Phylogeny, Taxonomy and Morphological Characteristics of Apiospora (Amphisphaeriales , Apiosporaceae).

Apiospora is widely distributed throughout the world, and usually identified as endophytes, pathogens or saprobes. In this study, six strains were isolated from Bambusaceae sp., Prunus armeniaca, Salix babylonica and saprophytic leaves in Shandong Province, China. Three new species were identified based on a multi-locus gene phylogenetic analysis using a combined dataset of ITS, LSU, TEF1α and TUB2 in conjunction with morphological assessments. Apiospora armeniaca sp. nov., Apiospora babylonica sp. nov., and Apiospora jinanensis sp. nov. have been comprehensively described and illustrated, representing significant additions to the existing taxonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]