Septate Ascospores Research Articles

Paraloratospora edkuensis sp. nov. (Ascomycota, Phaeosphaeriaceae) from the brackish Lake Edku, Egypt

Abstract In this study, we introduce a novel saprobic taxon Paraloratospora edkuensis, from a decaying stem of Phragmites australis collected at Lake Edku, El-Behera Governorate, Egypt. Multi-locus analyses of the combined ITS (internal transcribed spacers of rDNA), LSU (nuclear large subunit rDNA) and tef1-α (translation elongation factor) sequence data placed the new taxon within Paraloratospora as a phylogenetically distinct species in a clade containing two aquatic species P. fructigena and P. marina. The new species is characterized by having globose to subglobose, dark brown to black ascomata with a short neck, 4–8-spored, cylindrical to obclavate asci, and 3-septate, hyaline and fusiform ascospores. Paraloratospora edkuensis differs from P. fructigena and P. marina by having smaller ascomata with a single neck, asci with four or eight ascospores, different mycelial colony morphology, and nucleotide differences of 2.1–3 %, 0.6–1.4 %, and 1.3–6.9 % in the ITS, LSU and tef1-α genes, respectively.

Taxonomic novelty in Pleomonodictydaceae and new reports for Ampelomycesquisqualis (Phaeosphaeriaceae), Melomastiamaolanensis and M.oleae (Pleurotremataceae).

This study introduces a novel genus Robiniigena, with its type R.hyalinospora. The specimen was collected on dead aerial branches of Robiniapseudoacacia in Italy. Based on the examination of morphology and the results of phylogenetic analyses involving nuclear 18S rDNA (SSU), nuclear 28S rDNA (LSU), nuclear rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) sequences, Robiniigena is referred to the family Pleomonodictydaceae (Pleosporales). It is characterized by immersed to erumpent, ostiolate ascomata, filiform, septate and cellular pseudoparaphyses, bitunicate, clavate to cylindric-clavate asci and fusiform, hyaline ascospores surrounded by a mucilaginous sheath. This research also establishes the taxonomic placement of the previously unclassified Inflatispora (Pleosporales genus incertae sedis) within the Pleomonodictydaceae. The sexual morph of Ampelomycesquisqualis (Phaeosphaeriaceae) is described for the first time and it is characterized by immersed, perithecial ascomata, a peridium comprising two layers, branched, septate and filiform pseudoparaphyses, short-pedicellate, bitunicate asci with an ocular chamber and sub-hyaline, fusiform, septate ascospores. This species, previously known only in its asexual morph, has been found as a saprobe on Sonchus sp. in Italy. Our identification of the sexual morph was based on LSU rDNA and ITS rDNA sequence data. Melomastiamaolanensis (Pleurotremataceae) is reported for the first time in Thailand, collected from Chromolaenaodorata, while M.oleae is documented as a new record from Durantaerecta in Thailand.

Unveiling new fungal discoveries in Yunnan Province, China

Fungal taxa can be found almost anywhere and China is recognized as one of the most diverse regions globally. Within Asia, China leads major fungal hotspot studies, with Yunnan Province noted for its high plant and fungal diversity compared to other regions in the country. The Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), is a leading research institute with a botanical garden focused on the taxonomy and phylogeny of plants, fungi, lichen, and related projects. This study introduces new and known taxa from KIB collections based on comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and multigene phylogenetic analyses were used to identify four taxa within the class Dothideomycetes (Pleosporales). This includes a new genus (Paracrassiperidium), a new species (P. fusiforme), and two previously known species (Chaetopyrena penicillata and Pseudokeissleriella bambusicola). The new genus is characterized by dome-shaped, semi-immersed to immersed ascomata with a thick-walled peridium, a hamathecium composed of branched pseudoparaphyses, cylindrical to cylindric-clavate pedicellate asci with a well-developed ocular chamber, and fusiform, hyaline to light brown, septate ascospores.

Discovery of the first lichenized fungus in the family Chaetothyriaceae (Ascomycota), Ceramothyrium ryukyuense sp. nov.

Ceramothyrium ryukyuense (Chaetothyriaceae) is described as a new species from Okinawa, southern Japan. It is characterized by subglobose minute ascomata (up to 110 μm diam.) covered with a brown mycelial pellicle, small ellipsoid 1(–2)-septate ascospores (8.7–13.8 × 3.4–4.9 μm) within a small ascus (20–30 × 13–17 μm), and a lichenized thallus. This species resembles non-lichenized Brazilian species, C. paiveae and C. philodendri, in producing minute ascomata and 1–4 or 7 septate ascospores. However, besides its lichenized status, C. ryukyuense is distinguished by its smaller asci (up to 30 μm long in C. ryukyuense vs. 30–42 μm long in C. paiveae, and 50–100 μm long in C. philodendri), and predominantly 1-septate ascospores in C. ryukyuense, whereas multi-septate in C. paiveae and C. philodendri. It was collected on a living leaf of Arecaceae in the subtropical forest near the seashore. In a phylogenetic tree based on nuITS and nuLSU sequences, C. ryukyuense formed a sister clade to Ceramothyrium exiguum which is known as an anamorphic species. DNA sequences of C. paiveae and C. philodendri, morphologically similar species to C. ryukyuense, were not available in this study. Algal cells distant from the perithecium exhibited continuous branching, while those near the perithecium were strongly deformed into a spherical shape and were partially unicellular. The photobiont of C. ryukyuense is suggested to be a species of Trentepohliales, inferred from a phylogenetic analysis based on the rbcl sequence. Ceramothyrium ryukyuense is the first report of a lichenized lineage within Chaetothyriaceae.

New species and record in the genus Carbacanthographis (lichenized Ascomycota, Graphidaceae) from China

During our research on the lichen genus Carbacanthographis from China, two species new to science were discovered in materials from Yunnan and Guangxi Provinces, i.e. Carbacanthographis crassibasalia sp. nov. with a corticate thallus, a completely carbonized excipulum, warty periphysoid tips, hyaline, muriform, 6–18 × 3–4-septate ascospores, and protocetraric acid and C. yunnanensis sp. nov. with an ecorticate thallus, a completely carbonized excipulum, warty periphysoid tips, hyaline, small, submuriform 4–6 × 0–1-septate ascospores and the presence of protocetraric acid. A new record for China, C. iriomotensis, collected in Hainan Province is also reported. Detailed morphological descriptions as well as high-resolution photographs of the morphology and anatomy of the three species are provided. A working key to all the known Carbacanthographis species from China is also provided.

Molecular studies of Allographa effusosoredica sp. nov. (Graphidaceae) along with its Trentepohlia photobiont and a comprehensive checklist for Indian Allographa

The current study describes a new species, Allographa effusosoredica, from the Western Ghats, India, along with its Trentepohlia photobiont. This study is based on morphological, chemical and molecular analyses using mtSSU, LSU and RPB2 sequence data for Allographa effusosoredica mycobiont and ITS sequence data for Trentepohlia photobiont. Allographa effusosoredica is characterized by a thin effuse thallus with diffuse soredia, 8-spored asci, transversely 7–11 septate ascospores, and norstictic acid chemistry. It is surprisingly similar to the widespread Graphis glaucescens, which differs in the absence of soredia and norstictic acid, but clusters phylogenetically within Allographa, allied to Allographa xanthospora, making the limits between Allographa and the distantly related genus Graphis more diffuse and raising doubts about the correct placement of G. glaucescens. The photobiont of the novel species is allied to Trentepohlia cf. arborum HZ-2017 isolate YN1047. This is the first species of Allographa sequenced from India.

Contributions to the knowledge of lichenicolous fungi growing on Rhizoplaca s. lat., including five new taxa and an identification key

AbstractSixteen species and two varieties of lichenicolous fungi are reported from Rhizoplaca s. lat. Four species and one variety are described as new to science: Caeruleoconidia ahtii Zhurb. (on Rhizoplaca s. str.), with hyaline to pale greyish turquoise, comparatively large conidia; Cercidospora mongolica Zhurb. & Cl. Roux (on Rhizoplaca s. str.), with a reddish brown (above) to pale brownish grey to colourless (below) exciple, mostly 4-spored asci, and (0‒)1(‒2)-septate ascospores, mostly 23‒28.5 μm long; C. tyanshanica Zhurb. & Cl. Roux (on Protoparmeliopsis and Rhizoplaca s. str.), with a uniformly grey exciple, mostly 4-spored asci, and (0‒)1(‒2)-septate ascospores, mostly 25.5‒31.5 μm long; Stigmidium pseudosquamariae Zhurb. (on Protoparmeliopsis), inducing brown cerebriform galls, with consistently immersed ascomata and well-developed pseudoparaphyses of type b sensu Roux & Triebel (1994); and Arthonia clemens var. peltatae Zhurb. (on Protoparmeliopsis), with a brown epihymenium without grey shade. An unidentified species of Leptosphaeria growing on Protoparmeliopsis peltata, and Lichenostigma cf. chlaroterae growing on P. peltata and Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca are briefly characterized. Arthonia clemens is newly reported for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in Russia; Cercidospora melanophthalmae is new to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia; Didymocyrtis rhizoplacae is new to Russia; Lichenoconium lecanorae and Muellerella erratica are new to Kyrgyzstan; Stigmidium squamariae s. lat. is new to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. Didymocyrtis rhizoplacae is documented for the first time on Rhizoplaca subdiscrepans, and Pyrenidium actinellum s. lat. on Protoparmeliopsis. A key to 36 species of lichenicolous fungi and lichens known to occur on Rhizoplaca s. lat. is provided.

Morpho-molecular characterization of phoma-like fungi from Morus alba in northern Thailand; a novel species (Boeremia albae) and a new host record (B. maritima)

Boeremia was established to accommodate phoma-resembling fungi. Its species occur in terrestrial ecosystems as endophytes, saprobes and pathogens, except one species reported from a marine ecosystem. Boeremia species are characterized by hyaline, thin-walled, and aseptate (occasionally 1(–2)-septate) conidia that are variable in shape, and hyaline, straight or slightly curved, thick-walled, and 1-septate ascospores that are usually constricted at the septum. In the past, host associations were used to delimit Boeremia species. However, since Boeremia taxa have overlapping morphological characters and are cryptic, it renders taxonomic identification arduous. Therefore, the use of other approaches including multi-gene phylogenetic analyses are imperative. Recommended DNA markers for species delineation are the internal transcribed spacer (ITS, nuclear rDNA consisting of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and large subunit (28S, D1–D2 domains of nuclear 28S rDNA) loci, and the genes for actin (ACT1), beta-tubulin (TBB1), RNA polymerase 2 (RPB2) and translation elongation factor 1α (TEF1). Here, we applied morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses to establish a new taxon (B. albae), and a new host and geographical record for B. maritima associated with leaf spots of Morus alba (Moraceae) in northern Thailand. By providing sequence data for three additional gene regions, our phylogenetic analyses impart a stable phylogenetic placement of the ex-type strain of B. maritima, as illustrated. This is the first study that reports Boeremia species from M. alba, and B. maritima from a terrestrial habitat.

Phylogenetic Insights Reveal New Taxa in Thyridariaceae and Massarinaceae.

Pleosporales is a highly diverse (and the largest) order in Dothideomycetes, and it is widespread in decaying plants in various environments around the world. During a survey of fungal diversity in Sichuan Province, China, specimens of hyphomycetous and Thyridaria-like fungi were collected from dead branches of pine trees and cherry trees. These taxa were initially identified as members of Massarinaceae and Thyridariaceae through morphological examination. Phylogenetic analyses of the Thyridariaceae, combining ITS, SSU, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1 sequence data, indicated a distinct clade sister to Pseudothyridariella and Thyridariella, distinct from any genus in the family. Thus, a new genus, Vaginospora, is proposed to accommodate the type species Vaginospora sichuanensis, which is characterized by semi-immersed globose to oblong ascomata with an ostiolar neck, cylindrical to clavate asci with an ocular chamber, and hyaline to dark brown, fusiform, 3-5-transversely septate ascospores with an inconspicuous mucilaginous sheath. Based on the morphological comparisons and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, SSU, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1) of the Massarinaceae, we have identified three collections belonging to the genus Helminthosporium, leading us to propose H. filamentosa sp. nov., H. pini sp. nov., and H. velutinum as a new host record. According to Phylogenetic analysis, H. pini formed an independent clade sister to H. austriacum and H. yunnanense, and H. filamentosa represents the closest sister clade to H. quercinum. Helminthosporium pini is distinct from H. austriacum by the shorter conidiophores and H. yunnanense by the longer and wider conidia. The H. filamentosa differs from H. quercinum in having longer conidiophores and smaller conidia. This study extends our understanding of diversity within Thyridariaceae and Helminthosporium. Our findings underscore the rich biodiversity and potential for discovering novel fungal taxa within these groups.

Introduction of a novel freshwater species Setoseptoria guangxiensis sp. nov., with Setoseptoria baiyunensis nom. nov., in Lentitheciaceae, Pleosporales

The investigation of freshwater fungal diversity in Guangxi Province, China, reveals an interesting ascomycetous species. The morphological and phylogenetic analyses incorporating combined LSU, SSU, ITS and tef1-α sequence data have identified it as a novel species within Setoseptoria, namely S. guangxiensis. Setoseptoria guangxiensis is distinct within the genus by its uni-loculate ascomata, which have a prominent papilla and lack a clypeus-like structure, as well as 1-septate ascospores that are surrounded by a defined gelatinous sheath. In addition, Setoseptoria baiyunensis nom. nov. is proposed for a collection MHZU 22-0133 as the previous name “Setoseptoria bambusae” is invalidly published. A key to the sexual morph of species within Setoseptoria is provided.

A new addition to Kirschsteiniotheliaceae: Kirschsteiniothelia chiangmaiensis sp. nov. from Northern Thailand

Fungal diversity is rapidly expanding, with new species being discovered worldwide. Northern Thailand is considered a hotspot for fungal diversity. In this study, we collected a saprobic microfungus from decaying wood in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Morphological examination and phylogenetic analyses of ITS, LSU, and SSU sequences using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference placed a new isolate within Kirschsteiniothelia. Kirschsteiniothelia chiangmaiensis sp. nov. is characterised by 8-spored, cylindrical-clavate asci with a small ocular chamber and 1-septate ascospores that are ellipsoid to fusiform, with distinct guttules and a smooth wall surrounded by a mucilaginous sheath. Kirschsteiniothelia chiangmaiensis differs from the type by the smaller ascomata, wider asci, and presence of pluri-guttulate, and diverges from K. thujina by smaller ascomata, ascospore, and the presence of mucilaginous sheath. Based on morphology and phylogeny evidence, we introduce K. chiangmaiensis as a new species.

DNA barcoding indicates the presence of unrecognized species and phylogenetic diversity within the Biatora vernalis- and B. meiocarpa- groups

The Biatora vernalis- and meiocarpa-groups comprise species with pale beige to reddish brown apothecia and 0-, rarely also 1(–3)-septate ascospores. A DNA barcoding approach based on ITS sequences shows that these two groups comprise more species and phylogenetic diversity than previously known. Specimens identified as B. vernalis, the type species of the genus, appear to be paraphyletic with regard to B. chrysantha. In addition, there is a morphologically similar species belonging to the B. meiocarpa-group and tentatively named “B. orientalis” in previous publications. Biatora subduplex has for some time been known to comprise specimens from the B. vernalis-, as well as the B. meiocarpa-group. Similar to the situation in B. vernalis, samples from the meiocarpa-clade form several subclades close to B. meiocarpa. Anatomical studies reveal subtle, but recognizable morphological differences between B. subduplex s.str. and the species in the meiocarpa-clade, but not between the subclades. Here, we describe Biatora orientalis as new to science, raise B. meiocarpa var. tacomensis to species rank and provide revised identification keys for the B. vernalis- and B. meiocarpa-groups.

Byssoloma orientale (Pilocarpaceae, Ascomycota), a new species from East Asia

AbstractA new species, Byssoloma orientale K. Miyaz. & Y. Ohmura, is described from East Asia. It is characterized by a minutely farinose light green thallus, apothecia with a well-developed byssoid margin that spreads laterally over the thallus surface, a pure black apothecial disc caused by the presence of an aeruginous pigment in the epithecium, (7–)9–12(–17)-septate cylindrical colourless ascospores, and oblong conidia. This species grows on living leaves as well as on tree bark. The molecular phylogenetic position of B. orientale within this genus was inferred based on mtSSU sequences, and the species was shown to be closely related to B. vanderystii, which has up to 7-septate ascospores and an absence of aeruginous pigment in the epithecium.

Two new species of Leptogium (Collemataceae) with transversely septate ascospores from East Africa


 
 
 Two epiphytic Leptogium species from East Africa, both with transversely septate ascospores, are here described as new. They produce plicate thalli and have a paraplectenchymatous proper exciple and a one cell layer thick cortex on the thalline exciple. Leptogium bellum has so far only been collected from Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, where it occurs from mid- montane forests up to the subalpine zone. Leptogium tiinae occurs in relatively open habitats at lower elevations, with the type specimen collected from the Taita Hills, Kenya. Additionally, details from a Leptogium chloromeloides isotype and a key for Leptogium species with transversely septate ascospores are provided.
 
 

Bambusicola autumnalis sp. nov., a bambusicolous ascomycete from Sichuan province, China

During the survey of microfungi diversity in Sichuan province, China, a new bamboo inhabiting ascomycete Bambusicola autumnalis was identified and introduced in this study. Bambusicola autumnalis is characterized by having immersed to erumpent ascostromata, and fusiform, hyaline, 1-septate ascospores surrounded by an inconspicuous mucilaginous sheath, which fits well with the sexual morph of Bambusicola. The phylogenetic analysis based on multi-gene (SSU, ITS, LSU, RPB2, TEF1-α) dataset of taxa within the family Bambusicolaceae showed that B. autumnalis formed a sister lineage to B. guttulata within Bambusicola and representing as a distinct species. Morpho-phylogenetic evidence revealed B. autumnalis is distinct from other Bambusicola species. Notes on the phylogenetic placement and identification of the new species are provided.

Introducing Nigrograna wuhanensis sp. nov. (Nigrogranaceae, Pleosporales) from Camellia japonica in China

In this study, we introduce a new species Nigrograna wuhanensis, which was collected from Camellia japonica in Hubei Province, China. The new species was established based on morphological characteristics and multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of combined SSU, LSU, ITS and tef1-α sequence data. Nigrograna wuhanensis is characterized by scattered, immersed ascomata with a long neck superfi cial on the substrate, clavate and short pedicellate asci, and fusoid, pale brown to dark brown, mostly 3-septate ascospores which are deeply constricted and strongly pigmented at the septa. Nigrograna wuhanensis differs from its phylogenetically related species N. jinghongensis in having 3-septate ascospores and a long neck growing on the ascomata. The illustration and description of the new taxon are provided.

Scolecohyalosporium thailandense sp. nov. (Parabambusicolaceae, Pleosporales) collected on Imperata sp. (Poaceae) in northern Thailand

In the present study, a new species, Scolecohyalosporium thailandense, is introduced based on morphological and molecular approaches. The species was found as a saprobe occurring on Imperata sp. (Poaceae) in terrestrial habitats in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. This species is characterized by solitary, semi-immersed to erumpent, subglobose to ampulliform, papillate ascomata, dark brown pseudoparenchymatous peridium, fissitunicate, cylindrical to subcylindrical asci embedded in a hyaline, filamentous to cellular pseudoparaphysate hamathecium, and filiform, yellowish, septate ascospores. Phylogenetic analyses based on a concatenated ITS, LSU, SSU, and TEF1-α sequence matrix demonstrated that S. thailandense formed a well-resolved clade with S. submersum (the type species of this genus) and Scolecohyalosporium sp. within the Parabambusicolaceae. Therefore, S. thailandense is introduced herein as the second species of the genus Scolecohyalosporium. Morphological characteristics, illustrations, and updated phylogenetic analyses are provided, and notes on species distinctiveness with closely related taxa are discussed.

Clypeococcum wedinii (Dothideomycetes), a new lichenicolous fungus on Bunodophoron, with an updated key to species of Clypeococcum

AbstractClypeococcum wedinii, a pyrenocarpous ascomycete growing on the lichen genus Bunodophoron in Chile and New Zealand, is described as new to science. It differs from other Clypeococcum species in the combination of the following characteristics: a conspicuous gall formation, scattered, loose to dense stromatic growths sometimes looking like a clypeus, an ascomatal wall composed of both textura intricata and angularis in surface view, a non-amyloid hymenium, an absence of ostiolar filaments, 8-spored asci, and 1-septate ascospores arranged biseriately in the ascus. An updated key to the species of the lichenicolous genus Clypeococcum is provided.

Varicellaria cacuminum (lichenized Ascomycota, Pertusariales), a new species of lichenized-fungi from Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku, with notes on Varicellaria and other Pertusariales in New Zealand

ABSTRACT The genus Varicellaria was originally erected for a single species that was similar to the species then included in Pertusaria, which all had simple ascospores, but differed in having 1-septate ascospores. However, a molecular analysis has shown that septate ascospores is not a genus-level trait in the group and that Varicellaria was better characterised by the thallus containing lecanoric acid, and several species lacking a septum have subsequently been transferred to Varicellaria from Pertusaria. Here, Varicellaria cacuminum is described as new to science from rocks on the summits of several mountains on Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku, New Zealand. It is characterised by the thallus lacking soralia, the presence of lecanoric acid, and huge ascospores up to 315 µm long. The new species is compared with other members of the genus and Pertusaria otagoana, a species with similar sized ascospores. Pertusaria otagoana, which has only been reported from its type locality near Dunedin, is also reported from Campbell Island and South Island, New Zealand. The status of the New Zealand species of Pertusaria transferred to Lepra is discussed and it is concluded that Pertusaria erubescens and P. muricata should be retained in Pertusaria, whereas it is not currently possible to determine the correct generic placement of the other three species.

Gilbertaria, a first crustose genus in the Sphaerophoraceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota) for Catillaria contristans, Toninia squalescens and related species

Lecideoid lichen-forming fungi are a large, heterogeneous group that includes many species described during the nineteenth century that are of unclear taxonomic status. We revise such a group, the species of which have previously been treated under the much-misunderstood names Catillaria contristans or Toninia squalescens, and use a seven-locus phylogeny to determine its phylogenetic position. We found strong support for a previously unrecognized monophyletic lineage within the Sphaerophoraceae, comprising five phylogenetic species, and describe the new genus Gilbertaria to accommodate them. The new genus is characterized by a crustose growth form, 1-septate ascospores, thick ((1.5–)2–3(–4) μm wide) paraphyses and asci of the Biatora-type. We revise the nomenclature and give new delimitations and descriptions of the Northern Hemisphere species Gilbertaria contristans comb. nov., G. holomeloides comb. nov., G. squalescens comb. nov. and describe the new species G. astrapeana from the Falkland Islands.