Discovery of the tropical marine green alga Phyllodictyon robustum (Cladophorales, Boodleaceae) in a temperate region of Korea

Allium is a very diverse genus with over 600 species distributed worldwide. Haplotype analyses of 45S rRNA ITS, trnH-psbA spacer, and matK gene sequences in 9 Allium species were carried out, subsequent to which phylogenetic relations of the nine species were also analyzed. Of the three genes, the nuclear 45S rRNA ITS sequences showed the highest variation with one haplotype in each species. The other two chloroplast genes revealed that more than one haplotype was present in each species, and each haplotype was present in several of the species. In the matK gene, EcoRI restriction revealed heteroplasmy in which the functional gene retains the EcoRI recognition site while the nonfunctional, pseudogene does not. Phylogenetic patterns were not consistent among the haplotypes of the 45 rRNA ITS, trnH-psbA spacer, and matK genic regions. This phylogenetic incongruency might be due to the presence of multiple haplotypes in each of the chloroplast genes. However, the inconsistency of the phylogenetic relationships, based on the 45S rRNA ITS sequences makes a strong case for further analysis.

Chromomycosis is an infection caused by dematiaceous fungi. These fungi belong to several genera with varied clinical presentations and parasitic forms. The disease is roughly classified into three types: chromoblastomycosis, black-grain mycetoma, and phaeohyphomycosis. While there are many kinds of dematiaceous fungi, the major etiologic agent is Fonsecaea pedrosoi, which to date has accounted for 90% of chromoblastomycosis cases. The genus Fonsecaea has recently been assessed via rRNA ITS sequence analysis, and species have been classified into F. pedrosoi, F. monophora, and others. We encountered two cases of chromomycosis that had developed on facial and upper arm areas. Neither of the etiologic agents could be identified through morphological examination under a microscope; however, F. monophora was confirmed using molecular phylogenetic analysis. Indeed, molecular phylogenetic analysis has revealed that the etiologic agents in many reported cases of F. pedrosoi infections were actually F. monophora. This suggests that it is now necessary to reconsider the classification of genus Fonsecaea.

A striking species of cyphelloid fungus tentatively identified as a Henningsomyces or Rectipilus was collected in Białowieża virgin forest in Poland since 1962. After search in literature, morphological studies and phylogenetic analyses based on LSU and ITS rDNA sequences, the species turned out to be unknown to science with ≥ 5% difference in LSU rDNA sequence from nearest representatives of both cyphelloid and agaricoid fungi. We describe it here as a new genus Cyphelloporia and new species C. bialoviesensis. The species is still known only from the Białowieża forest, where it produces large basidiomata consisting of a well developed subiculum and densely aggregated, tubular receptacles up to 10 mm long on decaying trunks of Picea abies. A detailed morphological description accompanied by line drawings and photographs is provided, and differences from similar Rectipilus and Henningsomyces species are discussed. Phylogenies based on LSU and ITS sequences show that C. bialoviesensis belongs to the lineage formed by Rectipilus species together with Phyllotopsis nidulans and Pleurocybella porrigens, whereas true Henningsomyces species belong to a highly unrelated lineage labelled Niaceae or Cyphellaceae. Family position of C. bialoviesensis is discussed showing that Phyllotopsidaceae is well justified.

Species delimitation in Cystoderma and Cystodermella was evaluated based on ITS and LSU rDNA sequences as well as morphological data. Two species of Cystoderma are synonymised with C. carcharias and three species with C. jasonis, distinguishing the synonymised taxa as varieties of these accepted species. Analyses of partial LSU rDNA sequences revealed Cystoderma and Cystodermella as distinct monophyletic genera, with Ripartitella representing a well-supported sister group of the latter. Phaeolepiota aurea represents either an unsupported sister group or member of Cystoderma in the phylogenies based on LSU and ITS sequences rDNA data, respectively. The tribe Cystodermateae sensu Singer did not appear monophyletic according to analyses of LSU sequences. On the basis of these data, the phylogenetic relationships among most of the analyzed genera could not be resolved unequivocally.

New PCR primers (N=18) were designed for the isolation of complete SSU to LSU rDNA sequences from the dinoflagellateAlexandrium tamarense. Standard PCR, employing each primer set selected for amplifications of less than 1.5 kb, successfully amplified the expected rDNA regions of A. tamarense (Korean isolate, HY970328M). Complete SSU, LSU rDNAs and ITS sequences, including 5.8S rDNA, were recorded at 1,800 bp, 520 bp and 3,393 bp, respectively. The LSU rDNA sequence was the first report inAlexandrium genus. No intron was found in the LSU rRNA coding region. Twelve D-domains within the LSU rDNA were put together into 1,879 bp (44.4% G+C), and cores into 1514 bp (42.8% G+C). The core sequence was significantly different (0.0867 of genetic distance, 91% sequence similarity) in comparison withProrocentrum micans (GenBank access. no. X16108). The D2 region was the longest in length (300 bp) and highly variable among the 12 D-domains. In a phylogenetic analysis using complete LSU rDNA sequences of a variety of phytoplankton,A tamarense was clearly separated with high resolution against other species. The result suggests that the sequence may resolve the taxonomic ambiguities ofAlexandrium genus, particularly of the tamarensis complex.

The ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene region of the microsporidium Heterosporis anguillarum has been examined. Complete DNA sequence data (4060 bp, GenBank Accession No. AF402839) of the rRNA gene of H. anguillarum are presented for the small subunit gene (SSU rRNA: 1359 bp), the internal transcribed spacer (ITS: 37 bp), and the large subunit gene (LSU rRNA: 2664 bp). The secondary structures of the H. anguillarum SSU and LSU rRNA genes are constructed and described. This is the first complete sequence of an rRNA gene published for a fish-infecting microsporidian species. In the phylogenetic analysis, the sequences, including partial SSU rRNA, ITS, and partial LSU rRNA sequences of the fish-infecting microsporidia, were aligned and analysed. The taxonomic position of H. anguillarum as suggested by Lom et al. (2000; Dis Aquat Org 43:225-231) is confirmed in this paper.

SUMMARYAlthough the examination of large subunit ribosomal RNA genes (LSU rDNA) is advanced in phylogenetic studies, no corresponding sequence data from trebouxiophytes have been published, with the exception of ‘Chlorella’ellipsoidea Gerneck. We determined the LSU rDNA sequence of Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck and of the symbiotic alga of green paramecium, Chlorella sp. NC64A. A total of 59 nucleotide substitutions were found in the LSU rDNA of the two species, which are disproportionately distributed. Primarily, 65% of the substitutions were encountered in the first 800 bp of the alignment. This segment apparently has evolved eight times faster than the complete SSU rDNA sequence, making it a good candidate for a phylogenetic marker and giving a resolution level intermediate between small subunit (SSU) rDNA and internal transcribed spacers. Green algae are known as a group I intron‐rich group along with rhodophytes and fungi. NC64A is particularly rich in the introns; five introns were newly identified from the LSU rDNA sequence, which we named Cnc.L200, Cnc.L1688, Cnc.L1926, Cnc.L2184 and Cnc.L2437, following the insertion positions. In the present study we analyzed these introns with three others (Cnc.S943, Cnc.S1367 and Cnc.S1512) that had already been found in NC64A SSU rDNA. Secondary structure modeling placed these introns in the group I intron family, with four introns belonging to subgroup C1 and the other four introns belonging to subgroup E. Five of the intron insertion positions are unique to the paramecian symbiont, which may indicate relatively recent events of intron infections that includes transpositions. Intron phylogeny showed unprecedented relationships; four Cnc. IC1 introns made a clade with some green algal introns with insertions at nine different positions, whereas four Cnc. IE introns made a clade with the S651 intron (Chlorella sp. AN 1–3), which lay as a sister to the S516 insertion position subfamily.

Revision of some Thecaphora species ( Ustilaginomycotina) on Caryophyllaceae

A new species of Lecithostaphylus Odhner, 1911 (Zoogonidae) is described from the Pacific agujon needlefish, Tylosurus pacificus (Steindachner) (Belonidae), from two localities off the Pacific coast of Mexico. Morphologically, the new species agrees with the diagnosis of the genus Lecithostaphylus. Lecithostaphylus brayi sp. nov. differs from other congeneric species by a combination of morphological traits, including the overall body size, anterior and posterior extension of the vitelline follicles in the hindbody, and the presence/absence of papilla-like denticles on internal surface of ventral sucker. Lecithostaphylus brayi sp. nov. most closely resembles L. retroflexus (Molin, 1859), Odhner, 1911 and Lecithostaphylus tylosuri Châari, Derbel & Neifar, 2013 from Mediterranean needlefishes and Lecithostaphylus nitens (Linton, 1898) Linton, 1940 from needlefishes in multiple marine ecoregions; however, it can be distinguished by subtle morphological differences, host association, and geographical distribution. The new species will require further verification through a more detailed morphological study of L. nitens and, ideally, molecular data for L. nitens, L. retorflexus, and L. tylosuri. Newly generated 28S rDNA sequences allowed a phylogenetic assessment of the genus and show that Lecithostaphylus clades within the Zoogonidae, sister to the genera Deretrema Linton, 1910 + Proctophantastes Odhner, 1911, although the family Zoogonidae is not resolved as monophyletic. The inclusion of more representative genera in the molecular phylogenetic analysis will be needed to generate a more robust classification scheme for the Zoogonidae, and to discuss host specificity patterns for members of the family.

Summary A redescription of Distolabrellus veechi (Rhabditida: Mesorhabditidae) from agricultural soils in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, India, is provided. Specimens were extracted from soil using the Galleria soil baiting technique, with two strains of nematodes named JP1 and JP2 being obtained. Morphological and morphometric studies on the species agree well with previous records. Molecular analyses are provided using 18S, 28S and ITS rRNA sequences, the ITS sequences being obtained for the first time in this species. These analyses show that the material examined agrees well with previously studied populations. Phylogenetic analyses showed Distolabrellus to be the sister group of Crustorhabditis and Teratorhabditis, all having the male spicules fused for more than 50% of their length. Illustrations and phylogenetic trees based on 18S, 28S and ITS rRNA sequences are provided.

Assessing and predicting bloom dynamics and toxin production by Microcystis requires analysis of toxic and nontoxic Microcystis genotypes in natural communities. We show that genetic differentiation of Microcystis colonies based on rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences provides an adequate basis for recognition of microcystin producers. Consequently, ecological studies of toxic and nontoxic cyanobacteria are now possible through studies of rRNA ITS genotypic diversity in isolated cultures or colonies and in natural communities. A total of 107 Microcystis colonies were isolated from 15 lakes in Europe and Morocco, the presence of microcystins in each colony was examined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and they were grouped by rRNA ITS denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) typing. Based on DGGE analysis of amplified ITSa and ITSc fragments, yielding supplementary resolution (I. Janse et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 69:6634-6643, 2003), the colonies could be differentiated into 59 classes. Microcystin-producing and non-microcystin-producing colonies ended up in different classes. Sequences from the rRNA ITS of representative strains were congruent with the classification based on DGGE and confirmed the recognition of microcystin producers on the basis of rRNA ITS. The rRNA ITS sequences also confirmed inconsistencies reported for Microcystis identification based on morphology. There was no indication for geographical restriction of strains, since identical sequences originated from geographically distant lakes. About 28% of the analyzed colonies gave rise to multiple bands in DGGE profiles, indicating either aggregation of different colonies, or the occurrence of sequence differences between multiple operons. Cyanobacterial community profiles from two Dutch lakes from which colonies had been isolated showed different relative abundances of genotypes between bloom stages and between the water column and surface scum. Although not all bands in the community profiles could be matched with isolated colonies, the profiles suggest a dominance of nontoxic colonies, mainly later in the season and in scums.

The taxonomic status of three closely related species of the brown algal genus Elachista, E. tenuis Yamada, E. sargassicola Noda and E. nipponica Umezaki (Elachistaceae, Ectocarpales sensu lato) was reassessed on the basis of morphological observations including laboratory culture experiments and molecular phylogenetic analyses. These species share characteristic assimilatory filaments of constant width throughout their length except for slightly constricted bases and slightly tapering apices. Although E. sargassicola has been characterized by the presence of phaeophycean hairs, our culture experiments revealed that the presence or absence of such hairs is not a stable taxonomic feature in E. tenuis and E. sargassicola. Furthermore, molecular analyses showed that the rRNA ITS1 and ITS2 regions of E. tenuis and E. sargassicola were nearly identical and grouped them in a strongly supported monophyletic clade. Thus, E. sargassicola should be reduced to synonymy with E. tenuis. On the other hand, E. nipponica, which has been characterized by the production of cylindrical cells in a basal hemispherical cushion, formed cylindrical cells under experimental culture conditions, indicating that the production of such cells is a specific feature of E. nipponica. However, another reported feature of E. nipponica, the production of intercalary plurizoidangia in assimilatory filaments, was rejected, because reexamination of type material revealed that filaments bearing such reproductive structures are referable to Leptonematella fasciculata (Reinke) Silva. Molecular phylogenetic analyses support the distinction of E. tenuis and E. nipponica.

Two species of marine red algae, Jania ungulata (Yendo) Yendo f. brevior (Yendo) Yendo and Peyssonnelia japonica (Segawa) Yoneshigue (Rhodophyta) were collected for the first time from Mexican Pacific coast. Their vegetative and reproductive structures are described, as well as the habitat where they were found and their geographical distribution along the Pacific coasts of Mexico. Jania ungulata f. brevior is a commonly growing epiphytic and Peyssonnelia japonica is epiphyte. The fact that we found this new records in Mexican coast is noteworthy, due that this species are originally described in Japanese coast. The absence of records of this species in the Mexican coast is likely related in part to the lack of specific collections and the fact that the specimens are small and delicate, and may commonly be unnoticed during samplings.⤚ꄀ᐀㘳㈻㘳㈮〹㔱㤻㘳㈮㔻଀䅧物捵汴畲攀

Fungal infections pose a significant threat to aquaculture, causing substantial economic losses and ecological disruptions. The common carp (Cyprinus carpio), as a crucial farmed fish, requires in-depth research to uncover the underlying fungal pathogens affecting its health. In this study, we analyzed 150 samples of C. carpio to identify the fungal pathogens responsible for the infections based on clinical signs and symptoms. Further, we assessed fungal diversity and prevalence in the infected fish. The infected fish exhibited varying degrees of gross pathogenicity, with fins and skin heavily affected, intermediate infection observed in the head and gills, and the least infection found in the operculum. Morphological examination revealed distinct characteristics such as necrosis, lesions on the skin, fins, and gills, as well as loss of scales, hemorrhagic lesions, and red spots. Furthermore, the presence of gray and white cottony patches on the body confirmed ascomycete and zygomycete infections, while a dark white cottony mass indicated phycomycete infection. Some fish exhibited severe fungal infections, presenting prominently curved spines and necrosis with red spots on the skin. These isolates belonged to various fungal groups, including ascomycetes, zygomycetes, phycomycetes, deuteromycetes, and basidiomycetes. Among these, Fusarium oxysporum emerged as the most prevalent fungal pathogen, followed by Fusarium solani, Saprolegnia delica, and Saprolegnia parasitica. Molecular identification based on ITS and LSU rRNA sequences confirmed the presence of Saprolegnia delica, Mucor hiemalis, Coniothyrium telephii, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Penicillium cellarum, and Fusarium californicum in the fish samples. Phylogenetic analysis further supported the morphological and molecular data, providing insights into the relationship between the isolated fungal strains and known species from various geographical regions. Our study enhances our understanding of the diversity and prevalence of fish fungal pathogens in common carp, emphasizing the significance of employing molecular techniques for accurate identification. These comprehensive findings offer essential insights into the impact of fungal infections on common carp populations, laying the groundwork for targeted control measures to mitigate their effects on global aquaculture.

BackgroundSarocladium species are frequently associated with grasses as saprobes, parasites, and mutualistic endophytes. A species of Sarocladium (anamorphic Hypocreales) was isolated as endophytic fungus from the coastal grass Spinifex littoreus (Poaceae).ResultsAccording to characterization by LSU and ITS rDNA sequences and culture morphology and micromorphology, the species differed from the species hitherto described in Sarocladium. A key to the known species of Sarocladium is given.ConclusionsSarocladium spinificis is proposed as a new species. LSU rDNA sequences and conidiophore branching and conidium size are useful characters for distinguishing between species of Sarocladium.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1999-3110-55-25) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.