Successful Colonization Research Articles

Biotic interactions could control colonization success during stream restoration

Biotic interactions could control colonization success during stream restoration

Intensive and efficient egg-laying tempo of the parthenogenesis mourning gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris

Although suffered from many evolutionary disadvantages, asexual species benefit from their high efficiency to build clonal populations in a novel habitat. Here we report that a parthenogenetic mourning gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris continuously laid 12 clutches within two years. The egg-laying period lasted from mid-April to late October, and the egg-laying interval ranged between 24 and 73 days with a mean of 34.4 days. Referring to this fecundity, a female gecko could reproduce up to 24 clonal female offspring every year, and expand the population size in an efficient way much faster than most bisexual species. The intensive and efficient egg-laying tempo, associated with the parthenogenetic breeding mode, are crucial factors which facilitated their successful colonisation into many islands. Keywords: clonal population, cost of sex, invariant clutch size, invasive species

Successful Cryopreservation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells of Neotropical Catfish (Rhamdia quelen) and Enriched Germ Cell Transplantation into Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Testes

Cryopreservation and transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) offer new possibilities in the conservation of valuable genetic resources. Therefore, the present study developed a cryopreservation method for whole testicular tissue and for spermatogonial stem cells of jundia catfish (Rhamdia quelen) and developed an enriched germ cell transplantation of jundia catfish into depleted common carp (Cyprinus carpio) testes. Our findings from whole testes indicate that the cryoprotectants MeOH (1.3 M), DMSO (1.4 M), and EG (1.4 M) resulted in high cell viability rates of 67%, 62%, and 51.5%, respectively. Notably, in the case of enriched post-thaw SSCs, DMSO exhibited the highest cell viability at 27%, followed by EG at 16% and MeOH at 7%. Additionally, we observed the successful colonization and proliferation of jundia germ cells within the recipient gonads of common carp following transplantation. Notably, Sertoli cells were identified in the recipient gonads, providing support to the stained donor germ cells and indicated the formation of cysts. Our data suggest that cryopreserving entire testicular tissue presents a viable alternative to cryopreserving isolated testicular cells, and the spermatogonial cells isolated from testes of jundia retained transplantability characteristics. Nonetheless, more investigations are required to reach the goal of functional gamete and to assess the effectiveness of transplantation using these cryopreserved tissues. Taken together, proper cryopreservation methodology and transplantation technology could aid the preservation practice of fish genetic resources.

The spatio-temporal diversification of SRK alleles in an Arabidopsis polyploid hybrid and introgression zone

Reproductive barriers and directional geneflow may play a key role in maintaining genetic gradients, thereby allowing ecological differentiation along ecological clines. In Brassicaceae, a sporophytic incompatibility system (SI) contributes to such barriers to geneflow, with the maternal component represented by a large diversity of SRK (stigma-specific S locus receptor kinase) alleles at varying frequencies and levels of dominance. Such clinal genetic gradient along an ecological gradient following a shift towards much drier and warmer conditions and also the bedrock type shifts from calcareous to silicious has been found earlier in an Arabidopsis introgression system involving A. lyrata and A. arenosa. The metapopulation system spans from the northeastern Austrian forealps northward towards the Danube river and the Bohemian massif. Here we explore diversification of population-level SRK gene pools across these hybrid Arabidopsis tetraploid metapopulation system and its putative parental source populations. Since it has been demonstrated that A. lyrata served as the maternal parent and A. arenosa introgressed via pollen constituting a genetic cline with decreasing contribution of A. arenosa genetic background, we test the hypothesis that this cline can be also explained by SRK allelic differentiation. A total of 603 individuals from 45 populations of introgressed and non-introgressed A. lyrata and A. arenosa across a 80 km transect were analysed for SRK allele variation. In total, 22 alleles from all four previously described dominance classes have been documented. Although there is clinal morphological and genetic variation following the introgression zone, SRK alleles do not follow this signature of the paternal taxa. Furthermore, the functional SI system is fully maintained across the transect, and crossing experiments show that there is no decrease in fitness depending on varying distances between populations along the transect studied herein. We conclude that transmission and structure of the SRK allelic gene pool contributes to the postglacial colonization success along such a pronounced ecological gradient maintaining a functional SI system and counteracting genetic depletion.

The microbiology and pathogenesis of nonfermenting Gram-negative infections.

This review provides an overview of most recent evidence about pathogenesis traits and virulence factors contributing to successful colonization or infection by P. aeruginosa , A. baumannii , S. maltophilia and B. cepacia complex, among the most clinically relevant nonfermenting Gram-negative bacteria (NFGNB). The growing clinical importance of NFGNB as important opportunistic pathogens causing difficult-to-treat infections in a fragile patients' population in stressed by numerous studies. Identification of novel virulence factors and deciphering of their mechanisms of action have greatly furthered our understanding of NFGNB pathogenesis, revealing that each pathogen-specific armamentarium of virulence factors (adhesins, motility, capsule, biofilm, lipopolysaccharide, exotoxins, exoenzymes, secretion systems, siderophores) can be likely responsible for the difference in the pathophysiology even in the context of a similar infection site. Emerging evidence of the immunomodulatory effect of some virulence factors is also acknowledged. NFGNB continue to be a serious global problem as cause of life-threatening opportunistic infections, owing to a highly heterogeneous content of virulence factors and their extensive number of intrinsic resistance mechanisms. Further efforts in development of novel effective antimicrobials and of alternative strategies targeting key virulence factors are warranted.

Surface growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa reveals a regulatory effect of 3-oxo-C12-homoserine lactone in the absence of its cognate receptor, LasR.

The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonizes and thrives in many environments, in which it is typically found in surface-associated polymicrobial communities known as biofilms. Adaptation to this social behavior is aided by quorum sensing (QS), an intercellular communication system pivotal in the expression of social traits. Regardless of its importance in QS regulation, the loss of function of the master regulator LasR is now considered a conserved adaptation of P. aeruginosa, irrespective of the origin of the strains. By investigating the QS circuitry in surface-grown cells, we found an accumulation of QS signal 3-oxo-C12-HSL in the absence of its cognate receptor and activator, LasR. The current understanding of the QS circuit, mostly based on planktonic growing cells, is challenged by investigating the QS circuitry of surface-grown cells. This provides a new perspective on the beneficial aspects that underline the frequency of LasR-deficient isolates.

Detection of some virulence genes (esp, agg, gelE, CylA) in Enterococcus faecalis isolated from different clinical cases at Baghdad

The virulent genes are the key players in the ability of the bacterium to cause disease. The products of such genes that facilitate the successful colonization and survival of the bacterium in or cause damage to the host are pathogenicity determinants. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of virulence factors (esp, agg, gelE, CylA) in E. faecalis isolated from diverse human clinical collected in Iraqi patient , as well as to assess their ability to form biofilm and to determine their haemolytic and gelatinase activities. Thirty-two isolates of bacteria Enterococcus faecalis were obtained, including 15 isolates (46.87%) of the urine, 6 isolates (18.75%) for each of the stool and uterine secretions, and 5 isolates (15.62%) of the wounds from various hospitals in Baghdad, including (Central Children's Hospital, Educational Laboratories, Ibn Al-Baladi Hospital).The isolates were confirmed to belong to the genus E.faecalis after performing morphological and biochemical microscopic examinations and for final diagnosis using the VITEC 2 system. The virulence genes viz. cylA, esp, gelE and agg were recognized in the E. faecalis, and the consequences appeared that the bacteria had eps gene in 32 isolates (100%). As for the agg gene, 32 isolates (100%) were carriers of this gene, which was responsible for these isolates' aptitude to form the biofilm. While for the gelE gene, 27 isolates (84.37%) of the isolates carried this gene, responsible for gelatinase activity whereas, the gene responsible for hemolysis cyl, there were 29 isolates (90.62%) of the total isolates. The presemce of genes in the isolates would be helpful to determine the colonization and survival of the bacterium in or causing damage to the host.

Impact of Fear on Searching Efficiency of Prey: A Prey–Predator Model with Weak Allee Effect

Reduced population growth at low density has important implications for conservation, colonization success, and wildlife management. In this context, the Allee effect, i.e. the positive relationship between per capita growth rate and biomass of small population density, is a crucial biological phenomenon since it is directly related to population extinction. The present paper deals with a two-species interacting model with a predator–prey relationship, where the prey population experiences the mate-finding Allee effect caused by the predator. We assume that the searching efficiency of prey individuals decreases linearly with predator density due to predation fear and investigate how predation intensity affects predator–prey dynamics. Moreover, we consider the Monod–Haldane type functional response for predator–prey interactions, which shows group defense of prey against the predator. We provide detailed mathematical analyses, including the positivity and boundedness of solutions, all biologically feasible equilibria, and their local and global stabilities. From our detailed mathematical analyses, we observe that when the carrying capacity of prey is low, at most one interior equilibrium exists, and system dynamics is simple compared to the case with high carrying capacity in which multiple coexistence equilibria may exist. We discuss three codimension-one bifurcations mathematically, e.g. Hopf bifurcation, transcritical bifurcation, saddle-node bifurcation. We notice bistability in the system when there are two interior equilibria with high carrying capacity. However, a unique attractor exists when there is only a single interior equilibrium and both populations persist. We perform extensive numerical simulations by varying two parameters simultaneously and explore how the system dynamics become complex when carrying capacity is high compared to low carrying capacity. Moreover, we discuss other important biological phenomena, e.g. the paradox of enrichment, bubbling phenomenon, etc.

Toll and IMD Immune Pathways Are Important Antifungal Defense Components in a Pupal Parasitoid, Pteromalus puparum.

Insects employ multifaceted strategies to combat invading fungi, with immunity being a promising mechanism. Immune pathways function in signal transduction and amplification, ultimately leading to the activation of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Although several studies have shown that immune pathways are responsible for defending against fungi, the roles of parasitoid immune pathways involved in antifungal responses remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the roles of the Toll and IMD pathways of a pupal parasitoid, Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), in fighting against Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). Successful colonization of B. bassiana on P. puparum adults was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). AMPs were induced upon B. bassiana infection. The knockdown of key genes, PpTollA and PpIMD, in Toll and IMD signaling pathways, respectively, significantly compromised insect defense against fungal infection. The knockdown of either PpTollA or PpIMD in P. puparum dramatically promoted the proliferation of B. bassiana, resulting in a decreased survival rate and downregulated expression levels of AMPs against B. bassiana compared to controls. These data indicated that PpTollA and PpIMD participate in Toll and IMD-mediated activation of antifungal responses, respectively. In summary, this study has greatly broadened our knowledge of the parasitoid antifungal immunity against fungi.

Isolation and Identification of Endophytic Bacteria Bacillus sp. ME9 That Exhibits Biocontrol Activity against Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis.

In recent years, the bacterial blight of cassava has caused substantial economic losses to the Chinese cassava industry. Chemical control methods have become the primary approach to control this disease; however, their widespread usage and harmful residues have raised concerns about environmental pollution. In order to avoid this, it is urgent to seek a green ecological method to prevent and control it. Biological control through the utilization of microorganisms not only effectively inhibits the disease, but also gives consideration to environmental friendliness. Therefore, investigating an endophytic biological control method for cassava bacterial blight is of great importance. In this study, cassava leaf tissues were used as test specimens in order to isolate endophytic bacteria by using dilution and separation methods. Bacillus ME9, derived from cassava endophytic bacteria, exhibits good antagonism against a diverse range of pathogens, including Xpm11. Its genome consists of a series of genes encoding antibacterial lipopeptides, which may be directly related to its antibacterial capabilities. Furthermore, inoculation resulted in a substantial change in the diversity of the endophytic bacterial community, characterized by improved diversity, and displayed an obvious inhibition of pathogenic bacterial growth, demonstrating successful colonization within plants. The results laid a foundation and provided theoretical support for the development and utilization of cassava endophytic bacterial diversity and endogenous disease control strategies.

Can Pyomelanin Produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Promote the Regeneration of Gastric Epithelial Cells and Enhance Helicobacter pylori Phagocytosis?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the most common cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Successful colonization of the stomach by H. pylori is related to the complex interactions of these bacteria and its components with host cells. The growing antibiotic resistance of H. pylori and various mechanisms of evading the immune response have forced the search for new biologically active substances that exhibit antibacterial properties and limit the harmful effects of these bacteria on gastric epithelial cells and immune cells. In this study, the usefulness of pyomelanin (PyoM) produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa for inhibiting the metabolic activity of H. pylori was evaluated using the resazurin reduction assay, as well as in vitro cell studies used to verify the cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic and pro-regenerative effects of PyoM in the H. pylori LPS environment. We have shown that both water-soluble (PyoMsol) and water-insoluble (PyoMinsol) PyoM exhibit similar antibacterial properties against selected reference and clinical strains of H. pylori. This study showed that PyoM at a 1 μg/mL concentration reduced H. pylori-driven apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in fibroblasts, monocytes or gastric epithelial cells. In addition, PyoM enhanced the phagocytosis of H. pylori. PyoMsol showed better pro-regenerative and immunomodulatory activities than PyoMinsol.

Incorporation of colonization pressure into the propagule pressure‐based global ballast water standard

AbstractAimIn 2024, cargo vessels must meet the International Maritime Organization's global ballast water discharge standards (IMO D‐2) that limit the concentration of living organisms. D‐2 focuses on reducing invasion risk by reducing ‘community propagule pressure (CPP)’, though it does not consider colonization pressure (CP).LocationGlobal.MethodsWe modelled risk differences in IMO D‐2‐compliant discharges (10 ind. m−3) for communities that had inverse patterns of CP and species' individual propagule pressures (IPP). Secondly, we determined the effect on risk of varying CPP and CP. As part of this, we tested whether the IMO D‐2 standard for zooplankton‐sized organisms of <10 individuals m−3 was an optimal choice. Risk was defined as probability of at least one species invading using four risk–release models.ResultsRisk differed strongly at the D‐2 limit based on community composition. At low CPP (<25 ind. m−3), risk was strongly affected by CP for hyperbolic and linear risk–release models and weakly for exponential and logistic models, while CPP affected only the former two model types. Across a much wider range of CPP values, risk was affected by CP, CPP and by their interaction for all models.Main ConclusionThe IMO D‐2 standard for zooplankton‐sized organisms requires very low CPP and even lower IPPs in mixed‐species releases, which will impede successful colonization. Species‐abundance theory predicts that discharges meeting the D‐2 standard (low CPP) will also have low CP. Much more empirical data are required to determine whether vessels can consistently reduce CP as it lowers CPP in order to meet these requirements.

Does tidal phase determine successful plant colonisation of atoll lagoon islands in the Maldives?

Vegetation colonisation is an important process in the geomorphic development of atoll lagoon islands and understanding how plants establish may help model how these islands will respond to eustatic sea-level rise. The recent morphodynamics of two lagoon island forms, Maaodagalaa, a sand cay, and Mahutagalaa, a forested island, in Huvadhoo Atoll, Republic of the Maldives, provided an exceptional opportunity to examine processes of plant colonisation over annual to decadal time scales. Maaodagalaa sand cay migrated on the reef platform between June 2019 and February 2020 resulting in a new plant-free surface close to sea-level. During this period the new island surface was colonised by 10 species of marine-dispersed plant species. Seedlings were found across the highest surfaces formed in that period (0.62 m above local datum and 0.48 m above the highest tides recorded between 1987 and July 2020). An inundation event in February 2020 stranded debris up to 0.50 m above spring high tide, 15 m inland of the northern margin of the island. Our results indicate wave events, resulting from local, fetch-limited waves, in combination with spring high tides, can strand seeds of marine-dispersed plants on sand cays and around the margins of forested islands. Seedling survival is enhanced if seeds are stranded during peak perigean spring high tides during a local 7-month spring tide cycle. Lagoon islands in the Maldives are still being formed and colonised by plants despite local and ongoing sea-level rise.

Trait filtering in island floras: A conceptual framework

AbstractAimDispersal and environmental filtering processes affect plant species colonisation success on islands and can be identified by functional traits. However, the lack of synthesis about the different methodological approaches in functional ecology hampers generalisation of filtering processes across island systems.LocationSeventy islands of the Houtman Abrolhos archipelago, Western Australia.Major Taxa StudiedAngiosperms.MethodsWe (i) apply a simple, conceptual framework based on the mean and variability of individual functional traits in plant assemblages to identify species filters on islands, (ii) illustrate how trait distributions of island assemblages change in relation to island area and their source pool, (iii) compare distributions of individual traits to multivariate functional diversity indices and trait spaces and (iv) provide guidelines to detect a signal of trait filtering in island floras.ResultsThe island assemblages showed evidence for selective filters operating on seed mass and marginally on leaf area but not on plant height. Mean and variability of seed mass differed to those of the source pool indicating selective forces operating between source pool and island assemblages, especially on smaller islands. Multivariate functional diversity indices and trait spaces failed to reveal filtering processes acting on the island assemblages and insights into the putative processes.Main ConclusionsUsing the mean and variability of individual traits in plant assemblages provides direct information on the trait composition of island floras and the processes involved beyond what can be inferred from multivariate functional diversity indices or trait spaces. We used islands as their distinct boundaries and relatively simple sets of species provide good research models, but joint analyses of trait means and variability should also be applicable to understand filtering processes in isolates and habitat fragments on mainlands.

Expanding through the Emerald Isle: exploration and spatial orientation of non-native bank voles in Ireland.

Whether introduced into a completely novel habitat or slowly expanding their current range, the degree to which animals can efficiently explore and navigate new environments can be key to survival, ultimately determining population establishment and colonization success. We tested whether spatial orientation and exploratory behavior are associated with non-native spread in free-living bank voles (Myodes glareolus, N = 43) from a population accidentally introduced to Ireland a century ago. We measured spatial orientation and navigation in a radial arm maze, and behaviors associated to exploratory tendencies and risk-taking in repeated open-field tests, at the expansion edge and in the source population. Bank voles at the expansion edge re-visited unrewarded arms of the maze more, waited longer before leaving it, took longer to start exploring both the radial arm maze and the open field, and were more risk-averse compared to conspecifics in the source population. Taken together, results suggest that for this small mammal under heavy predation pressure, a careful and thorough exploration strategy might be favored when expanding into novel environments.

Palmitoleic acid as a coordinating molecule between the invasive pinewood nematode and its newly associated fungi.

Symbiotic microorganisms are ubiquitous on the body surface or internal tissues of invertebrates, providing them with benefits. Developing symbiotic relationships requires synchronization of developmental stages and physical proximity of partners. Therefore, the identification of metabolites that coordinate the reproduction of symbiotic partners is essential. This study demonstrates that palmitoleic acid (C16: 1) coordinates bilateral propagation by regulating the synchronization of reproduction between the invasive pinewood nematode (PWN) and its newly associated blue-stain fungus, Sporothrix sp.1. When the PWN fed on Sporothrix sp.1, there was a significant increase in lipid metabolism gene expression and metabolite abundance. Through further investigations, it highlighted a significant enhancement in the reproduction of the PWN through direct acquisition of C16: 1, which was abundantly present in Sporothrix sp.1. Furthermore, the PWN biosynthesized C16: 1 through the involvement of the stearoyl-CoA 9-desaturase gene fat-5 and its hormone nuclear receptor nhr-80, which was clarified to promote the egg-laying capacity of females. Moreover, it is worth noting that the production of C16: 1 was significantly higher by the associated fungus Sporothrix sp.1 to enhance sporulation during the spore formation phase compared to the hypha growth phase. Thus, by coordinating the fecundity and spore production, the key lipid metabolite C16: 1 facilitates the rapid and successful colonization of a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship between the invasive PWN and the native Sporothrix sp.1 within the host. This finding emphasizes the significant role of metabolite sharing and its function in promoting partner synchronization within symbiotic relationships.

The Potential of Hydroponic Seed Minituber Enrichment with the Endophyte Bacillus subtilis for Improving the Yield Components and Quality of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

This study examined the potential of using the endophytic bacteria Bacillus subtilis (10-4 and 26D) to enrich hydroponically grown potato seed minitubers (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Bashkirsky) to improve plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, yield, and quality parameters, including nutritional value (i.e., macro-/microelements, vitamin C, anthocyanins). Potato seed minitubers, obtained from in-vitro-grown microplants in a hydroponic system, were inoculated with endophytic B. subtilis and subsequently grown in pots under controlled conditions. The results demonstrated the successful colonization of seed minitubers by B. subtilis, with subsequent distribution into growing plants (roots, shoots). The endophytes accelerated the plant’s phenological shifts, resulting in earlier emergence of sprouts, budding, and flowering compared with control plants. They also had increased leaf photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl b, and carotenoids), total leaf area, and positively influenced leaf proline contents. The height of plants and number of stems per plant did not change significantly upon endophyte treatment, but improved root growth was observed throughout the experiment. As a result of endophyte application, there was an increase in stolon weight, number and size of tubers, and overall tuber yield. There were no significant differences in terms of total dry matter and starch content of the tubers compared to the control group, but the sugar levels decreased and the size of the starch grains was larger in endophyte-treated tubers. Furthermore, endophyte treatment resulted in an increased accumulation of nutrients including N, P, K, Cu, and Fe, as well as vitamin C and anthocyanins in harvested tubers. These findings indicate that colonization of hydroponically grown potato seed minitubers with endophytic B. subtilis (10-4 and 26D) before planting has great potential as an eco-friendly approach to obtain higher-quality seeds and to increase tuber yield and nutritional value in field conditions.

Distribution of the alien bivalve Xenostrobus securis (Lamarck, 1819) in the coast of Bizkaia (northern Iberian Peninsula)

The present work provides new information about the distribution of the invasive bivalve Xenostrobus securis (Lamarck, 1819) in the coast of Bizkaia (Bay of Biscay), including the first report of its presence at the estuaries of Barbadun, Butroe, Oka, Lea and Artibai. The knowledge of its distribution at the estuary of Nerbioi, where the species had been previously reported, is also expanded. Field observations were contrasted by molecular identification (MiniCOI gene; Glu-5') of several individuals collected in every estuary. Present results prove that X. securis has the potential to carry out a successful colonization of a Basque estuary, with the ability to reach a very wide distribution. The ecological implications of this invasion and the affections to the ecosystems of the Bay of Biscay deserve further investigations.

The Microbial Community in a Substrate of Solid-State Fermentation by Lentinula edodes: A Preliminary Study

Edible-fungal-based solid-state fermentation holds promise for sustainable food and biofuel production. Understanding the role of microbial communities in fungal substrates is crucial. Birch-based substrates were treated with autoclaving (121 °C, at 2 bar) or hot air pasteurization (75–100 °C), followed by incubation with and without shiitake (Lentinula edodes) inoculum. Mycelial growth was monitored by CO2 release and microbial biomass by phosphate-lipid fatty acid (PLFA). DNA sequencing was used to analyze the microbial communities. Results showed successful colonization of shiitake on all substrates, regardless of pasteurization temperatures and coexisting microbes. Total microbial respiration (CO2) and PLFA biomass showed no significant differences between pasteurization regimes. However, significant microbial differences were found between shiitake-inoculated and non-inoculated treatments. DNA sequencing revealed the dominance of Phyllobacterium, Sphingomonas, and Pelomonas genera in all inoculated substrates, while non-inoculated substrates were abundant in Bacillus spp. and Paenibacillus spp. of the Firmicutes phylum. This study provides preliminary insights into the microbial community in birch-based shiitake substrates, facilitating further investigation of bacteria involved in shiitake mycelium growth promotion and biochemical conversion for biofuel production.

Texas microfungi: a new species of Corynesporopsis (Xylariales) associated with the trifoliate orange

Corynesporopsis ponciri sp. nov. is described from dead twigs, branches, and thorns still attached to trees of Poncirus trifoliata, the trifoliate orange, in Texas, U.S.A. The fungus is characterized by black, punctiform at first, later caespitose and hairy colonies forming large superficial patches covering almost entirely the surface of colonized parts of the host, unbranched conidiophores, solitary or fasciculate and arising from substomatal, compact stromata in loose to dense fascicles and bearing monotretic, mostly determinate, rarely percurrent conidiogenous cells. Conidia are ellipsoidal or fusiform to naviculiform, smooth or verruculose, brown, often with the apical cell light brown, euseptate, with 2, rarely 1 or 3 septa, usually with an associated dark band and forming short, unbranched, acropetal chains of up to four conidia. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses suggested that C. ponciri belongs within the Xylariales and forms a strongly supported monophyletic lineage sister to members of Vamsapriya in Vamsapriyaceae. Corynesporopsis is revealed as polyphyletic based on this and the other two species with available molecular data, C. iberica and C. acaciae. The newly described fungus is compared with morphologically similar species of Corynesporopsis and Heteroconium having 1- or 2-septate conidia and phylogenetic affinities of these polyphyletic anamorphic genera are discussed. The mode and successful colonization of dead parts of the host with conidiophores arising from substomatal stromata suggest that C. ponciri may have a putative endophytic stage and it is capable of switching to a saprobic lifestyle upon senescence or death of the host.