Cyphellophora denticulata sp. nov. a new dark septate endophyte from banana roots in Brazil.

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The genus Cyphellophora includes fungal species with dark mycelia and diverse lifestyles. These morphological characteristics are similar to those of dark septate endophytes (DSEs), which are strict root fungi. However, DSEs are rarely reported in economically important crops such as bananas. The present study aimed to describe dark septate endophytes belonging to Cyphellophora isolated from healthy banana plants in Brazil. The isolates were obtained from healthy banana roots of the Prata Anã, Prata Catarina, and Nanica cultivars. Posteriorly, the fungal isolates were submitted for phylogenetic and morphological analyses. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on the Internal transcribed spacer (ITS), Large subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (LSU rRNA) and Beta-tubulin gene (tub2). The morphological analysis was performed using four culture media: Malt Extract Agar, Oatmeal Agar, Potato Carrot Agar and Potato Dextrose Agar. The fungal isolates were cultivated for three weeks in the dark at 25°C and 37°C. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses, the isolates represents a new Cyphellophora species, namely C. denticulata. The new species has some morphological characteristics different from those shared by the most species of the genus Cyphellophora, such as the denticles presence in the conidiogenous cells. In this study, we report for the first time a Cyphellophora species isolated from banana plants as dark septate endophyte and provided a key for Cyphellophora species.