Studies in genera similar to Torula: Bahusaganda, Bahusandhika, Pseudotorula, and Simmonsiella gen. nov.

J Leland Crane,Andrew N Miller

doi:10.5598/imafungus.2016.07.01.03

Abstract

A generic key is presented to delimit Torula from seven hyphomycete genera whose type species were at one time included in the genus or whose conidium ontogeny and conidium development appear similar or superficially similar to that of Torula herbarum, the type of the genus. In Bahusaganda, two new species are described (B. elliseverhartii and B. simmonsii spp. nov.) and three new combinations made (B. ambrosiae, B. elaeodes, and B. heteromorpha combs. nov.). In Bahusandhika, one new species (B. hughesii sp. nov.) is introduced, and two new combinations made (B. rhombica and B. terrestris combs. nov.), along with emendations in the circumscription of B. caligans and B. intercalaris. Latorua is considered synonymous with Bahusandhika. In Pseudotorula, one new combination is made (P. sundara comb. nov.), and one emendation proposed (P. helica). The transfer of Dwayabeeja sundara, the type species of the genus, to Pseudotorula will require a new generic name to be introduced for D. aethiopica and D. cubensis. The new generic name Simmonsiella is established for Torula ndjilensis. Bahusandhika compacta is shown to be synonymous with Torula verrucospora.

Highlights

The genus Torula, typi¿ed by T. herbarum, is characterized by terminal or lateral, monoblastic or polyblastic conidiogenous cells which have a basally thickened and heavily melanized wall, with the apex thin-walled and freTuently collapsing and becoming coronate; these conidiogenous cells are conseTuently termed μcorona cells’
The corona cell may be sessile on hyphae or arise on micronematous conidiophores
Several hyphomycete species previously placed in Torula were re-examined and found not to be congeneric with T. herbarum; and these are transferred to more appropriate genera

Summary

Introduction

The genus Torula, typi¿ed by T. herbarum, is characterized by terminal or lateral, monoblastic or polyblastic conidiogenous cells which have a basally thickened and heavily melanized wall, with the apex thin-walled and freTuently collapsing and becoming coronate; these conidiogenous cells are conseTuently termed μcorona cells’. Notes: Torula ambrosiae, T. elaeodes and T. heteromorpha are transferred to Bahusaganda, characterized by having coronate conidiogenous cells and solitary phragmoconidia. Conidiogenous cells discrete, monoblastic, coronate, dark brown, verrucose, 4.5 × 5.5 m, arising laterally on the hyphae, sessile or occasionally subtended by a light brown, cylindrical stalk-cell measuring 4.5–7 × 2–4.5 m.

Results

Conclusion