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Pachyphlodes is a lineage of ectomycorrhizal, hypogeous, sequestrate ascomycete fungi native to temperate and subtropical forests in the Northern Hemisphere. Pachyphlodes species form ectomycorrhizae mainly with Fagales hosts. Here we describe two new species of Pachyphlodes, P. brunnea, and P. coalescens, based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis. Pachyphlodes brunnea is distributed in the states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo León in northern México, occurring with Quercus and Juglans species. It is characterized by its dark brown peridium, white gleba, and spores with capitate columns. Pachyphlodes coalescens is distributed in the states of Michoacán and Tlaxcala in central and southwestern México co-occurring with Quercus and is distinguished by its reddish-brown peridium, light yellow gleba, and spore ornamentation. Both species, along with P. marronina, constitute the Marronina clade. This clade contains North American species characterized by a brown peridium and spores ornamented with capitate spines to coalesced spine tips that form a partial perispore.

Diaporthe species have often been reported as plant pathogens, endophytes and saprophytes, commonly isolated from a wide range of infected plant hosts. In the present study, twenty strains obtained from leaf spots of twelve host plants in Yunnan Province of China were isolated. Based on a combination of morphology, culture characteristics and multilocus sequence analysis of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF), β-tubulin (TUB), calmodulin (CAL), and histone (HIS) genes, these strains were identified as eight new species: Diaporthe camelliae-sinensis, D. grandiflori, D. heliconiae, D. heterostemmatis, D. litchii, D. lutescens, D. melastomatis, D. pungensis and two previously described species, D. subclavata and D. tectonendophytica. This study showed high species diversity of Diaporthe in tropical rain forests and its hosts in south-western China.

Karst formations represent a unique eco-environment. Research in the microfungi inhabiting this area is limited. During an ongoing survey of ascomycetous microfungi from karst terrains in Guizhou Province, China, we discovered four new species, which are introduced here as Hypoderma paralinderae , Terriera karsti , T. meitanensis and T. sigmoideospora placed in Rhytismataceae , based on phylogenetic analyses and morphological characters. Molecular analyses, based on concatenated LSU-ITS-mtSSU sequence data, were used to infer phylogenetic affinities. Detail descriptions and comprehensive illustrations of these new taxa are provided and relationships with the allied species are discussed, based on comparative morphology and molecular data.

We present phylogenetic analyses of the fruticose Ramalinaceae based on extensive collections from many parts of the world, with a special focus on the Vizcaíno deserts in north-western Mexico and the coastal desert in Namibia. We generate a four-locus DNA sequence dataset for accessions ofRamalinaand two additional loci forNieblaandVermilacinia. Four genera are strongly supported: the subcosmopolitanRamalina, the new genusNamibialinaendemic to SW Africa, and a duo formed byNieblaandVermilacinia, endemic to the New World except the sorediateV. zebrinathat disjunctly occurs in Namibia. The latter three genera are restricted to coastal desert and chaparral where vegetation depends on moisture from ocean fog.Ramalinais subcosmopolitan and much more diverse in its ecology.We show thatRamalinaand its sister genusNamibialinadiverged from each other at c. 48 Myrs, whereasVermilaciniaandNieblasplit at c. 30 Myrs. The phylogeny of the fruticose genera remains unresolved to their ancestral crustose genera.Species delimitation withinNamibialinaandRamalinais rather straightforward. The phylogeny and taxonomy ofVermilaciniaare fully resolved, except for the two youngest clades of corticolous taxa, and support current taxonomy, including four new taxa described here. Secondary metabolite variation inNieblagenerally coincides with major clades which are comprised of species complexes with still unresolved phylogenetic relationships. A micro-endemism pattern of allopatric species is strongly suspected for both genera, except for the corticolous taxa withinVermilacinia. BothNieblaand saxicolousVermilaciniahave chemotypes unique to species clades that are largely endemic to the Vizcaíno deserts.The following new taxa are described:Namibialinagen. nov.withN. melanothrix(comb. nov.) as type species, a single new species ofRamalina(R. krogiae) and four new species ofVermilacinia(V. breviloba,V. lacunosa,V. pustulataandV. reticulata). The new combinationV. granulansis introduced. Two epithets are re-introduced for EuropeanRamalinaspecies:R. crispans(=R. peruvianaauct. eur.) andR. rosacea(=R. bourgeanaauct. p.p). A lectotype is designated forVermilacinia procera. A key to saxicolous species ofVermilaciniais presented.

In this paper we present an updated checklist of thallus-forming Laboulbeniomycetes (Ascomycota, Pezizomycotina), that is, the orders Herpomycetales and Laboulbeniales, from Belgium and the Netherlands. Two species are newly described based on morphology, molecular data (ITS, LSU ribosomal DNA) and ecology (host association). These areHesperomyces halyziaeonHalyzia sedecimguttata(Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) from both countries andLaboulbenia quarantenaeonBembidion biguttatum(Coleoptera, Carabidae) from Belgium. In addition, nine new country records are presented. For Belgium:Laboulbenia aubryionAmara aranea(Coleoptera, Carabidae) andRhachomyces spinosusonSyntomus foveatus(Coleoptera, Carabidae). For the Netherlands:Chitonomyces melanurusonLaccophilus minutus(Coleoptera, Dytiscidae),Euphoriomyces agathidiionAgathidium laevigatum(Coleoptera, Leiodidae),Laboulbenia fasciculataonOmophron limbatum(Coleoptera, Carabidae),Laboulbenia metabletionSyntomus foveatusandS. truncatellus(Coleoptera, Carabidae),Laboulbenia pseudomaseionPterostichus melanarius(Coleoptera, Carabidae),Rhachomyces canariensisonTrechus obtusus(Coleoptera, Carabidae), andStigmatomyces hydrelliaeonHydrellia albilabris(Diptera, Ephydridae). Finally, an identification key to 140 species of thallus-forming Laboulbeniomycetes in Belgium and the Netherlands is provided. Based on the combined data, we are able to identify mutual gaps that need to be filled as well as weigh the impact of chosen strategies (fieldwork, museum collections) and techniques in these neighboring countries. The aim of this work is to serve as a reference for studying Laboulbeniomycetes fungi in Europe.

In this paper, Claviformisporagen. nov. in Linocarpaceae is introduced from Phyllostachys heteroclada in Sichuan Province, China. The new genus is characterised by its distinct morphological characters, such as ostiole with periphyses, asci with a thick doughnut-shaped, J- apical ring and clavate ascospore without septum-like band and appendage. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference phylogenetic analyses, based on DNA sequence data from ITS, LSU, SSU and TEF-1α regions, provide further evidence that the fungus is a distinct genus within this family. The new genus is compared with similar genera, such as Linocarpon and Neolinocarpon. Descriptions, illustrations and notes are provided for the new taxon.

Molecular analysis of the genus Balsamia was conducted with ITS and 28S sequences available, including newly gained sequences from Chinese specimens. Combined with the morphological examinations, a new hypogeous species, Balsamia lishanensis was described and illustrated from North China, which is morphologically characterized by reddish brown ascomata covered with fine warts, the whitish gleba with numerous small chambers, 3–5 layers peridium with reddish brown polygonal cells and the smooth and regular ellipsoid ascospores with one large oil drop. Two species previously described as Barssia were transferred to Balsamia. Balsamia platyspora was confirmed to be in existence in China based on newly collected specimen. A key to the Chinese Balsamia species was provided.

Diaporthe species (Sordariomycetes, Diaporthales) are often reported as important plant pathogens, saprobes and endophytes on a wide range of plant hosts. In this study, Diaporthe specimens were collected from symptomatic twigs and branches at the Huoditang Forest Farm in Shaanxi Province, China. Identification was done using a combination of morphology and comparison of DNA sequence data of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), calmodulin (cal), histone H3 (his3), partial translation elongation factor-1α (tef1) and β-tubulin (tub2) gene regions. Three new Diaporthe species are proposed: D. albosinensis, D. coryli and D. shaanxiensis. All species are illustrated and their morphology and phylogenetic relationships with other Diaporthe species are discussed.

TheLeptographium olivaceacomplex encompasses species in the broadly defined genusLeptographium(Ophiostomatales, Ascomycota) that are generally characterized by synnematous conidiophores. Most species of the complex are associates of conifer-infesting bark beetles in Europe and North America. The aims of this study were to reconsider the delineation of known species, and to confirm the identity of several additional isolates resemblingL. olivaceathat have emerged from recent surveys in China, Finland, Poland, Russia, and Spain. Phylogenetic analyses of sequence data for five loci (ACT, TUB, CAL, ITS2-LSU, and TEF-1α) distinguished 14 species within the complex. These included eight known species (L. cucullatum,L. davidsonii,L. erubescens,L. francke-grosmanniae,L. olivaceum,L. olivaceapini,L. sagmatosporum, andL. vescum) and six new species (herein described asL. breviuscapum,L. conplurium,L. pseudoalbum,L. rhizoidum,L. sylvestris, andL. xiningense). New combinations are provided forL. cucullatum,L. davidsonii,L. erubescens,L. olivaceum,L. olivaceapini,L. sagmatosporumandL. vescum. New Typifications: Lectotypes are designated forL. olivaceum,L. erubescensandL. sagmatosporum. Epitypes were designated forL. olivaceapiniandL. sagmatosporum. In addition to phylogenetic separation, the synnematous asexual states and ascomata with almost cylindrical necks and prominent ostiolar hyphae, distinguish theL. olivaceumcomplex from others inLeptographium.

A collection of fungi was isolated from macroalgae of the generaGracilaria,EnteromorphaandUlvain the estuary Ria de Aveiro in Portugal. These isolates were characterized through a multilocus phylogeny based on ITS region of the ribosomal DNA, beta-tubulin (tub2) and translation elongation factor 1 alpha (tef1-α) sequences, in conjunction with morphological and physiological data. These analyses showed that the isolates represented an unknown fungus for which a new genus,Neptunomycesgen. nov.and a new species,Neptunomyces aureussp. nov.are proposed. Phylogenetic analyses supported the affiliation of this new taxon to the family Didymosphaeriaceae.

Helvella species are ascomycetous macrofungi with saddle-shaped or cupulate apothecia. They are distributed worldwide and play an important ecological role as ectomycorrhizal symbionts. A recent multi-locus phylogenetic study of the genus suggested that the cupulate group of Helvella was in need of comprehensive revision. In this study, all the specimens of cupulate Helvella sensu lato with ribbed stipes deposited in HMAS were examined morphologically and molecularly. A four-locus phylogeny was reconstructed using partial sequences of the heat shock protein 90, nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region 2, nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA and translation elongation factor 1-α genes. Three clades were revealed in Helvella sensu stricto. Twenty species were included in the analysis, of which 13 are distributed in China. Three new species, H. acetabuloides, H. sichuanensis and H. tianshanensis, are described and illustrated in detail. A neotype was designated for H. taiyuanensis. Helvella calycina is a new record for China, while Dissingia leucomelaena should be excluded from Chinese mycota. Hsp90 and ITS2 are recommended as useful supplementary barcodes for species identifications of the genus.

Six new Micarea species are described from Europe. Phylogenetic analyses, based on three loci, i.e. mtSSU rDNA, Mcm7 and ITS rDNA and ancestral state reconstructions, were used to evaluate infra-group divisions and the role of secondary metabolites and selected morphological characters on the taxonomy in the M. prasina group. Two main lineages were found within the group. The Micarea micrococca clade consists of twelve species, including the long-known M. micrococca and the newly described M. microsorediata, M. nignz and M. pauli. Within this Glade, most species produce methoxymicareic acid, with the exceptions of M. levicula and M. viaikprosa producing gyrophoric acid. The M. prasina dade includes the newly described M. azorica closely related to M. prasina s.str., M. aeruginoprusina sp. nov. and M. isidiopnzsina sp. nov. The species within this Glade are characterised by the production of micareic acid, with the exception of M. herbarum which lacks any detectable substances and M. subviridescens that produces prasinic acid. Based on our reconstructions, it was concluded that the ancestor of the M. prasina group probably had a thallus consisting of goniocysts, which were lost several times during evolution, while isidia and soredia evolved independently at multiple times. Our research supported the view that the ancestor of M. prasina group did not produce any secondary substances, but they were gained independently in different lineages, such as methoxymicareic acid which is restricted to M. micrococca and allied species or micareic acid present in the M. prasina clade.

Octosporaconidiophorais described as a new species, based on collections from South Africa. It is characterised by apothecia with a distinct margin, smooth or finely warted ellipsoid ascospores, stiff, thick-walled hyaline hairs, warted mycelial hyphae and growth on pleurocarpous mossesTrichosteleumperchlorosumandSematophyllumbrachycarpum(Hypnales) on decaying wood in afromontane forests. It is the first species of bryophilous Pezizales in which an anamorph has been observed; it produces long, claviform, curved, hyaline and transversely septate conidia. Three other cryptic species ofOctosporawere detected using three molecular markers (LSU and SSU nrDNA and EF1α), but these could not be distinguished phenotypically. These are not described formally here and an informal species aggregateO.conidiophoraagg. is established for them. The new species and finds ofLamprosporacampylopodisgrowing onCampylopuspyriformisandNeottiellaalbocinctaonAtrichumandrogynumrepresent the first records of bryophilous Pezizales in South Africa.

Leprariacryptovouauxiiis described as a new semicryptic species similar toL.vouauxii, from which it differs geographically (South America) and phylogenetically; both species differ in nucleotide position characters in nucITS barcoding marker.Leprariaharrisianais reported as new to South America andL.nothofagias new to Antarctica, Bolivia, and Peru.Leprariaincana(South American records are referred to L.aff.hodkinsoniana) andL.vouauxii(most South American records are referred toL.cryptovouauxii) should be excluded at least temporarily from the lichen list of South America. All records previously referred to asL.alpinafrom Bolivia and Peru belong toL.nothofagi. Most of Bolivian records ofL.pallidabelong toL.harrisiana.LeprariaborealisandL.caesioalbashould be included inL.neglecta. Leprariaachariana,L.impossibilis, andL.sipmanianaare sequenced for the first time.

Phyllopsora is a crustose to squamulose lichen genus inhabiting the bark of trees in moist tropical forests and rainforests. Species identification is generally challenging and is mainly based on ascospore morphology, thallus morphology and anatomy, vegetative dispersal units, and on secondary chemistry. While regional treatments of the genus have been conducted for Africa, South America and Australia, there exists no study focusing on the Asian and Melanesian species. Previously, 24 species of Phyllopsora s. str. have been reported from major national studies and checklists representing 13 countries. We have studied herbarium material of 625 Phyllopsora specimens from 18 countries using morphology, anatomy, secondary chemistry, and molecular data to investigate the diversity of Phyllopsora species in Asia and Melanesia. We report the occurrence of 28 species of Phyllopsora including the following three species described as new to science: P. sabahana from Malaysia, P. siamensis from Thailand and P. pseudocorallina from Asia and Africa. Eight species are reported as new to Asia. A key to the Asian and Melanesian species of Phyllopsora is provided. This Journal is a supporter of open science. Open access to content is clearly marked, with text and/or the open access logo, on all materials published under this model. Unless otherwise stated, open access content is published in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence (CC-BY). This particular licence allows the copying, displaying and distribution of the content at no charge, provided that the author and source are credited.

Here, we test the current generic delimitation of Rostania (Collemataceae, Peltigerales, Ascomycota) utilizing molecular phylogeny and morphological investigations. Using DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial SSU rDNA and two nuclear protein-coding genes (MCM7 and β-tubulin) and utilizing parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods, Rostania is shown to be non-monophyletic in the current sense. A new generic delimitation of Rostania is thus proposed, in which the genus is monophyletic, and three species (Rostania coccophylla, R. paramensis, R. quadrifida) are excluded and transferred to other genera. Rostania occultata is further non-monophyletic, and a more detailed investigation of species delimitations in Rostania s. str. is needed. The new combinations Leptogium paramense and Scytinium quadrifidum are proposed., MycoKeys (47), ISSN:1314-4049, ISSN:1314-4057

In this study, the diversity of Pyxine Fr. in China was assessed based on morphological and chemical traits and molecular data are inferred from ITS and mtSSU sequences. Nineteen species were recognised, including three that are new to science (i.e. P.flavicans M. X. Yang & Li S. Wang, P.hengduanensis M. X. Yang & Li S. Wang and P.yunnanensis M. X. Yang & Li S. Wang) and three records new to China were found (i.e. P.cognata Stirt., P.himalayensis Awas. and P.minuta Vain.). Pyxineyunnanensis is diagnosed by the small size of the apothecia, a white medulla of the stipe and the presence of lichexanthone. Pyxineflavicans is characterised by broad lobes, a pale yellow medulla of the stipe and the presence of atranorin. Pyxinehengduanensis can be distinguished by its pale yellow medulla, marginal labriform soralia and the absence of atranorin. Detailed descriptions of each new species are presented, along with a key to the known species of Pyxine in China.

Diaporthe species have often been reported as important plant pathogens, saprobes and endophytes on a wide range of plant hosts. Although several Diaporthe species have been recorded, little is known about species able to infect forest trees in Jiangxi Province. Hence, extensive surveys were recently conducted in Jiangxi Province, China. A total of 24 isolates were identified and analysed using comparisons of DNA sequence data for the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), calmodulin ( cal ), histone H3 ( his3 ), partial translation elongation factor-1α ( tef1 ) and β-tubulin ( tub2 ) gene regions, as well as their morphological features. Results revealed five novel taxa, D. bauhiniae , D. ganzhouensis , D. schimae , D. verniciicola , D. xunwuensis spp. nov. and three known species, D. apiculatum , D. citri and D. multigutullata .

Huntiella species are wood-infecting, filamentous ascomycetes that occur in fresh wounds on a wide variety of tree species. These fungi are mainly known as saprobes although some have been associated with disease symptoms. Six fungal isolates with typical culture characteristics of Huntiella spp. were collected from wounds on native forest trees in Greece and South Africa. The aim of this study was to identify these isolates, using morphological characters and multigene phylogenies of the rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, portions of the β-tubulin (BT1) and translation elongation factor 1α (TEF-1α) genes. The mating strategies of these fungi were also determined through PCR amplification of mating type genes. The study revealed two new species; one from Platanus orientalis in Greece and one from Colophospermum mopane and Senegalia nigrescens in South Africa. These novel taxa have been provided with the names, H. hellenicasp. nov. and H. krugerisp. nov., respectively. The former species was found to have a homothallic and the latter a heterothallic mating system.

A novel ascomycetous genus, Elongaticollum, occurring on leaf litter of Hedychium coronarium (Zingiberaceae) in Taiwan, is described and illustrated. Elongaticollum is characterized by dark brown to black, superficial, obpyriform, pycnidial conidiomata with a distinct elongate neck, and oval to oblong, hyaline, aseptate conidia. Phylogenetic analyses (maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian) of combined ITS, LSU, SSU and tef1-α sequence data revealed Elongaticollum as a distinct genus within the family Phaeosphaeriaceae with high statistical support. In addition, Ophiosphaerella taiwanensis and Phaeosphaeriopsis beaucarneae are described as new species from dead leaves of Agave tequilana and Beaucarnea recurvata (Asparagaceae), respectively. Neosetophoma poaceicola is reported as a new host record from dead leaves of Musa acuminata (Musaceae). Newly described taxa are compared with other similar species and comprehensive descriptions and micrographs are provided.

The Chaetosphaeriaceae are a diverse group of pigmented, predominantly phialidic hyphomycetes comprised of several holomorphic genera including Chaetosphaeria, the most prominent genus of the family. Although the morphology of the teleomorphs of the majority of Chaetosphaeria is rather uniform, their associated anamorphs primarily exhibit the variability and evolutionary change observed in the genus. An exception from the morphological monotony among Chaetosphaeria species is a group characterised by scolecosporous, hyaline to light pink, multiseptate, asymmetrical ascospores and a unique three-layered ascomatal wall. Paragaeumannomyces sphaerocellularis, the type species of the genus, exhibits these morphological traits and is compared with similar Chaetosphaeria with craspedodidymum- and chloridium-like synanamorphs. Morphological comparison and phylogenetic analyses of the combined ITS-28S sequences of 35 isolates and vouchers with these characteristics revealed a strongly-supported, morphologically well-delimited clade in the Chaetosphaeriaceae containing 16 species. The generic name Paragaeumannomyces is applied to this monophyletic clade; eight new combinations and five new species, i.e. P. abietinussp. nov., P. eleganssp. nov., P. granulatussp. nov., P. sabinianussp. nov. and P. smokiensissp. nov., are proposed. A key to Paragaeumannomyces is provided. Using morphology, cultivation studies and phylogenetic analyses of ITS and 28S rDNA, two additional new species from freshwater and terrestrial habitats, Codinaea paniculatasp. nov. and Striatosphaeria castaneasp. nov., are described in the family. A codinaea-like anamorph of S. castanea forms conidia with setulae at each end in axenic culture; this feature expands the known morphology of Striatosphaeria. A chaetosphaeria-like teleomorph is experimentally linked to Dendrophoma cytisporoides, a sporodochial hyphomycete and type species of Dendrophoma, for the first time.

The asexual taxon Phialolunulospora vermisporagen. et sp. nov., collected from submerged dicotyledonous leaves in Hainan, China, is described and illustrated herein. Phialolunulosporagen. nov. is characterized by macronematous, semimacronematous, septate and pigmented conidiophores and acrogenous, long lunate, vermiform to sigmoid, hyaline conidia with an eccentric basal appendage. Complete sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and partial sequences of nuclear large subunits ribosomal DNA (LSU) genes are provided. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS and LSU sequences revealed its placement in the Chaetosphaeriaceae. The new fungus is compared with morphologically similar genera.

The order Melanosporales comprises a large group of ascomycetes, most of them mycoparasites, characterized by the production of usually ostiolate, translucent ascomata, unitunicate asci, and unicellular, pigmented ascospores with germ pores or germ slits. The most studied taxa areMelanosporaandSphaerodes, but the boundaries with other morphologically closely related genera are not well resolved. In this study, the taxonomy ofMelanosporaand related taxa have been re-evaluated based on the analysis of nuclear rDNA, actin and elongation factor genes sequences of fresh isolates and numerous type and reference strains. The genusMelanosporahas been restricted to species with ostiolate ascoma whose neck is composed of intermixed hyphae, and with a phialidic asexual morph.Microtheciumhas been re-established for species ofMelanosporaandSphaerodeswithout a typical ascomatal neck or, if present, being short and composed of angular cells similar to those of the ascomatal wall, and usually producing bulbils. Three new genera have been proposed:Dactylidispora, possessing ascospores with a raised rim surrounding both terminal germ pores;Echinusitheca, with densely setose, dark ascomata; andPseudomicrothecium, characterized by ascospores with indistinct germ pores. Dichotomous keys to identify the accepted genera of the Melanosporales, and keys to discriminate among the species ofMelanosporaandMicrothecium, as well as a brief description of the accepted species of both genera, are also provided.

Krogia borneensis Kistenich & Timdal, K. isidiata Kistenich & Timdal and K. macrophylla Kistenich & Timdal are described as new species, the first from Borneo and the two latter from New Caledonia. The new species are supported by morphology, secondary chemistry and DNA sequence data. Krogia borneensis and K. isidiata contain sekikaic and homosekikaic acid, both compounds reported here for the first time from the genus. Krogia macrophylla contains an unknown compound apparently related to boninic acid as the major compound. DNA sequences (mtSSU and nrITS) are provided for the first time for Krogia and a phylogeny of the genus based on 15 accessions of five of the six accepted species is presented. Krogia antillarum is reported as new to Brazil, Guatemala and Mexico. Krogia borneensis Kistenich & Timdal, K. isidiata Kistenich & Timdal and K. macrophylla Kistenich & Timdal are described as new species, the first from Borneo and the two latter from New Caledonia. The new species are supported by morphology, secondary chemistry and DNA sequence data. Krogia borneensis and K. isidiata contain sekikaic and homosekikaic acid, both compounds reported here for the first time from the genus. Krogia macrophylla contains an unknown compound apparently related to boninic acid as the major compound. DNA sequences (mtSSU and nrITS) are provided for the first time for Krogia and a phylogeny of the genus based on 15 accessions of five of the six accepted species is presented. Krogia antillarum is reported as new to Brazil, Guatemala and Mexico.

Diaporthespecies have often been reported as important plant pathogens, saprobes and endophytes on a wide range of plant hosts. Although severalDiaporthespecies have been recorded in China, little is known about species able to infect forest trees. Therefore, extensive surveys were recently conducted in Beijing, Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi and Zhejiang Provinces. The current results emphasised on 15 species from 42 representative isolates involving 16 host genera using comparisons of DNA sequence data for the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS),calmodulin(cal), histone H3 (his3), partial translation elongation factor-1α (tef1) and β-tubulin (tub2) gene regions, as well as their morphological features. Three known species,D.biguttulata,D.eresandD.unshiuensis, were identified. In addition, twelve novel taxa were collected and are described asD.acerigena,D.alangii,D.betulina,D.caryae,D.cercidis,D.chensiensis,D.cinnamomi,D.conica,D.fraxinicola,D.kadsurae,D.padinaandD.ukurunduensis. The current study improves the understanding of species causing diebacks on ecological and economic forest trees and provides useful information for the effective disease management of these hosts in China.

A new species ofStamnariais described based on morphology and molecular data from a collection made in West Siberia.Stamnariayugranais differentiated by lanceolate, strongly protruding paraphyses and comparatively narrow, fusoid-clavate ascospores. The apothecia are urn-shaped due to a prominent and even collar as inS.persoonii. The species grows on fallen side branches ofEquisetumsylvaticum, a rarely recorded host forStamnaria. The authors formally describe the new species and provide colour illustrations. In addition, the literature is reviewed on previously described species ofStamnaria. Phylogenetic reconstruction of theStamnarialineage, based on the ITS ribosomal DNA, strongly supports the three currently recognised species:S.americana,S.persooniiandS.yugrana.

In a mycological research performed in the Sjeverni Velebit National Park, Croatia, a new species of Coprotus was discovered, described here as C. epithecioides. Along with the microscopic examination, phylogenetic analysis of the type material, based on ITS and LSU sequences, was performed in order to evaluate its relationship with the type species, C. sexdecimsporus. The type species was sequenced in this study for the first time, providing ITS and LSU sequences from two separate collections which displayed differences in macroscopic characters and content of paraphyses. An extended description of C. sexdecimsporus based on Croatian material is also provided. A worldwide identification key to the species assigned to the genus Coprotus is presented, along with a species overview, containing a data matrix. The phylogenetic position of Coprotus in the Boubovia-Coprotus clade within Pyronemataceae s.l. is discussed. Coprotus sexdecimsporus is also reported here as new to the Croatian mycobiota.

Xylopsora canopeorum Timdal, Reese Næsborg & Bendiksby is described as a new species occupying the crowns of large Sequoia sempervirens trees in California, USA. The new species is supported by morphology, anatomy, secondary chemistry and DNA sequence data. While similar in external appearance to X. friesii, it is distinguished by forming smaller, partly coralloid squamules, by the occurrence of soralia and, in some specimens, by the presence of thamnolic acid in addition to friesiic acid in the thallus. Molecular phylogenetic results are based on nuclear (ITS and LSU) as well as mitochondrial (SSU) ribosomal DNA sequence alignments. Phylogenetic hypotheses obtained using Bayesian Inference, Maximum Likelihood and Maximum Parsimony all support X. canopeorum as a distinct evolutionary lineage belonging to the X. caradocensis–X. friesii clade.

Recent reclassification of the Ceratocystidaceae (Microascales) based on multi-gene phylogenetic inference has shown that the oak wilt fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum does not reside in any of the four genera in which it has previously been treated. In this study, we resolve typification problems for the fungus, confirm the synonymy of Chalara quercina (the first name applied to the fungus) and Endoconidiophora fagacearum (the name applied when the sexual state was discovered). Furthermore, the generic placement of the species was determined based on DNA sequences from authenticated isolates. The original specimens studied in both protologues and living isolates from the same host trees and geographical area were examined and shown to represent the same species. A lectotype was designated for Chalara quercina and Endoconidiophora fagacearum and an epitype linked to a living ex-epitype isolate was designated. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the species resides in a well-supported monophyletic lineage in the Ceratocystidaceae, distinct from all other genera in the family. The new genus Bretziella is described to accommodate the oak wilt fungus.

Two new species of Trichoderma are described based on the collections producing ascomata or asexual morphs on woody substrates, and named as Trichoderma fujianense and T. zonatum. Trichoderma fujianense produces gliocladium to verticillium-like conidiophores, slender to lageniform phialides, green and ellipsoidal to cylindrical conidia. Trichoderma zonatum is characterized by pulvinate, pale yellow to light brown stromata with densely disposed dark green to black ostioles, monomorphic ascospores, simple trichoderma-like conidiophores, green, (sub)globose to pyriform conidia. Their phylogenetic positions were investigated inferred from sequence analyses of the combined RNA polymerase II subunit b and translation elongation factor 1-α genes. The results indicate that T. fujianense, along with T. aureoviride and T. candidum, represents an independent lineage with high statistical support. Trichoderma zonatum belongs to the Chlorosporum clade and is associated with but clearly separated from T. rosulatum and T. costaricense. Morphological distinctions and sequence divergences between the new species and their close relatives were discussed.

Helvella species are ascomycetous macrofungi with saddle-shaped or cupulate apothecia. They are distributed worldwide and play an important ecological role as ectomycorrhizal symbionts. A recent multi-locus phylogenetic study of the genus suggested that the cupulate group of Helvella was in need of comprehensive revision. In this study, all the specimens of cupulate Helvella sensu lato with ribbed stipes deposited in HMAS were examined morphologically and molecularly. A four-locus phylogeny was reconstructed using partial sequences of the heat shock protein 90, nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region 2, nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA and translation elongation factor 1-α genes. Three clades were revealed in Helvella sensu stricto. Twenty species were included in the analysis, of which 13 are distributed in China. Three new species, H. acetabuloides, H. sichuanensis and H. tianshanensis, are described and illustrated in detail. A neotype was designated for H. taiyuanensis. Helvella calycina is a new record for China, while Dissingia leucomelaena should be excluded from Chinese mycota. Hsp90 and ITS2 are recommended as useful supplementary barcodes for species identifications of the genus.

Triblidiaceae is a family of uncommonly encountered, non-lichenized discomycetes. A recent classification circumscribed the family to includeTriblidium(4 spp. and 1 subsp.),Huangshania(2 spp.) andPseudographis(2 spp. and 1 var.). The apothecia of these fungi are persistent and drought-tolerant; they possess stromatic, highly melanized covering layers that open and close with fluctuations of humidity. Triblidialean fungi occur primarily on the bark ofQuercus, Pinaceae and Ericaceae, presumably as saprobes. Though the type species ofHuangshaniais from China, these fungi are mostly known from collections originating from Western Hemisphere temperate and boreal forests. The higher-rank classification of triblidialean fungi has been in flux due in part to an overemphasis on ascospore morphology. Muriform ascospores are observed in species ofTriblidiumand inPseudographiselatina. An intense, dark blue/purple ascospore wall reaction in iodine-based reagents is observed in species ofPseudographis. These morphologies have led, in part, to these genera being shuffled among unrelated taxa in Hysteriaceae (Dothideomycetes, Hysteriales) and Graphidaceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ostropales). Triblidiaceae has been placed within the monofamilial order Triblidiales (affinity Lecanoromycetes). Here, we demonstrate with a three-gene phylogenetic approach that triblidialean fungi are related to taxa in Rhytismatales (Leotiomycetes). We synonymize Triblidiales under Rhytismatales and emend Triblidiaceae to includeTriblidiumandHuangshania, withPseudographisplaced within Rhytismataceae. A history of Triblidiaceae is provided along with a description of the emended family. We discuss how the inclusion of triblidialean fungi in Rhytismatales brings some rarely observed or even unique ascospore morphologies to the order and to Leotiomycetes.

Recent collections and herbarium specimens of Rugonectria and Thelonectria from different regions of China were examined. Using combined analyses of morphological and molecular data, 17 species are recognised including three species of Rugonectria and 14 species in Thelonectria. Amongst them, R.microconidia and T.guangdongensis are new to science. Rugonectriamicroconidia on mossy bark is characterised by superficial, yellow to orange, pyriform to subglobose perithecia with a warted surface; ellipsoidal to broadly ellipsoidal, striate, uniseptate ascospores; and allantoid to rod-shaped, aseptate microconidia. Thelonectriaguangdongensis possesses bright red perithecia with a slightly roughened surface and a prominently dark papilla; ellipsoidal, smooth, uniseptate ascospores; and subcylindrical, slightly curved, multiseptate macroconidia. Morphological distinctions and sequence divergences between the new species and their close relatives are discussed. Name changes for the previously recorded species in China are noted.

Knowledge on the diversity of hypogeous sequestrate ascomycetes is still limited in the Balkan Peninsula. A new species of truffle, Tuberpulchrosporum, is described from Greece and Bulgaria. Specimens were collected from habitats dominated by various oak species (i.e. Quercusilex, Q.coccifera, Q.robur) and other angiosperms. They are morphologically characterised by subglobose, ovoid to irregularly lobed, yellowish-brown to dark brown ascomata, usually with a shallow basal cavity and surface with fissures and small, dense, almost flat, trihedral to polyhedral warts. Ascospores are ellipsoid to subfusiform, uniquely ornamented, crested to incompletely reticulate and are produced in (1–)2–8-spored asci. Hair-like, hyaline to light yellow hyphae protrude from the peridium surface. According to the outcome of ITS rDNA sequence analysis, this species forms a distinct well-supported group in the Aestivum clade, with T.panniferum being the closest phylogenetic taxon.

A new species of truffle, T.aztecorum, is described from central Mexico. Tuberaztecorum can be distinguished from other related Tuber species synoptically by a combination of morphological features including ascospore size, pellis cells with irregular thickness, cystidia, ascoma colour and associated host (Abiesreligiosa an endemic Abies species from central Mexico); sequence variation on the ITS rDNA also distinguishes T.aztecorum from related species. A phylogenetic analysis of the ITS rDNA demonstrates that T.aztecorum belongs to the Maculatum clade and is unique from other similar small, white-cream coloured Tuber species distributed in north-eastern Mexico such as T.castilloi and T.guevarai.

A sterile sorediate member of the genus Bacidia s.str., B. albogranulosa, is described here as a new species. It is characterised by its very thin, pale grey thallus, white, farinose to granular soredia, the production of atranorin and the absence of ascomata and pycnidia. It grows on slightly acidic to subneutral bark of broad-leaved trees in old-growth forests in the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine and Russia (European part of the Caucasus). The new species is well characterised by its morphology, secondary chemistry and molecular (nrITS, mtSSU) traits. It is closely related to other atranorin-containing species in the genus, Bacidia diffracta, B. polychroa and B. suffusa.

Herein we describe the new species, Psora taurensis, from two localities in the Taurus Mountains in Turkey at ca. 1000 m altitude. Investigations of anatomy, secondary chemistry and DNA sequences (ITS and mtSSU) of P. taurensis and presumed close relatives suggest that P. taurensis is a distinct evolutionary lineage with P. tenuifolia as its sister, although it is morphologically more similar to P. russellii and P. vallesiaca. Copyright Einar Timdal et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.