Tetracladium Marchalianum Research Articles

The formation and quality evaluation of agarwood induced by the fungi in Aquilaria sinensis

Agarwood has high economic value and wide uses, however, the amount of wild agarwood is scarce. Wild agarwood with high oil content may contain strains associated with agarwood production. To improve the formation of agarwood, we produced fungal inducers from a high-oil wild agarwood block containing enrichment fungi. We investigated the composition of strains and inoculated the fungal inducers into Aquilaria trees. We analyzed the content of alcohol-soluble extract, essential oil, agarotetraol, 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone, 6,7-dimethoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone and total chromone, and the chemical components of alcohol-soluble extract. We aimed to assess agarwood quality through these evaluations. The results demonstrated that fungi extracted from wild agarwood with high oil content can effectively improve the yield and quality of agarwood, and Gongronella butleri, Saitozyma podzolica, Cladorrhinum bulbillosum, Humicola grisea and Tetracladium marchalianum were the species found novel as inoculant for agarwood formation. After 12 months of inoculation, agarwood produced using A. sinensis had higher quality, the contents of alcohol-soluble extract, essential oil, total chromones, and the total relative contents of sesquiterpenes and chromones were 21.73 % ±2.97 %, 6.07 % ±0.47 %, 12.30 % ±2.21 %, and 97.59 %, respectively. Over 6–18 months of inoculation, agarotetrol content decreased, and 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone and 6,7-dimethoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone content first increased and then decreased.

Assessment of fungal diversity present in lakes of Maritime Antarctica using DNA metabarcoding: a temporal microcosm experiment.

We evaluated the fungal diversity in two lakes on the South Shetland Islands, using DNA metabarcoding through high-throughput sequencing (HTS). A microcosm experiment was deployed for two consecutive years in lakes on Deception and King George islands to capture potential decomposer freshwater fungi. Analyses of the baits revealed 258,326 DNA reads distributed in 34 fungal taxa of the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, Chytridiomycota and Rozellomycota. Tetracladium marchalianum, Tetracladium sp., Rozellomycota sp., Fungal sp. 1 and Fungal sp. 2 were the most common taxa detected. However, the majority of the communities comprised intermediate and rare taxa. Both fungal communities displayed moderate indices of diversity, richness and dominance. Only six taxa were detected in both lakes, including the most dominant T. marchalianum and Tetracladium sp. The high numbers of reads of the known aquatic saprotrophic hyphomycetes T. marchalianum and Tetracladium sp. in the baits suggest that these fungi may digest organic material in Antarctic lakes, releasing available carbon and nutrients to the other aquatic organisms present in the complex lake food web. Our data confirm that the use of cotton baits together with HTS approaches can be appropriate to study the diversity of resident freshwater fungi present in Antarctic lakes.

Diversity of water-borne conidial fungi in some freshwater bodies of Kumaun Himalaya in district Nainital (Uttarakhand), India

The aquatic ecosystem harbours a variety of micro-organisms, among which water-borne conidial fungi occupy an important place. Their occurrence in freshwater habitat has great significance in the decomposition of submerged plant materials, nutrient release and productivity. Their occurrence and frequency to extreme temperatures and pH may have a profound effect on fungal community composition and metabolic activities. The present paper deals with the diversity of conidial aquatic fungi from different unexplored freshwater bodies flowing through different elevations (1000-1500 m) in district Nainital, Kumaun Himalaya. Comparative study of species composition in different seasons, sporulation temperatures and pH conditions was also carried out. In all, 18 species of conidial fungi belonging to 14 genera were recorded, out of which maximum species (11 species) were recorded in both rainy (July to September) and winter seasons (November to December). Anguillospora crassa, Beltrania rhombica, Campylospora chaetocladia, Cylindrocarpon aquaticum, Helicomyces roseus and Tetracladium setigerum were isolated only during rainy season; Alatospora acuminata, Clavariopsis aquatica, Clavatospora tentacula, Lemonniera pseudofloscula, L. terrestris and Tetrachaetum elegans were isolated only during winter season while Lunulospora curvula, L. cymbiformis, Setosynnema isthmosporum, Tetracladium marchalianum and Triscelophorus acuminatus were isolated in both rainy and winter seasons. The preferred pH and the sporulation temperature ranged from 6-7 and 15-20 °? respectively. The results of the present study are clearly indicating fungal species composition variations along pH, temperature, seasonal and altitudinal gradients and the sites selected for this exploratory investigation are being undertaken for the first time.

Inter- and intraspecific functional variability of aquatic fungal decomposers and freshwater ecosystem processes

Although considerable intraspecific trait variation is common, research dedicated to ecosystem functioning has focused mainly on species diversity. Organic matter breakdown, a key ecosystem-level process in woodland streams is mainly driven by aquatic hyphomycetes. These aquatic fungal decomposers constitute a critical link between plant litter and invertebrate detritivores in detritus-based food webs in streams. In this study, we evaluated the functional variability across a set of ten isolates each belonging to five widespread aquatic hyphomycete species, namely Articulospora tetracladia, Anguillospora crassa, Lemonniera terrestris, Neonectria lugdunensis and Tetracladium marchalianum. All the isolates originated from undisturbed streams. We estimated inter- and intraspecific variability on growth rates, litter decomposition and sporulation rates of the isolates. In addition, we also assessed the invertebrate consumption rates on leaves colonized by different isolates. Significant differences were observed within the fungal species in growth rates (A. crassa, L. terrestris, N. lugdunensis and T. marchalianum), leaf litter decomposition (A. tetracladia, L. terrestris and N. lugdunensis) and sporulation rates (A. crassa, A. tetracladia, L. terrestris and N. lugdunensis). The relative consumption rates of the shredder Schizopelex festiva significantly differed when fed with leaves colonized by isolates of L. terrestris and N. lugdunensis, however differences were not seen when fed with leaves conditioned by different species. Overall, results indicate substantial intraspecific functional variability among the isolates of aquatic hyphomycetes. Besides, our study also provides a novel insight that intraspecific functional variability is a natural phenomenon exhibited by isolates not only from polluted but also from undisturbed streams. Here the isolates demonstrated marked inter- and intraspecific functional variability, calling for a greater understanding of the functional role of aquatic hyphomycetes and its ability to influence higher trophic levels.

Does nanosized plastic affect aquatic fungal litter decomposition?

Abstract Nanosized plastics are an emerging concern in freshwater ecosystems, raising the question whether they put freshwater ecological processes at risk. Litter decomposition is a major ecological function in forested streams which is mainly driven by aquatic hyphomycetes. Here we investigated whether increasing concentrations (up to 102.4 mg/L) of nanosized polystyrene plastics (NPPs; 100nm) affect litter decomposition by five widely distributed species of aquatic hyphomycetes. Results showed that average litter decomposition decreased by 8% relative to the control when exposed to 102.4 mg/L NPPs. Aquatic hyphomycete species differed in their sensitivity to NPPs. The greatest inhibition of litter decomposition was found with Tetracladium marchalianum, where it dropped from 37 (control) to 16% (102.4 mg/L of NPP). Overall our study highlights the emerging risks and potential dangers of NPPs to freshwater ecosystem functioning. It also indicates that the impact of NPPs may be species specific.

Are fungal strains from salinized streams adapted to salt-rich conditions?

Anthropogenic salinization of freshwater is a global problem with largely unknown consequences for stream functions. We compared the effects of salt addition (6 g l-1 NaCl) in microcosms on leaf mass loss and microbial parameters in single- and multispecies assemblages of fungal strains (Heliscus lugdunensis, HELU; Tetracladium marchalianum, TEMA; Flagellospora curta, FLCU) isolated from a reference (R) or salinized (S) stream. Fungal growth and interactions were also assessed. Salinization inhibited leaf decomposition and fungal biomass, but no differences were observed between species, strains or species combinations. Sporulation rates in monocultures were not affected by added salt, but differed among species (FLCU > HELU > TEMA), with S strains releasing more conidia. Fungal assemblages did not differ significantly in total conidia production (either between strains or medium salt concentration). HELU was the dominant species, which also had highest growth and most pronounced antagonistic behaviour. Fungal species, irrespective of origin, largely maintained their function in salinized streams. Strains from salt-contaminated streams did not trade-off conidial production for vegetative growth at high salt levels. The expected reduction of fungal diversity and potential changes in nutritional litter quality owing to salinization may impact leaf incorporation into secondary production in streams.This article is part of the theme issue 'Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects'.

New root endophytic water borne conidial fungi from Kumaun Himalaya

<p>Water borne conidial fungi occurring in living roots of healthy plant growing in the wet and ravine areas of Dogaon and Ramgarh, Nainital, Kumaun Himalaya (India) were isolated as root endophytes. A total of 15 species (<em>Alatospora acuminata, Anguillospora longissima, Beltrania rhombica</em>,<em> Campylospora chaetocladia, Claviriopsis aquatica, Cylindrocarpon aquaticum, Flagellospora penicilloides, Helicomyces roseus, Helicosporium lumbricoides, Pleurophragmium sonum, Pestalotiopsis submersus, Seridium sp, Setosynnema isthomosporum, Tetrachaetum elegans </em>and<em> Tetracladium marchalianum</em>) of endophytic aquatic fungus were recovered as root endophytes of various host plants.<em> </em>Three species viz.<em> Helicosporium lumbricoides, Pleurophragmium sonum </em>and <em>Setosynnema isthomosporum </em>isolated from the roots of pteridophytes and grasses were found as new root endophytes. Among the studied host plants five plant species were also found as new hosts.</p>

Evaluación de los hifomicetos acuáticos como bioindicadores de calidad ambiental en el río Chirgua (Bejuma, Venezuela)

Actualmente la evaluación del recurso hídrico, emplea bioindicadores como sistemas adicionales de diagnóstico, ya que estos indican perturbaciones antropogénicas. Los hifomicetos acuáticos al ser parte de la cadena trófica de los ecosistemas acuáticos, son indicadores de calidad del agua, al variar su presencia y concentración de conidios en función a la afectación ambiental. Por lo tanto esta investigación evaluó su rol bioindicador de calidad ambiental en el Río Chirgua en Venezuela. Mensualmente durante el 2011, en dos zonas: 1) cabecera (sin afectación) y 2) zona aguas abajo (con afectación), se determinaron parámetros físico-químicos (O2, conductividad, pH, temperatura y sólidos totales), nutrientes (SO4-2, PO4-3, NO2-2 y NO3-3), coliformes (totales y fecales) y hifomicetos acuáticos (riqueza y conidios/mL). Se registraron 44 especies, 42 (20 exclusivas) en la zona 1 y 24 (2 exclusivas) en la zona 2. En el sector afectado disminuyó el número de especies y concentración de conidios en función del incremento de coliformes (totales y fecales), en comparación con la zona no afectada. Las especies sensibles a la perturbación ambiental por coliformes fueron: Brachiosphaera tropicalis, Camposporium antenatum, Campylospora filicladia, Campylospora parvula, Clavatospora tentacula, Clavatospora stellata, Culicidospora gravida, Diplocladiella scalaroides, Flabellospora acuminata, Helicomyces colligatus, Helicomyces sp., Helicomyces torquatus, Phalangispora constricta, Tetracladium marchalianum y Triscelophorus monosporus, mientras que las tolerantes fueron: Alatospora acuminata, Campylospora chaetocladia, Flabellospora crassa, Isthmotricladia gombakiensis, Tetraploa cf. aristata y Triscelophorus acuminatus.

Growth responses of aquatic hyphomycetes to different sources of carbon and nitrogen

Assessment of different sources of carbon and nitrogen in terms of dry weight biomass of four selected aquatic hyphomycetes viz; Flagellospora penicilloides Ingold, Pestalotiopsis submersus Sati and Tiwari, Tetrachaetum elegans Ingold and Tetracladium marchalianum De Wildeman was made for their nutritional requirements. Eight carbon sources and ten nitrogen sources were singly added to the basal media in order to provide 4g of carbon and 1g of nitrogen per litre of distilled water. Among carbon compounds glucose and sucrose were found to be most suitable sources of carbon for all the four fungal isolates, where as fructose proved good for T. marchalianum, P. submersus and F.penicilloides fairly. Cellulose was found a poor source of carbon for the growth of all these isolates. The inorganic sources of nitrogen were found as good nitrogen sources with preference for ammonium ions. Suitability of amino acids was found variable from species to species for nitrogen. T.elegans and T.marchalianum had their maximum growth in asparagines, whereas, P. submersus had their highest growth in proline. Cysteine was observed as a good source of nitrogen for almost all the fungal isolates used. Anova calculated for these observed data showed significant variations in the dry weight production of different fungal species grown in different sources of carbon and nitrogen(P<0.01).

Aquatic hyphomycetes as survivors and/or first colonizers after a red sludge disaster in the Torna stream, Hungary

AbstractA dam of a red sludge reservoir had ruptured on October 4, 2010 in Hungary and a mixture of 1 million m3 red sludge and water inundated two villages via the Torna stream. The industrial waste wiped out all detectable forms of life in the Torna stream, mainly due to its high pH value (pH 12.8). To study the fungal colonization leaves, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus cerris, Populus nigra, and Salix alba leaf litter were used as baits at two sites of the Torna stream. The leaves were sampled at seven occasions between February and June 2011 and a total of 26 aquatic hyphomycetes were revealed. Tricladium sp., Heliscus lugdunensis, and Tetracladium marchalianum were the dominant species at the impacted site. The total number of fungal species was lower at the impacted than at the reference site. The peak number of species associated with leaf litter was achieved later at the impacted site. Fungal species richness between leaf‐species at the two sites was compared by Fisher's exact test. Gypsum, which was dispersed into the stream in order to reduce the alkalinity, formed a layer on the leaves. Its effect for fungal colonization is discussed.

Fungal composition on leaves explains pollutant-mediated indirect effects on amphipod feeding

The energy stored in coarse particulate organic matter, e.g. leaf litter, is released to aquatic ecosystems by breakdown processes involving microorganisms and leaf shredding invertebrates. The palatability of leaves and thus the feeding of shredders on leaf material are highly influenced by microorganisms. However, implications in the colonization of leaves by microorganisms (=conditioning) caused by chemical stressors are rarely studied. Our laboratory experiments, therefore, investigated for the first time effects of a fungicide on the conditioning process of leaf material by means of food-choice experiments using Gammarus fossarum (Crustacea: Amphipoda). Additionally, microbial analyses were conducted to facilitate the mechanistic understanding of the observed behavior. Gammarids significantly preferred control leaf discs over those conditioned in presence of the fungicide tebuconazole at concentrations of 50 and 500 μg/L. Besides the decrease of fungal biomass with increasing fungicide concentration, also the leaf associated fungal community composition showed that species preferred by gammarids, such as Alatospora acumunata, Clavariopsis aquatica, or Flagellospora curvula, were more frequent in the control. Tetracladium marchalianum, however, which is rejected by gammarids, was abundant in all treatments suggesting an increasing importance of this species for the lower leaf palatability – as other more palatable fungal species were almost absent – in the fungicide treatments. Hence, the food-choice behavior of G. fossarum seems to be a suitable indicator for alterations in leaf associated microbial communities, especially fungal species composition, caused by chemical stressors. Finally, this or similar test systems may be a reasonable supplement to the environmental risk assessment of chemicals in order to achieve its protection goals, as on the one hand, indirect effects may occur far below concentrations known to affect gammarids directly, and on the other hand, the observed shifts in leaf associated microbial communities may have perpetuating implications in leaf shredding invertebrates.

Population genetics of the aquatic fungus Tetracladium marchalianum over space and time.

Aquatic hyphomycete fungi are fundamental mediators of energy flow and nutrient spiraling in rivers. These microscopic fungi are primarily dispersed in river currents, undergo substantial annual fluctuations in abundance, and reproduce either predominantly or exclusively asexually. These aspects of aquatic hyphomycete biology are expected to influence levels and distributions of genetic diversity over both spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of genotypic diversity in the representative aquatic hyphomycete Tetracladium marchalianum. We sampled populations of this fungus from seven sites, three sites each in two rivers in Illinois, USA, and one site in a Wisconsin river, USA, and repeatedly sampled one population over two years to track population genetic parameters through two seasonal cycles. The resulting fungal isolates (N = 391) were genotyped at eight polymorphic microsatellite loci. In spite of seasonal reductions in the abundance of this species, genotypic diversity was consistently very high and allele frequencies remarkably stable over time. Likewise, genotypic diversity was very high at all sites. Genetic differentiation was only observed between the most distant rivers (∼450 km). Clear evidence that T. marchalianum reproduces sexually in nature was not observed. Additionally, we used phylogenetic analysis of partial β-tubulin gene sequences to confirm that the fungal isolates studied here represent a single species. These results suggest that populations of T. marchalianum may be very large and highly connected at local scales. We speculate that large population sizes and colonization of alternate substrates in both terrestrial and aquatic environments may effectively buffer the aquatic populations from in-stream population fluctuations and facilitate stability in allele frequencies over time. These data also suggest that overland dispersal is more important for structuring populations of T. marchalianum over geographic scales than expected.

Temperature oscillation coupled with fungal community shifts can modulate warming effects on litter decomposition

Diel temperature oscillations are a nearly ubiquitous phenomenon, with amplitudes predicted to change along with mean temperatures under global-warming scenarios. Impact assessments of global warming have largely disregarded diel temperature oscillations, even though key processes in ecosystems, such as decomposition, may be affected. We tested the effect of a 5 degrees C temperature increase with and without diel oscillations on litter decomposition by fungal communities in stream microcosms. Five temperature regimes with identical thermal sums (degree days) were applied: constant 3 degrees and 8 degrees C; diel temperature oscillations of 5 degrees C around each mean; and oscillations of 9 degrees C around 8 degrees C. Temperature oscillations around 8 degrees C (warming scenario), but not 3 degrees C (ambient scenario), accelerated decomposition by 18% (5 degrees C oscillations) and 31% (9 degrees C oscillations), respectively, compared to the constant temperature regime at 8 degrees C. Community structure was not affected by oscillating temperatures, although the rise in mean temperature from 3 degrees to 8 degrees C consistently shifted the relative abundance of species. A simple model using temperature-growth responses of the dominant fungal decomposers accurately described the experimentally observed pattern, indicating that the effect of temperature oscillations on decomposition in our warming scenario was caused by strong curvilinear responses of species to warming at low temperature, particularly of the species becoming most abundant at 8 degrees C (Tetracladium marchalianum). These findings underscore the need to consider species-specific temperature characteristics in concert with changes in communities when assessing consequences of global warming on ecosystem processes.

Out of the rivers: are some aquatic hyphomycetes plant endophytes?

Ingoldian fungi, or aquatic hyphomycetes, are asexual microfungi, mostly ascomycetes, commonly occurring in running freshwater. They grow on dead plant material, such as leaves and twigs, and play a major role in nutrient flows in stream ecosystems (Barlocher, 1992). They were discovered and first extensively studied by Ingold (1942) and were thus named "Ingoldian" fungi. Ingold described their abundant multicellular asexual spores of sigmoid or, more typically, tetraradiate shape (Fig. 1). He recognized that they probably arose from multiple convergent evolutions, by secondary adaptation to aquatic life, as recently confirmed by molecular markers (Belliveau & Barlocher, 2005; Baschien et al., 2006). Because of their apparent lack of sexuality, Ingoldian species were placed in asexual genera, such as Tricladium or Tetracladium, based on conidial morphology and/or mode of conidiogenesis. Unexpectedly, several lines of evidence now suggest that some Ingoldian fungi are also plant endophytes, that is, they grow in plants without producing symptoms.[...]

The ecology of aero-aquatic hyphomycetes

We observed 35 species of aero-aquatic hyphomycetes belonging to 21 genera and 4 unidentified taxa of the Clavariopsis, Dactilella, Helicoon, and Tetracladium genera. Substrate preferences were detected in some species. Species such as Anguillospora longissima, Tetracladium marchalianum, and Fusarium aqueductum were found on different types of substrata. Only 11 species are developed on pine needles, while 20 species were observed on leaves. Eight species of aquatic hyphomycetes (Alatospora acuminata, Angullospora aquatica, Lemonniera aquatica, Tetracladium setigerum, Tricladium angulatum, Tripospermum campelopardus, Septonema secedens, and Spermospora sp.) were revealed on leaves taken from water habitats, whereas 15 species were found in litter. The jointly grown species did not demonstrate any inhibiting effects on each other except for Tripospermum campelopardus, which inhibited the growth of other species (Table 3). The microcyclic development of a Dactilella sp. was detected for the first time while being incubated on leaves in the laboratory. The frequency of appearance changes, and the diversity of the species of aquatic hyphomycetes appears to be higher on intact leaves than on skeletonized ones. The seasonal dynamics of aquatic hyphomycetes with two peaks of mass conidia development (vernal and sharper autumnal) were described. Some species were observed throughout the entire vegetation season. The conidial development in the leaf samples incubated in the laboratory lasted for 30–40 days. Therefore, the method of incubation for 7–10 days recommended in the literature did not allow for the complete investigation of species diversity in aquatic hyphomycetes.

Utilization of various carbon sources for the growth of waterborne conidial fungi

Four isolates of waterborne conidial fungi (Tetracheatum elegans, Tetracladium marchalianum, Pestalotiopsis submersus and Flagellospora penicillioides) were investigated for their carbon requirement, using eight different carbon sources (viz. glucose, fructose, sucrose, xylose, starch, cellulose, dextrin and lactose). All fungi tested grew sparsely on the basal medium lacking in carbon, which was the control. However these fungi were found to vary in their ability to use the supplied sources of carbon. Glucose and sucrose were found to be suitable sources of carbon for all four fungal isolates, whereas fructose proved good for T. marchalianum and P. submersus. Starch and xylose also supported growth of T. marchalianum, P. submersus and F. penicillioides. Cellulose, a polysaccharide, was a poor source of carbon for the growth of these isolates. Four g/L of glucose was recorded as the most useful concentration that gives the maximum dry weight of selected fungi (262 mg and 400 mg for T. elegans and P. submersus respectively after 15 d).

Utilization of various carbon sources for the growth of waterborne conidial fungi

Four isolates of waterborne conidial fungi (Tetracheatum elegans, Tetracladium marchalianum, Pestalotiopsis submersus and Flagellospora penicillioides) were investigated for their carbon requirement, using eight different carbon sources (viz. glucose, fructose, sucrose, xylose, starch, cellulose, dextrin and lactose). All fungi tested grew sparsely on the basal medium lacking in carbon, which was the control. However these fungi were found to vary in their ability to use the supplied sources of carbon. Glucose and sucrose were found to be suitable sources of carbon for all four fungal isolates, whereas fructose proved good for T. marchalianum and P. submersus. Starch and xylose also supported growth of T. marchalianum, P. submersus and F. penicillioides. Cellulose, a polysaccharide, was a poor source of carbon for the growth of these isolates. Four g/L of glucose was recorded as the most useful concentration that gives the maximum dry weight of selected fungi (262 mg and 400 mg for T. elegans and P. submersus respectively after 15 d).

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for the aquatic fungus Tetracladium marchalianum

AbstractWe have identified eight polymorphic microsatellite loci from the aquatic haploid fungus Tetracladium marchalianum. Microsatellite polymorphism was evaluated using 90 fungal isolates, each of single spore origin, from submerged leaves in Illinois and Wisconsin rivers in the USA. The number of alleles observed for a single locus ranged from three to 13, with up to 10 observed from a population. These genetic markers will be useful to evaluate population structure, genotypic diversity, and the reproductive mode of T. marchalianum.

Vittatispora, a new melanosporaceous genus from Indian soil

Vittatispora coorgii gen. sp. nov., isolated from soil in India, is described and illustrated. The fungus has morphological characteristics of the genera Melanospora, Sphaerodes and Syspastospora. The most striking feature is the presence of a thick hyaline ridge along the vertical axis of the lemon-shaped ascospores wall. Perithecia also have a long neck composed of adhering hyphae, similar to that of Syspatospora. Phylogenetic studies on the 28S rDNA indicate it is closely related to Melanospora and Sphaerodes and belongs in the Ceratostomataceae. The new genus is based on the distinctive morphology and phylogenetic analyses. The fungus grew in culture only conjointly with a sterile fungus which a BLAST analysis suggested was close to Tetracladium marchalianum.

Vittatispora, a new melanosporaceous genus from Indian soil

Vittatispora coorgii gen. sp. nov., isolated from soil in India, is described and illustrated. The fungus has morphological characteristics of the genera Melanospora, Sphaerodes and Syspastospora. The most striking feature is the presence of a thick hyaline ridge along the vertical axis of the lemon-shaped ascospores wall. Perithecia also have a long neck composed of adhering hyphae, similar to that of Syspatospora. Phylogenetic studies on the 28S rDNA indicate it is closely related to Melanospora and Sphaerodes and belongs in the Ceratostomataceae. The new genus is based on the distinctive morphology and phylogenetic analyses. The fungus grew in culture only conjointly with a sterile fungus which a BLAST analysis suggested was close to Tetracladium marchalianum.