ITS1-5.8 S-ITS2 Research Articles

Four new species of Candolleomyces (Psathyrellaceae) from the Punjab Plains, Pakistan

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to explore the genus Candolleomyces from Pakistan. Fungal surveys were conducted in different sites of the Punjab plains during the 2016–2022 period. Several specimens belonging to the family Psathyrellaceae were collected. Traditional morphology and multigene phylogenetic analyses confirmed the novelty and placement of the species in genus Candolleomyces. The phylogenetic study of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and partial 28S rRNA regions confirmed the distinct positions of four new taxa, Candolleomyces iqbalii, C. kotadduensis, C. pakistanicus, and C. parvipileus, in the genus. Currently, the genus consists of 43 species worldwide. However, with the inclusion of these four species, the total number has risen to 47. Detailed descriptions, phylogeny, comparisons, and illustrations are provided.

Pluteus canaliculatus (Pluteaceae: Agaricomycetes), a new species of Pluteus section Celluloderma from Turkey

During a survey of the macrofungal diversity in the Sweetgum Forest Nature Protection Area (Burdur Province), southwestern Turkey, we discovered a new species of Pluteus. The species is described and illustrated here as Pluteus canaliculatus, based on its morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The new species was found on wood in a Liquidambar orientalis forest and is characterized by a light brown-yellow to reddish brown canaliculate pileus, ochre brown lamellar edges, a shiny, silvery cream stipe, predominantly ellipsoid basidiospores, mostly narrowly fusiform to fusiform pleurocystidia, often with a moniliform to flexuose neck, and an euhymeniderm or a transitional (hymeniderm and epithelium) type of pileipellis. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) region sequences reveal that Pluteus canaliculatus belongs to Pluteus sect. Celluloderma, forming a distinct lineage in the /thomsonii clade. A description and a comparison with morphologically similar and closely related species are provided, together with colour photographs and line drawings of the species.

Ophiostoma haidaense, sp. nov., a new member of the O. piceae species complex associated with yellow-cedar, Callitropsis nootkatensis

ABSTRACT Ophiostoma haidanensis is described as a new species of the Ophiostoma piceae complex isolated from yellow-cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis (D. Don) Oerst. ex D.P. Little) sapwood in the Haida Gwaii island archipelago and the North Coast of British Columbia, Canada. The fungus is characterized by the production of a typical sporothrix-like asexual morph but is distinguished morphologically from other members of the O. piceae species complex by its large, multiseptate primary conidia. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and the β-tubulin (BTUB) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1) genes supports the inclusion of O. haidensis as a distinct member within the O. piceae complex. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a blue stain fungus infecting yellow-cedar, an ecologically, culturally, and economically important conifer naturally distributed along the coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest in North America.

Chionobium takahashii, gen. et sp. nov., associated with snow blight of conifers in Japan

ABSTRACT Gremmenia abietis (Dearn.) Crous (syn: Phacidium abietis) was originally described in North America to accommodate the species associated with snow blight of Abies and Pseudotsuga spp. In Japan, this species was first observed on the dead needles on Abies sachalinensis and Picea jezoensis var. jezoensis in 1969. However, the identity of Japanese species was unclear due to the lack of molecular data and the absence of anamorph description. In this study, we collected fresh specimens from various conifer species (A. sachalinensis, A. veitchii, Pic. jezoensis var. jezoensis, Pic. jezoensis var. hondoensis, Pinus koraiensis, and Pin. pumila) in Japan and revised the taxonomy based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic analyses based on nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), nuc 28S rDNA (28S), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) regions indicated that the species belongs to Phacidiaceae. Conidiomata formed in vitro produced pyriform, hyaline conidia without mucoid appendage, which distinguished the species from phylogenetically related genera. Consequently, we established Chionobium takahashii to accommodate the snow blight fungus in Japan. Further phylogenetic analyses also indicated that C. takahashii includes several distinct clades corresponding to the host genera (Abies, Picea, Pinus). Morphological differences among those clades were unclear, suggesting that C. takahashii may contain host-specific cryptic species.

Three new species and a new record of Cortinarius section Camphorati from southwestern China

ABSTRACT Cortinarius sect. Camphorati consists of telamonioid species with violet basidioma, strong odor, and distinct cheilocystidia. In this study, phylogenetic analysis based on nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and partial nuc rDNA 28S sequences has revealed three new species of the section from southwestern China, namely, C. longicystidiatus, C. megacystidiatus, and C. paraputorius, and a newly recorded species from southwestern China, viz., C. camphoratus, supplemented by the support from calculations of genetic distances of ITS sequences. Detailed descriptions of the four species are given with photographs, and their micromorphological characteristics are statistically compared. For species delimitation within the section, the size of basidiospores, the morphology of cheilocystidia, and the associated vegetation types and tree species are informative. A key to species in section Camphorati from the Northern Hemisphere is provided, and their geographic distributions and ecology are discussed.

Systemic infection of Bryoria (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota) by Athelia (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) in western North America

ABSTRACT Bryoria (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota) is one of the dominant genera of hair lichens in western North America and is characteristic of high-elevation conifer forest ecosystems. In areas where Bryoria is abundant, it is common to find thalli in which the thalline filaments become conglutinated, forming brittle dead zones. After sampling Bryoria thalli across western Canada and the northwestern United States at different times of the year, we found that this dieback phenomenon is associated with the winter growth of a mold-forming basidiomycete. We report that this fungus belongs to Athelia (Atheliaceae, Basidiomycota), a genus known to contain lichen pathogens, most notably A. arachnoidea. By sequencing a combination of genetic markers—nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), partial nuc 28S rDNA (28S), and partial translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1)—paired with morphometric analyses, we reveal the involvement of at least three additional lineages of lichen-associated Athelia and describe one as a new species, A. abscondita. Athelia abscondita is morphologically distinguished from other Athelia species by its basidia and basidiospores, was found to frequently infect members of Bryoria sect. Implexae, and was occasionally on other foliose and fruticose species within Parmeliaceae.

Taxonomy and phylogeny of Sidera (Hymenochaetales, Rickenella clade) from China and North America revealing two new species.

Sidera, belonging to the Rickenella clade of Hymenochaetales, is a worldwide genus with mostly poroid hymenophore of wood-inhabiting fungi. Two new species in the genus, Sideraamericana and S.borealis, are described and illustrated from China and North America based on morphological and molecular evidence. They were mainly found growing on rotten wood of Abies, Picea and Pinus. S.americana is characterized by annual, resupinate basidiomata with silk sheen when dry, round pores (9-11 per mm), a dimitic hyphal system, and allantoid basidiospores measuring 3.5-4.2 × 1 μm. S.borealis is characterized by annual, resupinate basidiomata with cream to pinkish buff dry pore surface, angular pores (6-7 per mm), a dimitic hyphal system, and allantoid basidiospores measuring 3.9-4.1 × 1-1.1 μm. Phylogenetic analysis based on a combined 2-locus dataset [ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) + nuclear large subunit RNA (nLSU)] shows that the two species are members of Sidera, and they are compared with morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species, respectively. An identification key to 18 accepted species of Sidera in worldwide is provided.

Ribosomal DNA Sequence-Based Taxonomy and Antimicrobial Activity of Prorocentrum spp. (Dinophyceae) from Mauritius Coastal Waters, South-West Indian Ocean

Microalgae are unicellular organisms and commonly present in the euphotic zone of marine ecosystems. From the western coast of Mauritius, three strains of Prorocentrum species were isolated from macrophytes and cultured under standard laboratory conditions. Morphologies were examined by light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy, and phylogenetic analyses were based on partial large subunit LSU rDNA (D1-D2) and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) regions. Three Prorocentrum species, including the P. fukuyoi complex, P. rhathymum, and P. lima complex, were identified. The antimicrobial activities were assayed against potential human pathogenic bacterial strains. The highest zone of inhibition was recorded for intracellular and extracellular protein extracts of Prorocentrum rhathymum against Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The polysaccharide extracts of the Prorocentrum fukuyoi complex had a higher zone of inhibition (24 ± 0.4 mm) against MRSA at a minimum concentration of 0.625 μg/mL. The extracts from the three Prorocentrum species had different levels of activity against the pathogens used, and this can be of scientific interest in the search for antibiotics from natural marine sources.

A contribution to the genus Steccherinum (Steccherinaceae, Polyporales): Introducing two new species and two new combinations of the genus.

Two new wood-inhabiting fungi from China, Steccherinum juniperi and S. incrustans, in the family Steccherinaceae are described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular analyses. The species S. juniperi was found growing on the rotten wood of Juniperus in Qinghai Province, China, while S. incrustans was collected on rotten angiosperm wood in Yunnan Province, China. The characteristics of S. juniperi include annual, resupinate basidiomata with a buff yellow fresh pore surface that becomes apricot orange when bruised, angular pores of 3-6 per mm, subicular generative hyphae sometimes covered with crystals, the presence of encrusted skeletocystidia in tube trama only, fusiform to slim clavate cystidioles, and ellipsoid basidiospores measuring as 3-4 × 2-3 μm. The characteristics of S. incrustans include annual, resupinate basidiomata with a buff yellow or pinkish buff to clay buff dried pore surface, angular pores (8-10 per mm), generative hyphae in trama frequently covered with crystals, the presence of encrusted skeletocystidia in tube trama and hymenium, and ellipsoid basidiospores (3.5-4.5 × 2.5-3.5 μm). Phylogenetic analysis based on a combined 2-locus dataset [ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) + nuclear large subunit RNA (nLSU)] shows that the two species are members of Steccherinum, and they are compared with morphologically similar and related species of this genus, respectively. In addition, two new combinations from Junghuhnia, transferred to Steccherinum as S. austrosinense and S. nandinae, are proposed based on examination of their type materials and phylogenetic analysis.

Elucidating the life cycle of opossum parasites: DNA sequences reveal the involvement of planorbid snails as intermediate hosts of Rhopalias spp. (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) in Brazil.

Echinostomatid digeneans belonging to the genus Rhopalias are intestinal trematodes found mainly in opossums in the New World. The genus comprises seven species, but their life cycles and intermediate hosts have been unknown until now. During our long-term study carried out in freshwater habitats within the state of Minas Gerais, Southeast Brazil, echinostomatid cercariae lacking collar spines were found in planorbid snails Biomphalaria glabrata, Biomphalaria straminea, Drepanotrema lucidum and Gundlachia ticaga in six different batches of snail samples collected between 2010 and 2019. Morphologically, the larvae reported herein are morphologically consistent with each other and characterized by the presence of 2-3 large ovoid or spherical corpuscles in each main duct of the excretory system, resembling to Cercaria macrogranulosa previously described from the same region of Brazil. Partial sequences of the ITS (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) region and 28S gene of the nuclear ribosomal RNA operon, and partial sequences of mitochondrial nad1 and cox1 genes were obtained and compared with the data available for members of the family Echinostomatidae. Nuclear markers indicate that all samples of cercariae evaluated in the present study can be assigned to Rhopalias, but distinct from North American isolates of Rhopalias macracanthus, Rhopalias coronatus and Rhopalias oochi (divergence 0.2-1.2% in 28S and 0.8-4.7% in ITS). The lack of differences verified in both 28S and ITS in 5 out 6 studied samples suggested that they belong to the same species. However, nad1 sequences revealed that our cercariae correspond to three distinct species of Rhopalias (interspecific divergence: 7.7-9.9%), named here as Rhopalias sp. 1, found in B. straminea and G. ticaga, Rhopalias sp. 2 found in B. glabrata and D. lucidum, and Rhopalias sp. 3 also found in D. lucidum. They also differ by 10.8-17.2% from a North American isolate of R. macracanthus sequenced in this study. The cox1 sequences obtained for Rhopalias sp. 1 and Rhopalias sp. 2 (but not Rhopalias sp. 3) reveal that they are distinct from North American isolates of R. macracanthus (genetic divergence 16.3-16.5% and 15.6-15.7%, respectively), R. coronatus (9.2-9.3% and 9.3-9.5%) and Rhopalias oochi (9.0% and 9.5-10.1%). Encysted metacercariae with general morphology similar to that of the body of cercariae were found in tadpoles of Rhinella sp. from the same stream where snails harbored Rhopalias sp. 2, suggesting that the amphibians could act as second intermediate hosts of species of Rhopalias. Data obtained provide the first insights into the life cycle of this unusual echinostomatid genus.

Isolation and characterization of a high-efficacy Beauveria bassiana strain from the European tent caterpillar, Malacosoma neustria Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae).

The European tent caterpillar, Malacosoma neustria Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), is a worldwide known pest that causes significant losses by feeding on many woody and shrub-like plants during the larval period. In this study, a Beauveria bassiana strain isolated from M. neustria larvae and characterized according to its morphological and molecular properties. Its insecticidal activity was tested on M. neustria larvae. Sequence results of partial ITS (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) gene region identified the isolate (named as Mn1) as a B. bassiana strain. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Mn1 strain displays close similarity to B. bassiana ARSEF 1848 and ARSEF 751 isolates. According to the concentration-responce tests performed using 1 × 103-1 × 109 conidia per mL concentrations, LC50 value of the new strain was calculated as 1 × 105 conidia per mL within 7days against the larvae of M. neustria in the laboratory conditions. B. bassiana Mn1 strain, characterized in this study, is recorded as the first entomopathogenic fungus isolated from M. neustria, and the results showed that new strain of B. bassiana has a serious potential to be utilized as a good biocontrol agent against M. neustria.

Szczepkamyces quercicola sp. nov. (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) evidenced by morphological characters and molecular phylogeny

Szczepkamyces, typified by Szczepkamyces campestris, was a monotypic genus. Based on distinct morphological characters and phylogeny inferred from the combined 2-locus dataset [ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) + nuclear large subunit RNA (nLSU)], another species of the genus, Szczepkamyces quercicola sp. nov., is confirmed. It is characterized by annual, resupinate, yellowish basidiocarps with big pores, a dimitic hyphal structure, generative hyphae with clamp connections, indextrinoid skeletal hyphae, the absence of hyphal pegs, the presence of dendrohyphidia, cylindrical basidiospores measuring 15–17.5 × 5–6 µm, and growth on Quercus in boreal forests in east Himalayas. Morphologically S. quercicola resembles Megasporoporia sensu lato, but phylogenetically it is closely related to S. campestris. The differences between S. quercicola and its similar or related species are discussed.

Inocybe kusadasiensis (Inocybaceae: Agaricomycetes), a new species from Turkey

Inocybe kusadasiensis sp. nov., a novel species which was collected from Pinus brutia forest near Kuşadası (Turkey), in the coastal area of Aegean Sea, is introduced with full descriptions of macro and microscopic features, field photograph and line-drawings. A phylogenetic analysis of sequence data for the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) indicated and supported the taxonomic uniqueness of the present new species which belongs to the genus Inocybe.

Phlebiodontia rajchenbergii gen. et sp. nov. (Polyporales, Meruliaceae) from Brazilian Atlantic Forest based on morphological and molecular evidence

Phlebiodontia is proposed as a new genus in the Meruliaceae based on morphological and molecular data. The genus is typified by Phlebiodontia rajchenbergii, a new species proposed for Brazil, and also includes P. acanthocystis (Hawaii) and P. subochracea (Germany), which are new combinations proposed in this study. The species of Phlebiodontia are morphologically characterized by yellowish ceraceous basidiomes, with slightly warted to hydnoid hymenophore, monomitic hyphal system, clamped generative hyphae, presence of smooth thin-walled cystidia and broadly ellipsoid to allantoid basidiospores. The phylogenetic relationships of Phlebiodontia and the related taxa in Meruliaceae were inferred from a 4-locus dataset including nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), the D1-D2 domains of 28S rDNA (28S), RNA polymerase II largest subunit (rpb1) and translation elongation factor 1- (tef1). This work presents complete descriptions, comments and discussion about morphology and distribution of Phlebiodontia species.

Hyphocapnodia sichuanensis gen. et sp. nov. (Capnodiaceae), a novel hyphomycete from Sichuan Province, China

A hyphomycetous sooty mould was collected on a dead bamboo (Bambusoideae, Gramineae) from a terrestrial habitat in Sichuan Province, China. To establish the phylogenetic position of newly collected sooty mould within the Capnodiales, we sequenced two rDNA regions, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and 28S, and two protein-coding genes tef1-α and rpb2. Based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of a combined dataset and an examination of morphology, we describe and illustrate Hyphocapnodia gen. et sp. nov. Hyphocapnodia sichuanensis is characterized by subcylindrical, dark brown to black synnemata with monoblastic conidiogenous cells producing subcylindrical to fusiform, transversely septate, brown conidia with a truncate base.

A new species of Xenasmatella (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) from southern China

A new species of Xenasmatella, based on morphology, and molecular analysis (using the nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) dataset), was found growing on the underside of rotten bamboo in Yunnan Province, China. X. roseobubalina is characterized by annual, resupinate basidioma with a pinkish buff hymenophore, a monomitic hyphal system, thin-walled generative hyphae with clamp connections, abundant crystalline matter among the hyphae, the absence of cystidia and cystidioles, and broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores measuring 3.8–5 × 3.3–4 μm. We present the new species with illustrated description and comparisons to closest species as well as a key to the species of Xenasmatella known from China.

Synhelminthosporium gen. et sp. nov. and Two New Species of Helminthosporium (Massarinaceae, Pleosporales) from Sichuan Province, China.

Helminthosporium is a polyphyletic genus in Massarinaceae (Pleosporales). Species of Helminthosporium are characterized by having septate and erect conidiophores, acro-pleurogenous and distoseptate conidia with a ring-shaped scar at the base. During a survey of fungal diversity in Sichuan Province, China, six Helminthosporium-like isolates were collected from dead branches of unknown trees. Five barcodes, including ITS (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), SSU, LSU, TEF1, and RPB2 were amplified and sequenced. Morphological examination and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses revealed two new Helminthosporium species (H. chengduense sp. nov., and H. chinense sp. nov.), a new genus (Synhelminthosporium gen. nov.) with a type species Synhelminthosporium synnematoferum sp. nov., and two known species (Helminthosporium submersum and H. velutinum) within Massarinaceae. The new genus Synhelminthosporium differs from the phylogenetically closest genus Helminthosporium by producing synnematous conidiophores. This work expands our understanding of the diversity of Helminthosporium-like taxa in Sichuan Province, China.

Dendrocorticiopsisorientalis gen. et sp. nov. of the Punctulariaceae (Corticiales, Basidiomycota) revealed by molecular data.

Dendrocorticiopsisorientalis is presented in this study as a new genus and new species based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. This new taxon is characterized by resupinate, smooth and membranaceous basidiomata, monomitic hyphal system with clamps, colorless dendrohyphidia, variable presence of cystidia, and ellipsoid to ovoid basidiospores measuring 5-7 × 3.2-5.2 μm. The phylogenetic analyses based on the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) + nuclear 28S rDNA (28S) dataset of Corticiales indicated that the new taxon is nested in Punctulariaceae, separated from other genera with strong support values. Descriptions, specimen photo, and illustrations of the new taxon are provided in this study. A morphological comparison of the four genera of Punctulariaceae is given.

Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Meruliaceae with Descriptions of Two New Species from China.

Two new wood-inhabiting fungi Hermanssonia fimbriata sp. nov. and Phlebia austroasiana sp. nov. in the Meruliaceae family are described and illustrated from southwestern China based on molecular and morphological evidence. The characteristics of H. fimbriata include annual, resupinate basidiomata, the absence of cystidia and cystidioles, oblong ellipsoid basidiospores of 5–6 × 2.4–3 μm, and growth on rotten gymnosperm wood in the east Himalayas. Its basidiomata change drastically upon drying, from being a light-coloured, juicy, papillose-to-wrinkled hymenophore, to a dark-coloured, corky-to-gelatinous, and more or less smooth hymenophore. The characteristics of Ph. austroasiana include annual, resupinate basidiomata, a hydnoid hymenophore, 2–3 spines per mm, the presence of tubular cystidia of 20–25 × 3–3.5 µm, oblong ellipsoid basidiospores of 4.4–5.2 × 2.1–3 μm, and growth on angiosperm wood in tropical forests in the southern Yunnan Province. The phylogenetic analyses based on the combined 2-locus dataset (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) + nuclear large subunit RNA (nLSU)) confirm the placement of two new species, respectively, in Hermanssonia and Phlebia s. lato. Phylogenetically, the closely-related species to these two new species are discussed.

Outline, Divergence Times, and Phylogenetic Analyses of Trechisporales (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota).

Phylogenetic analyses inferred from the nuc rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) data set and the combined 2-locus data set [5.8S + nuc 28S rDNA (nLSU)] of taxa of Trechisporales around the world show that Sistotremastrum family forms a monophyletic lineage within Trechisporales. Bayesian evolutionary and divergence time analyses on two data sets of 5.8S and nLSU sequences indicate an ancient divergence of Sistotremastrum family from Hydnodontaceae during the Triassic period (224.25 Mya). Sistotremastrum family is characterized by resupinate and thin basidiomata, smooth, verruculose, or odontoid-semiporoid hymenophore, a monomitic hyphal structure, and generative hyphae bearing clamp connections, the presence of cystidia and hyphidia in some species, thin-walled, smooth, inamyloid, and acyanophilous basidiospores. In addition, four new species, namely, Trechispora dentata, Trechispora dimitiella, Trechispora fragilis, and Trechispora laevispora, are described and illustrated. In addition, three new combinations, namely, Brevicellicium daweishanense, Brevicellicium xanthum, and Sertulicium limonadense, are also proposed.