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Background and aims: The Funga of the Patagonian Nothofagus forests is being studied since the late 19th century, but despite many efforts is still far from being completely known. The aim of this paper is to present detailed descriptions and data on geographical distribution of some genera and species of mitosporic ascomycetes that constitute new records for Argentina and for the Neotropical Region. M&M: Bark and woody debris from native Nothofagaceae were collected and studied. Reproductive structures were hand-sectioned and examined following traditional mycological techniques. Results: Six species of mitosporic ascomycetes were identified: Avettaea salvadorae, Bactrodesmium atrum, Dwiroopa ramya, Gilmaniella multiporosa, Monodictys paradoxa and Pycnopeziza quisquiliaris. Full descriptions, comments on identification and data on distribution and habitat of each species are provided, along with photographs illustrating diagnostic features. Conclusions: Two genera, Dwiroopa and Pycnopeziza, and one species, M. paradoxa, are registered for the first time in the Neotropical Region, two other species are first recorded in South America (B. atrum and G. multiporosa). This constitutes the second record of A. salvadorae in the continent, thus expanding its area of distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Lilloa is the property of Fundacion Miguel Lillo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Grasshoppers affect agriculture worldwide, causing serious economic damage. Currently, the application of chemical insecticides against grasshoppers is the only effective strategy, even considering the significant environmental concern. This study aimed to test the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (LPSc 1067) as biocontrol agent on six harmful grasshopper species in Argentina. Significant differences were observed (DF= 5; F= 9.93; P<0.0001) when considering B. bassiana pathogenicity on third-instar nymphs of the different grasshopper species. The highest mortality (100%) was registered on Trimerotropis pallidipennis and Dichroplus maculipennis nymphs while the lowest mortality (48.6 ±3.5%) was observed on Scotussa lemniscata nymphs. The lowest mean survival time (MST) was recorded for T. pallidipennis (3.5 ±0.15 days) and the highest MST was observed on Dichroplus pratensis nymphs (7.48 ±0.28 days). Results suggest that B. bassiana LPSc 1067 may constitute an excellent candidate to be further studied as biological control agent of T. pallidipennis and D. maculipennis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest vegetation is key for buffering microclimatic factors and regulating atmospheric deposition. Epiphytic lichens are sensitive to these factors and can indicate the overall health status of the ecosystem. Specifically, the analysis of morpho-anatomical variations allows us to understand the degree of tolerance or sensitivity of these organisms exposed to agricultural crops and how vegetation might buffer this response. We analyzed variations in vegetative and reproductive characters and injuries in thalli of Parmotrema pilosum as a response to distance to crops and forest cover. The study was conducted in forest patches of the Espinal in central Argentina, an ecosystem threatened by agricultural activity. We selected 10 sites with different forest cover areas and two collection points differing in distance to crops: sites adjacent to (0 m) and far from (150 m) crops. We collected five thalli from each collection point and analyzed variations in morpho-anatomical characters at macro- and microscopic levels. We found a lower number of algae and a higher proportion of simple cilia in individuals at points adjacent to crops. At points with low forest cover, a thinner upper cortex was observed, whereas at points with greater forest cover, an increase of necrosis and greater presence of apothecia were detected. Bleaching was the most frequent injury at sites adjacent to crops, decreasing with increasing forest cover. Conservation and reforestation of Espinal forest patches would promote the propagation of lichens affected by agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Lilloa is the property of Fundacion Miguel Lillo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Premise: The sooty molds are a globally distributed ecological group of ascomycetes with epiphyllous, saprotrophic habit, comprising several phylogenetically distant taxa (i.e., members of the classes Dothideomycetes and Eurotiomycetes). Their fossil record extends almost continuously back to the early Cretaceous; however, they are hypothesized to have originated in the early Mesozoic. Here, we describe new specimens of sooty molds associated with conifer leaves from Jurassic hot spring deposits of Patagonia, Argentina. Methods: Thin sections of chert samples from the La Matilde Formation, Deseado Massif (Santa Cruz, Argentina) were observed using light microscopy. Results: The fungi occur on the surface and axils of leafy twigs with podocarpaceous affinities, forming dense subicula comprised by opaque moniliform hyphae. Additionally, several asexual and sexual reproductive structures are observed. On the basis of vegetative (i.e., dense subicula composed of moniliform hyphae; hyphae composed of opaque cells deeply constricted at the septa) and reproductive characters (i.e., poroconidial and sympodioconidial asexual stages and diverse spores), two morphotypes were identified with affinities within lineages of the subphylum Pezizomycotina that encompass the ecological group of sooty molds, and a third morphotype was within the phylum Ascomycota. Conclusions: This finding extends the fossil record of sooty molds to the Jurassic and their geographic fossil range to the South American continent. In particular, their association with podocarpaceous conifers is shown to be ancient, dating back to the Jurassic. This new record provides an additional reference point on the diversity of interactions that characterized Jurassic forests in Patagonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of Chaetosphaeria were collected during a survey on the biodiversity of microfungi growing on bark and decorticated wood of Podocarpus parlatorei in Argentina. A new variety, Chaetosphaeria hispida var. podocarpi, is proposed. Chaetosphaeria abietis, C. montana, C. vermicularioides are reported as new records for Argentina. All species are described and illustrated. Along with data on geographical distribution, habitat and notes on the described fungi, a dichotomous key for the known species in Argentina is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lygodium Sw. is the only genus of the family Lygodiaceae, with around 25 to 40 species inhabiting mostly tropical regions worldwide. In Argentina two species develop; one of them, L. venustum, grows in the Northeast of the country. Some species of Lygodium are invasive whereas medicinal uses have been reported for some taxa. As part of a project to ascertain on the reproductive biology of native ferns in Argentina, a fungus was found during in vitro spore culture of L. venustum. Dark brown spots and eruptive pustules were also observed in fertile leaves. Thus, emerged as objectives of this work: 1) to retrieve and identify the fungus from the sporophyte and from the spores cultures, 2) to inquire on the impact of the fungus on gametophyte generation, and 3) to perform experiments with untreated spores to demonstrate that the fungus is associated to the spores collected from infested sporophytes. Phytopathological techniques were applied in order to isolate the fungus and then to achieve monosporic cultures. The morpho-biometric features of the conidia corresponded with those of Pestalotiopsis maculans (Corda) Nag Raj [= Pestalotiopsis guepinii (Desm.) Steyaert] (Amphisphaeriales, Ascomycota). Re-inoculation of conidia on healthy gametophytes conducted to their necrosis and death. The percentages of spore germination were initially higher in unsterilized cultures, suggesting that disinfection protocol may have affected spore germination. This is the first report of Pestalotiopsis maculans on the sporophytes of Lygodium venustum. The information that emerges from our work could be useful for the biocontrol of other species of Lygodium, considered weeds in other regions of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied degradation patterns and microorganisms preserved in permineralized stems of Rhexoxylon piatnitzky, Protojuniperoxylon ischigualastense, and Agathoxylon argentinum from the Valle de la Luna Member of the Ischigualasto Formation (Upper Triassic, San Juan, Argentina). All three species show loss of middle lamella, thinning, and whitening of tracheid cell walls, and detachment of the S3 layer, consistent with selective delignification by white rot. This type of rot is the product of lignin and cellulosic degradation by Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes. Rhexoxylon piatnitzkyi also shows small cavities, more or less circular in outline, on the wall of tracheids. This is known as soft rot and can be produced by some Ascomycetes, the anamorphic phases of diverse fungi, and tunneling bacteria. Additionally, abundant and diverse microorganisms were found. Rhexoxylon piatnitzkyi shows fragments of septate hyphae, evidence of bacterial activity, and structures of unknown affinity. Protojuniperoxylon ischigualastense presents structures common to anamorphic phases of diverse fungi, such as chlamydospores and conidiophores. Lastly, Agathoxylon argentinum bears coiled and septate hyphae, and a fan-shaped mycelium, whose significance is discussed. The microbiological study was complemented by the assessment of sedimentary and taphonomic data of the fossil-bearing beds. A gradual increment in humidity for the Valle de la Luna Member is interpreted, which concludes with a humidity peak in its upper section. This contribution represents the first detailed study of xylophagous and saprophyte micro-communities for the Ischigualasto Formation. The abundance and diversity of microorganisms described illustrate the complexity of wood-inhabiting micro-communities from the Carnian-Norian interval of Argentina. • Triassic woods from Ischigualasto Formation with soft, white, and white-pocket rot. • Fossil fungi and fungi-like microorganisms are described in stem tissues. • Dark globules are interpreted as evidence of bacterial activity. • Microorganisms correspond to abundant and diverse saprophytes and parasites. • A seasonal humid to subhumid climate with periodic droughts is inferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attine ants are a monophyletic group comprising more than 230 species, distributed exclusively in the New World. All higher Attini ants depend on the cultivation of fungus gardens for food, and those gardens are continuously exposed to alien microorganisms. The present work describes, for the first time, the composition, relative frequency and the richness of the fungal species comprising the mycobiota from the garden of the most abundant Acromyrmex species from different regions of Argentina. We also compared, using a multivariate approach, the mycobiota composition with the purpose of testing two hypotheses: 1) whether mycobiota is defined by the ant species, or 2) whether mycobiota is determined by the geographical region. We found that each fungal community had a particular composition and abundance: the species that were highly frequent in a community or site, could be rare or altogether absent in another community or site. Species richness, as well as the theoretical maximum richness, also changed with locations. Furthermore, we found that different ant species at the same site had similar mycobiotas, whereas the same ant species in distant locations had only a few fungal species in common. Therefore, we concluded that mycobiota composition changed considerably with geographical site and was not dependent on the ant species. Our results provide an additional understanding of the leaf cutting-ants system, confirming that the garden of leaf cutting ants nests is a complex and dynamic fungal community which is dependent on the site where it was located. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Diatrypaceae (Xylariales) includes mainly saprotrophic and some pathogenic species on wood of angiosperms. The aim of this study is to update the taxonomy and distribution of 30 species and species complexes of Diatrypaceae recorded in Argentina. Diatrype concolor, D. megale, D. polycocca complex, D. phaselina, Eutypa consobrina complex, Eutypella aspera and E. lophiostomoides are recorded for the first time and the distribution of five species is extended: Diatrype chlorosarca, D. enteroxantha - D. puiggarii complex, D. patagonica, D. wrightii and Peroneutypa scoparia. Eutypella bonariensis is proposed as synonym of Peroneutypa scoparia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cryptogamie Mycologie is the property of Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

During biodiversity studies on micromycetes growing on bark and decorticated wood of Podocarpus parlatorei, three species belonging to Rosellinia were collected. Rosellinia franciscae is reported for the first time for South America and Rosellinia starbaeckii is a new record from Argentina. The distribution area of Rosellinia aquila in Argentina is enlarged from a temperate region to a subtropical region in the northwest of the country. Descriptions, illustrations, data on geographical distribution, habitat, and notes on the fungi described are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parmotrema dilatatum and Parmotrema gardneri are recorded for the first time for Argentina and Paraguay. Both species are described and illustrated, and a map with their distribution in South America is included. A key to differentiate sorediate and sorediate-pustulate species of Parmotrema with protocetraric acid is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nothofagus nervosa ( Raulí) is a native tree species that yields valuable timber. It was overexploited in the past and is currently included in domestication and conservation programs. Several research programs have focused on the characterization of epiphytic microorganisms because it has been demonstrated that they can affect plant-pathogen interactions and/or promote plant growth. Although the microbial ecology of leaves has been well studied, less is known about microorganisms occurring on seeds and noncommercial fruits. In this work, we analyzed the yeast and yeast-like fungi present on N. nervosa fruits destined for the propagation of this species, as well as the effects of fruit preservation and seed dormancy-breaking processes on fungal diversity. Morphological and molecular methods were used, and differences between fungal communities were analyzed using a similarity index. A total of 171 isolates corresponding to 17 species were recovered, most of which belong to the phylum Ascomycota. The majority of the species develop mycelia, produce pigments and mycosporines, and these adaptation strategies are discussed. It was observed that the preservation process considerably reduced yeast and yeast-like fungal diversity. This is the first study concerning microbial communities associated with this ecologically and economically important species, and the information presented is relevant to domestication programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species belonging to the Dothideomycete genus Acanthostigvna is described from bark of two Nothofagus species from Argentina. Its identity as a new species is based on both morphology and molecular sequence data. Acanthostigma patagonica differs from other species in the genus by having larger ascomata and setae and wider, asymmetrical ascospores. An amended key to Acanthostigma species is provided along with a discussion of other species previously described from South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogeny of Cryptosporella is revised to include recently discovered species. Eight species new to science are described and two new combinations are proposed, raising the total number of species accepted in Cryptosporella to 19. The species delimitation and phylogeny for Cryptosporella are determined based on analyses of DNA sequences from three genes (β-tubulin, ITS and tef1-α), comparative morphology of sexual structures on their host substrate, and host associations. The inferred phylogeny suggests that Cryptosporella has speciated primarily on Betulaceae with 16 species occurring on hosts in that plant family. The host range of most species seems to be narrow with nine species reported from a single host species or subspecies and seven species occurring on plants within a single host genus. A key to species is provided. The known distribution of Cryptosporella is expanded to mountain cloud forests of the provinces of Chiriquí in Panama and Tucumán in Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten species of Ascomycota on bark or wood of Podocarpus parlatorei are described and illustrated. Nemania confluens var. microspora var. nov. and Togninia minutissima comb. nov. are proposed; Botryosphaeria sarmentorum, Ceratostomella pyrenaica, Cochliobolus kusanoi, Heptameria obesa, Hypoxylon duranii, Ophioceras dolichostomum, Tengiomyces indicus, Togninia minima, Trichosphaeria pilosa are recorded for the first time from Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chapsa rubropruinosa Messuti & Codesal collected in Argentina is described as new to science. The species is characterized by a thin thallus, apothecia with a pigmented disc, and transversely septate, hyaline, non-amyloid to faintly amyloid ascospores with thin cell walls. Chapsa minor is recorded for the first time from South America. The new combination Topeliopsis lomatiae (Messuti, Lumbsch & Ve?zda) Messuti & Mangold is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New information on the taxonomy, chemistry, distribution and ecology are given for seven taxa of the genus Haematomma occurring in Argentina. Two of them, H. flexuosum and H. fluorescens var. fluorescens, are reported for the first time for Argentina. An identification key to the recognized taxa of Haematomma in Argentina is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Evidence of fungal activity expressed as typical decay patterns is described from silicified podocarpaceous wood from the Eocene of Patagonia, Argentina. Decay features consist of tracheids of the secondary xylem that are degraded, resulting in thin-celled, lignin-free, translucent, circular to elliptical areas, some of which have cells devoid of all cell wall components including lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose, and other areas that show only partial simultaneous decay of all cell wall layers. These patterns conform to the white rot and its variant white pocket rot decay patterns produced by basidiomycetes and ascomycetes in gymnosperm and angiosperm wood in modern terrestrial ecosystems. Coagulated opaque bodies in the lumen of some cells and enlarged secondary walls may represent host reactions to infection or remains of metabolic products of fungal enzymatic activity. Similar decay patterns and reaction features have been described from fossil woods ranging in age from the Devonian to the present. This record expands the fossil record of wood rot fungi and underscores their importance as drivers of biological cycles in ancient terrestrial ecosystems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Eight regions of native forests have been recognized in Argentina: Chaco forest, Misiones rain forest, Tucumán-Bolivia forest (Yunga), Andean-Patagonian forest, "Monte", "Espinal", fluvial forests of the Paraguay, Paraná and Uruguay rivers, and "Talares" in the Pampean region. We reviewed the available data concerning biodiversity of saprotrophic micro-fungi (anamorphic Ascomycota) in those native forests from Argentina, from the earliest collections, done by Spegazzini, to present. Among the above mentioned regions most studies on saprotrophic micro-fungi concentrates on the Andean-Patagonian forest, the fluvial forests of the Paraguay, Paraná and Uruguay rivers and the "Talares", in the Pampean region. There are only a few records of fungal species in other native forests. No record of anamorphic species of Ascomycota was previously available for "Monte" forests. From a comprehensive bibliographic review, a total of 344 species were registered, of which 81 (23,5%) are new species. This work manifests the lack of explorations in important areas of the country, and demonstrates the need to increase those studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution includes all filamentous higher marine fungi (30 Ascomycotina, 6 Deuteromycotina and 1 Basidiomycotina) cited up to the present for Buenos Aires province, wich are also the only marine fungi cited for Argentina. A dichotomous key distinguishes the species mainly based on characters of propagules. All taxa are illustrated by original drawings of ascospores, basidiospores and conidia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Descriptions and illustrations of some Pezizales and Helotiales from the Nothofagus forest of Argentina are given. A new species is proposed: Hyalopeziza striata sp. nov. Lamprospora annulata Seav. is the first record for the southern hemisphere. First records for Argentina are: Galactinia praetervisa Bres., Helvella leucopus Pers., Plectania rhytidia (Berk in Hook f) Nannf. & Korf in Korf, Velutarina rufo-olivacea (Alb. & Schwein. Fr.) Korf, Bisporella discedens (P. A. Karst.) Carpenter. Comments on the distribution and ecology of some species are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second contribution to the study of lignicolous marine fungi from the coast of Mar del Plata city, Argentina. Twelve species were collected from driftwood, intertidal wood and drift culms found in rocks and sand beaches. Ten species of Ascomycotina are described: Buergenerula spartinae Kohlm. & R. V. Gessner, Chaetosphaeria chaetosa Kohlm., Corollospora maritima Werderm., Halosarpheia trullifera (Kohlm.) E. B. G. Jones, S. T. Moss & Cuomo, H. viscosa (I. Schmidt) Shearer & J. L. Crane ex Kohlm. & Volkm-Kohlm., Halosphaeriopsis mediosetigera (Cribb & J. W. Cribb) T. W. Johnson, Wettsteinina marina (H. Ellis & Everh.) Shoemaker & C. E. Babe., Leptosphaeria oraemaris Linder, Passeriniella obiones (P. Crouan & H. Crouan) K. D. Hyde & Mouzouras, Remispora maritima Linder; one species of Deuteromycotina: Phoma glomerata Wollenw. & Hochapfel and one species of Basidiomycotina: Digitatispora marina Doguet. Seven are new records for Argentina and four of them also for South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three genera and nineteen species of foliose Physciaceae from Buenos Aires Province are studied. Their common features are summarized and main morphological variability illustrated Generic descriptions are provided. Species are briefly described, commented and illustrated Problems related to the identification of some secondary products, the anatomy and histology of thalli and apothecia, and the vegetative propagules, as well as the corresponding terminology, are discussed The Importance of an adequate methodology for studying the thallus structure is stressed. Keys to genera and species have been published in an earlier paper (Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. 28: 169-173, 1992). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Rutstroemia Karst. recorded for the Andean-Patagoman and Fuegian forests (Argentina) are: R. megalospora, R. microsperma, R beaglensis nov sp and R nothofagi nov sp The concept of the genus here accepted includes species with a complex excipulum and an evident substratal stroma, but the gelatinization of the excipulum is not stressed, due to the variability observed in collections of the same species in identical habitat and localities The new species are described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixteen xylophilous Ascomycetes are described and another is mentioned Among the former: Hypocrea nigricans (Imai) Doi, Hypomyces aureonitens (Tul.) Tul., Hypomyces rosellus (Alb. et Schw.) Tul., Rhamphoria piriformis (Fr.) v. Höhnel, Trichosphaerella decipiens B. Rous. et Sacc.) T ceratophora (v. Höhnel) Müller, Claussenomyces atrovirens (Pers.) Korf et Abawi, Hyalinia scolecospora Beat. apud Beat. et Weste and Rhizodiscina lignyota (Fr.) Hafellner are first records for Argentina. Rhamphoria antarctica Speg. is a "nomen dubium". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]