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AbstractA fungal strain designated KNUF-22-014, belonging to the family Ophiocordycipitaceae, was isolated from a soil sample collected in Sobaeksan National Park, South Korea. Phylogenetic trees based on the combined sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the large subunit of 28S rRNA (LSU) gene, as well as on five concatenated loci (LSU, ITS, translation elongation factor 1α, β-tubulin, and subunit 1 of RNA polymerase II), revealed that the isolate falls within the clade containing the genus Tolypocladiumbut occupies a distinct phylogenetic position. Its closest relative is T. tropicale. Morphologically, strain KNUF-22-014 can be distinguished from T. tropicaleby the shape of its phialides (subcylindrical vs. lageniform), its conidiophore type (arborescent or unbranched vs. trichodermatoid), and its larger conidia size (2.1 ± 0.1 µm vs. 1.5 ± 0.1 µm). Phylogenetic analysis and morphological observations indicate that KNUF-22-014 represents a novel species in the genus Tolypocladium, for which the name Tolypocladium sobaeksanensesp. nov. is proposed.

AbstractThe order Chaetothyriales encompasses black yeasts and related fungi known for their diverse morphologies, asexual reproduction, and habitat preferences. In this study, we isolated two fungal strains belonging to Chaetothyriales, designated KNUF-23-13A and KNUF-22-020, from a longhorn beetle (Cyrtoclytus capra) and soil sample, respectively, in Korea. Phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions and partial sequences of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA, β-tubulin (TUB2), and actin (ACT) genes revealed that the strains were grouped with strains of Trichomeriumand Exophiala, respectively. For strain KNUF-23-13A, cultural and morphological differences were observed in the shape and size of mycelium between it and its phylogenetically closest species, Trichomerium lapideumCGMCC 3.17311T, supporting the novelty of this isolated species. In the case of strain KNUF-22-020, the cultural and morphological characteristics were similar to those previously reported for E. radicisP2854T. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses, we revealed KNUF-23-13A as a novel species, which we describe and name T. koreanumsp. nov., and KNUF-22-020 as Exophiala radicis, a previously unreported species in Korea.

AbstractThe species within the family Cunninghamellaceae during an investigation of soil microfungi in Korea, in which three strains were isolated from Gangwon, Chungbuk, and Gyeongbuk provinces, designated as KNUF-22-121A, KNUF-22-126A, and KNUF-22-316, respectively. Because the morphological and molecular analyses of these three strains were identical, KNUF-22-316 underwent further detailed study. Phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region and the large subunit 28S rRNA gene revealed that the strain belonged to the genus Absidia, but occupied a distinct phylogenetic position. The strain KNUF-22-316 was compared with closely related species Absidia radiataCGMCC 3.16257Tand Absidia yunnanensisCGMCC 3.16259T, morphologically different with shorter sporangiophores, smaller sporangia and columellae, and the consistent presence of collars. Here, we provide a detailed description and images of this proposed new species, which we have named Absidia microsporangiasp. nov.

AbstractThe fungal strain designated as KNUF-21-020, belonging to the genus Triangularia, was isolated from a soil sample collected in the Chungnam province, Korea. Phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated nucleotide sequences of internal transcribed spacer regions and partial sequences of large subunit rRNA, beta-tubulin, and RNA polymerase II subunit genes revealed that the strain was grouped in a clade with Triangulariaspecies. However, it occupied a distinct phylogenetic position. We also observed morphological differences between strain KNUF-21-020 and closely related species. Here, we provided detailed descriptions, illustrations, and discussions regarding the morphological and phylogenetic analyses of the closely related species to support the novelty of this isolated species. The phylogenetic analyses and morphological observations indicate that the strain KNUF-21-020 represents a novel species in the genus Triangularia(family: Podosporaceae). We have designated this species as Triangularia manubriatasp. nov.

AbstractThe fungal strain KNUF-22-18B, belonging to Cucurbitariaceae, was discovered from a stink bug (Hygia lativentris) during the investigation of insect microbiota in Chungnam Province, South Korea. The colonies of the strain KNUF-22-18B were wooly floccose, white to brown in the center on oatmeal agar (OA), and the colonies were buff, margin even, and colorless, reverse white to yellowish toward the center on malt extract agar (MEA). The strain KNUF-22-18B produced pycnidia after 60 days of culturing on potato dextrose agar, but pycnidia were not observed on OA. On the contrary, N. keratinophilaCBS 121759Tabundantly formed superficial pycnidia on OA and MEA after a few days. The strain KNUF-22-18B produced chlamydospores subglobose to globose, mainly in the chain, with a small diameter of 4.4–8.8 μm. At the same time, N. keratinophilaCBS 121759Tdisplayed a globose terminal with a diameter of 8–10 μm. A multilocus phylogeny using the internal transcribed spacer regions, 28S rDNA large subunit, β-tubulin, and RNA polymerase II large subunit genes further validated the uniqueness of the strain. The detailed description and illustration of the proposed species as Neocucurbitaria chlamydosporasp. nov. from Korea was strongly supported by molecular phylogeny.

AbstractThe fungal strain belonging to the genus Monochaetiaof the family Sporocadaceae was isolated from hairy long-horned toad beetle (Moechotypa diphysis) during the screening of microfungi associated with insects from Gangwon Province, Korea. The strain KNUF-6L2F produced white, light brown to dirty black surface, and olivaceous green colonies with the higher growth, while the closest strain M. ilicisKUMCC 15–0520Twere light brown to brown, and M. schimaeSAUCC 212201Tlight brown to brown toward center. The strain KNUF-6L2F produced shorter (5.7–14.0 μm) apical appendages than M. ilicis(6.0–24.0 μm), but similar to M. schimae(7.0–12.5 μm). Three median cells of KNUF-6L2F were light brown to olivaceous green, whereas brown and olivaceous cells were observed from M. ilicisand M. schimae, respectively. And the strain KNUF-6L2F produced larger conidiogenous cells than M. ilicisand M. schimae. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses based on molecular datasets of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1α), and β-tubulin (TUB2) genes corroborated the strain’s originality. Thus, the strain is different from other known Monochaetiaspecies, according to molecular phylogeny and morophology, hence we suggested the new species Monochaetia medianasp. nov. and provided a descriptive illustration.

AbstractIn this study, fungal strains designated as KNUF-22-14A and KNUF-22-15A were isolated from soil samples in Korea. These two strains were identified based on cultural and morphological characteristics as well as phylogenetic analyses and were found to be morphologically and phylogenetically identical. Upon their morphological comparison with closely related species, such as Tolypocladium album, T. amazonense, T. endophyticum, T. pustulatum, and T. tropicale, a difference in the size of short phialides [0.6–2.4(–9.3) × 0.8–1.4 µm] was observed. Meanwhile, these strains had larger conidia (1.2–3.0 × 1.2–3.0 µm) than T. album, T. amazonense, T. endophyticum, and T. tropicaleand smaller conidia than T. pustulatum. Phylogenetic analyses using a multi-locus datasets based on ITS, LSU, and SSU showed that KNUF-22-14A and KNUF-22-15A formed a distinct cluster from previously identified Tolypocladiumspecies. Thus, these fungal strains isolated from soil in Korea are proposed as a novel species according to their characteristics and are named Tolypocladium globosumsp. nov.

AbstractIn this study, a fungal strain KNUF-22-025 belonging to the genus Botryotrichumwas isolated from the soil in Korea. The cultural and morphological characteristics of this strain differed from those of closely related species. On malt extract agar, strain KNUF-22-025 showed slower growth than most of the related species, except B. domesticum. The conidia size (9.6–21.1 × 9.9–18.4 µm) of strain KNUF-22-025 was larger than those of B. piluliferum, B. domesticum, and B. peruvianumbut smaller than those of B. atrogriseumand B. iranicum. Conidiophores in strain KNUF-22-025 (137 µm) were longer than those in other closely related species but shorter than those in B. atrogriseum. Multi-locus analysis of molecular markers, such as ITS, 28S ribosomal DNA, RBP2, and TUB2revealed that strain KNUF-22-025 was distinct from other Botryotrichumspecies. Thus, this strain is proposed as a novel species based on morphological characteristics along with molecular phylogeny and named Botryotrichum luteumsp. nov.

AbstractTwo fungal strains belonging to Ascomycota were discovered in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, during this investigation of soil microfungi and microbiota of insects. The strain KNUF-20-047 produced milky white on the back and a milky creamy center to white toward the margin on the front side of colonies. Conversely, the closest Xenoacremonium falcatusdisplayed a pale luteous to luteous center, white toward margins on the front side, and pale luteous or luteous pigment on the back side, whereas X. recifeiproduced white colonies. The conidiophores of KNUF-20-047 were slightly larger than those of X. falcatus, and the conidia were distinct from X. recifei.Strain KNUF-20-NI-005 produced light brown to subhyaline conidiophores up to 56.0 μm tall, whereas Rhinocladiella ancepsdisplayed golden to dark brown conidiophores up to 350 μm. Strain KNUF-20-NI-005 also produced larger conidia than R. ancepsbut smaller than R. coryliand R. fasciculata. Moreover, the molecular phylogeny strongly supports the detailed description and illustration of each proposed species to be designated as Xenoacremonium minutisporumsp. nov. and Rhinocladiella terrigenumsp. nov. in Korea.

AbstractDuring the screening of Korean microflora, a fungal strain (KNU-PT-1804) belonging to the genus Pestalotiopsiswas isolated from persimmon tree (Diospyros kaki) bark collected from North Gyeongsang Province, Korea. The strain, KNU-PT-1804, produced smaller conidia compared with related species P. kenyana, P. neglecta, and P. telopeae. The novelty of the strain was confirmed based on phylogenetic analysis using molecular datasets of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, β-tubulin (TUB2), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1α) genes. Molecular phylogeny strongly supports that the strain is distinct from previously known Pestalotiopsisspecies, and we proposed the novel species, Pestalotiopsis kakisp. nov., and provide a detailed description and illustration.

AbstractThe strains 17E-042, 17E-039, and NC13-171 belong to Ascomycota and were isolated from soil collected from Sancheong-gun and Yeongam-gun, Korea. The strain 17E-042 produced white mycelial colonies that developed a sienna color with a round margin on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and the reverse side developed a light sienna color. Morphologically, this strain was similar to the strains of Arthrinium phragmitesand A. hydei, but the shorter conidial size of the newly identified strain (17E-042) was distinct. The strain 17E-039 produced macroconidia that were pale yellow to orange-brown, elongated-ellipsoid to oblong, round at both ends, primarily straight but sometimes slightly curved, 0-septate, thin-walled, and filled with numerous droplets, having diameters of 20.4–34.3 × 8.0–12.0 μm. And the strain NC13-171 formed hyaline to light brown chlamydospores, solitary or in a chain. Multigene phylogenetic analyses were conducted using sequence data obtained from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, 28S rDNA large subunit (LSU), β-tubulin (TUB2), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α), and RNA polymerase II large subunit (RPB2) genes. The results of molecular phylogeny, the detailed descriptions and illustrations of each species strongly support our proposal that these strains from soil in Korea be designated as Arthrinium minutisporumsp. nov. and two new records of Pezicula neosporulosaand Acrocalymma pterocarpi.

AbstractThree fungal strains belonging to the class Sordariomycetes were isolated from soils collected from Gyeongsangbuk-do in Korea. They were identified as Cephalotrichum hinnuleum(UD CT 1-3-3 and KNU-19GWF1) and Thelonectria chlamydosporasp. nov. (UD ST 1-2-1). T. chlamydosporasp. nov. was morphologically identical to T. truncata, but its specific macroconidial dimensions, lower number of septations, and chlamydospore diameter render it distinct from the strains of the genus Thelonectria. The strains UD CT 1-3-3 and KNU-19GWF1 were developed flat, velvety to felty, and golden gray to brown-gray after 14 days of incubation at 25 °C on PDA. These strains were produced polyblastic conidiogenous cells and conidia were pale brown to brown, smooth, thin-walled, subglobose to ellipsoidal, arranged in chains, and the diameters of 6.7–9.0 × 3.7–5.1 μm. The strains were also confirmed by using the multi-locus genes using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, partial large subunit (LSU), translation elongation factor 1α (TEF1-α), β-tubulin (TUB2), and actin (ACT) genes. This is the discovery of T. chlamydosporasp. nov. and Cephalotrichum hinnuleum, a new record from Korea.

AbstractCladophialophorais characterized by simple hyphomycetes with brown hyphae that give rise to branched chains of pale brown conidia and shows affinities with the Herpotrichiellaceae. A fungal strain belonging to the genus Cladophialophorawas isolated from soil in Daegu, Korea. This strain produces numerous greenish to dark black lanose aerial mycelia with hair like structures. It is morphological similar to C. chaetospira, C. inabaensis, and C. multiseptata;however, the conidiophores and conidia sizes of the newly isolated strain (KNU16-032) are clearly different from them. The novelty of the strain was also confirmed based on phylogenetic analysis using the data sets of the internal transcribed spacer region of and the partial sequence of 28S ribosomal DNA region along with the cultural characteristics. Because morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the strain is distinct from previously known Cladophialophoraspecies, we propose this species as a new species Cladophialophora lanosasp. nov., and provide the detailed descriptions in this study.

AbstractDuring a survey of fungal diversity of the order Mucorales, three zygomycete isolates, CNUFC-YR113-1, CNUFCKNU16-7, and CNUFC-BS1-1 were isolated from freshwater and soil samples in Korea. The strains were analyzed both morphologically and phylogenetically based on internal transcribed spacer and 28S rDNA gene sequences. Based on their morphology and phylogeny, the CNUFC-YR113-1 and CNUFC-KNU16-7 isolates were identified as Actinomucor elegans, and CNUFC-BS1-1 was identified as Mucor minutus. To the best of our knowledge, the species A. elegansand M. minutus, belonging to an undiscovered taxon, have not been previously described in Korea.

Four Cladobotryumisolates were collected from four different commercially grown mushroom types infected with cobweb disease in Cheongdo-gun and Chilgok-gun of Gyeongbuk Province, Korea in 2010. The isolates were identified as C. mycophilumfrom Agaricus bisporusand Pleurotus eryngii, C. variumfrom Flammulina velutipesand Hypsizygus marmoreus. The cultural characteristics of the four isolates were investigated using potato dextrose agar (PDA) media under nine different temperatures ranging from 5~32°C. Rapid growth of the isolates to colony diameters of 47~82 mm was observed at conditions of 18~22°C. No growth was observed at 32°C. C. mycophilumproduced a yellowish red pigment while C. variumproduced a cream colored pigment after cultivation for 25 days on PDA. Phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region and partial 28S rDNA from the four isolates confirmed they were C. mycophilumand C. varium. Cross pathogenicity tests revealed that the two isolates of C. mycophilumwere highly pathogenic toward three mushroom types, but not toward H. marmoreus. The two isolates of C. variumwere less pathogenic than those of C. mycophilum, but were pathogenic toward all mushroom types evaluated.

AbstractMarssonina coronariaassociated with apple blotch disease causes severe premature defoliation, and is widely distributed in Korea. Thirteen isolates were collected from orchards located in Gyeongbuk Province from 2005~2007. All isolates displayed over 99.6% and 99.2% sequence similarity to each other in internal transcribed spacer regions and partial sequences of 28S rDNA, respectively. The isolates were phylogenetically closely related to Chinese isolates. Selected isolates did not differ in their pathogenicity. The optimum conditions for fungal growth were 20°C and pH 6 on peptone potato dextrose agar (PPDA). Peptone and mannose were the best nitrogen and carbon source, respectively. Fungal growth was better on PPDA than on common potato dextrose agar. This study provides valuable information for integrated disease management program and facilitates the routine culturing of M. coronaria.

Coriolus versicolor, is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms due its various biologically active components. This study was conducted to obtain basic information regarding the mycelial culture conditions of C. versicolor. Based on the culture, and MCM media were suitable for the mycelial growth of the mushroom. The optimum carbon and nitrogen sources were dextrin and yeast extract, respectively, and the optimum C/N ratio was 10 to 2 when 2% glucose was used. Other minor components required for optimal growth included thiamine-HCl and biotin as vitamins, succinic acid, lactic acid and citric acid as organic acids, as well as MgSO4·7H2O as mineral salts.

This study was carried out to determine the possibility of bottle cultivation utilizing recycled oyster mushroom culture waste as a cultivating substrate for P. ostreatus. Total nitrogen percentage was 0.76%, 1.13%, 1.16%, 1.36%, and 1.38% in the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-time mixed substrate, respectively; 0.95%, 1.04%, 1.34%, 1.36%, and 1.25% in the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-time postharvest substrate, respectively; and 0.72% and 0.68% in the 2- and 3-time nonadditive substrate, respectively. Weight of the fresh fruiting body harvest was 115 g, 120 g, 117 g, 118 g, and 114 g on 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-time mixed substrate, respectively; and 105 g and 45 g on 2- and 3-time nonadditive substrate, respectively. The first mixed substrate (fresh) and recycled substrates generated no significant difference in the weight of fresh fruiting bodies harvested.

AbstractFrom June to October 2012, severe outbreaks of rust disease on Solidago virgaureavar. giganteawere observed in 5 different regions of Ulleung-do, Korea. Typical rust symptoms appeared as yellow spots, uredinia on leaves, and massive urediniospores covering the entire plant. Severely infected plants became discolored and died. On the basis of its morphological and molecular characteristics, the causal agent was identified as Coleosporium asterum. This pathogen has been reported as rust disease on S. virgaureain the Canada and United States. In Korea, rust disease on S. virgaureavar. giganteawas reported as Uromyces rudbeckiain 1992. To the best of our knowledge, C. asterumis a novel rust pathogen on S. virgaureavar. giganteain Korea.