Xylariaceae Research Articles

Contributions of North American endophytes to the phylogeny, ecology, and taxonomy of Xylariaceae (Sordariomycetes, Ascomycota)

The Xylariaceae (Sordariomycetes) comprise one of the largest and most diverse families of Ascomycota, with at least 85 accepted genera and ca. 1343 accepted species. In addition to their frequent occurrence as saprotrophs, members of the family often are found as endophytes in living tissues of phylogenetically diverse plants and lichens. Many of these endophytes remain sterile in culture, precluding identification based on morphological characters. Previous studies indicate that endophytes are highly diverse and represent many xylariaceous genera; however, phylogenetic analyses at the family level generally have not included endophytes, such that their contributions to understanding phylogenetic relationships of Xylariaceae are not well known. Here we use a multi-locus, cumulative supermatrix approach to integrate 92 putative species of fungi isolated from plants and lichens into a phylogenetic framework for Xylariaceae. Our collection spans 1933 isolates from living and senescent tissues in five biomes across the continental United States, and here is analyzed in the context of previously published sequence data from described species and additional taxon sampling of type specimens from culture collections. We found that the majority of strains obtained in our surveys can be classified in the hypoxyloid and xylaroid subfamilies, although many also were found outside of these lineages (as currently circumscribed). Many endophytes were placed in lineages previously not known for endophytism. Most endophytes appear to represent novel species, but inferences are limited by potential gaps in public databases. By linking our data, publicly available sequence data, and records of ascomata, we identify many geographically widespread, host-generalist clades capable of symbiotic associations with diverse photosynthetic partners. Concomitant with such cosmopolitan host use and distributions, many xylariaceous endophytes appear to inhabit both living and non-living plant tissues, with potentially important roles as saprotrophs. Overall, our study reveals major gaps in the availability of multi-locus datasets and metadata for this iconic family, and provides new hypotheses regarding the ecology and evolution of endophytism and other trophic modes across the family Xylariaceae.

Poronia radicata Hembrom, A. Parihar & K. Das, A new record from Maharashtra State, India

<p>Family Xylariaceae is represented from India by 187 species belonging to 12 genera till date. Genus <em>Poronia</em> Willdenow ex SF Gray was reported for the first time from Kolkata in 2013. During the present mycological exploration, the species <em>Poronia</em> <em>radicata</em> Hembrom, A. Parihar & K. Das, a coprophillous member of family Xylariaceae was collected and studied. This is the second report from the Indian sub-continent and first from state of Maharashtra, India. Thus, it makes a new report to the fungi of Maharashtra.</p>

Antagonistic activity of fungi of Olea europaea L. against Colletotrichum acutatum

Fungi naturally present in olive trees were identified and tested for their antagonistic potential against Colletotrichum acutatum. A total of 14 isolates were identified, 12 belonged to genera Alternaria, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Anthrinium, Chaetomium, Diaporthe, Nigrospora, one to family Xylariaceae and one was unclassified. All fungal isolates showed some inhibitory action over the growth of C. acutatum during dual culture growth, however, when agar-diffusible tests were performed only five fungal isolates caused C. acutatum growth inhibition: Alternaria sp. isolate 2 (26.8%), the fungus from Xylariaceae family (14.3%), Alternaria sp. isolate 1 (10.7%); Diaporthe sp. (10.7%), Nigrospora oryzae (3.5%). Volatile substances produced by these isolates were identified through gas-chromatography techniques, as phenylethyl alcohol, 4-methylquinazoline, benzothiazole, benzyl alcohol, lilial, galaxolide, among others. These inhibitory volatiles could play a significant role in reduction of C. acutatum expansion in olive and their study as potential biocontrol agents should be further explored.

Existence of Muscodor vitigenus, M. equiseti and M. heveae sp. nov. in leaves of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Müll.Arg.), and their biocontrol potential

We isolated volatile metabolite-producing endophytic fungi from the leaves of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Mull.Arg.) and studied their antimicrobial competence. A total of three isolates was obtained, and their phenotypic and phylogenetic relationship with the genus Muscodor in the family Xylariaceae was studied. All isolates could produce volatile metabolites with apparent antimicrobial activity against diverse test microbes (bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi). An isolate, RTM5IV3, with <86 % similarity with the partial ITS-5.8S rDNA gene as compared to other species of the genus Muscodor, was proposed as a novel species with the name Muscodor heveae sp. nov. Its bioactive volatile metabolites included 3-methylbutan-1-ol as a major component, followed by 3-methylbutyl acetate and azulene derivatives. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by the Muscodor isolates have the potential for biological control of bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. Furthermore, the VOCs of M. heveae were active against the pathogenic fungi Phellinus noxius and Rigidoporus microporus that cause root disease in the rubber tree. We concluded that rubber trees could be an alternative source for discovery of fungi that produce volatile metabolites, and the genus Muscodor could be found abundantly in this habitat.

Anthostomella is polyphyletic comprising several genera in Xylariaceae

Anthostomella has long been regarded as a large, but polyphyletic genus in the family Xylariaceae, but species in this group generally lack phylogenetic data. In this study, 14 anthostomella-like taxa collected from Italy, were studied using both morphology and molecular data. Single ascospore isolates were obtained and the asexual morphs of five taxa established. The phylogenetic relationships of the xylariaceous taxa were inferred using combined ITS, RPB2, β tubulin and LSU gene regions. We introduce new sequence data for 24 with included the 14 new anthostomella-like taxa. The subfamilies Hypoxyloideae and Xylarioideae within Xylariaceae were recognized as the two major clades with high bootstrap support. Within the two clades 21 subclades were resolved and the anthostomella-like taxa clustered in five of these subclades indicating that the genus is polyphyletic. Anthostomella sensu stricto comprised A. forlicesenica, A. formosa, A. helicofissa, A. rubicola and A. obesa. The A. formosa and A. rubicola collections morphologically closely resemble the type specimens and therefore we designate reference specimens. Three new species Anthostomella helicofissa, A. forlicesenica and A. obesa are also introduced. Four distinct lineages of anthostomella-like taxa correspondent to four new genera, Anthocanalis, Brunneiperidium, Lunatiannulus and Pyriformiascoma, which are also introduced, while one clustered in Astrocystis and is introduced as a new species. Keys to the new anthostomella-like genera and species examined in this study are provided.

The ascomycete Xylaria polymorpha produces an acetyl esterase that solubilises beech wood material to release water-soluble lignin fragments

Three ascomycetous soft-rot fungi belonging to the family Xylariaceae were found to produce high levels of a p-nitrophenyl acetate-hydrolyzing activity during growth on lignocellulosic materials, i.e., wheat straw and beech wood chips. Accordingly, Kretzschmaria deusta, Morchella elata, Xylaria polymorpha were seemingly most noteworthy acetyl esterase producers and, of which, X. polymorpha (strain A35) was chosen for further studies. Induction study indicated that raw carbohydrate sources, such as beech wood, rape straw, birch wood, and wheat straw, were extremely important for acetyl esterase production. Acetyl esterase of X. polymorpha was produced in solid-state culture on wheat straw and purified by different steps of anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. This purified enzyme (M W = 44 kDa and pI values of 3.5–3.6) exhibited the capability to solubilise in vitro beech wood to release water-soluble lignin fragments with molecular masses of 1–3 kDa as analyzed by high performance size exclusion chromatography.

Identification of a Fungal 1,8-Cineole Synthase from Hypoxylon sp. with Specificity Determinants in Common with the Plant Synthases

Terpenes are an important and diverse class of secondary metabolites widely produced by fungi. Volatile compound screening of a fungal endophyte collection revealed a number of isolates in the family Xylariaceae, producing a series of terpene molecules, including 1,8-cineole. This compound is a commercially important component of eucalyptus oil used in pharmaceutical applications and has been explored as a potential biofuel additive. The genes that produce terpene molecules, such as 1,8-cineole, have been little explored in fungi, providing an opportunity to explore the biosynthetic origin of these compounds. Through genome sequencing of cineole-producing isolate E7406B, we were able to identify 11 new terpene synthase genes. Expressing a subset of these genes in Escherichia coli allowed identification of the hyp3 gene, responsible for 1,8-cineole biosynthesis, the first monoterpene synthase discovered in fungi. In a striking example of convergent evolution, mutational analysis of this terpene synthase revealed an active site asparagine critical for water capture and specificity during cineole synthesis, the same mechanism used in an unrelated plant homologue. These studies have provided insight into the evolutionary relationship of fungal terpene synthases to those in plants and bacteria and further established fungi as a relatively untapped source of this important and diverse class of compounds.

Recent observations of sooty bark disease of sycamore maple in Prague (Czech Republic) and the phylogenetic placement of Cryptostroma corticale

SummaryThe anamorphic fungus Cryptostroma corticale (Xylariaceae) causing sooty bark disease (SBD) of Acer pseudoplatanus has been reported within the past decade in several European countries. In the last decade, severe drought conditions during summer also resulted in an outbreak of SBD in park areas in Prague (Czech Republic). Trees with the typical syndromes were recorded in four localities in Prague. Some trees were also located in the alluvial plain of the Vltava River with groundwater available all year long. We suppose that the trees were stressed by full water saturation for several months after flood in 2012 and that SBD was triggered by anoxia and subsequent phytopththora root rot. Sterile fungi isolated from one tree and one lesion were identified as C. corticale based on the similarity of their ITS rDNA sequences with strains of C. corticale in a public collection. Furthermore, C. corticale was placed in the family Xylariaceae within the genus Biscogniauxia based on phylogenetic analysis of four genes (ITS nrDNA, actin, RPB2 and β‐tubulin). The closest relatives are B. bartholomei and Graphostroma platystoma.

Chemical constituents from the fruiting bodies of Xylaria euglossa Fr. and its chemotaxonomic study

Three anthracenones (1–3), two lactams (4–5), three sterols (6–8), one ceramides (9), one long-strain fatty acid (10) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Xylaria euglossa Fr. All the compounds were isolated from this fungus for the first time. Compound 1, 4 and 5 were isolated from the family Xylariaceae for the first time. Compound 1 and 4–5 were considered chemotaxonomically significant for the species Xylaria euglossa.

The Wood Rot Ascomycete Xylaria polymorpha Produces a Novel GH78 Glycoside Hydrolase That Exhibits α- l -Rhamnosidase and Feruloyl Esterase Activities and Releases Hydroxycinnamic Acids from Lignocelluloses

Soft rot (type II) fungi belonging to the family Xylariaceae are known to substantially degrade hardwood by means of their poorly understood lignocellulolytic system, which comprises various hydrolases, including feruloyl esterases and laccase. In the present study, several members of the Xylariaceae were found to exhibit high feruloyl esterase activity during growth on lignocellulosic materials such as wheat straw (up to 1,675 mU g(-1)) or beech wood (up to 80 mU g(-1)). Following the ester-cleaving activity toward methyl ferulate, a hydrolase of Xylaria polymorpha was produced in solid-state culture on wheat straw and purified by different steps of anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography to apparent homogeneity (specific activity, 2.2 U mg(-1)). The peptide sequence of the purified protein deduced from the gene sequence and verified by de novo peptide sequencing shows high similarity to putative α-L-rhamnosidase sequences belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 78 (GH78; classified under EC 3.2.1.40). The purified enzyme (98 kDa by SDS-PAGE, 103 kDa by size-exclusion chromatography; pI 3.7) converted diverse glycosides (e.g., α-L-rhamnopyranoside and α-L-arabinofuranoside) but also natural and synthetic esters (e.g., chlorogenic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid glycoside esters, veratric acid esters, or p-nitrophenyl acetate) and released free hydroxycinnamic acids (ferulic and coumaric acid) from arabinoxylan and milled wheat straw. These catalytic properties strongly suggest that X. polymorpha GH78 is a multifunctional enzyme. It is the first fungal enzyme that combines glycosyl hydrolase with esterase activities and may help this soft rot fungus to degrade lignocelluloses.

Some stromatic pyrenomycetous fungi from northern Thailand - 1. Biscogniuxia, Camillea and Hypoxylon (Xylariaceae)

Fourteen species of stromatic pyrenomycetous fungi (family Xylariaceae) collected in northern Thailand are discussed. Six of these (Biscogniauxia lithocarpi, Camillea malaysiensis var. macrospora, Hypoxylon juventuterubrum, H. pseudoretpela, H. rubroargillaceum, and H. sepipigmentum) are described as taxa new to science. Illustrations of these taxa are provided, and they are compared with similar taxa known from the Western Hemisphere.

Developing tools to unravel the biological secrets of Rosellinia necatrix, an emergent threat to woody crops

White root rot caused by Rosellinia necatrix is one of the most destructive diseases of many woody plants in the temperate regions of the world, particularly in Europe and Asia. Recent outbreaks of R. necatrix around the globe have increased the interest in this pathogen. Although the ecology of the disease has been poorly studied, recent genetic and molecular advances have opened the way for future detailed studies of this fungus. Rosellinia necatrix Prilleux. Kingdom Fungi; subdivision Ascomycotina; class Euascomycetes; subclass Pyrenomycetes; order Sphaeriales, syn. Xylariales; family Xylariaceae; genus Rosellinia. Fungal mycelium is present on root surfaces and under the bark, forming mycelium fans, strands or cords. A typical presence of pear-shaped or pyriform swellings can be found above the hyphal septum (with diameters of up to 13 µm). Sclerotia are black, hard and spherical nodules, several millimetres in diameter. Black sclerotia crusts may also form on roots. On synthetic media, it forms microsclerotia: irregular rough bodies composed of a compact mass of melanized, interwoven hyphae with no differentiated cells. Chlamydospores are almost spherical (15 µm in diameter). Synnemata, also named coremia (0.5-1.5 mm in length), can be formed from sclerotia or from mycelial masses. Conidia (3-5 µm in length and 2.5-3 µm in width) are very difficult to germinate in vitro. Ascospores are monostichous, situated inside a cylindrical, long-stalked ascus. They are ellipsoidal and cymbiform (36-46 µm in length and 5.5-6.3 µm in width). This fungus can attack above 170 different plant hosts from 63 genera and 30 different families, including vascular plants and algae. Some are of significant economic importance, such as Coffea spp., Malus spp., Olea europaea L., Persea americana Mill., Prunus spp. and Vitis vinifera L. Rosellinia necatrix causes white (or Dematophora) root rot, which, by aerial symptoms, shows a progressive weakening of the plant, accompanied by a decline in vigour. The leaves wilt and dry, and the tree can eventually die. White cottony mycelium and mycelial strands can be observed in the crown and on the root surface. On woody plant roots, the fungus can be located between the bark and the wood, developing typical mycelium fans, invading the whole root and causing general rotting. Some approaches have been attempted involving the use of tolerant plants and physical control (solarization). Chemical control in the field and biological control methods are still under development.

Erratum to: Ruwenzoria, a new genus of the Xylariaceae from Central Africa

G. RamboldLehrstuhl fur Pflanzensystematik, Department Mycology,University of Bayreuth,Universitatstrase 30, NW1,95440 Bayreuth, Germanye-mail: marc.stadler@t-online.deG. Rambolde-mail: gerhard.rambold@uni-bayreuth.deM. StadlerInterMed Discovery GmbH,Otto-Hahn-Strase 15,44227 Dortmund, GermanyJ. FournierLas Muros,09420 Rimont, Francee-mail: jacques.fournier@club-internet.frT. LaessoeDepartment of Biology, University of Copenhagen,Universitetsparken 15,DK-2100 Copenhagen O, Denmarke-mail: thomasl@bio.ku.dkC. DecockMycotheque de l’ Universite catholique de Louvain,(BCCM/MUCL, MBLA), Universite catholique de Louvain,Place Croix du Sud 3,1348Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgiume-mail: cony.decock@uclouvain.beD. PersohSystematische Botanik und Mykologie,Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen,Menzinger Strase 67,80638 Munchen, Germanye-mail: persoh@biologie.uni-muenchen.deMycol Progress (2010) 9:311–312DOI 10.1007/s11557-009-0640-2

NOVEDADES PARA LOS GÉNEROS ANNULOHYPOXYLON E HYPOXYLON (ASCOMYCOTA, XYLARIACEAE) EN LA REPÚBLICA ARGENTINA

Hladki, A. I. & A. I. Romero. 2009. Novelties for the genera Annulohypoxylon and Hypoxylon (Ascomy- cota, Xylariaceae) from Argentina. Darwiniana 47(2): 278-288. Two new varieties, Annulohypoxylon moriforme var. macrosporum and Hypoxylon investiens var. magnisporum are proposed; Annulohypoxylon nitens, Hypoxylon crocopeplum, H. subrutilum and H. rubiginosum var. microsporum are described as new records from Argentina. A dichotomous key to hypoxyloid taxa so far known from Argentina is presented.

A note on Hypoxylon and other aspects of the Xylariaceae

A note on Hypoxylon and other aspects of the Xylariaceae

Biscogniauxia: a genus of latent invaders

The genus Biscogniauxia, a member of the family Xylariaceae, has a worldwide distribution with over 50 taxa recognised. Biscogniauxia mediterranea is well known as the causative agent of charcoal canker in cork oak and is a serious problem in Portugal. Other species also cause canker under specific conditions. There is good evidence that these species occur in healthy living trees as endophytes and then become invasive under water stress conditions. The ability of B. nummularia, B. nothofagi and B. uniapiculata to cause cankers in Fagus, Nothofagus and Eucalyptus respectively is reported here.

Chemotaxonomy of Entonaema, Rhopalostroma and other Xylariaceae* * Dedicated to Heidrun Anke (Kaiserslautern), on the occasion of her 60th birthday.

Chemotaxonomy of Entonaema, Rhopalostroma and other Xylariaceae* * Dedicated to Heidrun Anke (Kaiserslautern), on the occasion of her 60th birthday.

Surculiseries rugispora gen. et sp. nov., a new endophytic mitosporic fungus from leaves of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Surculiseries rugispora gen. et sp. nov. is described as an endophytic fungus from leaves ofBruguiera gymnorrhiza in mangrove forests in the Iriomote Is., Okinawa, Japan. This fungus develops peculiar conditiongenous cells that resemble octopus legs with obvious sucker-like scars, and produces lentiform conidia with lines on surface. Sequence analysis of 18S rDNA places this new fungus in the family Xylariaceae and shows its close affinity to the genusAscotricha (anamorph:Dicyma).

Discoxylaria myrmecophila and its Hypocreodendron anamorph

Discoxylaria is shown to be a distinctive ge? nus of family Xylariaceae (Ascomycetes, Pyrenomy? cetes, Sphaeriales). Its Hypocreodendron anamorph is hyphomycetous rather than coelomycetous as origi- nally reported. Conidia are produced holoblastically; the conidiogenous locus proliferates by a variation of the percurrent mode.

Thuemenella and Sarawakus

The anamorph of Thuemenella cubispora is shown to be a species of Nodulisporium, and T. cubispora is referred to the Xylariales, Xylariaceae. The remaining species of Thuemenella are reevaluated and considered congeneric with Sarawakus lycogaloides. Sarawakus is recognized for members of the Hypocreales, Hypocreaceae, having Hypocrea-like stromata and eight, unicellular, warted or tuberculate, green, pale yellow or rarely colorless ascospores. The following are placed in Sarawakus: Thuemenella brittanica, T.fragilis, T. hexaspora, T. izawae, T. sordida, Hypocrea subtrachycarpa, and H. trachycarpa. The new species Sarawakus roseus is described and illustrated.