Luteocirrhus shearii gen. sp. nov. (Diaporthales, Cryphonectriaceae) pathogenic to Proteaceae in the South Western Australian Floristic Region

Identification and pathogenicity of Aurifilum species (Cryphonectriaceae, Diaporthales) on Terminalia species in Southern China

The family of Cryphonectriaceae (Diaporthales) contains many important tree pathogens and the hosts are wide-ranging. Tree species of Terminalia were widely planted as ornamental trees alongside city roads and villages in southern China. Recently, stem canker and cracked bark were observed on 2-6 year old Terminalianeotaliala and T.mantaly in several nurseries in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province, China. Typical conidiomata of Cryphonectriaceae fungi were observed on the surface of the diseased tissue. In this study, we used DNA sequence data (ITS, BT2/BT1, TEF-1α, rpb2) and morphological characteristics to identify the strains from Terminalia trees. Our results showed that isolates obtained in this study represent two species of Aurifilum, one previously described species, A.terminali, and an unknown species, which we described as A.cerciana sp. nov. Pathogenicity tests demonstrated that both A.terminali and A.cerciana were able to infect T.neotaliala and two tested Eucalyptus clones, suggesting the potential for Aurifilum fungi to become new pathogens of Eucalyptus.

Cryphonectriaceae on Myrtales in China: phylogeny, host range, and pathogenicity

Plantation-grown Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) and other trees residing in the Myrtales have been widely planted in southern China. These fungal pathogens include species of Cryphonectriaceae that are well-known to cause stem and branch canker disease on Myrtales trees. During recent disease surveys in southern China, sporocarps with typical characteristics of Cryphonectriaceae were observed on the surfaces of cankers on the stems and branches of Myrtales trees. In this study, a total of 164 Cryphonectriaceae isolates were identified based on comparisons of DNA sequences of the partial conserved nuclear large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions including the 5.8S gene of the ribosomal DNA operon, two regions of the β-tubulin (tub2/tub1) gene, and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) gene region, as well as their morphological characteristics. The results showed that eight species reside in four genera of Cryphonectriaceae occurring on the genera Eucalyptus, Melastoma (Melastomataceae), Psidium (Myrtaceae), Syzygium (Myrtaceae), and Terminalia (Combretaceae) in Myrtales. These fungal species include Chrysoporthe deuterocubensis, Celoporthe syzygii, Cel. eucalypti, Cel. guangdongensis, Cel. cerciana, a new genus and two new species, as well as one new species of Aurifilum. These new taxa are hereby described as Parvosmorbus gen. nov., Par. eucalypti sp. nov., Par. guangdongensis sp. nov., and Aurifilum terminali sp. nov. Pathogenicity tests showed that the eight species of Cryphonectriaceae are pathogenic to two Eucalyptus hybrid seedlings, Melastoma sanguineum branches, and Psidium guajava and Syzygium jambos seedlings. The overall data showed that Chr. deuterocubensis is the most aggressive, followed by Par. eucalypti. Significant differences in tolerance were observed between the two tested Eucalyptus hybrid genotypes, suggesting that disease-tolerant genotypes can be selected for disease management in the Eucalyptus industry.

Cryphonectriaceae associated with rust-infected Syzygium jambos in Hawaii

Syzygium jambos (Myrtales, Myrtaceae) trees in Hawaii are severely affected by a rust disease caused by Austropuccinia psidii (Pucciniales, Sphaerophragmiaceae), but they are commonly co-infected with species of Cryphonectriaceae (Diaporthales). In this study, S. jambos and other trees in the Myrtales were examined on three Hawaiian Islands for the presence of Cryphonectriaceae. Bark samples with fruiting bodies were collected from infected trees and fungi were isolated directly from these structures. Pure cultures were produced and the fungi were identified using DNA sequence data for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, part of the β-tubulin (BT1) gene and the transcription elongation factor-1α (TEF1) gene. Five species in three genera of Cryphonectriaceae were identified from Myrtaceae tree samples. These included Chrysoporthe deuterocubensis, Microthia havanensis and three previously-unknown taxa described here as Celoporthe hauoliensis sp. nov., Cel. hawaiiensis sp. nov. and Cel. paradisiaca sp. nov. Representative isolates of Cel. hauoliensis, Cel. hawaiiensis, Cel. paradisiaca, Chr. deuterocubensis and Mic. havanensis were used in artificial inoculation studies to consider their pathogenicity on S. jambos. Celoporthe hawaiiensis, Cel. paradisiaca and Chr. deuterocubensis produced lesions on young S. jambos trees in inoculation trials, suggesting that, together with A. psidii, they may contribute to the death of trees. Microsatellite markers were subsequently used to consider the diversity of Chr. deuterocubensis on the Islands and thus to gain insights into its possible origin in Hawaii. Isolates of this important Myrtaceae and particularly Eucalyptus pathogen were found to be clonal. This provides evidence that Chr. deuterocubensis was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands as a single introduction, from a currently unknown source.

Differential exposure and susceptibility to threats based on evolutionary history: how OCBIL theory informs flora conservation

Optimal conservation approaches have been proposed to differ for biota with contrasting evolutionary histories. Natural selection filters the distribution of plant traits over evolutionary time, with the current expression of traits mediating susceptibility to contemporary and often novel threats. We use old, climatically buffered, infertile landscape (OCBIL) theory to compile predictions regarding differences in exposure and susceptibility to key threats between OCBIL and young, often disturbed, fertile landscape (YODFEL) flora. Based on literature and existing data from the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR), we evaluate evidence in support of our predictions, finding strong theoretical and empirical support for the proposition that exposure and/or impact of many threats differs between OCBILs and YODFELs. OCBILs have more exposure to land clearance from mining, whereas many YODFELs have greater exposure to land clearance from agriculture, and urban and industrial land uses, and greater overall levels of habitat loss and fragmentation. OCBIL flora are more susceptible to pathogens and extremes of fire interval than YODFEL flora, but conversely may have a greater capacity to persist in smaller populations if small populations featured in the evolutionary history of the species prior to anthropogenic fragmentation, and have substantial resistance to weed invasion. We argue that consideration of evolutionary history has an important role in informing conservation management.

Reevaluating Cryphonectriaceae and allied families in Diaporthales

The Diaporthales (Sordariomycetes) includes many important families of plant pathogenic fungi, such as the notorious Cryphonectriaceae. The aim of the present study was to reevaluate this family, along with other families in Diaporthales. Based on phylogenetic analyses using combined sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, large subunit of the nrDNA (28S), and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) and DNA-directed RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) genes, Cryphonectriaceae is separated into two subclades, comprising 21 genera and 55 species. Foliocryphiaceae, fam. nov., is morphologically and phylogenetically its closest relative but is distinct due to its phylogeny and dimorphic conidia. Mastigosporellaceae, fam. nov., is distinguished from other families in Diaporthales by owning apical conidial appendages. Neocryphonectria, gen. nov., within the family Foliocryphiaceae, with two species associated with Carpinus canker in China, is characterized by fusoid, aseptate macroconidia. Additionally, two new combinations are proposed, namely, Cryphonectria citrine, based on Chromendothia citrine, and Cytospora viridistroma, based on Endothia viridistoma. Based on results obtained in this study, 31 families are accepted into Diaporthales.

Families of Diaporthales based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence

Diaporthales is an important ascomycetous order comprising phytopathogenic, saprobic, and endophytic fungi, but interfamilial taxonomic relationships are still ambiguous. Despite its cosmopolitan distribution and high diversity with distinctive morphologies, this order has received relativelyiaceae, Macrohilaceae, Melanconidaceae, Pseudoplagiostomaceae, Schizoparmaceae, Stilbosporaceae and Sydowiellaceae. Taxonomic uncertainties among genera are also clarified and recurrent discrepancies in the taxonomic position of families within the Diaporthales are discussed. An updated outline and key to families and genera of the order is presented.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 469-557

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia: Apiognomonia lasiopetali on Lasiopetalum sp., Blastacervulus eucalyptorum on Eucalyptus adesmophloia, Bullanockia australis (incl. Bullanockia gen. nov.) on Kingia australis, Caliciopsis eucalypti on Eucalyptus marginata, Celerioriella petrophiles on Petrophile teretifolia, Coleophoma xanthosiae on Xanthosia rotundifolia, Coniothyrium hakeae on Hakea sp., Diatrypella banksiae on Banksia formosa, Disculoides corymbiae on Corymbia calophylla, Elsinoë eelemani on Melaleuca alternifolia, Elsinoë eucalyptigena on Eucalyptus kingsmillii, Elsinoë preissianae on Eucalyptus preissiana, Eucasphaeria rustici on Eucalyptus creta, Hyweljonesia queenslandica (incl. Hyweljonesia gen. nov.) on the cocoon of an unidentified microlepidoptera, Mycodiella eucalypti (incl. Mycodiella gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus diversicolor, Myrtapenidiella sporadicae on Eucalyptus sporadica, Neocrinula xanthorrhoeae (incl. Neocrinula gen. nov.) on Xanthorrhoea sp., Ophiocordyceps nooreniae on dead ant, Phaeosphaeriopsis agavacearum on Agave sp., Phlogicylindrium mokarei on Eucalyptus sp., Phyllosticta acaciigena on Acacia suaveolens, Pleurophoma acaciae on Acacia glaucoptera, Pyrenochaeta hakeae on Hakea sp., Readeriella lehmannii on Eucalyptus lehmannii, Saccharata banksiae on Banksia grandis, Saccharata daviesiae on Daviesia pachyphylla, Saccharata eucalyptorum on Eucalyptus bigalerita, Saccharata hakeae on Hakea baxteri, Saccharata hakeicola on Hakea victoria, Saccharata lambertiae on Lambertia ericifolia, Saccharata petrophiles on Petrophile sp., Saccharata petrophilicola on Petrophile fastigiata, Sphaerellopsis hakeae on Hakea sp., and Teichospora kingiae on Kingia australis.Brazil: Adautomilanezia caesalpiniae (incl. Adautomilanezia gen. nov.) on Caesalpina echinata, Arthrophiala arthrospora (incl. Arthrophiala gen. nov.) on Sagittaria montevidensis, Diaporthe caatingaensis (endophyte from Tacinga inamoena), Geastrum ishikawae on sandy soil, Geastrum pusillipilosum on soil, Gymnopus pygmaeus on dead leaves and sticks, Inonotus hymenonitens on decayed angiosperm trunk, Pyricularia urashimae on Urochloa brizantha, and Synnemellisia aurantia on Passiflora edulis. Chile: Tubulicrinis australis on Lophosoria quadripinnata.France: Cercophora squamulosa from submerged wood, and Scedosporium cereisporum from fluids of a wastewater treatment plant. Hawaii: Beltraniella acaciae, Dactylaria acaciae, Rhexodenticula acaciae, Rubikia evansii and Torula acaciae (all on Acacia koa).India: Lepidoderma echinosporum on dead semi-woody stems, and Rhodocybe rubrobrunnea from soil. Iran: Talaromyces kabodanensis from hypersaline soil. La Réunion: Neocordana musarum from leaves of Musa sp. Malaysia: Anungitea eucalyptigena on Eucalyptus grandis × pellita, Camptomeriphila leucaenae (incl. Camptomeriphila gen. nov.) on Leucaena leucocephala, Castanediella communis on Eucalyptus pellita, Eucalyptostroma eucalypti (incl. Eucalyptostroma gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus pellita, Melanconiella syzygii on Syzygium sp., Mycophilomyces periconiae (incl. Mycophilomyces gen. nov.) as hyperparasite on Periconia on leaves of Albizia falcataria, Synnemadiella eucalypti (incl. Synnemadiella gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus pellita, and Teichospora nephelii on Nephelium lappaceum.Mexico: Aspergillus bicephalus from soil. New Zealand: Aplosporella sophorae on Sophora microphylla, Libertasomyces platani on Platanus sp., Neothyronectria sophorae (incl. Neothyronectria gen. nov.) on Sophora microphylla, Parastagonospora phoenicicola on Phoenix canariensis, Phaeoacremonium pseudopanacis on Pseudopanax crassifolius, Phlyctema phoenicis on Phoenix canariensis, and Pseudoascochyta novae-zelandiae on Cordyline australis.Panama: Chalara panamensis from needle litter of Pinus cf. caribaea. South Africa: Exophiala eucalypti on leaves of Eucalyptus sp., Fantasmomyces hyalinus (incl. Fantasmomyces gen. nov.) on Acacia exuvialis, Paracladophialophora carceris (incl. Paracladophialophora gen. nov.) on Aloe sp., and Umthunziomyces hagahagensis (incl. Umthunziomyces gen. nov.) on Mimusops caffra.Spain: Clavaria griseobrunnea on bare ground in Pteridium aquilinum field, Cyathus ibericus on small fallen branches of Pinus halepensis, Gyroporus pseudolacteus in humus of Pinus pinaster, and Pseudoascochyta pratensis (incl. Pseudoascochyta gen. nov.) from soil. Thailand: Neoascochyta adenii on Adenium obesum, and Ochroconis capsici on Capsicum annuum. UK: Fusicolla melogrammae from dead stromata of Melogramma campylosporum on bark of Carpinus betulus. Uruguay: Myrmecridium pulvericola from house dust. USA: Neoscolecobasidium agapanthi (incl. Neoscolecobasidium gen. nov.) on Agapanthus sp., Polyscytalum purgamentum on leaf litter, Pseudopithomyces diversisporus from human toenail, Saksenaea trapezispora from knee wound of a soldier, and Sirococcus quercus from Quercus sp. Morphological and culture characteristics along with DNA barcodes are provided.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 320-370

Novel species of fungi described in the present study include the following from Malaysia: Castanediella eucalypti from Eucalyptus pellita, Codinaea acacia from Acacia mangium, Emarcea eucalyptigena from Eucalyptus brassiana, Myrtapenidiella eucalyptorum from Eucalyptus pellita, Pilidiella eucalyptigena from Eucalyptus brassiana and Strelitziana malaysiana from Acacia mangium. Furthermore, Stachybotrys sansevieriicola is described from Sansevieria ehrenbergii (Tanzania), Phacidium grevilleae from Grevillea robusta (Uganda), Graphium jumulu from Adansonia gregorii and Ophiostoma eucalyptigena from Eucalyptus marginata (Australia), Pleurophoma ossicola from bone and Plectosphaerella populi from Populus nigra (Germany), Colletotrichum neosansevieriae from Sansevieria trifasciata, Elsinoë othonnae from Othonna quinquedentata and Zeloasperisporium cliviae (Zeloasperisporiaceae fam. nov.) from Clivia sp. (South Africa), Neodevriesia pakbiae, Phaeophleospora hymenocallidis and Phaeophleospora hymenocallidicola on leaves of a fern (Thailand), Melanconium elaeidicola from Elaeis guineensis (Indonesia), Hormonema viticola from Vitis vinifera (Canary Islands), Chlorophyllum pseudoglobossum from a grassland (India), Triadelphia disseminata from an immunocompromised patient (Saudi Arabia), Colletotrichum abscissum from Citrus (Brazil), Polyschema sclerotigenum and Phialemonium limoniforme from human patients (USA), Cadophora vitícola from Vitis vinifera (Spain), Entoloma flavovelutinum and Bolbitius aurantiorugosus from soil (Vietnam), Rhizopogon granuloflavus from soil (Cape Verde Islands), Tulasnella eremophila from Euphorbia officinarum subsp. echinus (Morocco), Verrucostoma martinicensis from Danaea elliptica (French West Indies), Metschnikowia colchici from Colchicum autumnale (Bulgaria), Thelebolus microcarpus from soil (Argentina) and Ceratocystis adelpha from Theobroma cacao (Ecuador). Myrmecridium iridis (Myrmecridiales ord. nov., Myrmecridiaceae fam. nov.) is also described from Iris sp. (The Netherlands). Novel genera include (Ascomycetes): Budhanggurabania from Cynodon dactylon (Australia), Soloacrosporiella, Xenocamarosporium, Neostrelitziana and Castanediella from Acacia mangium and Sabahriopsis from Eucalyptus brassiana (Malaysia), Readerielliopsis from basidiomata of Fuscoporia wahlbergii (French Guyana), Neoplatysporoides from Aloe ferox (Tanzania), Wojnowiciella, Chrysofolia and Neoeriomycopsis from Eucalyptus (Colombia), Neophaeomoniella from Eucalyptus globulus (USA), Pseudophaeomoniella from Olea europaea (Italy), Paraphaeomoniella from Encephalartos altensteinii, Aequabiliella, Celerioriella and Minutiella from Prunus (South Africa). Tephrocybella (Basidiomycetes) represents a novel genus from wood (Italy). Morphological and culture characteristics along with ITS DNA barcodes are provided for all taxa.

Aurantioporthe corni gen. et comb. nov., an endophyte and pathogen of Cornus alternifolia

Cryptodiaporthe corni is the causal agent of a destructive disease called golden canker, which affects Cornus alternifolia, known as the pagoda or alternate-leaved dogwood. Due to the association between Cr. corni and pagoda dogwood, we sought to determine whether this fungus was capable of living as an endophyte in pagoda dogwood and causing this disease. Forty asymptomatic stems of plants growing in nature were sampled from five sites across Minnesota. Cryptodiaporthe corni was present in more than half (62.5%) of the stems. Asymptomatic nursery material also was sampled, and the fungus was isolated from a small percentage (20%) of them. Inoculations carried out in the field and greenhouse suggested the endophytic isolates of Cr. corni were capable of causing disease. Asymptomatic stems of trees in the field inoculated with non-colonized (control) grain seed developed golden canker as frequently as those inoculated with grain seed colonized by Cr. corni, suggesting that the fungus was already present in these plants. In greenhouse pathogenicity trials an isolate of Cr. corni obtained from an asymptomatic stem was capable of causing golden canker disease, thus demonstrating causality, fulfilling Koch's postulates. The taxonomic placement of Cr. corni within Cryphonectriaceae was determined. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS rDNA and β-tubulin gene regions, along with morphological characteristics, suggested Cr. corni is distinct from other genera within this family. Therefore, we propose a new genus, Aurantioporthe, as well as the new combination, A. corni, to accommodate this species within Cryphonectriaceae.