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A first synopsis of lichenicolous fungi of Mongolia based on new collections and literature data is provided, including 114 species. Five new species are described: Capronia cogtii (on Vahliella leucophaea), Echinothecium hypogymniae (on Hypogymnia bitteri), Feltgeniomyces mongolicus (on H. bitteri), Phacopsis vulpicidae (on Vulpicida juniperina) and Roselliniella javkhlanae (on Rinodina turfacea var. ecrustacea). Two new combinations are proposed: Endococcus hafellneri (≡ Stigmidium hafellneri) and Sphaerellothecium taimyricum (≡ Sphaerellothecium thamnoliae var. taimyricum). Unidentified specimens of Acremonium (on Mycoblastus sanguinarioides), Cercidospora (on Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca s.lat.), Didymocyrtis (on Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca s.lat.), Lichenochora (on Physcia alnophila), Lichenostigma (on species of Xanthoparmelia), Phoma (on Vulpicida juniperina) and a leotialean fungus (on Cetraria laevigata) are characterized and discussed. Taxonomic notes are provided for Cercidospora macrospora s.lat., Didymocyrtis cf. melanelixiae, Minutoexcipula cf. beaglei, Nesolechia cetrariicola, Sphaerellothecium cf. parmeliae and Stigmidium cf. psorae. Sphaeropezia intermedia is newly reported for Eurasia. Didymocyrtis grumantiana is newly reported for Asia. Additionally, 71 species of lichenicolous fungi and five species of lichenicolous lichens are documented in Mongolia for the first time. Allocetraria is reported as a new host genus for Abrothallus peyritschii, Vulpicida for Arthonia triebeliae, and Anamylopsora for Muellerella pygmaea.

Capronia harrisiana, a lichenicolous fungus on the tripartite foliose lichen Crocodia aurata, is described as new to science. Although the host species is widespread in many areas of the world, no species of Capronia has previously been reported from Crocodia aurata, and Capronia harrisiana appears to be endemic to the southern Appalachian Mountains in southeastern North America. The new species is characterized by 50–120 µm wide ascomata, 40–95 µm long setae, (1–)3-septate, pale brown, 11.9–15.7 × 4.4–5.8 µm ascospores, and an I+ red hymenium. An updated key to the lichenicolous species of Capronia is provided.

Three new species belonging to Capronia are described from plants native to the Andean Patagonian forests, Argentina. The first record of C. chlorospora in South America is also reported. The identity of the three new species is based on detailed morpho-anatomical observations as well as analyses of ITS and LSU nuclear rDNA. A key to the Capronia species present in Argentina is provided. Fil: Sanchez, Romina Magali. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; Argentina Fil: Miller Andrew, N.. University of Illinois at Urbana; Estados Unidos Fil: Bianchinotti, Maria Virginia. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; Argentina

A description is provided for Capronia pleiospora , which has been found on dead and often decorticated branches, twigs and other woody material. Some information on its associated organisms and substrata, dispersal and transmission, habitats and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Europe (Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, UK), North America (Canada (British Columbia))).

A description is provided for Capronia chlorospora , found on rotten branch of Salix caprea . Some information on its morphological characteristics, associated organisms and substrata, dispersal and transmission, habitats and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Europe (Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Norway, Spain, Sweden), Switzerland, UK, North America (Canada, Prince Edward Island), USA (Arizona, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Vermont), South America (Argentina)).

A description is provided for Capronia sexdecimspora , which is very poorly known, and this constitutes the first comprehensive description of the species. Some information on its associated organisms and substrata, dispersal and transmission, habitats and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Europe (Iceland, UK)).

A description is provided for Capronia normandinae . Some information on its morphological characteristics, associated organisms and substrata, dispersal and transmission, habitats and conservation status is given, along with details of its geographical distribution (Asia (Papua-New Guinea), Atlantic Ocean (Portugal, Madeira), Australasia (New Zealand), Europe (France, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, UK), South America (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador)).

The orderChaetothyriales(Pezizomycotina,Ascomycetes) harbours obligatorily melanised fungi and includes numerous etiologic agents of chromoblastomycosis, phaeohyphomycosis and other diseases of vertebrate hosts. Diseases range from mild cutaneous to fatal cerebral or disseminated infections and affect humans and cold-blooded animals globally. In addition,Chaetothyrialescomprise species with aquatic, rock-inhabiting, ant-associated, and mycoparasitic life-styles, as well as species that tolerate toxic compounds, suggesting a high degree of versatile extremotolerance. To understand their biology and divergent niche occupation, we sequenced and annotated a set of 23 genomes of main the human opportunists within theChaetothyrialesas well as related environmental species. Our analyses included fungi with diverse life-styles, namely opportunistic pathogens and closely related saprobes, to identify genomic adaptations related to pathogenesis. Furthermore, ecological preferences ofChaetothyrialeswere analysed, in conjuncture with the order-level phylogeny based on conserved ribosomal genes. General characteristics, phylogenomic relationships, transposable elements, sex-related genes, protein family evolution, genes related to protein degradation (MEROPS), carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), melanin synthesis and secondary metabolism were investigated and compared between species. Genome assemblies varied from 25.81 Mb (Capronia coronata) to 43.03 Mb (Cladophialophora immunda). The bantiana-clade contained the highest number of predicted genes (12 817 on average) as well as larger genomes. We found a low content of mobile elements, with DNA transposons from Tc1/Mariner superfamily being the most abundant across analysed species. Additionally, we identified a reduction of carbohydrate degrading enzymes, specifically many of the Glycosyl Hydrolase (GH) class, while most of the Pectin Lyase (PL) genes were lost in etiological agents of chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis. An expansion was found in protein degrading peptidase enzyme families S12 (serine-type D-Ala-D-Ala carboxypeptidases) and M38 (isoaspartyl dipeptidases). Based on genomic information, a wide range of abilities of melanin biosynthesis was revealed; genes related to metabolically distinct DHN, DOPA and pyomelanin pathways were identified. TheMAT(MAtingType) locus and other sex-related genes were recognized in all 23 black fungi. Members of the asexual generaFonsecaeaandCladophialophoraappear to be heterothallic with a single copy of eitherMAT-1-1orMAT-1-2in each individual. AllCaproniaspecies are homothallic as bothMAT1-1andMAT1-2genes were found in each single genome. The genomic synteny of theMAT-locus flanking genes (SLA2-APN2-COX13) is not conserved in black fungi as is commonly observed inEurotiomycetes, indicating a unique genomic context forMATin those species. The heterokaryon (het) genes expansion associated with the low selective pressure at theMAT-locus suggests that a parasexual cycle may play an important role in generating diversity among those fungi.

The new lichenicolous fungusCapronia suijaegrowing on the thallus of corticolousXanthoria parietinais described from Belarus and compared with similar species. In addition to its host selection, the species is characterized by comparatively small ascomata, 40–80 μm diam., and (0–1–)3-septate ascospores, 9·5–11·5×4·0–5·0 μm. A key to the lichenicolous fungi growing onXanthorias. str. is provided.

Zhurbenko, M. P., Etayo, J., Demidova, A. N. & Zhdanov, I. S. 2016. Capronia josefhafellneri sp. nov. (Ascomycota, Herpotrichiellaceae) and some other lichenicolous fungi from Vietnam. — Herzogia 29: 364–373. Eleven species of lichenicolous fungi are recorded from Bi Doup-Nui Ba National Park in Vietnam. Capronia josefhafellneri growing on apothecia and thallus of Septotrapelia triseptata is described as new to science. It is characterized by comparatively short setae up to 30 μm long and (0-)1(-2)-septate ascospores. Clypeococcum rugosisporum and Zwackhiomyces diederichii are reported as new to Asia, and Abrothallus usneae, Arthophacopsis cf. parmeliarum, Lichenoconium erodens, Pseudoseptoria usneae and Roselliniella cladoniae new to Southeast Asia. Arthophacopsis cf. parmeliarum is found on Hypotrachyna species.

The new lichenicolous Capronia paranectrioides Etayo, Flakus & Kukwa, inhabiting thalli of Erioderma leylandii, is described from Bolivia. The species is characterized by pale brown, submuriform and bicaudate ascospores, subglobose to barrel-shaped perithecia and I+ red, K/I+ pale blue hymenial gelatine. It is the first known Capronia species producing ascospores with long apical appendages.

Four new species of lichenicolous fungi are described from Bolivia: Capronia etayoi Flakus & Kukwa sp. nov. (on Dictyonema minus), Lichenosticta jurgae Kukwa & Flakus sp. nov. (on Lecanora sp.), Phaeosporobolus trypethelii Flakus & Kukwa sp. nov. (on Trypetheliumochroleucum; the host lichen new to Bolivia) and Spirographa usneae Flakus, Kukwa & Etayo sp. nov. (on Usnea sp.; also known from Ecuador).

Twenty species of lichenicolous fungi are reported onThamnoliaspecies and discussed.Epithamnolia karatyginiigen. et sp. nov.,Capronia thamnoliaesp. nov.,Cercidospora epithamnoliasp. nov.,C. thamnogalloidessp. nov.,C. thamnoliaesp. nov., andSphaerellothecium thamnoliaesp. nov. (var.thamnoliae, var.taimyricum) are described fromThamnolia.Dacampia thamnoliicolaandPhoma thamnoliaeare introducedad interim.Cercidospora lecidomaeis reduced to synonymy withC. punctillata.Polycoccum vermiculariumis new to Asia,Odontotrema santessoniiandO. thamnoliaeare new to North America,Cladosporium licheniphilumis new to the Arctic,Thamnogalla crombieiis new to Greenland and Svalbard,Stigmidium frigidumis new to Mongolia and confirmed in the USA,Lichenopeltella thamnoliaeis new to Bolivia.Cladosporium licheniphilumandPhaeospora arcticaare newly documented onThamnoliaandLichenopeltella thamnoliaeonThamnolia papelillovar.subsolida.Thamnolia vermicularis, supporting 23 species of lichenicolous fungi, is shown to be the 15th most hospitable lichen species in the world. A worldwide key to 23 species of fungi known to occur onThamnoliais provided.

Cladophialophora is a genus of asexual black yeast-like fungi with one-celled, hydrophobic conidia which is predicted to have teleomorphs in the ascomycete genus Capronia, a member of the order Chaetothyriales. Cladophialophora species are relatively frequently involved in human disease ranging from mild cutaneous lesions to cerebral abscesses. Although the natural niche outside humans is unknown for most opportunistic Cladophialophora species, the fungi concerned are rarely isolated from environmental samples such as dead plant material, rotten wood, or soil. The objective of the present paper is to describe a novel species of Cladophialophora which was isolated from soil polluted with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). It proved to be able to grow with toluene and other related alkylbenzenes as its sole carbon and energy source. This strain is of interest for the biodegradation of toluene and other related xenobiotics under growth limiting conditions, particularly in air biofilters, dry and/or acidic soil. A preliminary genetic analysis using multilocus sequencing typing (MLST) and amplified fragments length polymorphism (AFLP) showed that this fungus was closely related to the pathogenic species Cladophialophora bantiana, sharing a C. bantiana-specific intron in SSU rDNA. However, it was unable to grow at 40 °C and proved to be non-virulent in mice. The clear phylogenetic and ecophysiological delimitation of the species is fundamental to prevent biohazard in engineered bioremediation applications. Keywords AFLP; Air biofilters; Black yeasts; Cladophialophora; In vitro antifungal activity; ITS rDNA; Neurotropism; Pathogenicity

The genus Capronia includes a number of lichenicolous (lichen-inhabiting) species, none of which have previously been characterized in vitro or considered in molecular phylogenetic studies. We cultured Capronia peltigerae from Peltigera rufescens and report here the growth of this species on a variety of media and its phylogenetic position based on the analyses of nuclear ribosomal RNA, mitochondrial ribosomal RNA, and RNA polymerase II (RPB1) gene sequences. This species differs from the majority of Capronia studied in axenic culture in lacking a conidial anamorph. Phylogenetic analyses position C. peltigerae outside the Herpotrichiellaceae within a robustly supported basal lineage of the Chaetothyriales composed primarily of melanized, rock-inhabiting anamorphic fungi. Our results demonstrate that Capronia, as circumscribed currently, is polyphyletic, but they do not resolve the relationship of C. peltigerae with members of the Chaetothyriaceae.

Thirty collections of Loculoascomycetes from the Ajos-Bavispe National Forest Reserve and Wildlife Refuge, the Pinacate and Great Altar Desert Biosphere Reserve, and the Sierra of Alamos-Rio Cuchujaqui Biosphere Reserve, in Sonora, Mexico were studied. Ten new records for the Mexican mycobiota are presented: Capronia montana, Chaetoplea crossata, Didymosphaeria futilis, Glonium abbreviatum, Hysterographium mori, Montagnula infernalis, Patellaria atrata, Rhytidhysteron rufulum, Thyridaria macrostomoides, and Valsaria rubricosa. Photographs of macro- and microscopic characters are given for some species.

Very few studies have addressed the diversity of culturable fungi from deep-sea sediments. We are reporting here the diversity of culturable fungi in deep-sea sediments of the Central Indian Basin obtained from a depth of ∼5,000 m. A total of 16 filamentous fungi and 12 yeasts isolated from 20 sediment cores of ∼35 cm length were identified by 18S and ITS sequencing of SSU rDNA. Most of the filamentous fungi were Ascomycota, while two were Basidiomycota. Microscopic identification of sporulating cultures mostly matched either with 18S or ITS sequences but seldom with both the sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of ascomycetes using 18S sequence data grouped them into 7 clusters belonging to Aspergillus sp., Sagenomella sp., Exophiala sp., Capronia sp., Cladosporium sp., Acremonium sp. and Tritirachium sp. ITS sequence data grouped isolates into 6 clusters belonging to Aspergillus sp., uncultured member of Hypocreaceae, Exophiala sp., uncultured soil fungus, Hypocreales and Trichothecium sp. The two basidiomycete isolates were a Tilletiopsis sp. evident from 18S as well as ITS sequence data. In contrast, most of the yeast isolates belonged to Basidiomycota and only one isolate belonged to the phylum Ascomycota. Sequences of 18S as well as ITS gave matching identification of most of the yeasts. Filamentous fungi as well as the yeasts grew at 200 bar/5°C indicating their adaptations to deep-sea conditions. This is the first report on isolation of Sagenomella, Exophiala, Capronia and Tilletiopsis spp. from deep-sea sediments. This study reports on the presence of terrestrial fungi as a component of culturable fungi in deep-sea sediments.

During an extended search in Western Canada for fungal root endophytes useful as biocontrol agents against soil-borne pathogens, we isolated Heteroconium chaetospira, as well as Phialocephala fortinii or similar taxa, from seven samples of forest soil using herbaceous seedlings of four different species (i.e., barley, Chinese cabbage, eggplant, and melon) as bait plants. Our results support a previous observation that eggplant is a particularly effective species for baiting H. chaetospira from soil and confirm the ability of this fungus to grow as an endophyte in the roots of axenically reared host plants. Cultural characters show that this species is similar to P. fortinii and other melanized fungi in the dark septate endophyte (DSE) group (e.g., Leptodontidium orchidicola, P. sphaeroides, and Cadophora finlandica) in that it produces darkly pigmented colonies on agar media. Heteroconium chaetospira differs from P. fortinii and other melanized members of the Leotiomycetes in the DSE group in that its conidia are fusiform and develop in blastic acropetal chains. Heteroconium chaetospira is phylogenetically distant from most DSE taxa because DNA sequences for the nuclear small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) indicate that the taxon is affiliated with the Herpotrichiellaceae of the Chaetothyriales rather than with the Leotiomycetes.

Using morphological characters, cultural characters, large subunit and internal transcribed spacer rDNA (ITS) sequences, and provisions of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, this paper attempts to resolve the taxonomic and nomenclatural confusion surrounding three species of cladosporium-like hyphomycetes. The type specimen of Hormodendrum resinae, the basis for the use of the epithet resinae for the creosote fungus {either as Hormoconis resinae or Cladosporium resinae) represents the mononematous synanamorph of the synnematous, resinicolous fungus Sorocybe resinae. The phylogenetic relationships of the creosote fungus, which is the anamorph of Amorphotheca resinae, are with the family Myxotrichaceae, whereas S. resinae is related to Capronia (Chaetothyriales, Herpotrichiellaceae). Our data support the segregation of Pycnostysanus azaleae, the cause of bud blast of rhododendrons, in the recently described anamorph genus Seifertia, distinct from Sorocybe; this species is related to the Dothideomycetes but its exact phylogenetic placement is uncertain. To formally stabilize the name of the anamorph of the creosote fungus, conservation of Hormodendrum resinae with a new holotype should be considered. The paraphyly of the family Myxotrichaceae with the Amorphothecaceae suggested by ITS sequences should be confirmed with additional genes.

During a survey of bryophilous fungi from boreal and montane habitats in central Alberta, a hitherto undescribed species of Cladophialophora was recovered from Polytrichum juniperinum, Aulacomnium palustre, and Sphagnum fuscum. On potato dextrose agar (PDA) colonies grew slowly, attaining a diameter of 25 mm after 30 d, were dark grey, velvety, radially sulcate, and convolute and cracked at the centre. Micronematous conidiophores gave rise to branched chains of small (1-2 x 8-22 microm), cylindrical to fusiform conidia with truncate, swollen scars at each end. Phylogenies built on the ITS and ribosomal SSU regions indicate the isolates form a monophyletic clade within the family Herpotrichiellaceae (Chaetothyriales) that is composed of two geographically based groups, each with 99% within-group sequence similarity and 97-98% between-group sequence similarity. A teleomorph has not been found but would likely be similar to species of Capronia. In vitro inoculation of the isolates onto axenically grown P. juniperinum produced no discernible host symptoms, and host penetration could not be detected using light microscopy. The production of polyphenol oxidases by the fungus and the role of other Cladophialophora species as latent endophytes and saprobes suggest that a potential role for the fungus is the degradation of the polyphenol-rich cell walls of mosses. A dichotomous key to species of the genus Cladophialophora is provided.

A novel black yeast-like fungus,Exophiala crusticola, is described based on two closely related isolates from biological soil crust (BSC) samples collected on the Colorado Plateau (Utah) and in the Great Basin desert (Oregon), USA. Their morphology places them in the anamorphic genusExophiala, having affinities to the familyHerpotrichiellaceae(Ascomycota). Phylogenetic analysis of their D1/D2 large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA (LSU nrRNA) gene sequences suggests that they represent a distinct species. The closest known putative relative toExophiala crusticolaisCapronia coronataSamuels, isolated from decorticated wood in Westland County, New Zealand. The holotype forExophiala crusticolaanam. nov. is UAMH 10686 and the type strain is CP141bT(=ATCC MYA-3639T=CBS 119970T=DSM 16793T). Dark-pigmented fungi appear to constitute an important heterotrophic component of soil crusts andExophiala crusticolarepresents the first description of a dematiaceous fungus isolated from BSCs.

Summary • This study compares DNA and culture-based detection of fungi from 15 ericoid mycorrhizal roots of salal (Gaultheria shallon), from Vancouver Island, BC Canada. • From the 15 roots, we PCR amplified fungal DNAs and analyzed 156 clones that included the internal transcribed spacer two (ITS2). From 150 different subsections of the same roots, we cultured fungi and analyzed their ITS2 DNAs by RFLP patterns or sequencing. We mapped the original position of each root section and recorded fungi detected in each. • Phylogenetically, most cloned DNAs clustered among Sebacina spp. (Sebacinaceae, Basidiomycota). Capronia sp. and Hymenoscyphus erica (Ascomycota) predominated among the cultured fungi and formed intracellular hyphal coils in resynthesis experiments with salal. • We illustrate patterns of fungal diversity at the scale of individual roots and compare cloned and cultured fungi from each root. Indicating a systematic culturing detection bias, Sebacina DNAs predominated in 10 of the 15 roots yet Sebacina spp. never grew from cultures from the same roots or from among the > 200 ericoid mycorrhizal fungi previously cultured from different roots from the same site.

A phylogenetic study employing sequence data from the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1, ITS2) and 5.8S gene, as well as the 18S rRNA gene of various Cladosporium-like hyphomycetes revealed Cladosporium s. lat. to be heterogeneous. The genus Cladosporium s. str. was shown to represent a sister clade to Mycosphaerella s. str., for which the teleomorph genus Davidiella is proposed. The morphology, phylogeny and taxonomy of the cladosporioid fungi are discussed on the basis of this phylogeny, which consists of several clades representing Cladosporium-like genera. Cladosporium is confined to Davidiella (Mycosphaerellaceae) anamorphs with coronate conidiogenous loci and conidial hila. Pseudocladosporium is confined to anamorphs of Caproventuria (Venturiaceae). Cladosporium-like anamorphs of the Venturia (conidia catenate) are referred to Fusicladium. Human-pathogenic Cladosporium species belong in Cladophialophora (Capronia, Herpotrichiellaceae) and Cladosporium fulvum is representative of the Mycosphaerella/Passalora clade (Mycosphaerellaceae). Cladosporium malorum proved to provide the correct epithet for Pseudocladosporium kellermanianum (syn. Phaeoramularia kellermaniana, Cladophialophora kellermaniana) as well as Cladosporium porophorum. Based on differences in conidiogenesis and the structure of the conidiogenous loci, further supported by molecular data, C. malorum is allocated to Alternaria.

Two species of lichenicolous fungi on Placopsis gélida are described from Ecuador: Capronia andina (also collected from Costa Rica and Colombia) and Roselliniopsis palicei. A diagnosis of Nectria byssophila, collected for the first time in America on Stereocaulon is presented. The new combination Cosmospora marelliana is proposed and Epicymatia microspora is synonymized with Phacopsis thallicola.Se describen dos especies de hongos liquenícolas encontrados en Ecuador sobre el liquen Placopsis gélida: Capronia andina (también recolectada en Costa Rica y Colombia) y Roselliniopsis palicei. También se hace una diagnosis de Nectria byssophila, recolectada por primera vez en América, sobre Stereocaulon. Se propone, además, la nueva combinación Cosmospora marelliana, y se sinonimiza Epicymatia microspora con Phacopsis thallicola.

Two species of lichenicolous fungi on Placopsis gélida are described from Ecuador: Capronia andina (also collected from Costa Rica and Colombia) and Roselliniopsis palicei. A diagnosis of Nectria byssophila, collected for the first time in America on Stereocaulon is presented. The new combination Cosmospora marelliana is proposed and Epicymatia microspora is synonymized with Phacopsis thallicola. Se describen dos especies de hongos liquenícolas encontrados en Ecuador sobre el liquen Placopsis gélida: Capronia andina (también recolectada en Costa Rica y Colombia) y Roselliniopsis palicei. También se hace una diagnosis de Nectria byssophila, recolectada por primera vez en América, sobre Stereocaulon. Se propone, además, la nueva combinación Cosmospora marelliana, y se sinonimiza Epicymatia microspora con Phacopsis thallicola.

Forty-one isolates representing 14 members of the ascomycete genus Capronia and 15 black yeasts belonging to the anamorph genera Exophiala, Cladosporium, Ramichloridium and Rhinocladiella w...

Forty-seven taxa of Pyrenomycetes sensu lato from Almeria, southern Spain, have been studied. The following are new records for the Spanish mycobiota: Capronia inconspicua, Comoclathris planispora, Diaporthopsis trinucleata, Eutypa consobrina, Eutypella kochiana, Montagnula longipes, Montagnula infernalis, Mycosphaerella nicotianae, Nectriella jucunda, Phaeosphaeria phragmitis, Pleospora dichromatricha, Pleospora rudis, Pleospora subalpina, Teichospora opuntiae and Trematosphaeria endoxyloides. Two new species are also described: Diademosa sabulosa and Phaeosphaeria rubescens.

Despite a significant body of evidence in support of the close phylogenetic relationship of species of Capronia (Herpotrichiellaceae) and black yeasts belonging to or allied with the genus Exophiala questions concerning the taxonomic importance of features furnished by ascospore, stromal and anamorph characters have remained unanswered. In order to address these issues and to elucidate more fully relationships within the family, we have sequenced a portion of the nuclear large ribosomal RNA subunit (28S), the 5.8S gene, and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of 15 species of Capronia and 19 black yeasts assigned to the form genera Cladosporium, Cladophialophora, Exophiala, Fonsecaea, Phaeococcomyces, Phialophora, Ramichloridium and Rhinocladiella. Cladistic analysis of these data confirmed the monophyly of the Herpotrichiellaceae but did not support the division of the genus Capronia on the basis of conidial ontogeny, pattern of ascospore septation, or the degree of stromal development. Homothallic species of Capronia with 8-spored asci, muriform ascospores and Exophiala anamorphs formed a well-supported lineage that included the medically important species Exophiala dermatitidis. Capronia mansonii and Capronia munkii, morphologically similar taxa isolated from the wood of Populus, were inferred as closely related but separate species. The clade comprising members of the Herpotrichiellaceae that possess Cladosporium-like and Phialophora anamorphs was also strongly supported. Available molecular evidence indicates that Dictyotrichiella semiimmersa and Phialophora americana are teleomorph and anamorph states of a single holomorph. Cladistic analysis also confirmed that the genera Cladophialophora and Ramichloridium are polyphyletic. The anamorphs of Capronia nigerrima and Dictyotmchiella semiimmersa are described and illustrated, and the combination Capronia semiimmersa is proposed.

Summary Temperate marine fungi are a distinct ecological group and differ from those found in tropical habitats, with the exception of a few cosmopolitan species. Sixty-two marine fungi were collected at San Juan Island, a temperate site, in 1994. The most frequently collected species were: Halosphaeria appendiculata, Monodictyspelagica, Halosarpheia trullifera, Ceriosporopsis halima and a new ascomycete. Eight records of Capronia ciliomaris were made, all on coniferous bark (probably Pseudosuga sp.). The fungi collected are compared with those previously reported from San Juan Island. The biogeography of marine fungi is discussed.

The taxonomy of selected species of Cap- ronia is discussed and illustrations are provided for Capronia mansonii, C. moravica and C. pulcherrima. Capronia mansonii, known only from the ex-type strain (CBS 101.67), is distinct from CBS 528.86, a second strain identified as this species. Capronia mo- ravica is shown to be a synonym of C. pilosella. The taxonomic position of the strain identified as C. pi- losella that possesses a Cladosporium-like anamorph is discussed. Anamorphs belonging to the black yeast genera Exophiala, Ramichloridium and Rhinocladiella are associated predominantly with members of the Herpotrichiellaceae. In contrast, species possessing Cladosporium-like asexual states and anamorphs be- longing to the form-genus Phialophora are found in distantly related ascomycete families. These latter an- amorphs are not, therefore, indicative of close, phy- logenetic relationships within the Ascomycotina. Cap- ronia hanliniana is excluded from the Herpotrichiel- laceae, and the combination Venturia hanliniana is proposed.

The systematics of the Herpotrichiellaceae, a family of loculoascomycetes with predominantly black yeast anamorphs, is reevaluated on the basis of cultural, molecular and morphological criteria. The majority of species of Capronia, the largest genus in this family, possess black yeast anamorphs belonging to the form genera Exophiala, Ramichloridium and Rhinocladiella. Pseudoparenchymatous ascomatal initials and immature ascomata are produced in strains of E. dermatitidis, E. pisciphila and E. salmonis and support the loculoascomycetous affinity of Exophiala. Cladistic analyses of partial sequences from the nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA gene (18S rDNA) demonstrate that species of Exophiala for which telemorphs are unknown and species of Capronia possessing black yeast anamorphs form a monophyletic group within the Ascomycotina. The Exophiala anamorphs of C. epimyces and C. moravica are described, and Phialophora-like and Ramichloridium synanamorphs are reported for C. acutiseta and C. parasitica, respectively. The genus Acanthostigmella and C. pinicola are excluded from the Herpotrichiellaceae, and the new genus Tyrannosorus is described to accommodate the latter taxon. The position of the Herpotrichiellaceae within the Dothideales sensu lato is discussed.

Phaeoramularia hachijoensis and Ph. kellermaniana are two closely related saprophytic hyphomycetes, morphologically as well as ecologically distinct from true phytopathogenic Phaeoramularia species. They are placed in Cladophialophora. C. brevicatenata spec. nov. is a new species close to C. kellermaniana. Cladophialophora is related to Parapleurotheciopsis, Polyscytalum, Retroconis, Septonema and Xylohypha. Ramularia, Phaeoramularia and allied genera are anamorphs of Mycosphaerella . The teleomorphs of C. hachijoensis (Matsushima) comb. nov. and C. brevicatenata spec. nov., formed in pure culture, belong, however, to Capronia (incl. Herpotrichiella ), viz. Herpotrichiella (Capronia) hytrioides Dugan, R. G. Roberts & Hanlin and Capronia hanliniana spec. nov., respectively.

The nuclear small subunit rRNA genes of authentic strains of the black yeasts Exophiala dermatitidis, Wangiella dermatitidis, Sarcinomyces phaeomuriformis, Capronia mansonii, Nadsoniella nigra var. hesuelica, Phaeoannellomyces elegans, Phaeococcomyces exophialae, Exophiala jeanselmei var. jeanselmei and E. castellanii were amplified by PCR and directly sequenced. A putative secondary structure of the nuclear small subunit rRNA of Exophiala dermatitidis was predicted from the sequence data. Alignment with corresponding sequences from Neurospora crassa and Aureobasidium pullulans was performed and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the neighbor-joining method. The obtained topology of the tree was confirmed by bootstrap analysis. Based upon this analysis all fungi studied formed a well-supported monophyletic group clustering as a sister group to one group of the Plectomycetes (Trichocomaceae and Onygenales). The analysis confirmed the close relationship postulated between Exophiala dermatitidis, Wangiella dermatitidis and Sarcinomyces phaeomuriformis. This monophyletic clade also contains the teleomorph species Capronia mansonii thus confirming the concept of a teleomorph connection of the genus Exophiala to a member of the Herpotrichiellaceae. However, Exophiala castellanii did not belong to this clade. Therefore, this species is not the anamorph of Capronia mansonii as it was postulated.

The controversy about the appropriate taxonomic placement of agents of subcutaneous and systemic mycoses in either Cladosporium or Xylohypha, both genera characterized by conidia being produced in dry, acropetal chains, was addressed with partial sequencing of LS ribosomal RNA. Observation of catenate anamorphs in species of Capronia (Ascomycotina, Herpotrichiellaceae), a genus which also has anamorphs in Exophiala, suggested the possibility of a close interrelationship of all human-associated taxa. To test this hypothesis, partial sequences of 43 strains of Cladosporium/Xylohypha were analysed. Human-pathogenic and saprophytic Cladosporium species were found to be phylogenetically distinct from each other and, on the basis of known teleomorph relationships, were considered to be anamorphs of Herpotrichiellaceae and Mycosphaerellaceae, respectively. They should therefore be classified in different anamorph-genera; Cladosporium being restricted to plant-associated species. A relatively large proportion of the Herpotrichiellaceae is presumed to be animal-associated. The black yeast genus Exophiala was also confirmed to be of herpotrichiellaceous relationship. The genus Xylohypha is unrelated.

The anamorph life cycle of the black yeast Exophiala (Wangiella) dermatitidis is described. The fungus is dimorphic, yeast cells being the prevalent form of propagation. The fungus is strongly hydrophilic, probably completing its anamorph life cycle in submersion. Adaptation to dry conditions is slow. Types of conidiogenesis comprise annellidic, phialidic and sympodial reproduction, in addition to isotropic development. Phialoconidia fail to germinate under the conditions tested, and thus may have a function other than dispersal. Sterile, multicellular bodies resembling a Capronia teleomorph are described.

A method for the rapid, in vitro production of pseudothecia in species of Capronia is described. Mature pseudothecia of C. epimyces, C. mansonii, C. moravica, C. pinicola and an undescribed species of Capronia were obtained. Immature ascomata were ob? served for C. acutiseta and an isolate of Exophiala jean- selmei var. jeanselmei. Ascomatal initials and ascomata were not observed in the neotype strain of Hortaea werneckii and selected type strains of Exophiala. The role of anamorphs in the dispersal of species of Cap? ronia is discussed with reference to the occurrence of the yeast-like and hyphal states on natural substrata. The combination Capronia fungicola is proposed.

WOS: 000276498100021, Notes on seven species of peltigericolous fungi are provided. Six species (Capronia peltigerae, Dacampia rufescentis, Neolamya peltigerae, Phoma peltigerae, Pronectria robergei, and Stigmidium peltideae) are reported for the first time from Turkey., TUBITAK [108T556], We are grateful to Kerry Knudsen and Ave Suija for reviewing this paper. This study was supported by TUBITAK (108T556 coded project).

WOS: 000276414100004, A new lichenicolous fungus in the genus Capronia is described: C. minutosetosa sp. nov. from the thallus of Chromatochlamys muscorum in Turkey and Spain. The new species differs from those previously recognized in the genus in the size and septation of the ascospores and peridial setae, as well as in occurring on unrelated hosts. A key to the eleven lichenicolous species of the genus now known is also presented., Miniesterio de Educacion y Ciencia of Spain [Proyectos I+D CGL 2008-01600], This study was finished while M. G. H. was based in the Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense deMadrid, under the direction of D. L. H. with a grant from TUBITAK. Sergio Perez-Ortega is thanked for providing an additional specimen from Spain. Ali Karabela is thanked for his helps in the field excursion in Turkey. D. L. H. acknowledges support from the Miniesterio de Educacion y Ciencia of Spain (Proyectos I+D CGL 2008-01600).

Sequences of rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of a standard set of black yeast-like fungal pathogens were compared using two methods: local and global alignments. The latter is based on DNA-walk divergence analysis. This method has become recently available as an algorithm (DNAWD program) which converts sequences into three-dimensional walks. The walks are compared with, or fit to, each other generating global alignments. The DNA-walk geometry defines a proper metric used to create a distance matrix appropriated for phylogenetic reconstruction. In this work, the analyses were carried out for species currently classified in Capronia , Cladophialophora , Exophiala , Fonsecaea , Phialophora , and Ramichloridium . Main groups were verified by small-subunit rRNA gene data. DNAWD applied to ITS2 alone enabled species recognition as well as phylogenetic reconstruction reflecting clades discriminated in small-subunit rRNA gene phylogeny, which was not possible with any other algorithm using local alignment for the same data set. It is concluded that DNAWD provides rapid insight into broader relationships between groups using genes that otherwise would be hardly usable for this purpose.