycoparasites, and that strains combining both aptitudes can be identified and possibly used as multipurpose biocontrol agents. Mainly considered for their antagonistic relationships with plant pathogenic fungi, species in the genus Talaromyces have been more and more widely reported as insect associates in investigations carried out in various agricultural and non-agricultural contexts. Out of a total of over 170 species currently accepted in this genus, so far, 27 have been found to have an association with insects from 9 orders, with an evident increasing trend. The nature of their mutualistic and antagonistic relationships with insects, and their ability to synthesize bioactive compounds possibly involved in the expression of the latter kind of interactions, are analyzed in this paper with reference to the ecological impact and applicative perspectives in crop protection.

Talaromyces saxoxalicus sp. nov., isolated from the limestone walls of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, Portugal

Fungi are one of the main agents of stone biodeterioration worldwide, since they strongly interfere with its integrity, aesthetical and structural natural properties. During an experimental survey aimed to isolate fungal species contributing to the biodeterioration of the limestone walls of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Portuguese unesco World Heritage site), a Talaromyces species that could not be identified to any currently known species in this genus was isolated. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer, β-tubulin and RNA polymerase II subunit 2, placed this fungus in Talaromyces sect. Purpurei, while also pointing at its phylogenetic distinction from the remaining species in this section. Thus, a novel species, Talaromyces saxoxalicus sp. nov., is here proposed. Moreover, considering the isolation source of this fungus and in an attempt to understand its contribution to the overall stone monument biodeterioration, the species's in vitro biodeteriorative potential was also evaluated. The results highlighted that the species exhibited an in vitro biodeteriorative ability (calcium oxalate crystal formation), highlighting its potential deteriorative profile.

Description of the First Four Species of the Genus Pseudogymnoascus From Antarctica

The genus Pseudogymnoascus represents a diverse group of fungi widely distributed in different cold regions on Earth. Our current knowledge of the species of Pseudogymnoascus is still very limited. Currently, there are only 15 accepted species of Pseudogymnoascus that have been isolated from different environments in the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, species of Pseudogymnoascus from the Southern Hemisphere have not yet been described. In this work, we characterized four fungal strains obtained from Antarctic marine sponges. Based on multilocus phylogenetic analyses and morphological characterizations we determined that these strains are new species, for which the names Pseudogymnoascus antarcticus sp. nov., Pseudogymnoascus australis sp. nov., Pseudogymnoascus griseus sp. nov., and Pseudogymnoascus lanuginosus sp. nov. are proposed. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the new species form distinct lineages separated from other species of Pseudogymnoascus with strong support. The new species do not form sexual structures and differ from the currently known species mainly in the shape and size of their conidia, the presence of chains of arthroconidia, and the appearance of their colonies. This is the first report of new species of Pseudogymnoascus not only from Antarctica but also from the Southern Hemisphere.

Exophiala pseudooligosperma sp. nov., a novel black yeast from soil in southern China

Exophiala is an important genus, with several species associated with infections in humans and animals. In a survey of soil fungal diversity in Yunnan province, PR China, a novel taxon, Exophiala pseudooligosperma sp. nov., was identified based on combined morphological and molecular phylogenetic features. Morphologically, this species is characterized by having torulose, septate hyphae and swollen, terminal or intercalary conidiogenous cells arising at acute angles from aerial hyphae. Phylogenetic analysis of the combined sequences of the internal transcribed spacer, the small and large nuclear subunit of the rRNA gene and part of the β-tubulin gene confirmed the phylogenetic position of the new species within the genus Exophiala.

Comprehensive Review of Tolypocladium and Description of a Novel Lineage from Southwest China

Tolypocladium, a diverse genus of fungicolous fungi belonging to Ophiocordycipitaceae, includes saprotrophic soil inhabitants, plant endophytes and pathogens of insects, nematodes, rotifers, and parasites of truffle-like fungi. Here, we review the research progress achieved for Tolypocladium regarding its taxonomy, species diversity, geographic distribution, host affiliations and ecological diversity. Furthermore, an undescribed taxon from China was established using morphology and multi-gene phylogeny. Tolypocladium inusitaticapitatum is introduced as a new species parasitizing ectomycorrhizal Elaphomyces species. It is diagnosed by its irregularly enlarged fertile heads and lemon, yellow-to-dark-brown, smooth and nearly cylindrical stipe. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU, LSU, ITS, TEF1-α and RPB2 sequence data showed T. inusitaticapitatum to be an independent lineage separated from T. flavonigrum in the clade comprising T. capitatum, T. fractum and T. longisegmentatum. A key for identifying the sexual Tolypocladium species is also provided.

Discovery and Extrolite Production of Three New Species of Talaromyces Belonging to Sections Helici and Purpurei from Freshwater in Korea

Three novel fungal species, Talaromyces gwangjuensis, T. koreana, and T. teleomorpha were found in Korea during an investigation of fungi in freshwater. The new species are described here using morphological characters, a multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, BenA, CaM, RPB2 regions, and extrolite data. Talaromyces gwangjuensis is characterized by restricted growth on CYA, YES, monoverticillate and biverticillate conidiophores, and globose smooth-walled conidia. Talaromyces koreana is characterized by fast growth on MEA, biverticillate conidiophores, or sometimes with additional branches and the production of acid on CREA. Talaromyces teleomorpha is characterized by producing creamish-white or yellow ascomata on OA and MEA, restricted growth on CREA, and no asexual morph observed in the culture. A phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, BenA, CaM, and RPB2 sequences showed that the three new taxa form distinct monophyletic clades. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic trees are provided.

New Species of Talaromyces (Fungi) Isolated from Soil in Southwestern China

Southwestern China belongs among the global biodiversity hotspots and the Daba Mountains are recognized as one of the priority conservation areas. During the exploration of fungal biodiversity from soil samples collected from Mount Daba, two species of Talaromyces were discovered as new to science based on phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparisons. Talaromyces chongqingensis sp. nov. is a sister taxon of T. minioluteus and T. minnesotensis in the section Trachyspermi; and T. wushanicus sp. nov., affiliated to the section Talaromyces, is closely related to T. cnidii and T. siamensis. The new species differ from their sisters in DNA sequences, growth rates, and morphological characteristics. Descriptions and illustrations of them are provided in detail.

Seven new Serendipita species associated with Australian terrestrial orchids

Serendipita is one of the main fungal genera that form mutualistic associations with species of orchids (Orchidaceae). Here, seven new Serendipita species associated with various Australian orchid genera are described. These Serendipita species were originally characterized by multilocus DNA sequence species delimitation analyses (three mtDNA and four nuclear genes) and confirmed as distinct with addition of further isolates and reanalysis of nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and nuc 28S rDNA (28S). Culture morphology and microscopic features are presented for each species, three of which are binucleate and four multinucleate. For the ITS region, the seven species have within-species sequence divergence between 1.07% and 4.31%, and all but one of the species pairs is separated by interspecific divergence of at least 4.35%. The newly described Serendipita species, S. australiana, S. communis, S. occidentalis, S. rarihospitum, S. secunda, S. talbotii, and S. warcupii, are shown to be separate species from S. vermifera on the basis of comparison against a sequence from the type. Isolates originally identified by Warcup as Sebacina "vermifera" from Caladenia orchids are revised and shown to belong to three of the species newly described here. Some non-Caladenia isolates identified by Warcup as S. "vermifera" are also shown to be non-conspecific with the type of S. vermifera. On the basis of ITS sequences, 346 isolates from 26 other studies, previously identified under provisional designations, are accommodated under the novel species. The species of Serendipta described here associate with the Australian orchid genera Caladenia, Cyanicula, Elythranthera, Ericksonella, Eriochilus, Glossodia, and Pheladenia. Most of the novel Serendipita species occur widely across Australia, often with widely distributed hosts, but one species, Serendipita rarihospitum, associates with narrowly distributed orchid species.

Description of the Fifth New Species of Russula subsect. Maculatinae from Pakistan Indicates Local Diversity Hotspot of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in Southwestern Himalayas

Russula subsect. Maculatinae is morphologically and phylogenetically well-defined lineage of ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with arctic, boreal, temperate and Mediterranean habitats of Northern Hemisphere. Based on phylogenetic distance among species, it seems that this group diversified relatively recently. Russula ayubiana sp. nov., described in this study, is the fifth in the group known from relatively small area of northern Pakistan situated in southwestern Himalayas. This is the highest known number of agaric lineage members from a single area in the world. This study uses available data about phylogeny, ecology, and climate to trace phylogenetic origin and ecological preferences of Maculatinae in southwestern Himalayas. Our results suggest that the area has been recently colonised by Maculatinae members migrating from various geographical areas and adapting to local conditions. We also discuss the perspectives and obstacles in research of biogeography and ecology, and we propose improvements that would facilitate the integration of ecological and biogeographical metadata from the future taxonomic studies of fungi in the region.

Inocybe brijunica sp. nov., a New Ectomycorrhizal Fungus from Mediterranean Croatia Revealed by Morphology and Multilocus Phylogenetic Analysis

A new ectomycorrhizal species was discovered during the first survey of fungal diversity at Brijuni National Park (Croatia), which consists of 14 islands and islets. The National Park is located in the Mediterranean Biogeographical Region, a prominent climate change hot-spot. Inocybe brijunica sp. nov., from sect. Hysterices (Agaricales, Inocybaceae), is described based on morphology and multilocus phylogenetic data. The holotype collection was found at the edge between grassland and Quercus ilex forest with a few planted Pinus pinea trees, on Veli Brijun Island, the largest island of the archipelago. It is easily recognized by a conspicuous orange to orange-red-brown membranaceous surface layer located at or just above the basal part of the stipe. Other distinctive features of I. brijunica are the medium brown, radially fibrillose to rimose pileus; pale to medium brown stipe with fugacious cortina; relatively small, amygdaliform to phaseoliform, and smooth basidiospores, measuring ca. 6.5-9 × 4-5.5 µm; thick-walled, utriform, lageniform or fusiform pleurocystidia (lamprocystidia) with crystals and mostly not yellowing in alkaline solutions; cheilocystidia of two types (lamprocystidia and leptocystidia); and the presence of abundant caulocystidia only in the upper 2-3 mm of the stipe. Phylogenetic reconstruction of a concatenated dataset of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), the nuclear 28S rRNA gene (nrLSU), and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2) resolved I. brijunica and I. glabripes as sister species.