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A first checklist is provided for the lichenised fungi of Niue. Based on field-work undertaken during May 2024, when 130 collections were made over a 10-day period, 55 species are recognised, representing 33 genera and 22 families. Six genera include three or more species: Coccocarpia (5 species), Graphis (3), Lepidocollema (3), Physcia (6), Pyrenula (5), and Ramalina (3). In addition, nineteen collections referable to the genera Bacidia, Coccocarpia, Herpothallon, Leptogium, Megalaria, Pertusaria and Toninia could not be identified to species level due to infertile, immature, or depauperate specimens. This checklist is undoubtedly incomplete, and it is hoped that future studies will expand the island’s known lichen diversity. A number of the new records reported here for Niue are also first reports for islands of the wider Pacific Ocean or southwestern Polynesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater fungi exhibit a remarkable diversity and are commonly found on submerged wood, freshwater insects, herbaceous materials, sediments, leaves, foam, and living plants. Sordariomycetes in the Ascomycota is the most frequently reported group in freshwater environments. Three samples of submerged decaying wood and twigs samples were collected and examined during in this study from freshwater habitats in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China. Detailed morphological studies, complemented by phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, SSU, RPB2 and TEF1-α sequence data, revealed them to be three hitherto known species, namely Acrogenospora thailandica, Cancellidium cinereum and Chloridium humicola. Of these, Acrogenospora thailandica is a new geographical record for China. Chloridium humicola is also reported for the first time in China which enhances the geographical and host distribution of this species, providing new insights into its ecological preferences. Cancellidium cinereum is reported as an additional provincial record from China, contributing to our knowledge of its regional distribution. All three species, reported in their asexual state, are illustrated with detailed morphological descriptions and phylogenetic analyses. In addition, we also provide a new host record of the saprobic species Isthmolongispora quadricellularia in hyphomycetous asexual state on decaying wood for the first time in a terrestrial habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of Blackwellomyces (Clavicipitaceae, Hypocreales, Ascomycota) were discovered during an investigation of the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi. A new fungus and one known fungal species that were gathered from Yunnan Province were described in this study. Blackwellomyces changningensis, sp. nov. was described using morphology and phylogenetic evidence from 14 mitochondrial protein-coding gene (PCG) data sets (atp6, atp8, atp9, cob, cox1, cox2, cox3, nad1, nad2, nad3, nad4, nad5, nad6, and nad4L) and six nuclear genes (ITS [ITS4 and ITS5], 18S nuc rDNA [18S], 28S nuc rDNA [28S], tef1-α, rpb1, and rpb2). B. changningensis were found parasitic to Lepidoptera larvae and to produce filiform ascospores with septations. The asexual conidia were ovoid to ellipsoid in shape. Phylogenetic analysis and morphological observations concurred that the fungus belonged to a different species within the genus of Blackwellomyces. The foundation for further taxonomic, genetic, and evolutionary biological studies of the genus Blackwellomyces was laid by this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meticulous morphological study of the genus Minimelanolocus and related genera reveals that several species within the genus are not congeneric. As a result, two new genera, Acuminavicula and Zelofuscophialis, are proposed to accommodate Minimelanolocus chimonanthi and M. bicolorata, respectively. Additionally, a new species, M. eucalypti, is proposed. Seven species of Minimelanolocus are reassigned to the genera Kylindria, Nigrolentilocus, Pyriculariopsis, Repetophragma and Thysanorea. Two synonyms are proposed for Belemnospora verruculosa and Repetophragma dennisii. The new combination Kylindria yunnanensis is suggested based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis. A synoptic table and illustrations of conidia of accepted species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During an ongoing survey on fungal diversity in Sichuan Province, China, a white filamentous fungus growing on decaying marbled bamboo (Chimonobambusa marmoreal) leaves was collected. Upon conducting the initial morphological diagnosis and BLASTn searches, the new collection was assigned to the genus Arthrobotrys. A multi-locus phylogeny, based on a concatenated dataset (SSU-ITS-LSU-TEF1-RPB2), revealed the new collection in close phylogenetic proximity to Arthrobotrys eryuanensis and A. hyrcanus. However, they differ in shape and size of conidia. The conidia of the new collection are comparatively shorter than those of A. hyrcanus and wider than those of A. eryuanensis. Based on the difference in morphology and molecular data, we proposed the new collection as a new species, Arthrobotrys chinensis sp. nov. Detailed morphological characteristics, illustrations, and an updated phylogeny is provided for the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the genus Hypoxylon (Ascomycota) are pleomorphic fungi mostly forming conspicuous teleomorphs, consisting of perithecia embedded into stromal tissue, and their morphology has traditionally served for species delineation. However, analysis in tandem with other phenotypic characters, such as chemical and genetic traits, proved to be a more stable predictor of interspecies and intergeneric relationships. During 2014 and 2015, a set of species identified as Hypoxylon were described from the Neotropics, exclusively relying on morphological traits. The secondary metabolite profiles of their stromata were analysed by HPLC/DAD-ESI-MS, corroborating their classification within Xylariales. Additionally, molecular data for ex-type strains of H. dussii and H. sofaiense were incorporated into an inferred molecular phylogeny of the Hypoxylaceae and allies. Furthermore, a freshly collected specimen from North Carolina was selected as epitype of Sphaeria perforata Schweinitz (syn. Hypoxylon perforatum), as its morphological/chemotaxonomic characters matched those of the holotype. Our findings demonstrate that the secondary metabolism of Hypoxylon closely correlates with both morphological features and molecular data, serving as a complement for species identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morocco is a leading citrus producer with a Mediterranean climate and fertile soil. The diversity of microbial communities is a subtle indicator of this fertility and lends insights into soil function and sustainability. We compare the soil microbiome under oranges in the Taroudant and Béni Mellal regions: 90 samples were analysed by genetic sequencing using Illumina MiSeq. Several groups of microorganisms play a key role in soil health, tree growth, and the production of good quality fruit. Proteobacteria dominate the bacterial phyla, Ascomycota the fungal phyla, but ANOVA reveals a highly significant difference between the two studied areas (R = 0.164, p = 0.001) in terms of bio-sustainability and microbiome. According to the Similarity Percentage Test, the Taroudant region is characterised by high biodiversity, contributing 55% to the other parameters, whereas Béni-Mellal region exhibits high resistance of microbial communities, contributing 43% to the other parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Golovinomyces (Erysiphaceae, Ascomycota) is an obligate plant pathogenic group causing powdery mildew on diverse angiosperm plants, including economically significant crops. Despite advancements in the taxonomy and phylogeny of Golovinomyces species using ribosomal DNA markers (ITS and LSU), several taxonomic issues remain unresolved. Previously, the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene, which exhibits higher nucleotide variation, has been proposed as an additional marker for powdery mildew species. In this study, we designed a new primer set (GoGPD-F and GoGPD-R) to improve the PCR success and efficiency of the GAPDH gene across various Golovinomyces species and dried herbarium specimens. The primers were successful in amplifying and sequencing the GAPDH gene in sixteen Golovinomyces species, including six species not previously registered in GenBank and two undescribed species. This development is a significant contribution to future research on the identification, taxonomy, and phylogeny of Golovinomyces species, offering a more robust tool for resolving existing taxonomic issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary relationships between the morphological and ecological traits of fungi are poorly understood. The appendages of chasmothecia, which are sexual reproductive organs of Erysiphaceae, are considered to play a crucial role in the overwintering strategies of these fungi on host plants. Previous studies suggested that both the host type and appendage morphology evolved at the same nodes and transitioned from complex appendages on deciduous hosts to simple appendages on herb/evergreen hosts. However, the evolutionary dependence between host type and appendage morphology remains unproven owing to the limited species data used in analyses. To elucidate the evolutionary relationship between host type and appendage morphology, we used phylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs) to investigate the state transition, ancestral state, evolutionary dependence, and contingent evolution within Erysipheae, the largest and most diverse tribe in Erysiphaceae. Our PCMs, based on a comprehensive data set of Erysipheae, revealed that the most ancestral states were deciduous host types and complex appendages. From these ancestral states, convergent evolution toward the herb/evergreen host types and simple appendages occurred multiple times at the same nodes. For the first time in Erysiphaceae, we detected an evolutionary dependence between host type and appendage morphology. This is one of the few examples in which evolutionary dependence between host phenology and morphological traits in plant-parasitic fungi was demonstrated using PCMs. Appendage simplification on herb/evergreen hosts and complications on deciduous hosts can be reasonably explained by the functional advantages of each appendage type in different overwintering strategies. These expected appendage functions can explain approximately 90% of host type and appendage morphology combinations observed in the analyzed taxa. However, our results also highlighted the occurrence of evolutionary shifts that deviate from the expected advantages of each appendage morphology. These seemingly irrational shifts might be interpretable from the flexibility of overwintering strategies and quantification of appendage functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleosporales is the largest order of Ascomycota which is distributed worldwide. Among the wide range of hosts, Pleosporales species are frequently isolated from palms. During the surveys of palm fungi from 2020 to 2021, rotting tissues of Licuala peltata var. sumawongii, Phoenix roebelenii and Trachycarpus fortunei were collected in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Fungal isolates were identified based on morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses. In the present study, we introduce two new species viz. Byssosphaeria guangdongense and Paraconiothyrium guangdongensis. In addition, we introduce a new host record for Trachycarpus fortunei. Photo plates, detailed descriptions, and in-depth phylogenetic analysis results are provided for all identified taxa. Our findings expand the understanding of the fungi that are associated with palm hosts. Moreover, our data will contribute to the knowledge of the biodiversity of South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has a huge area of diverse landscapes and is believed to conceive incredibly high fungal diversity. To systematically and promptly report Chinese fungal species, we initiate the series of Catalogue of fungi in China here. In the first paper of this series, we focus on plant-inhabiting fungi. A total of 33 new taxa are described all over China. These taxa include two new genera, viz. Cremeoefibula and Nothopucciniastrum, 18 new species, viz. Annulohypoxylon lancangensis, Ascotaiwania coffeae, Clitocella neofallax, Coleopuccinia yunnanensis, Cremeoefibula hengduanensis, Crepidotus furcaticystidiosus, C. tomentellus, Diachea macroverrucosa, Helicogloea hangzhouensis, Hyalopsora caprearum, Nemania polymorpha, Phanerochaetella austrosinensis, Physalacria tianzhongshanensis, Setophaeosphaeria panlongensis, Subulicystidium boreale, Trechispora subaraneosa, Vikalpa dujuanhuensis, and Xylaria pteridicola, and 13 new combinations, viz. Nothopucciniastrum actinidiae, N. boehmeriae, N. coriariae, N. corni, N. coryli, N. fagi, N. kusanoi, N. hikosanense, N. hydrangeae-petiolaris, N. miyabeanum, N. styracinum, N. tiliae, and N. yoshinagae. The morphological characteristics and phylogenetic evidence are used to support the establishment of these new taxa and the accuracy of their taxonomic placements. We hope that the series of Catalogue of fungi in China will contribute to Chinese fungal diversity and promote the significance of recording new fungal taxa from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eurotiales is a relatively large order of Ascomycetes, well-known for their ability to produce secondary metabolites with potential beneficial applications. To understand their diversity and distribution, different environmental sources including soil, freshwater, insect, and indoor air were investigated. Eight strains of Eurotiales were isolated and identified based on their morphological characters and a multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, BenA, CaM, and RPB2 regions. We identified eight taxa that were previously not reported from Korea: Aspergillus baeticus, A. griseoaurantiacus, A. spinulosporus, Penicillium anthracinoglaciei, P. labradorum, P. nalgiovense, Talaromyces atroroseus, and T. georgiensis. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic tree for the eight new records species are presented, and information regarding the records is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Varicellaria was originally erected for a single species that was similar to the species then included in Pertusaria, which all had simple ascospores, but differed in having 1-septate ascospores. However, a molecular analysis has shown that septate ascospores is not a genus-level trait in the group and that Varicellaria was better characterised by the thallus containing lecanoric acid, and several species lacking a septum have subsequently been transferred to Varicellaria from Pertusaria. Here, Varicellaria cacuminum is described as new to science from rocks on the summits of several mountains on Campbell Island/ Motu Ihupuku, New Zealand. It is characterised by the thallus lacking soralia, the presence of lecanoric acid, and huge ascospores up to 315 µm long. The new species is compared with other members of the genus and Pertusaria otagoana, a species with similar sized ascospores. Pertusaria otagoana, which has only been reported from its type locality near Dunedin, is also reported from Campbell Island and South Island, New Zealand. The status of the New Zealand species of Pertusaria transferred to Lepra is discussed and it is concluded that Pertusaria erubescens and P. muricata should be retained in Pertusaria, whereas it is not currently possible to determine the correct generic placement of the other three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuaries are considered promising habitats for the presence of marine and freshwater fungal species because of their favourable environmental conditions. Janhula paraensis sp. nov. was found on decaying wood collected in the intertidal zone in fluvial beaches of Mosqueiro Island, Pará, Brazil. The new species differs from others in the genus by its morphology including dark brown ascospores, with thick and dark bands at septum when mature, a hyaline cap at both ends and the absence of a mucilaginous sheath. It was not possible to obtain molecular data for the new species. New records of Boerlagiomyces websteri, Corollospora pseudopulchella, Falciformispora lignatilis, and Savoryella lignicola for South America and Annulusmagnus triseptatus for Brazil are reported. Morphological descriptions and illustrations are presented for all species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals of Usnea fulvoreagens (Parmeliaceae, lichenised Ascomycota), a shrubby corticolous species that is widespread in Europe, East Asia and North America, produce medullary lichen acids in several distinct chemotypic patterns. One such chemotype reportedly contains an unidentified substance as the major secondary metabolite. We isolated this compound from Californian specimens of U. fulvoreagens and identified it as the rare depsidone neotricone. A co-occurring compound, conneotricone, was identified as 4,10-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-8-methyl-3,7-dioxo-1,3-dihydro-7H-isobenzofuro[4,5-b][1,4]benzodioxepine-11-carboxylic acid by NMR and HPLC-UV-MSn comparison with the material synthesised from salazinic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bryoria (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota) is one of the dominant genera of hair lichens in western North America and is characteristic of high-elevation conifer forest ecosystems. In areas where Bryoria is abundant, it is common to find thalli in which the thalline filaments become conglutinated, forming brittle dead zones. After sampling Bryoria thalli across western Canada and the northwestern United States at different times of the year, we found that this dieback phenomenon is associated with the winter growth of a mold-forming basidiomycete. We report that this fungus belongs to Athelia (Atheliaceae, Basidiomycota), a genus known to contain lichen pathogens, most notably A. arachnoidea. By sequencing a combination of genetic markers—nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), partial nuc 28S rDNA (28S), and partial translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1)—paired with morphometric analyses, we reveal the involvement of at least three additional lineages of lichen-associated Athelia and describe one as a new species, A. abscondita. Athelia abscondita is morphologically distinguished from other Athelia species by its basidia and basidiospores, was found to frequently infect members of Bryoria sect. Implexae, and was occasionally on other foliose and fruticose species within Parmeliaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphium species form a well-supported monophyletic lineage within the Microascales (Ascomycota). Members of this genus can be found in association with bark beetles, as well as on tree wounds and in soils. During surveys of bark and ambrosia beetle–associated fungi and cavities made by woodpeckers on hardwood trees in Poland, many isolates with an affinity to Graphium were recovered. They were identified based on their morphological characters and sequence data for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 28S rDNA, β-tubulin (TUB2), and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1) gene regions. The results revealed five new species, described here as G. brachiatum, G. longistipitatum, G. polonicum, G. radicatum, and G. trypophloei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Diatrype (Diatrypaceae, Xylariales), D. genheensis, is proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Diatrype genheensis, from a fallen angiosperm branch in Inner Mongolia, is characterized by having 3–14 perithecia embedded within a stroma, polysporous asci and ascospores that are allantoid, slightly curved, aseptate and subhyaline. The phylogeny of Diatrypaceae was inferred from a combined dataset of ITS and β-tubulin sequences. The phylogenetic tree indicated that D. genheensis belongs to a clade with two other polysporous species, D. betulaceicola and D. larissae. In the phylogenetic trees, D. genheensis was clearly separated from other sampled species of Diatrype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in mitochondrial genome composition across intraspecific, interspecific, and higher taxonomic scales has been little studied in lichen obligate symbioses. Cladonia is one of the most diverse and ecologically important lichen genera, with over 500 species representing an array of unique morphologies and chemical profiles. Here, we assess mitochondrial genome diversity and variation in this flagship genus, with focused sampling of two clades of the "true" reindeer lichens, Cladonia subgenus Cladina, and additional genomes from nine outgroup taxa. We describe composition and architecture at the gene and the genome scale, examining patterns in organellar genome size in larger taxonomic groups in Ascomycota. Mitochondrial genomes of Cladonia, Pilophorus, and Stereocaulon were consistently larger than those of Lepraria and contained more introns, suggesting a selective pressure in asexual morphology in Lepraria driving it toward genomic simplification. Collectively, lichen mitochondrial genomes were larger than most other fungal life strategies, reaffirming the notion that coevolutionary streamlining does not correlate to genome size reductions. Genomes from Cladonia ravenelii and Stereocaulon pileatum exhibited ATP9 duplication, bearing paralogs that may still be functional. Homing endonuclease genes (HEGs), though scarce in Lepraria, were diverse and abundant in Cladonia, exhibiting variable evolutionary histories that were sometimes independent of the mitochondrial evolutionary history. Intraspecific HEG diversity was also high, with C. rangiferina especially bearing a range of HEGs with one unique to the species. This study reveals a rich history of events that have transformed mitochondrial genomes of Cladonia and related genera, allowing future study alongside a wealth of assembled genomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lecanora is one of the largest genera of lichens worldwide. These lichens can be easily seen, and are commonly found on trees and rocks. Most Korean Lecanora species belong to the Lecanora subfusca group, which has well-defined superficial thallus, red-brown apothecia, and soredia. The new species of L. neobarkmaniana grows on rocks, farinose soredia coalescing, usually covering the whole thallus, and containing atranorin and zeorin. We used internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU) sequence data to identify the phylogenetic relationship across Lecanora sequence data and found the species to form different clades. In this study, we reported some interesting findings and described the genetic relationship with other sorediate Lecanora species and the characteristics of the new species. An identification key for the Korean sorediate Lecanora species is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Scutellinia consists of cup fungi belonging to the Pyronemataceae (Ascomycota). It comprises more than 100 species with a worldwide distribution. Species delimitation is based on morphological characteristics of the ascocarps, such as spore size, form and ornamentation as well as size and morphology of hairs that typically cover the external surface of the ascoma. These characters are, however, highly variable and species recognition challenging. In this paper, ribosomal DNA traits such as the internal transcribed spacer and the large subunit ribosomal gene were sequenced in several Scutellinia samples and, along with all available sequences on public database, used to improve the knowledge about taxonomy and phylogeny of this genus. Based on sequence similarity and trees topology, about 50 phylogenetic species were recognized and their phylogenetic relationships disclosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of a distinct profile of volatile organic compounds plays a crucial role in the ecology of hypogeous Ascomycetes, and is also key to their gastronomic relevance. In this study, we explored the aroma components of two rarely investigated Chinese desert truffles, namely Mattirolomyces terfezioides and Choiromyces cerebriformis, using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Our investigation revealed the significant presence of sulphur-containing volatiles in the aroma of M. terfezioides but not in C. cerebriformis. We discussed available information on the distribution of these interesting truffles in China and their use as choice food by local people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new genus and species, Jejulea byssolomoides, is described from Jeju Island, Korea. This lichen is characterized by saxicolous, crustose, pale greenish-gray, partly finely filamentous, matt, smooth thallus, prominent convex brown to dark brown ascomata with a concolorous margin constricted at the dark brown base, 300-800 lm diameter, 200-250 lm high, without a distinct proper margin, adhering to the substratum ending in a minute byssoid white external part of cylindrical cells, fusiform 3--5 septate ascospores (17-23 x 4-5 lm). Phylogenetic analyses using ITS and mtSSU sequences place Jejulea in the Pilocarpaceae (Lecanorales). The new taxon is closely related to Byssoloma, a cosmopolitan group of foliicolous lichens, which is most diverse in the tropics. Like Byssoloma, Jejulea also forms a byssoid apothecial margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polydiscidium is an enigmatic, monotypic, and rarely reported genus of Ascomycota of uncertain placement. The morphologically unique Polydiscidium martynii grows on dead wood and forms compound ascomata composed of thick, black, gelatinous somatic tissue that branches out from a common base. Multiple apothecia are located on the branches, mostly toward the tips, and are composed of 8-spored asci and paraphyses embedded in a gelatinous matrix that turns blue in Melzer's reagent. The species was previously known from only three collections from Guyana (holotype), Trinidad, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and no sequences exist. Due to its peculiar morphology, taxonomic affinities of Polydiscidium have been debated, with different authors having placed it in Helotiaceae, Leotiaceae, or Leotiomycetes incertae sedis. Recent collections of this species resulting from long-term field work in Guyana and Cameroon led us to revisit the morphology and phylogenetic position of this fungus. Newly generated sequences of P. martynii were added to an Ascomycota-wide six-locus data set. The resulting phylogeny showed Polydiscidium to be a member of order Sclerococcales (Eurotiomycetes). Next, a four-locus (18S, ITS, 28S, mtSSU) phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that Polydiscidium is congeneric with Sclerococcum. A new combination is proposed for this species, Sclerococcum martynii. Micromorphological features, including the gelatinous hymenium composed of asci with amyloid gel cap and septate brown ascospores, are in agreement with Sclerococcum. New combinations are proposed for two additional species: Sclerococcum chiangraiensis and S. fusiformis. Finally, Dactylosporales is considered a later synonym of Sclerococcales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lecanoraceae is one of the largest families of the Lecanoromycetes, with about 30 accepted genera, many of which, however, have uncertain status and/or circumscriptions. We assess the phylogenetic position of the genus Bryonora and its segregate Bryodina for the first time, using a six-locus phylogeny comprising the Lecanoraceae as well as closely related families. We find strong support for the placement of Bryonora in the Lecanoraceae, whereas there is no support for treating Bryodina as a genus separate from Bryonora. Hence, we reduce Bryodina to synonymy with Bryonora. Further, we describe Bryonora microlepis as new to science and transfer Lecanora castaneoides to Bryonora and L. vicaria to Miriquidica. A world key to Bryonora is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdery mildew diseases on crops and ornamental plants are common and cause significant economic losses, by reducing the yield and quality of crops and downgrading the value of ornamentals. In surveys published annually in the Canadian Plant Disease Survey, powdery mildews were reported frequently. In recent years, the taxonomy of powdery mildew fungi has changed tremendously as the result of the increased application of molecular phylogenetic analyses. Several generic concepts have been re-adjusted. Many traditionally considered species turned out to be a complex of several phylogenetic species. In order to facilitate effective communication in the scientific community, it is important to apply the current correct names for field identifications. In this document, we summarize the powdery mildew fungi reported in the Canadian Plant Disease Survey from 2000 to 2019, address the taxonomic and nomenclatural issues associated with the listed species, and tentatively suggest correct names based on host plants wherever possible. Nevertheless, a reliable identification of the powdery mildew must depend on DNA sequence analyses and morphological examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first author collected lichens in the austral summer of 2017 from James Ross Island, located in the North-East region of the Antarctic Peninsula, which is one of the lichen-rich islands in Antarctica, with around 60 species reported previously. In this project, the lichen biodiversity of the island is studied by using molecular techniques in addition to morphological characters. Our results show that the lichen biodiversity of Antarctica is not well known, as many undescribed or unreported species are still present. One of the undescribed species is Leptogium pirireisii, a cyanolichen with Nostoc photobiont, a nitrogen fixer. In the nuITS phylogenetic tree, L. pirireisii clustered, with high support, with the species L. antarcticum, L. furfuraceum, L. marcellii, L. pseudofurfuraceum, L. puberulum and L. tectum, which are all characterised by the presence of hairs, while these are absent in the new species. We also confirmed the occurrence of L. antarcticum on James Ross Island based on molecular data and further generated nuITS sequences of L. puberulum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey of plant-inhabiting fungi and water niches from Korea, noteworthy fungi were collected; among them, two new species, Paracamarosporium noviaquum sp. nov. and Phyllosticta gwangjuensis sp. nov., are described based on morphology and multi-gene phylogenies. Paracamarosporium noviaquum was characterized by its production of 1-celled and 2-celled conidia, forming conidiomata on only potato dextrose agar medium. Phyllosticta gwangjuensis was characterized by conidia hyaline, ovoid to ellipsoid shape, rounded at both ends, containing numerous guttulae or with a single large central guttule. Additional species were identified as Cosmospora lavitskiae, Monochaetia cameliae, and Roussoella doimaesalongensis, which are reported as new record species from Korea. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of these taxa are provided herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During meiosis, both alleles of any given gene should have equal chances of being inherited by the progeny. There are a number of reasons why, however, this is not the case, with one of the most intriguing instances presenting itself as the phenomenon of meiotic drive. Genes that are capable of driving can manipulate the ratio of alleles among viable meiotic products so that they are inherited in more than half of them. In many cases, this effect is achieved by direct antagonistic interactions, where the driving allele inhibits or otherwise eliminates the alternative allele. In ascomycete fungi, meiotic products are packaged directly into ascospores; thus, the effect of meiotic drive has been given the nefarious moniker, "spore killing." In recent years, many of the known spore killers have been elevated from mysterious phenotypes to well-described systems at genetic, genomic, and molecular levels. In this review, we describe the known diversity of spore killers and synthesize the varied pieces of data from each system into broader trends regarding genome architecture, mechanisms of resistance, the role of transposable elements, their effect on population dynamics, speciation and gene flow, and finally how they may be developed as synthetic drivers. We propose that spore killing is common, but that it is under-observed because of a lack of studies on natural populations. We encourage researchers to seek new spore killers to build on the knowledge that these remarkable genetic elements can teach us about meiotic drive, genomic conflict, and evolution more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chasmothecial appendages of Erysiphaceae are considered to function in the overwintering strategy and evolve morphologically in line with transitions of different host type. However, the evolutionary patterns and relationships of these traits have not yet been verified using statistical models based on phylogenetic information. We aimed to clarify the evolutionary process of host type and appendage morphology in Cystotheceae using phylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs) and to evaluate the evolutionary relationship of these traits. The ancestral state estimation of host types showed that the deciduous type is the most ancestral in Cystotheceae, and the herb or evergreen types evolved secondarily four times and twice, respectively. Branched- or circinate-type appendages were estimated to be the most ancestral, and the mycelioid and rudimentary types evolved secondarily thrice and once, respectively. The results of the random forest analysis showed that the host type was predictable from the phylogeny and appendage morphology. The ancestral state estimation suggested that simultaneous transitions of the host type and appendage morphology occurred at several ancestral nodes. These results suggest some functional relationships between host type and appendage morphology, but there was no statistical support for an overall trend in evolutionary dependence between these traits. Our results demonstrate the utility of PCMs in the study of trait evolution in Cystotheceae, which can be applied to a broader phylogeny of powdery mildews to elucidate the evolutionary relationship and functional causality of phenotypic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical investigation of the marine-derived endophytic fungus Ascomycota sp. VK12 resulted in isolation and identification of a new compound, (3R)-(3′,5′-dihydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one (1) and five known ones: AGI-7 (2), sescandelin (3), sescandelin-B (4), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5), and hydroxysydonic acid (6). The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by time-dependent density functional theory electronic circular dichroism, specific optical rotation, and NMR calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 showed cytotoxicity towards HepG2, MCF-7, and SK-Mel2 carcinoma cells, with IC50 values ranging from 48.6 to 96.5 µM. Compounds 1, 2, 4–6 displayed NO inhibitory effects in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells, with IC50 values in a range from 24.2 to 76.5 µM. Compound 2 further inhibited PGE2 overproduction, with an IC50 value of 25.3 µM. The inhibitory effects of 2 towards NO and PGE2 overproduction were found to have a close relationship with its suppression of iNOS and COX-2 protein expression, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of Laboulbenia are described, adding substantially to the known species recorded from Heteroptera hosts. Previously, only 12 species of Laboulbenia and only 96 of the approximate 2325 known species of Laboulbeniales have been recorded on the Heteroptera. The addition of these four new species of Laboulbenia, occurring on two genera within Veliidae, brings the total number to 100 species. These species are recorded on the genera Paravelia and Oiovelia collected from Brazil, Suriname, and Peru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preliminary checklist of macromycetes has been previously published with reference to six governorates located in northern Tunisia. This paper provides an updated version of the inventory of macromycetes in Tunisia, which includes 268 species, of which seven are worldwide recognized as rare. The investigation was carried out from September 2015 to December 2018 in 13 governorates of the Tunisian territory. This updated checklist reports 145 new national species records (139 basidiomycetes and six ascomycetes) belonging to 57 genera and 13 families. Data related to distribution, ecology and preferential hosts of each recorded taxon are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diverse array of fungi take part in decomposition, but the variability of their decomposing ability is not fully understood. A total of 49 isolates of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were obtained from bleached areas of leaf litter in a subtropical forest in southern Japan, and their ability to decompose leaves and recalcitrant compounds was quantified in pure culture. Mass loss of leaves of Castanopsis sieboldii (Fagaceae) and Schima wallichii (Theaceae) was evaluated at 20 C for 12 wk in vitro. Fungi caused a loss of −0.4% to 34.3% of the original leaf mass. The greatest mass loss was caused by four isolates of Mycena (Tricholomataceae). Isolates of Lachnocladiaceae caused greater mass loss of recalcitrant compounds, registered as acid-unhydrolyzable residue (AUR), which includes lignin, relative to Xylariaceae. Isolates of Rhytismataceae, Lachnocladiaceae, Marasmiaceae, and Omphalotaceae exhibited selective decomposition of AUR, Mycena exhibited simultaneous decomposition of AUR and components other than AUR, and Xylariaceae exhibited selective decomposition of components other than AUR. Mass losses of leaves and AUR caused by each fungal isolate were similar for C. sieboldii and S. wallichii. The Mycena isolates obtained from C. sieboldii caused greater mass losses of leaves and AUR than those obtained from the other tree species, suggesting a "home-field advantage" of decomposing potentialities, with implications for natural interactions beyond the in vitro system evaluated here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Truffles are the fruiting bodies of ascomycete fungi that form underground. Truffles are globally valued, culturally celebrated as aphrodisiacs, and highly sought-after delicacies in the culinary world. For centuries, naturalists have speculated about their mode of formation, and in cultures surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, many species have been prized as a delectable food source. Truffle fruiting bodies form underground and emit a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Truffle volatiles are believed to have evolved to attract animals that disperse their spores. The main VOCs identified from truffles include sulfur compounds, such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS); in addition, 1-octen-3-ol and 2-methyl-1-propanol have been found in most truffle species. Humans use pigs and dogs trained to detect truffle VOCs in order to find these prized subterranean macrofungi. Truffles have pharmacological potential, but until more reliable cultivation methods become available their high price means they are unlikely to see widespread use as medicinals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazon forest is the biggest tropical forest in the world, known to shelter the largest biodiversity of animals, plants and microorganisms worldwide. As to the mycodiversity of this biome, little is known since most of the mycological investigations in Brazil have been in the Atlantic Rainforest. This study presents a description of ten species of Annulohypoxylon (Hypoxylaceae, Ascomycota) from Amazonian forest of Brazil. Annulohypoxylon moriforme, A. purpureonitens, A. stygium and A. truncatum, have already been recorded in this forest, while A. archeri, A. leptascum and A. nitens are reported for the first time here. A. cf. pyriforme may represent a new record from Brazil and Annulohypoxylon sp. may represent a new species. Annulohypoxylon duckei sp. nov. is proposed, based on the fawn colour of the surface when young, ostiolar disc of truncatum-type (0.17–0.25 mm diam.), greenish yellow pigment, and ellipsoid ascospores (8–10 × 3–5 µm). Identification keys, morphological descriptions, and illustrations are presented for all species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six interesting fungal strains were isolated during a survey of fungal diversity associated with freshwater; these strains were designated as CNUFC YJW2-22, CNUFC MSW11-6-2, CNUFC HRS5-3, CNUFC MSW242-6, CNUFC DMW2-2, and CNUFC CPWS-1. Based on a polyphasic approach including phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed space (ITS), large subunit (LSU), beta-tubulin (BenA), and calmodulin (CaM) gene sequences, morphological analyses, the six strains were found to be identical to Acremonium guillematii, Cadophora novi-eboraci, Lectera nordwiniana, Mycoarthris corallina, Talaromyces siamensis, and Tetracladium globosum, respectively. To our knowledge, these are the first records of the rare Lectera, Mycoarthris, and Tetracladium genera in Korea, and the first reports of A. guillematii, C. novi-eboraci, L. nordwiniana, M. corallina, T. siamensis, and Te. globosum in a freshwater environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the poorly investigated family Teloschistaceae in South America, mostly from Bolivia and Peru, were examined using molecular and morphological data here for the first time. In recent phylogenetic reclassifications of Teloschistaceae, South American representatives were poorly represented but shown to belong to subfamilies Teloschistoideae and Xanthorioideae. In this study, we expanded the sampling of South American taxa and investigated mainly the lobate, sublobate, and squamulose members of Caloplaca s.l., using morphological characters and a molecular phylogeny based on a combined three-locus data set (one mitochondrial and two nuclear loci). Building upon new phylogenies at the family and subfamily levels (Teloschistoideae), we propose here three new genera: Andina, Aridoplaca, and Cinnabaria, with the type species Andina citrinoides, Aridoplaca peltata, and Cinnabaria boliviana. We also propose to reduce Tarasginia to synonymy with Sirenophila and Tayloriellina to synonymy with Villophora and introduce three new combinations: Dufourea ottolangei, D. volkmarwirthii, and Villophora erythrosticta. Scutaria andina is reported as new to Bolivia. A critical revision of the subfamily Brownlielloideae confirmed recent findings that it is an artifactual taxon based on a "chimeric" data set, with the type genus being part of Teloschistoideae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megacoelomyces (type species: Megacoelomyces sanchezii), an ascomycete asexual morph infecting Myrcia fenzliana (Myrtaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado, is described as a new genus in the Phaeosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota), based on multilocus phylogeny (three nuclear ribosomal DNA and two protein-coding genes) in addition to morphological (light and scanning electron microscopy) and ecological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocellularia (Graphidaceae) is a genus of crustose lichens comprising c.200 species, four known from Australia and New Zealand. Based on recent collections from northern North Island, we describe a fifth species Ocellularia jacinda-arderniae, which is a member of the O. bicuspidata complex. This complex is characterised by peculiar, appendiculate ascospores and a psoromic acid chemistry. Two further undescribed species of this complex, one from North Island and one from South Island, are discussed but left undescribed pending further study. Based on our findings, we provide a revised assessment of New Zealand Ocellularia. Of the four species included in the most recent Flora of New Zealand Lichens from 2007, three do not belong in that genus and the identification of the fourth is incorrect; instead, the following four taxa are recognised: O. jacinda-arderniae, O. aff. dolichotata, O. aff. bicuspidata (a) (South Island; OTA 58820) and O. aff. bicuspidata (b) (North Island; UNITEC 10818). This leads to the somewhat unusual situation that a presumably known genus biota in New Zealand is entirely replaced by names of a new species and three provisional identifications. The following new combination is introduced: Schizotrema concentricum (Stirt.) Lücking comb. nov. In addition, the name Thelotrema manosporum (C. Knight.) Hellb. is given as the correct name for the New Zealand taxon previously identified as T. monosporum Nyl., and the name T. monosporoides Nyl. [syn.: O. monosporoides (Nyl.) Hale] is established as a taxonomic synonym of T. manosporum, leaving two New Zealand species of Thelotrema with large, brown ascospores, namely T. manosporum and T. saxatile C. Knight. The situation of the genus Ocellularia highlights the need for detailed taxonomic revision of understudied lichen groups in New Zealand, especially as these and related genera in the Graphidaceae are excellent indicators of forest health and can be used for monitoring purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organisms fossilised in amber include insects, plant remains and (rarely) fungi. One reason for the latter could be that fungal tissue decomposes quickly under the (sub-)tropical conditions where amber-producing trees thrive. Moreover, resin production is highest during drier seasons, while fungi usually occur during wetter periods. One way to improve the knowledge about fungal and similar records in amber may lie in looking for spores which are generally hardier than hyphal tissue. Traditional imaging methods mostly need laborious preparations, such as producing thin sections, without knowing whether microfossils are present in a sample. Here, a novel method to isolate fungal spores and other palynomorphs from amber using solvents is presented. Microscope slides can easily be coated with the suspended particles, embedded and microscopically examined. In this way, fungal remains including fungal spores were recovered from seven out of nine amber samples processed. A total of over 200 palynomorphs of various origins were extracted. They include pollen, moss and fern spores, and various cysts. At the same time, it became clear that treatment with nine different polar and non-polar solvents revealed provenance-specific solubility patterns. This simple 'solvent fingerprinting' may help identify provenances. Of all the provenances, Sumatran amber was the richest in all kinds of palynomorphs, and thus suitable to further develop the method, particularly concerning improved imaging. Mixtures of solvents should be tested that could enhance the particle yield of provenances with low solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to continental Antarctica, the lichen biota of the various subantarctic islands and island groups is poorly documented. Here we describe the new species Lecanora muscigena Øvstedal & Fryday from the subantarctic island of South Georgia from a collection made in 1980 that was previously included as Trapeliopsis sp. A. by Øvstedal & Lewis Smith in their comprehensive account of the Lichens of Antarctica and South Georgia. It is similar to Lecidea globulispora Nyl., which occurs on the nearby Falkland Islands, in having globose ascospores but is clearly distinguished from that species by having a well-developed, creamy-white thallus composed of ±dispersed areoles with effigurate margins containing fumarprotocetraric acid, larger ascospores (c. 7–8 µm diam.) and by its habitat of overgrowing terricolous bryophytes. The new species belongs in the Lecanora fuscescens group, the species of which were usually described in the genus Lecidea due to their poorly developed thalline margin. This group is not congeneric with the type species of Lecanora (L. subfusca (L.) Ach.) but we refrain from erecting a new genus for the group pending a full molecular investigation of its delimitation and systematic position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fly-speck fungi reproduce via thyriothecia that consist of sporogenous tissue appressed to cuticle surfaces of plant leaves and covered by a shield-like scutellum. Thyriothecial scutella likely evolved repeatedly in Dothideomycetes (Ascomycota), and their morphology varies by lineage. Fly-speck fungi have an exceptionally good fossil record that begins in the Mesozoic. The interpretation of scutellum characters in fossils may provide insights into origins of Dothideomycetes and help calibrate the timing of ascomycete evolution. From sediments of the Lower Cretaceous (125–112 Ma) Potomac Group of Virginia, from Dutch Gap Canal, lower Zone 1, we found scutella similar to those of extant Aulographaceae (Dothideomycetes), attached to a single piece of dispersed coniferous cuticle. We analyze hyphae and scutellum development among four extant Aulographaceae species for comparison with the fossil. The excellent preservation of fungi on the leaf cuticle surface allows us to infer a developmental sequence for the fossil. Scutellum development begins with coordinated growth of multiple neighboring generator hyphae and continues with hyphae producing two-dimensional pseudomonopodial, dichotomous, radial growth. Asci and ascospores were not found. We coded states for seven morphological characters using direct observations of the fossil and eight extant taxa, and using the literature for 28 others. We inferred a phylogeny using nuclear 18S and 28S rDNA of 36 extant taxa, 34 Dothideomycetes and two Arthoniomycetes. The phylogeny includes newly determined sequences from five species, two from Aulographaceae. With a branch-and-bound search, we inferred the most parsimonious placements of the fossil given the molecular tree topology. The parsimony analysis constrained by the rDNA phylogeny places the fossil taxon among stem lineages near Aulographaceae or among the known living members of Aulographaceae. We describe the fossil morphotype as Protographum luttrellii, gen. et sp. nov. The fossil provides the oldest evidence of morphological characters restricted among extant fungi to Aulographaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of Laboulbenia (Laboulbeniales, Ascomycota) occurring on Gerridae (Hemiptera, Insecta), a new host family, are described from six Central and South American countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. The new species are Laboulbenia brachymetrae, L. cylindrostethi, L. neogerris, and L. tachygerris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two fungal species of ascomycetes were discovered during the screening of soil microflora from the Gangwon Province in Korea: Didymella chlamydospora sp. nov. (YW23-14) and Microdochium salmonicolor sp. nov. (NC14-294). Morphologically, YW23-14 produces smaller chlamydospores (8.0–17.0 × 7.0–15.0 µm) than D. glomerata and D. musae. The strain NC14-294 was characterized by smaller conidiogenous cells (4.9–8.8 × 2.0–3.2 µm) compared with the closest strains M. fisheri and M. phragmitis. The detailed descriptions, illustrations, and discussions regarding the morphological and phylogenetical analyses of the closely related species are provided to support the novelty of each species. Thus, YW23-14 and NC14-294 are described here as newly discovered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm is the most important crop in Oman, occupying approximately 50% of the area devoted to agriculture. Little information is available on leaf spot diseases of date palm inOmanand in the world. This study was conducted to identify the most common fungal pathogens associated with leaf spot diseases of date palm. A total of 198 symptomatic leaf samples were collected from seven districts in Oman. Isolations revealed that most isolates belonged to the genus Alternaria. Molecular-based identification using multigene sequences revealed that the isolates belonged to Alternaria alternata, A. burnsii, A. tomato, Curvularia subpapendorfii, Didymella microchlamydospora, Fusarium brachygibbosum, F. incarnatum-equiseti and Nigrospora lacticolonia. In pathogenicity tests, A. alternata was found to be the most aggressive. F. incarnatum-equiseti was the least aggressive, only inducing symptoms in leaves injured prior to inoculation. The other species caused moderate leaf spot symptoms on the leaves. This study shows that several fungal species belonging to different genera can be found associated with leaf spot symptoms of date palms, and they vary in their aggressiveness on date palm leaves. It is the first study to report C. verruculosa, D. microchlamydospora, and N. lacticolonia as leaf spot pathogens of date palm in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophomina phaseolina is a Catastrophic plant pathogen, which can cause serious reduction in crop production. In the current study, the mitochondrial genome of M. phaseolina is assembled and annotated. The mitogenome of M. phaseolina is a circular molecule of 101,198 bp. The overall nucleotide content is 34.95% A, 35.25% T, 13.30% C, 16.50% G, with a CG content of 29.80%. The mitogenome contains 42 genes, including 14 protein coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and 26 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated protein sequences from 15 taxa of five orders in Ascomycota indicated that M. phaseolina is clustered in the order Botryosphaeriales. This study would have a positive impact on the molecular biology research and biological control of Macrophomina fungi in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the lichen genus Placolecis are discovered in China, namely P. kunmingensis An. C. Yin & Li S. Wang and P. sublaevis An. C. Yin & Li S. Wang. The new combination P. loekoesiana (S.Y. Kondr., Farkas, J.J. Woo & Hur) An. C. Yin is proposed. Placolecis kunmingensis is characterized by having simple, spherical or ellipsoid, hyaline spores, and pear-shaped pycnidia; while P. sublaevis can be distinguished by its thallus forming larger aggregations with slightly flattened lobes at the thallus margin, and urn-shaped pycnidia. Descriptions, a phylogenetic tree and a key are provided for all the known Placolecis species in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A microbial catalysis is an effective tool for steroid structural modifications allowing generating the compounds which may be difficult to obtain by conventional synthetic methods. Selected fungal strains of Ascomycota and Zygomycota divisions (totally, 75) representing different phyla were screened for their activity toward 3β-hydroxypregn-5-ene-20-one (pregnenolone) focusing on the production of 11α-hydroxyprogesterone. Along with the ability to catalyze 7α-, 7β- and 11α-hydroxylation which was revealed for some representatives of Pleosporaceae, Trichocomaceae, Hypocreaceae, Clavicipitaceae, Microascaceae, Cunninghamellaceae, Mucoraceae and Phycomycetaceae families, micromycete strains belonging to Acremonium, Aspergillus, Curvularia, Rhizopus, and Scopulariopsis genera were selected capable of modifying 3β-ol-5-ene- to 3-keto-4-ene moiety, - this reaction being rather uncommon for fungi. The ability to catalyze double hydroxylation of pregnenolone at positions 7β and 11α by some tested micromycetes was revealed for the first time. Sustainable and high-efficient single-stage production of 11α-hydroxyprogesterone (up to 70%) from pregnenolone which was hitherto unreported was reached with the strain of Aspergillus niger VKM F-212 under the optimized conditions. The results demonstrate a highly diverse biocatalytic potential of fungal strains towards pregnenolone, reveal the existence of novel active biocatalysts that can be exploited for the synthesis of high-value hydroxysteroids and expand knowledge on structural modifications of steroid molecules in lower eukaryotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]