Related Genera Research Articles

Actinostephanus (Gesneriaceae), a new genus and species from Guangdong, South China.

Actinostephanus, a new genus from southern China, is described and colorfully illustrated with a single species, A.enpingensis. This new genus is morphologically most similar to Boeica and Leptoboea, nevertheless, it can be easily distinguished from the latter two by the following characteristics, such as leaves in whorls of three, all closely clustered at the top; corolla bowl-shaped, 5-lobed, actinomorphic; capsule hard, oblong-ovoid, short, 3-4 mm long, densely appressed villous, wrapped by persistent densely pubescent calyx lobes, style persistent. The new genus and related genera were sequenced using the next-generation sequencing technique. The whole plastid genome of the new genus is 154, 315 - 154, 344 bp in length. We reconstructed phylogenetic trees using the dataset of 80 encoded protein genes of the whole plastid genome from 47 accessions based on ML and BI analyses. The result revealed that the new genus was recovering in a polytomy including Boeica, Rhynchotechum, and Leptoboea with strong support, congruent to the morphological evidence. A global conservation assessment was also performed and classifies A.enpingensis as Least Concern (LC). In addition, after a review of recently described species of Gesneriaceae, we propose that plant enthusiasts, especially Gesneriad fans, have been playing an increasingly important role in the process of new taxa-discoveries.

Mexctenapseudes boeschi, a new tanaidacean genus and species (Crustacea: Peracarida: Apseudomorpha: Parapseudidae) from the Mexican coast of Campeche with the designation of a new related Australian genus to receive Longiflagrum caeruleus (Boesch, 1973).

Two new genera of parapseudid Tanaidacea belonging to the Discapseudes-Halmyrapseudes Complex sensu Heard et al. (=Complex) are designated from Mexican and Australian waters. Mexctenapseudes boeschi n. gen., n. sp. is described from Campeche Mexico and Pseudolongiflagrum n. gen. is designated from Australia. The new Mexican genus displays similarities to the West Pacific and Indian Ocean genera Ctenapseudes Bamber, Ariyananda Silva, 1997 and Longiflagrum Guu, 1995. The new related genus, Pseudolongiflagrum, having affinities with Ctenapseudes and Mexctenapseudes n. gen., is designated to receive Longiflagrum caeruleus (Boesch) known from Australia. A key to the genera within the parapseudid subfamily Parapseudinae Guu is presented and possible factors concerning the ecology, origins, and distribution of the members of the Complex considered.

Phylogenetic relationships and biogeography of Psoraleeae (Fabaceae)

Abstract Psoraleeae consist of c. 228 species in ten genera, distributed worldwide but mostly in the temperate biome. Here, we reconstruct the phylogenetic history of Psoraleeae using eight molecular markers (rpl32-trnL, trnQ-rps16, trnS-trnG, matK, rbcLa, rpoB-trnC, trnL-trnF and ITS) to test the monophyly and previous hypotheses on generic relationships and to reconstruct the biogeographical history (distribution pattern, potential ancestral area and biome). The monophyly of Psoraleeae is supported. The African Otholobium and Psoralea form a strongly supported clade that is sister to the rest of Psoraleeae. However, Otholobium is not monophyletic; the American taxa of the genus are resolved as closer to Bituminaria, whereas Psoralea is a clade derived from within African Otholobium. South African Otholobium is subsumed into Psoralea, the latter having priority, with a synopsis of species level nomenclature provided here. An expanded sampling of Cullen reveals three clades comprising Mediterranean (Cullen americanum), African (Cullen obtusifolium and Cullen biflorum) and Eurasian (Cullen corylifolium and Cullen drupaceum) taxa, whereas Australian Cullen are a derived clade (BS = 95%, PP = 1.00). Biogeographic reconstructions show that Psoraleeae probably originated in the Mediterranean south biome of Africa in the Late Miocene, c. 8.2 Mya, and then dispersed into the succulent biome of the Americas, Mediterranean north biome, temperate grasslands of Africa and Australia to the temperate forest of Eurasia. Climate changes in the Late Miocene, changes induced by ocean currents during the Quaternary and environmental heterogeneity are proposed as the major drivers of speciation in Psoraleeae.

Can morphometrics help us predict the diet of land planarians?

AbstractThe use of morphometrics for taxonomy and to predict the diet of organisms based on related species has been applied to several groups. In this study, for the first time, we used morphometric data of land planarians to find patterns that could differentiate genera and feeding habits. We examined body shape, pharynx shape, mouth position and the thickness of the cutaneous musculature in 135 species of land planarians. Mouth position was explained, in part, by the position of the dorsal insertion of the pharynx, and transverse circularity by the relative thickness of the cutaneous musculature. The character that best separated genera and diet was the thickness of the cutaneous musculature. A principal components analysis recovered some patterns previously revealed by molecular phylogenetics, with some closely related genera appearing close to each other in the biplot. The same analysis also showed two clearly distinct groups, one of species that feed on woodlice and the other of species that feed on soft-bodied prey. We conclude that morphometrics can help to narrow down the potential prey of geoplaninid land planarians and aid taxonomic studies.

A revision of the genus Jucancistrocerus Blthgen, 1938 from China, with review of three related genera (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae).

In this paper, the genus Jucancistrocerus Blthgen 1938 from China is systematically reviewed, with the first description of the female of J. (Eremodynerus) chotanensis (Blthgen, 1942). Meanwhile, three related genera Eustenancistrocerus Blthgen, Stenancistrocerus de Saussure and Tachyancistrocerus Giordani Soika are briefly reviewed, of which Eustenancistrocerus and Tachyancistrocerus are newly recorded from China. A total of nine species of these four genera from China are illustrated as follows: J. (Eremodynerus) atrofasciatus (Morawitz, 1885), J. (E.) chotanensis (Blthgen, 1942), J. (J.) tachkensis, J. (J.) alashanicus Kurzenko, 1977, J. (J.) angustifrons (Kostylev, 1940), E. (Eustenancistrocerus) askhabadensis (Morawitz, 1885), E. (Parastenancistrocerus) amadanensis amadanensis (de Saussure, 1855), S. (Paratropancistrocerus) transcaspicus (Kostylev, 1934), and T. schmidti (Kokujev, 1912). In addition, a key to the above species is compiled.

Luisumaoppia molinoensis gen. nov., sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Oppiidae) from Peru.

A new oribatid mite genus, Luisumaoppia gen. nov. (Oribatida, Oppiidae, Oppiinae), with Luisumaoppia molinoensis sp. nov. as type species, is described from soil and leaf litter in primary mountain cloud forest in Andes, Peru. It differs from the other genera of Oppiidae by the presence of modified (nearly straight), directed backwards leg claws located on bent pretarsi. The relationships of Luisumaoppia gen. nov. with the related genera in Oppiinae are presented.

Correction to: Proposed nomenclature for Pseudallescheria, Scedosporium and related genera

Correction to: Proposed nomenclature for Pseudallescheria, Scedosporium and related genera

Muscles of the Male Genitalia in the Butterfly Subfamily Aphnaeinae (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)

The morphology of the skeleton and musculature of the male genitalia of the subfamily Aphnaeinae (Lycaenidae), distributed mainly in the Afrotropical Region, were studied and compared with those in other ancient taxa of the family Lycaenidae. The position of Aphnaeinae in the system of the family Lycaenidae is discussed based on the analysis of new comparative morphological data and with reference to the literature data. The male genital musculature was studied for the first time in Phasis thero (Linnaeus, 1764), Chrysoritis pyroeis (Trimen, 1864), and Aloeides pierus (Cramer, [1779]), representing distantly related genera of Aphnaeinae. The composition and topography of their muscles, unlike those of the previously studied Middle Asian species Cigaritis epargiros (Eversmann, 1854), were found to correspond to the ground plan of the nymphaloid group of families (Nymphalidae + Lycaenidae) and to show archaic features as compared with those in such early branches of Lycaenidae as the subfamilies Curetinae and Riodininae. Symplesiomorphic similarity of the musculature features of Aphnaeinae and Lipteninae (Liptenini) was established. The subfamilies Aphnaeinae, Poritiinae s. str., Lipteninae, and Miletinae share such a common feature as the lower wall of the saccus elongated into a narrow caudal plate (“saccus directed caudal”). However, it remains unknown whether this character is a synapomorphy of these subfamilies or a result of parallel evolution, i.e., a homoplasy.

Search for Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii Complexes and Related Genera (Filobasidium, Holtermanniella, Naganishia, Papiliotrema, Solicoccozyma, Vishniacozyma) spp. Biotope: Two Years Surveillance of Wild Avian Fauna in Southern France.

Fungi belonging to the Cryptococcus genus and related genera (Filobasidium, Holtermanniella, Naganishia, Papiliotrema, Solicoccozyma, Vishniacozyma) are encapsulated yeasts found in either the environment or animal sources. However, the precise biotopes of most species remain poorly defined. To assess whether wild birds from southern France can carry or spread the most pathogenic species (i.e., species belonging to the C. neoformans and C. gattii complexes), as well as lesser-studied species (non-neoformans/gattii Cryptococcus and former Cryptococcus spp.), 669 birds belonging to 89 species received for care over a two-year period at the Centre de Protection de la Faune Sauvage of Villeveyrac (Bird Protection League nongovernmental organization (NGO) care center) were sampled. Samples were cultured, and Cryptococcus and former Cryptococcus yeasts were identified by PCR sequencing. The purpose was to evaluate whether there was any health risk to local populations or care personnel in aviaries and gather new data on the ecological niches of lesser-known species. One hundred and seven birds (16%) were found to be positive for at least one Cryptococcus or former Cryptococcus species. No yeasts belonging to the highly pathogenic C. neoformans or C. gattii complexes were isolated. However, diversity was notable, with 20 different Cryptococcus or former Cryptococcus species identified. Furthermore, most bird–yeast species associations found in this study have never been described before.

Epidemic spread of smut fungi (Quambalaria) by sexual reproduction in a native pathosystem

Quambalaria are fungal pathogens of Corymbia, Eucalyptus and related genera of Myrtaceae. They are smut fungi (Ustilaginomycota) described from structures that resemble conidia and conidiophores. Whether these spore forms have asexual or sexual roles in life cycles of Quambalaria is unknown. An epidemic of Q. pitereka destroyed plantations of Corymbia in New South Wales and Queensland (Australia) in 2008. We sampled 177 individuals from three plantations of C. variegata and used AFLPs to test hypotheses that the epidemic was spread by asexual reproduction and dominated by a single genotype. There was high genotypic diversity across ≥600 AFLP loci in the pathogen populations at each plantation, and evidence of sexual reproduction based on neighbour-net analyses and rejection of linkage disequilibrium. The populations were not structured by host or location. Our data did not support a hypothesis of asexual reproduction but instead that Q. pitereka spreads exclusively by sexual reproduction, similar to life cycles of other smut fungi. Epidemics were exacerbated by monocultures of Corymbia established from seed collected from a single provenance. This study showcases an example of an endemic pathogen, Q. pitereka, with a strictly outbreeding life cycle that has caused epidemics when susceptible hosts were planted in large monoculture plantations.

A New Approach Using Targeted Sequence Capture for Phylogenomic Studies across Cactaceae.

Relationships within the major clades of Cactaceae are relatively well known based on DNA sequence data mostly from the chloroplast genome. Nevertheless, some nodes along the backbone of the phylogeny, and especially generic and species-level relationships, remain poorly resolved and are in need of more informative genetic markers. In this study, we propose a new approach to solve the relationships within Cactaceae, applying a targeted sequence capture pipeline. We designed a custom probe set for Cactaceae using MarkerMiner and complemented it with the Angiosperms353 probe set. We then tested both probe sets against 36 different transcriptomes using Hybpiper preferentially retaining phylogenetically informative loci and reconstructed the relationships using RAxML-NG and Astral. Finally, we tested each probe set through sequencing 96 accessions, representing 88 species across Cactaceae. Our preliminary analyses recovered a well-supported phylogeny across Cactaceae with a near identical topology among major clade relationships as that recovered with plastome data. As expected, however, we found incongruences in relationships when comparing our nuclear probe set results to plastome datasets, especially at the generic level. Our results reveal great potential for the combination of Cactaceae-specific and Angiosperm353 probe set application to improve phylogenetic resolution for Cactaceae and for other studies.

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for molecular identification of Trueperella abortisuis isolated from pigs

The first description of Trueperella (T.) abortisuis was presented in Japan in 2009 by Azuma and colleagues. In the current study, eight T. abortisuis strains were identified by a newly developed loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay based on the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) encoding gene gap. Two T. abortisuis strains were obtained from prepuce of a seven-month-old boar and pooled foetal stomach contents in the United Kingdom, while the other six T. abortisuis strains were recovered from aborted foetal material of six pigs from a single farm in Germany. The developed LAMP assay showed an analytical sensitivity of 22 pg μL-1T. abortisuis DNA. T. abortisuis DSM 19515T and field strain T. abortisuis P504054/19/1 were directly detectable in artificially contaminated vaginal swabs up to concentrations of 980 CFU and 770 CFU per swab, respectively. There was no cross reactivity with control strains representing six species of genus Trueperella and six species of the closely related genus Arcanobacterium and Schaalia (Actinomyces) hyovaginalis. Further field research is required to determine the usefulness of the designed LAMP assay for identifying T. abortisuis isolated from pigs of various origins and from test samples directly obtained at farm level.

Phylogenetic evidence for an independent origin of extreme sexual size dimorphism in a genus of araneid spiders (Araneae: Araneidae)

Cyphalonotus is a poorly studied Old World araneid spider genus of which the phylogenetic proximity remains unknown due to the paucity of morphological and molecular data. We test the phylogenetic placement and the taxonomic composition of Cyphalonotus and place the male and female size variation of Cyphalonotus and related genera in an evolutionary context. Our collection and field observations from Taiwan and China facilitate description of a new and a known species, and original sequence data enable species delimitation and phylogenetic analyses. The phylogenetic results reject all four classification hypotheses from the literature and instead recover a well-supported clade comprising Cyphalonotus + Poltys. We review the male and female size variation in Cyphalonotus, Poltys and related genera. These data reveal that all known species of Poltys are extremely sexually size dimorphic (eSSD = females over twice the size of males) reaching values exceeding 10-fold differences, whereas Cyphalonotus and other genera in phylogenetic proximity are relatively sexually monomorphic (SSD < 2.0). This confirms an independent origin of eSSD in Poltys, one of multiple convergent evolutionary outcomes in orbweb spiders.

Lysobacter terrestris sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A yellow-pigmented, non-motile, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, designated II4T was obtained from soil sampled at Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. Cells were strictly aerobic, grew optimally at 20-28 °C and hydrolysed casein. A phylogenetic analysis based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain II4T formed a lineage within the family Xanthomonadaceae and clustered as members of the genus Lysobacter. The closest members were Lysobacter terrae THG-A13T (97.88 % sequence similarity), Lysobacter niabensis GH34-4T (97.82 %), Lysobacter oryzae YC6269T (97.74%), Lysobacter yangpyeongensis GH19-3T (97.53 %) and Lysobacter enzymogenes ATCC 29487T (96.18 %). The principal respiratory quinone was Q-8 and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 9 (C16 : 0 10-methyl and/or iso-C17 : 1 ω9c) and iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 68.2 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness values between strain II4T and its closely related genus members with possible full genome sequences were ≤79.6 and 23.7 %, respectively. Based on genomic, chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and phylogenetic data, strain II4T represents novel species in the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lyobacter terrestris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is II4T (=KACC 21196T=NBRC 113956T).

Generic revision of the species formerly belonging to the genus Carangoides and its related genera (Carangiformes: Carangidae)

Generic revision of the species formerly belonging to the genus Carangoides and its related genera (Carangiformes: Carangidae)

Aggregatimonas sangjinii gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel silver nanoparticle synthesizing bacterium belonging to the family Flavobacteriaceae.

Microbially synthesized nanoparticles has received increasing attentions owing to the broad applications in biology and medicine. In this study, we report a novel bacterium that biologically generates silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This bacterium, designated strain F202Z8T, was isolated from a rusty iron plate found in the intertidal region of Taean, South Korea. The morphological, biochemical and molecular characteristics predicted that strain F202Z8T belongs to the family Flavobacteriaceae. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain F202Z8T forms a distinct lineage with closely related genera Maribacter, Pelagihabitans, Pseudozobellia, Zobellia, Pricia, and Costertonia and showed the highest similarity to Maribacter aestuarii GY20T (94.5%). The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values calculated from the whole genome-sequence comparison between strain F202Z8T and other members of the family Flavobacteriaceae were in the ranges of 12.7%-16.9% and 70.3%-74.4%, respectively, suggesting that strain F202Z8T represented a novel genus. The complete genome sequence of strain F202Z8T is 4,723,614bp, with 43.26% G + C content. Based on the COG, GO, KEGG, NR, and Swiss-Prot databases, the genomic analysis of F202Z8T revealed the presence of 17 putative genes responsible for the synthesis of AgNPs. Our polyphasic taxonomic results suggested that this strain represents a novel species of a novel genus in the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Aggregatimonas sangjinii gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Aggregatimonas sangjinii is F202Z8T (= KCCM 43411T = LMG 31494T). Overall, our data provide fundamental information to potentially utilize this novel bacterium for synthesis of nanoparticles.

Systematic study and niche differentiation of the genus Aporocactus (Hylocereeae, Cactoideae, Cactaceae)

Background: Aporocactus is an epiphytic or saxicolous genus that is endemic to Mexico and has a distribution restricted to cloud forests and pine-oak forests. As with many cacti, Aporocactus presents taxonomic conflicts, especially regarding species delimitation, since five species in this genus have been described and accepted by some authors, while others accept only two species.
 Questions: How many species comprise Aporocactus? What are their relationships? Do these species show differences in their climatic preferences?
 Studied species: The five putative species in Aporocactus were investigated.
 Study site and dates: This study was conducted in 2015 and 2016. The collection sites were in Hidalgo, Puebla, Querétaro, Veracruz, and Oaxaca states, Mexico.
 Methods: In this study, phylogenetic analyses were performed using chloroplast DNA markers from different Aporocactus populations and related genera, and ecological niche modeling techniques were also employed.
 Results: The phylogenetic analyses indicated that Aporocactus is composed of only two species: A. flagelliformis and A. martianus . Additionally, the phylogenetic analyses corroborated that Aporocactus is an early diverging group related to Weberocereus and Selenicereus . Finally, niche modeling and niche identity testing indicated that the niches of the two species of Aporocactus are significantly differentiated and niches are more different than would be expected by chance.
 Conclusions: Despite being a genus with only two species, Aporocactus represents a useful model for investigating such topics as the ecology of pollination, genetic populations, and flower development to characterize the evolution of these specialized cacti.

Anoplocaryum: A newly recorded genus of Boraginaceae from China

Anoplocaryum (Boraginaceae), a small genus previously known from Russia and Mongolia, is newly recorded from China. The specimen was discovered in the rock crevices of Zhangjiakou City, Hebei province, China, and was identified as A. helenae Volot. based on both morphological and molecular data. This study updates our knowledge on the geographic distribution of the genus Anoplocaryum. Two taxonomic keys were provided to distinguish Anoplocaryum and Chinese related genera, also to index taxa in Anoplocaryum.

Morphology and multi-gene phylogeny reveal a new fungal genus and species from Hevea brasiliensis latex in Yunnan, China

During a survey of rubber tree plantations in Yunnan Province, China, a fungus growing on natural rubber latex was collected and isolated. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of combined ITS, LSU, SSU, tef-α and rpb2 genes showed the isolated taxon belongs to Wiesneriomycetaceae and was well separated from closely related genera with high statistical support. It can be differentiated from other genera in Wiesneriomycetaceae by synnemata with catenate conidia that are cylindrical, 0–4 to multi-septate, often with a dark brown band at the septa. Morphology, phylogenetic analyses and pairwise homoplasy index (PHI) tests provide evidence that the new isolate is a distinct genus. The genus Heveicola is introduced, with H. xishuangbannaensis as the type species. A key to the genera in Wiesneriomycetaceae is also provided.

Biogeographic and metabolic studies support a glacial radiation hypothesis during Chrysanthemum evolution.

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) is an economically important plant species growing worldwide. However, its origin, especially as revealed by biogeographic and metabolomics research, remains unclear. To understand the geographic distribution of species diversity and metabolomics in three genera (Chrysanthemum, Ajania, and Phaeostigma), geographic information systems and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry were used in 19, 15, and 4 species respectively. China and Japan were two potential panbiogeographic nodes and diverse hotspots of Chrysanthemum, with species richness ratios of 58.97 and 33.33%. We studied different species from two hotspots which in similar geographical environments had closer chemotaxonomic relationships under the same cultivation conditions based on a cluster of 30 secondary metabolites. The average distribution altitude (ADA) differed significantly among Chrysanthemum, Ajania, and Phaeostigma in which it was 1227.49, 2400.12, and 3760.53 m.a.s.l. respectively, and the presence/absence of ray florets (RF) was significantly correlated with ADA (−0.62). Mountain landform was an important contributor to global Chrysanthemum diversity, playing a key role in the divergence and distribution pattern of Chrysanthemum and its allies. The Hengduan Mountains–Qinling Mountains (HDQ) in China was a potential secondary radiation and evolution center of Chrysanthemum and its related genera in the world. During the Quaternary glacial–interglacial cycles, this region became their refuge, and they radiated and evolved from this center.