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Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) holds significant commercial and dietary importance as a major source of edible oil and protein in Turkey. Stem, collar or root rot, caused by several fungal disease agent, are serious soil-borne diseases of peanut. Accurate and precise identification of the disease agent provides fundamental and precise information for integrated plant management. During the period from June to September 2021, symptoms consistent with collar rot disease, including dark-brown stem rot, chlorotic leaves, wilting, and eventual whole plant death, were observed on peanut plants cultivated in the different districts of Osmaniye Province of Turkey. The disease incidence ranged from 8.0 to 45.0% in the inspected fields with an average of 3.4% overall. Twenty-four single-spore representative isolates were obtained from surface-disinfected symptomatic tissues. Morphological characteristics of fungal mycelium, conidial and pycnidial structures on potato sucrose agar (PSA) and water agar (WA) closely resembled those described for Lasiodiplodia spp. All isolates caused typical collar rot symptoms upon artificial inoculation of peanut seedlings. Morphological identification of Lasiodiplodia spp. isolates was corroborated by MALDI-TOF and molecular analyses utilizing sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin 2 (tub2) and translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF1-α) loci. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the representative fungal isolates (MKUBK-B1 and MKUBK-K22) belong to Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of L. pseudotheobromae infecting peanut plants in Turkey. This work is expected to contribute to previously limited knowledge regarding the host range, incidence and prevalence of L. pseudotheobromae as a soilborne pathogen of peanuts. Due to the potential destructiveness and broad host range of this pathogen, it is essential to develop new strategies to establish more reliable, environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective management approaches for this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botryosphaeriaceae fungi cause infections that generate disease symptoms in plants in extreme environments. The present study identified the causal agent of dieback disease on lebbeck trees in Saudi Arabia. Albizia lebbeck trees showed widespread dieback, decline and cracking symptoms of samples taken during a Qassim University, Saudi Arabia survey. The survey showed that over 80% of lebbeck trees showed wilted roots, stem cankers and death of wilted trees. Fungal colonies were obtained from symptomatic tissues cultured on water agar for 3 weeks at 25°C. Elongation factor alpha (EF1‐728 F, AL33R), ITS (ITS4) and LSU (128) regions of the rDNA operon and the partial beta‐tubulin gene (tub2; Bt2aF, Bt2bR) were sequenced for molecular identification. Based on morphological and molecular characterization, the pathogen was identified as Neoscytalidium dimidiatum. During the pathogenicity investigation, the fungus re‐isolated from the infected seedlings expressed the same morphological characteristics on the culture media as the N. dimidiatum isolate. A host range study involving six tree species inoculation with N. dimidiatum caused wilting and death in three plants. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report on N. dimidiatum in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is an economically important fruit tree in Beijing, China. However, canker diseases have become one of the main threats to apricot production. In the present study, a field survey was conducted in apricot orchards in Beijing and the disease incidence of apricots was surveyed (75.7%). Thirty fungal strains were isolated from branches of apricots. Five species were identified through multilocus phylogenetic (rDNA internal transcribed spacer [ITS], large subunit [LSU] and tef1‐a for Botryosphaeriales; ITS, act, rpb2, tef1‐a and tub2 for Cytospora) and morphological analyses, including two new species (Cytospora huairouensis and C. prunina) and three known species (C. leucostoma, Diplodia gallae and Phaeobotryon rhois). C. leucostoma and P. rhois were identified as the causal agents of canker of apricot by pathogenicity tests conducted on 3‐year‐old plants in the greenhouse. The current study contributed to a theoretical basis for predicting the potential risk of apricot canker in Beijing, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ophiopogon japonicus (Asparagaceae) is a perennial grass species which can be cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant. From April 2021 to September 2022, a serious leaf blight disease of O. japonicus was discovered in Rizhao City, Shandong Province, China. The initial disease symptoms were small yellow spots, finally developing as tip blight, often associated with many small, black, semi-immersed pycnidial conidiomata formed in lesions. To obtain isolates of the causal agent for this disease, samples were randomly collected from O. japonicus diseased leaves in Rizhao City. In total 97 Phyllosticta isolates were obtained from samples, and studied using morphological features and multilocus phylogenetic analyses of a combined dataset using the internal transcribed spacers (ITS), the 28S large subunit of ribosomal RNA (LSU), and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef), actin (act) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh) loci. Phylogenetically, these Phyllosticta isolates formed a clade in the P. concentrica species complex, and clustered with P. pilospora and P. spinarum. Morphologically, isolates in this clade differed from P. pilospora and P. spinarum by the size of conidiogenous cells and conidia, and the absence of an apical conidial appendage. As a result, these isolates were described as a novel species Phyllosticta rizhaoensis. Pathogenicity was confirmed using Koch's postulates, which showed that P. rizhaoensis could induce leaf blight symptoms on O. japonicus in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woody oil plants are important economic trees which are widely cultivated and distributed throughout China. Surveys conducted during 2020 and 2021 on several woody oil plantations from five regions of Sichuan Province, China, revealed a high diversity of Botryosphaerialean fungi. The identification of 50 botryosphaeriaceous isolates was carried out based on both morphology and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef1) and ß-tubulin gene (tub2). This allowed the identification of twelve previously known Botryosphaeriales species: Aplosporella prunicola, A. ginkgonis, Barriopsis tectonae, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Bo. fabicerciana, Diplodia mutila, Di. seriata, Dothiorella sarmentorum, Neofusicoccum parvum, Sardiniella guizhouensis, Sphaeropsis citrigena, and Sp. guizhouensis, and four novel species belonging to the genera Diplodia and Dothiorella, viz. Di. acerigena, Di. pistaciicola, Do. camelliae and Do. zanthoxyli. The dominant species isolated across the surveyed regions were Botryosphaeria dothidea, Sardiniella guizhouensis and Diplodia mutila, representing 20%, 14% and 12% of the total isolates, respectively. In addition, most isolates were obtained from Pistacia chinensis (14 isolates), followed by Camellia oleifera (10 isolates). The present study enhances the understanding of Botryosphaeriales species diversity on woody oil plants in Sichuan Province, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi from Pseudofusicoccum (Phyllostictaceae, Botryosphaeriales) have been reported as pathogens, endophytes, or saprophytes from various woody plants in different countries. Recently, Botryosphaeriales isolates were obtained from the dead twigs of Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus spp., Pinus massoniana, and Cunninghamia lanceolata in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian Provinces in southern China. This study aimed to understand the diversity, distribution, and virulence of these Pseudofusicoccum species on these trees. A total of 126 Pseudofusicoccum isolates were obtained, and the incidences of Pseudofusicoccum (percentage of trees that yielded Pseudofusicoccum) on A. mangium, P. massoniana, Eucalyptus spp., and C. lanceolata were 21%, 2.6%, 0.5%, and 0%, respectively. Based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), and β-tubulin (tub2) loci, 75% of the total isolates were identified as P. kimberleyense, and the remaining isolates were identified as P. violaceum. For P. kimberleyense, the majority of isolates (83%) were from A. mangium, and the rest were from P. massoniana (14%) and Eucalyptus spp. (3%). Similarly, the proportion of isolates of P. violaceum from A. mangium, P. massoniana, and Eucalyptus spp. were 84%, 13%, and 3%, respectively. Inoculation trials showed that the two species produced expected lesions on the tested seedlings of A. mangium, E. urophylla × E. grandis, and P. elliottii. This study provides fundamental information on Pseudofusicoccum associated with diseases in main plantations in southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From June through October 2020, symptoms of a branch blight disease were observed on Physocarpus amurensis plants in Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China. Leaves on infected branches were chlorotic, with many raised, grey spots forming on the epidermis of diseased branches. Diseased twigs formed semi‐buried, small, spherical pycnidia, which were initially light brown and later turned dark. The pathogen was isolated and its pathogenicity was verified with Koch's postulates. Based on morphological characteristics and DNA sequence data the pathogen was identified as Aplosporella longipes. This is the first report of A. longipes in China and the first report of it causing branch blight disease of P. amurensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lectotype and epitype of Neofusicoccum laricinum proposed in previous studies failed to meet the requirements of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants. Here, we propose a valid lectotype and epitype for this species that meet the requirements of the Code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of an ongoing survey of microfungi associated with garden and ornamental plants in Qijing, Yunnan, China, several saprobic fungal taxa were isolated from Magnolia grandiflora. Both morphological and combined SSU, LSU, ITS, tef1, and rpb2 locus phylogenetic analyses (maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analyses) were carried out to identify the fungal taxa. Three new species are introduced in Pleosporales, viz., Lonicericola qujingensis (Parabambusicolaceae), Phragmocamarosporium magnoliae, and Periacma qujingensis (Lentitheciaceae). Botryosphaeria dothidea, Diplodia mutila, and Diplodia seriata (in Botryosphaeriaceae) are reported from Magnolia grandiflora for the first time in China. Angustimassarina populi (Amorosiaceae) is reported for the first time on M. grandiflora from China, and this is the first report of a member of this genus outside Europe. Shearia formosa is also reported for the first time on M. grandiflora from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of an ongoing survey of microfungi associated with garden and ornamental plants in Qijing, Yunnan, China, several saprobic fungal taxa were isolated from Magnolia grandiflora. Both morphological and combined SSU, LSU, ITS, tef1, and rpb2 locus phylogenetic analyses (maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analyses) were carried out to identify the fungal taxa. Three new species are introduced in Pleosporales, viz., Lonicericola qujingensis (Parabambusicolaceae), Phragmocamarosporium magnoliae, and Periacma qujingensis (Lentitheciaceae). Botryosphaeria dothidea, Diplodia mutila, and Diplodia seriata (in Botryosphaeriaceae) are reported from Magnolia grandiflora for the first time in China. Angustimassarina populi (Amorosiaceae) is reported for the first time on M. grandiflora from China, and this is the first report of a member of this genus outside Europe. Shearia formosa is also reported for the first time on M. grandiflora from China.

Fungi from Pseudofusicoccum (Phyllostictaceae, Botryosphaeriales) have been reported as pathogens, endophytes, or saprophytes from various woody plants in different countries. Recently, Botryosphaeriales isolates were obtained from the dead twigs of Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus spp., Pinus massoniana, and Cunninghamia lanceolata in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian Provinces in southern China. This study aimed to understand the diversity, distribution, and virulence of these Pseudofusicoccum species on these trees. A total of 126 Pseudofusicoccum isolates were obtained, and the incidences of Pseudofusicoccum (percentage of trees that yielded Pseudofusicoccum) on A. mangium, P. massoniana, Eucalyptus spp., and C. lanceolata were 21%, 2.6%, 0.5%, and 0%, respectively. Based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), and β-tubulin (tub2) loci, 75% of the total isolates were identified as P. kimberleyense, and the remaining isolates were identified as P. violaceum. For P. kimberleyense, the majority of isolates (83%) were from A. mangium, and the rest were from P. massoniana (14%) and Eucalyptus spp. (3%). Similarly, the proportion of isolates of P. violaceum from A. mangium, P. massoniana, and Eucalyptus spp. were 84%, 13%, and 3%, respectively. Inoculation trials showed that the two species produced expected lesions on the tested seedlings of A. mangium, E. urophylla × E. grandis, and P. elliottii. This study provides fundamental information on Pseudofusicoccum associated with diseases in main plantations in southern China.

The genus Botryosphaeria includes more than 200 epithets, but only the type species, Botryosphaeria dothidea and a dozen or more other species have been identified based on DNA sequence data. The taxonomic status of the other species remains unconfirmed because they lack either morphological information or DNA sequence data. In this study, types or authentic specimens of 16 " Botryosphaeria " species are reassessed to clarify their identity and phylogenetic position. nu DNA sequences of four regions, ITS, LSU, tef1-α and tub2 , are analyzed and considered in combination with morphological characteristics. Based on the multigene phylogeny and morphological characters, Botryosphaeria cruenta and Botryosphaeria hamamelidis are transferred to Neofusicoccum. The generic status of Botryosphaeria aterrima and Botryosphaeria mirabile is confirmed in Botryosphaeria. Botryosphaeria berengeriana var. weigeliae and B. berengeriana var. acerina are treated synonyms of B. dothidea. Botryosphaeria mucosa is transferred to Neodeightonia as Neodeightonia mucosa , and Botryosphaeria ferruginea to Nothophoma as Nothophoma ferruginea. Botryosphaeria foliicola is reduced to synonymy with Phyllachorella micheliae. Botryosphaeria abuensis , Botryosphaeria aesculi , Botryosphaeria dasylirii , and Botryosphaeria wisteriae are tentatively kept in Botryosphaeria sensu stricto until further phylogenetic analysis is carried out on verified specimens. The ordinal status of Botryosphaeria apocyni , Botryosphaeria gaubae , and Botryosphaeria smilacinina cannot be determined, and tentatively accommodate these species in Dothideomycetes incertae sedis. The study demonstrates the significance of a polyphasic approach in characterizing type specimens, including the importance of using of DNA sequence data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Botryosphaeria includes more than 200 epithets, but only the type species, Botryosphaeria dothidea and a dozen or more other species have been identified based on DNA sequence data. The taxonomic status of the other species remains unconfirmed because they lack either morphological information or DNA sequence data. In this study, types or authentic specimens of 16 “Botryosphaeria” species are reassessed to clarify their identity and phylogenetic position. nuDNA sequences of four regions, ITS, LSU, tef1-α and tub2, are analyzed and considered in combination with morphological characteristics. Based on the multigene phylogeny and morphological characters, Botryosphaeria cruenta and Botryosphaeria hamamelidis are transferred to Neofusicoccum. The generic status of Botryosphaeria aterrima and Botryosphaeria mirabile is confirmed in Botryosphaeria. Botryosphaeria berengeriana var. weigeliae and B. berengeriana var. acerina are treated synonyms of B. dothidea. Botryosphaeria mucosa is transferred to Neodeightonia as Neodeightonia mucosa, and Botryosphaeria ferruginea to Nothophoma as Nothophoma ferruginea. Botryosphaeria foliicola is reduced to synonymy with Phyllachorella micheliae. Botryosphaeria abuensis, Botryosphaeria aesculi, Botryosphaeria dasylirii, and Botryosphaeria wisteriae are tentatively kept in Botryosphaeria sensu stricto until further phylogenetic analysis is carried out on verified specimens. The ordinal status of Botryosphaeria apocyni, Botryosphaeria gaubae, and Botryosphaeria smilacinina cannot be determined, and tentatively accommodate these species in Dothideomycetes incertae sedis. The study demonstrates the significance of a polyphasic approach in characterizing type specimens, including the importance of using of DNA sequence data.

The lectotype and epitype of Neofusicoccum laricinum proposed in previous studies failed to meet the requirements of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants. Here, we propose a valid lectotype and epitype for this species that meet the requirements of the Code., (2024, by The Mycological Society of Japan.)

Numerous new taxa and classifications of Dothideomycetes have been published following the last monograph of families of Dothideomycetes in 2013. A recent publication by Honsanan et al. in 2020 expanded information of families in Dothideomycetidae and Pleosporomycetidae with modern classifications. In this paper, we provide a refined updated document on orders and families incertae sedis of Dothideomycetes. Each family is provided with an updated description, notes, including figures to represent the morphology, a list of accepted genera, and economic and ecological significances. We also provide phylogenetic trees for each order. In this study, 31 orders which consist 50 families are assigned as orders incertae sedis in Dothideomycetes, and 41 families are treated as families incertae sedis due to lack of molecular or morphological evidence. The new order, Catinellales, and four new families, Catinellaceae, Morenoinaceae Neobuelliellaceae and Thyrinulaceae are introduced. Seven genera (Neobuelliella, Pseudomicrothyrium, Flagellostrigula, Swinscowia, Macroconstrictolumina, Pseudobogoriella, and Schummia) are introduced. Seven new species (Acrospermum urticae, Bogoriella complexoluminata, Dothiorella ostryae, Dyfrolomyces distoseptatus, Macroconstrictolumina megalateralis, Patellaria microspora, and Pseudomicrothyrium thailandicum) are introduced base on morphology and phylogeny, together with two new records/reports and five new collections from different families. Ninety new combinations are also provided in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava is a starch-rich, high-calorie tuberous root used as human and animal food, as well as an input material in various industries. Black root rot (BRR) and stem cutting dry rot (SCDR) are cassava diseases that compromise product quality and can greatly reduce crop yields. Consequently, the aim of this study was to identify Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with both diseases in areas of the northeast of Brazil and in areas of the Minas Gerais State in the southeast of the country and infer a correlation between them. Fungal species were identified by morphology combined with phylogenetic analyses of partial sequences of translation elongation factor 1 alpha (tef1-α), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and RNA polymerase subunit II (rpb2). Five species were identified as being associated with both BRR and SCDR (Lasiodiplodia euphorbicola, L. hormozganensis, L. parva, L. theobromae, and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum), while five others were associated only with SCDR (L. brasiliense, L. caatinguensis, L. iraniensis, L. laeliocattleyae, and L. pseudotheobromae). All species identified in this survey were able to induce disease in cassava roots and seedlings. In decreasing order, the most frequently isolated species were L. theobromae, N. dimidiatum, and L. euphorbicola. This is the first report of L. brasiliense, L. caatinguensis, L. hormozganensis, L. iraniensis, L. laeliocattleyae, and L. parva associated with cassava diseases worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey of conifer-associated fungi from the Acadian forest in Eastern Canada, an unidentified endophyte species was isolated from surface-sterilized red spruce (Picea rubens) needles. Conidiomata developed in vitro and produced dimorphic conidia, which provided morphological evidence of its position within Botryosphaeriales. Corresponding conidiomata were also observed on a dead red spruce twig. Phylogenetic analyses using nuc internal transcribed spacer rDNA (ITS) and partial 28S nuc rDNA (LSU) sequences confirmed its relationship within Botryosphaeriales, in a polytomy containing Saccharataceae and Septorioideaceae. Based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, we describe a novel monotypic genus and species as Pileospora piceae, tentatively placed within Septorioideaceae. ITS similarity shows P. piceae was previously detected in an unrelated study as an unidentified fungal endophyte of black spruce (Picea mariana) from Eastern Quebec. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidence of branch dieback of macadamia with characteristic symptoms including dark necrotic lesions on the wood and blackening of the vascular tissue is increasing in commercial macadamia orchards in the south-eastern production regions in Australia. In many cases, disease progresses from the branch to the main trunk resulting in total tree death and reduced orchard productivity. Previously, only Botryosphaeria ribis was associated with branch dieback of macadamia, however, recent observations suggest other species in the Botryosphaeriaceae may be involved. This study aimed to identify the causal agents of branch dieback of macadamia and examine their pathogenicity on a main macadamia cultivar (HAES 246). Thirty-four representative Botryosphaeriaceae isolates, obtained from over 150 samples of branch dieback symptoms on macadamia trees, were identified using the partial sequence of the internal transcribed spacer of the rDNA and partial sequences of β-tubulin and elongation factor gene regions. Six species in the Botryosphaeriaceae were identified. Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae (n = 18; 53%) was the most prevalent species, followed by Neofusiccocum parvum (n = 5; 14%), L. iraniensis (n = 4; 12%), N. luteum and L. theobromae (n = 3; 9% each) and N. australe (n = 1; 3%). Using an in planta assay, pathogenicity tests showed that all six species caused dieback and necrotic lesion symptoms on macadamia plants. Inoculated plants died within 4 weeks of inoculation, showing the characteristic symptoms (blackening of the wood tissue). Inoculation trials revealed differences in aggressiveness among the six species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem blight and dieback caused by species of the Botryosphaeriales are important diseases of blueberry worldwide. In recent years, stem blight and dieback symptoms have been increasingly observed affecting blueberry production in Australia. Thirty samples were collected from symptomatic plants in an orchard at Corindi NSW, a major blueberry growing region. In addition, samples from symptomatic blueberry plants were submitted by growers to the Plant Health Diagnostic Service, NSW Department of Primary Industries from eight orchards in New South Wales (NSW), and a single orchard in Western Australia (WA). Culture isolations, DNA sequencing and pathogenicity testing were undertaken to determine the species causing the disease. Fifty-two isolates were recovered in total, forty-eight from NSW, and four from WA. A multi-locus sequencing approach was used to assist species identification including the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA including 5.8S (ITS), partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α), and DNA-directed RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2). Eight species from three genera were identified; the most common was Neofusicoccum parvum (n = 34), followed by N. kwambonambiense (n = 7), N. occulatum (n = 5), L. theobromae (n = 2), Botryosphaeria dothidea (n = 1), N. australe (n = 1), N. macroclavatum (n = 1) and Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae (n = 1). The pathogenicity testing showed all isolates produced lesions on blueberry stems. This study provides the first survey of Botryosphaeriales causing blueberry stem blight and dieback in Australia, and is a valuable resource for plant pathologists and growers trying to manage the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several Botryosphaeriaceae species have been reported to cause stem canker, twig blight and dieback of blueberries, with different species being reported in different parts of the world. Pruning wounds are regarded as primary infection sites for these pathogens. This research evaluated in vitro and in vivo efficacy of fungicides against the main Neofusicoccum species associated with blueberry dieback in New Zealand. In vitro evaluation showed that four out of the nine fungicides tested were effective at reducing mycelial growth and/or conidial germination and germ tube growth of three pathogenic isolates each of N. australe, N. luteum, N. parvum and N. ribis. In vivo evaluation carried out with fungicides on wounded and non-wounded plant tissues on potted and field blueberry plants showed that carbendazim and tebuconazole were the most effective for protecting blueberry plants from infection by Neofusicoccum species. This research showed the importance of protecting both wounded and non-wounded tissues, with more than one application of fungicides likely to be required to provide effective control of the disease under natural inoculum levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In January 2017, symptoms of a leaf-spot disease were observed on Viscum coloratum plants in Yichun, China. The infected leaves were chlorotic, while sunken lesions formed on diseased branches, which were initially light brown and later turned dark brown. Moreover, diseased branches and leaves formed semi-buried, small, and spherical pycnidia. In total, 20 leaves and 19 branches diseased samples from Yichun, China were collected and examined. The fungus was isolated and identified using Koch’s postulates, morphological characteristics and DNA sequence data. The data presented herein confirmed that the pathogen responsible for the disease was Sphaeropsis visci. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of it in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi in the Botryosphaeriales (Ascomycetes) are common endophytes in woody plants with a wide global distribution and in some cases they are important tree pathogens. The aim of this study was to consider the possible cause of die-back on native coastal red milkwood (Mimusops caffra) trees growing on the east coast of South Africa. Samples were taken from symptomatic tissue and isolations were made. The resulting isolates were identified based on DNA sequence data from the rDNA-ITS, translation elongation factor 1-α and β-tubulin loci. Two new species in the Botryosphaeriales, namely Neofusicoccum variabile sp. nov. and Pseudofusicoccum africanum sp. nov., were found together with an isolate of N. mangroviorum. Neofusicoccum mangroviorum produced significantly longer lesions than the other two species and the control inoculations in pathogenicity tests and it appears to be the cause of the die-back disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Botryosphaeriales includes serious plant pathogens with a broad host and geographic distribution globally. In South Africa and Namibia, these fungi include important pathogens of native and non-native woody plants, and have consequently been studied extensively. Here we synthesize the information from the previous studies, particularly in the last decade, that report 62 species in the Botryosphaeriales from 66 hosts across South Africa and Namibia. Of these, 52 species have been reported from native hosts, 17 are from non-native hosts and twelve of these species occur on both native and non-native trees in the region. Much of the diversity of the Botryosphaeriales can be ascribed to native species that have fairly limited host and geographic ranges. Neofusicoccum parvum is amongst the most common species on both native and non-native hosts and it is thought to be native to the region. In contrast, Botryosphaeria dothidea, which is certainly an introduced species, is also widespread, and is very common on both native and non-native plants. Overall this synthesis underscores the growing understanding of the diversity of an important group of tree pathogens, their apparently common global spread as latent agents of disease, as well as their apparently common movement between commercial and native ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some species of the Botryosphaeriaceae are capable of infecting a broad range of host plants. We studied the species diversity of Botryosphaeriaceae associated with marula ( Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra , Anacardiaceae ) trees in South Africa over two seasons, as well as species common to both S. birrea and adjacent mango ( Mangifera indica , Anacardiaceae ) trees in a subset of sites. Gene flow amongst populations of Botryosphaeriaceae shared on these tree species was tested using microsatellite markers. Twelve species were identified from S. birrea and eleven species were found on M. indica trees. From isolations done in 2006, the dominant species on S. birrea was Neofusicoccum vitifusiforme , while N. parvum was the dominant species isolated from M. indica . Neofusicoccum parvum was dominant in isolations from both hosts in 2012. Isolates of Botryosphaeria fabicerciana , Lasiodiplodia mahajangana , L. pseudotheobromae , L. theobromae , N. mediterraneum , and N. umdonicola were also collected from both hosts. Population genetic analyses on isolates of N. parvum suggested that three populations were present, each comprising isolates from both hosts. There was significant gene flow between N. parvum populations on these hosts. This ability to infect multiple hosts and to migrate amongst them facilitates the establishment and spread of species and genotypes of the Botryosphaeriaceae , such as N. parvum , in new areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourty-three species of microfungi from bamboo are treated, including one new family, Occultibambusaceae, three new genera, Neoanthostomella, Occultibambusa and Seriascoma, 27 new species, one renamed species and 15 re-described or re-illustrated species, and four designated reference specimens are treated in this paper, the majority of which are saprobic on dead culms. To determine species identification, separate phylogenetical analyses for each group are carried out, based on molecular data from this study and sequences downloaded from GenBank. Morphologically similar species and phylogenetically close taxa are compared and discussed. In addition a list of bambusicolous fungi published since Hyde and colleagues in 2002 is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woody oil plants are important economic trees which are widely cultivated and distributed throughout China. Surveys conducted during 2020 and 2021 on several woody oil plantations from five regions of Sichuan Province, China, revealed a high diversity of Botryosphaerialean fungi. The identification of 50 botryosphaeriaceous isolates was carried out based on both morphology and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene ( tef1 ) and β-tubulin gene ( tub2 ). This allowed the identification of twelve previously known Botryosphaeriales species: Aplosporellaprunicola , A.ginkgonis , Barriopsistectonae , Botryosphaeriadothidea , Bo.fabicerciana , Diplodiamutila , Di.seriata , Dothiorellasarmentorum , Neofusicoccumparvum , Sardiniellaguizhouensis , Sphaeropsiscitrigena , and Sp.guizhouensis , and four novel species belonging to the genera Diplodia and Dothiorella , viz. Di.acerigena , Di.pistaciicola , Do.camelliae and Do.zanthoxyli . The dominant species isolated across the surveyed regions were Botryosphaeriadothidea , Sardiniellaguizhouensis and Diplodiamutila , representing 20%, 14% and 12% of the total isolates, respectively. In addition, most isolates were obtained from Pistaciachinensis (14 isolates), followed by Camelliaoleifera (10 isolates). The present study enhances the understanding of Botryosphaeriales species diversity on woody oil plants in Sichuan Province, China., (Wen-Li Li, Rui-Ru Liang, Asha J. Dissanayake, Jian-Kui Liu.)

Recent sampling of eastern white pine ( Pinus strobus ) affected by white pine needle defoliation (WPND) within the northeastern U.S. has found that a putative new species, closely related to Septorioides pini-thunbergii, was the most frequently isolated species. Septorioides pini-thunbergii is currently the only known species of its genus in the family Botryosphaeriaceae and is associated with needle cast of Pinus thunbergii in Japan. This study aims to complete a morphological description of the putative new species and use DNA sequence data of six gene loci (SSU, LSU, ITS, β-tubulin, EF1, and RPB2) to accurately place the putative new species within the Botryosphaeriales . Morphological comparisons have shown that this putative new species is distinct from S. pini-thunbergii . Comparison of DNA sequence data has further confirmed our morphological findings, indicating the classification of a new species which we describe as Septorioides strobi sp. nov., marking the first report of the genus Septorioides within the U.S. Subsequently, our phylogenetic analysis has further revealed that S. pini-thunbergii and S. strobi do not reside within the Botryosphaereace , but comprise a new family within the order Botryosphaeriales we recognize as Septorioideaceae fam. nov. Taxonomic novelties : New family – Septorioideaceae S. Wyka & K. Broders fam. nov. New species – Septorioides strobi S. Wyka & K. Broders sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coelomycete with characters resembling the asexual morphs in the family Botryosphaeriaceae was isolated from a fallen leaf of an orchid collected in Thailand. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses placed the strain in Neoscytalidium. Phylogenetic relationships among Neoscytalidium species were inferred by analyzing internal transcribed spacers and large subunit of rRNA sequence data and indicate that our strain is a new species, which is introduced and illustrated herein as Neoscytalidium orchidacearum sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive die-back and mortality of various ornamental trees and shrubs has been observed in parts of the Western Balkans region during the past decade. The disease symptoms have been typical of those caused by pathogens residing in the Botryosphaeriaceae. The aims of this study were to isolate and characterize Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with diseased ornamental trees in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Isolates were initially characterized based on the DNA sequence data for the internal transcribed spacer rDNA and six major clades were identified. Representative isolates from each clade were further characterized using DNA sequence data for the translation elongation factor 1-alpha, β-tubulin-2 and large subunit rRNA gene regions, as well as the morphology of the asexual morphs. Ten species of the Botryosphaeriaceae were identified of which eight, i.e., Dothiorella sarmentorum, Neofusicoccum parvum, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Phaeobotryon cupressi, Sphaeropsis visci, Diplodia seriata, D. sapinea and D. mutila were known taxa. The remaining two species could be identified only as Dothiorella spp. Dichomera syn-asexual morphs of D. sapinea, Dothiorella sp. 2 and B. dothidea, as well as unique morphological characters for a number of the known species are described. Based on host plants and geographic distribution, the majority of Botryosphaeriaceae species found represent new records. The results of this study contribute to our knowledge of the distribution, host associations and impacts of these fungi on trees in urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe ten new taxa for science using mostly both morphological and molecular data. In Ascomycota, descriptions are provided for Bambusistroma didymosporum gen. et spec. nov. (Pleosporales), Neodeightonia licuriensis sp. nov. (Botryosphaeriales) and Camposporium himalayanum sp. nov. (Fungi imperfecti). In Zygomycota, Gongronella guangdongensis sp. nov. (Mucorales) is described. Finally, in Basidiomycota descriptions are provided for Boidinia parva sp. nov. and Russula katarinae sp. nov. (Russsulales), Gloiocephala parvinelumbonifolia sp. nov. (Agaricales), Hypochnicium austrosinensis sp. nov. (Polyporales), Phallus ultraduplicatus sp. nov. (Phallales) and Suillus lariciphilus sp. nov. (Boletales). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One negative consequence of international trade of agricultural commodities is the inadvertent global spread of crop diseases. Yam ( Dioscorea spp.) is a staple food crop in many countries and is traded globally. Most of the commercially traded yams in the United States are imported. In late 2020, samples of yam tubers from a commercial facility were submitted to the plant diagnostic clinic at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, Florida. Samples showed rotten symptoms and were drawn from lots that were marked to be destroyed because the source of the rotting symptoms was unknown. Preliminary isolation showed that a fungus was consistently associated with the symptoms and was confirmed in the subsequent pathogenicity test as the causal agent. The fungus grew profusely on potato dextrose agar (PDA) with highly melanized hyphae. Matured conidia showed longitudinal striations. Based on its growth pattern and morphology, it was suspected that this fungus may be in the genus Lasiodiplodia . DNA-based identification using partial sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin (TUB2), 28S rDNA (LSU), and elongation factor alpha (EF1-α) genes confirmed the identity of the isolates as Lasiodiplodia iraniensis Abdollahz., Zare & A.J.L. Phillips (synonym: L. iranensis ). This is the first report of L. iraniensis affecting yam and has implications for international trade. This finding will provide an important foundation for making quarantine decisions to prevent spread of this disease.

The global expansion of cultivation areas of Jatropha has contributed to the emergence of various diseases. Currently in Brazil, the occurrence of a new disease has been reported that not only reduces the productivity but also causes the death of Jatropha. This disease is associated with collar and root rot of plants. From morphological and phylogenetic studies (based on Internal Transcribed Spacers, β-tubulin and Translation Elongation Factor 1-α sequences), nine species of Botryosphaeriaceae were identified. These species include Lasiodiplodia egyptiacae, L. pseudotheobromae, L. theobromae, Macrophomina phaseolina, Neoscytalidium hyalinum and four Lasiodiplodia spp. that are proposed as new species ( L. euphorbicola, L. jatrophicola, L.macrospora and L. subglobosa). All the species in this study, except M. phaseolina, are pathogenic. The results show that root rot of physic nut plants is caused by complex pathogens. This study provides new information for future studies of disease management, quarantine programs and, especially, the development of resistant varieties for collar and root rot disease in J. curcas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Botryosphaeriaceae represents an important and diverse family of latent fungal pathogens of woody plants. We address the question of host range of these fungi by sampling leaves and branches of four native South African trees, including Acacia karroo (Fabaceae), Celtis africana (Cannabaceae), Searsia lancea (Anacardiaceae), and Gymnosporia buxifolia (Celastraceae). Two new species of the Botryosphaeriaceae, namely Tiarosporella africana sp. nov. and Aplosporella javeedii sp. nov. were identified, together with five known species, including Neofusicoccum parvum, Neofusicoccum kwambonambiense, Spencermartinsia viticola, Diplodia pseudoseriata, and Botryosphaeria dothidea. Most Botryosphaeriaceae occurred on more than one host. With the exception of S. lancea, which was infected by A. javeedii all the hosts were infected by more than one Botryosphaeriaceae species. Collectively, the results suggest that some intrinsic host factors, possibly combined with local environmental conditions, affect the distribution and co-infectivity of various hosts by the Botryosphaeriaceae. This would counteract the general ability of a species in the Botryosphaeriaceae to infect a broad range of plants. The combination of host and environmental factors might also explain why some Botryosphaeriaceae with apparently broad host ranges, are found on different suites of hosts in different areas of the world. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dothideomycetes comprise a highly diverse range of fungi characterized mainly by asci with two wall layers (bitunicate asci) and often with fissitunicate dehiscence. Many species are saprobes, with many asexual states comprising important plant pathogens. They are also endophytes, epiphytes, fungicolous, lichenized, or lichenicolous fungi. They occur in terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats in almost every part of the world. We accept 105 families in Dothideomycetes with the new families Anteagloniaceae, Bambusicolaceae, Biatriosporaceae, Lichenoconiaceae, Muyocopronaceae, Paranectriellaceae, Roussoellaceae, Salsugineaceae, Seynesiopeltidaceae and Thyridariaceae introduced in this paper. Each family is provided with a description and notes, including asexual and asexual states, and if more than one genus is included, the type genus is also characterized. Each family is provided with at least one figure-plate, usually illustrating the type genus, a list of accepted genera, including asexual genera, and a key to these genera. A phylogenetic tree based on four gene combined analysis add support for 64 of the families and 22 orders, including the novel orders, Dyfrolomycetales, Lichenoconiales, Lichenotheliales, Monoblastiales, Natipusillales, Phaeotrichales and Strigulales. The paper is expected to provide a working document on Dothideomycetes which can be modified as new data comes to light. It is hoped that by illustrating types we provide stimulation and interest so that more work is carried out in this remarkable group of fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neoscytalidiumdimidiatum is an opportunistic dematiaceous fungus belonging to the class Dothideomycetes., Case Report: We report a case of N. dimidiatum cerebral phaeohyphomycosis post COVID-19 infection in a 32-year-old male from Iran. The causative agent was identified by cytopathology, routine mycological methods, and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. Apart from COVID-19 complications and the corticosteroid therapy, no underlying condition was diagnosed. The symptoms suggesting the fungal infection were shown two weeks after being discharged from COVID-19 hospital stay. Magnetic resonance of the brain showed a multi-focal central nervous system infection. The delayed identification of the fungus and, thus, a late starting of the antifungal treatment with amphotericin B, might have affected the patient outcome as he finally died., Conclusions: Considering the rare incidence of N. dimidiatum infections, this case should aware us about them, leading to a timely antifungal management., (Copyright © 2022. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

This special issue was inspired by two workshops, (i) a workshop on the identification and classification of Botryosphaeriales at the University of Southern Queensland, 26-30 June 2017 that was organised by the Subcommittee on Plant Health Diagnostics in collaboration with Plant Health Australia and funded by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources through a grant from the Modern Diagnostics initiative as part of a professional development program for plant health diagnosticians; and (ii) a one-day symposium 'Botryosphaeriaceae menace: Taxonomy, disease impact, ecology and management' at the Science Protecting Plant Health 2017 conference held in conjunction with the Australasian Plant Pathology Society biennial conference, Brisbane, 25 September 2017. This issue contains reviews and original research articles on Botryosphaeriales in Australia and New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coelomycete with characters resembling the asexual morphs in the family Botryosphaeriaceae was isolated from a fallen leaf of an orchid collected in Thailand. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses placed the strain in Neoscytalidium. Phylogenetic relationships among Neoscytalidium species were inferred by analyzing internal transcribed spacers and large subunit of rRNA sequence data and indicate that our strain is a new species, which is introduced and illustrated herein as Neoscytalidium orchidacearum sp. nov.

Identification of fungi and the International Code of Nomenclature underpinning this process, rests strongly on the characterisation of morphological structures. Yet, the value of these characters to define species in many groups has become questionable or even superfluous. This has emerged as DNA-based techniques have increasingly revealed cryptic species and species complexes. This problem is vividly illustrated in the present study where 105 isolates of the Botryosphaeriales were recovered from both healthy and diseased woody tissues of native Acacia spp. in Namibia and South Africa. Thirteen phylogenetically distinct groups were identified based on Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rDNA PCR-RFLP and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) sequence data, two loci that are known to be reliable markers to distinguish species in the Botryosphaeriales. Four of these groups could be linked reliably to sequence data for formerly described species, including Botryosphaeria dothidea, Dothiorella dulcispinae, Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae and Spencermartinsia viticola. Nine groups, however, could not be linked to any other species known from culture and for which sequence data are available. These groups are, therefore, described as Aplosporella africana, A. papillata, Botryosphaeria auasmontanum, Dothiorella capri-amissi, Do. oblonga, Lasiodiplodia pyriformis, Spencermartinsia rosulata, Sphaeropsis variabilis and an undescribed Neofusicoccum sp. The species described here could not be reliably compared with the thousands of taxa described in these genera from other hosts and regions, where only morphological data are available. Such comparison would be possible only if all previously described taxa are epitypified, which is not a viable objective for the two families, Botryosphaeriaceae and Aplosporellaceae, in the Botryosphaeriales identified here. The extent of diversity of the Botryosphaeriales revealed in this and other recent studies is expected to reflect that of other undersampled regions and hosts, and illustrates the urgency to find more effective ways to describe species in this, and indeed other, groups of fungi.

Phyllosticta is a geographically widespread genus of plant pathogenic fungi with a diverse host range. This study redefines Phyllosticta, and shows that it clusters sister to the Botryosphaeriaceae (Botryosphaeriales, Dothideomycetes), for which the older family name Phyllostictaceae is resurrected. In moving to a unit nomenclature for fungi, the generic name Phyllosticta was chosen over Guignardia in previous studies, an approach that we support here. We use a multigene DNA dataset of the ITS, LSU, ACT, TEF and GPDH gene regions to investigate 129 isolates of Phyllosticta, representing about 170 species names, many of which are shown to be synonyms of the ubiquitous endophyte P. capitalensis. Based on the data generated here, 12 new species are introduced, while epitype and neotype specimens are designated for a further seven species. One species of interest is P. citrimaxima associated with tan spot of Citrus maxima fruit in Thailand, which adds a fifth species to the citrus black spot complex. Previous morphological studies lumped many taxa under single names that represent complexes. In spite of this Phyllosticta is a species-rich genus, and many of these taxa need to be recollected in order to resolve their phylogeny and taxonomy., Taxonomic Novelties: New species - Phyllosticta abieticola Wikee & Crous, P. aloeicola Wikee & Crous, P. citrimaxima Wikee, Crous, K.D. Hyde & McKenzie, P. leucothoicola Wikee, Motohashi & Crous, P. mangifera-indica Wikee, Crous, K.D. Hyde & McKenzie, P. neopyrolae Wikee, Motohashi, Crous, K.D. Hyde & McKenzie, P. pachysandricola Wikee, Motohashi & Crous, P. paxistimae Wikee & Crous, P. podocarpicola Wikee, Crous, K.D. Hyde & McKenzie, P. rhaphiolepidis Wikee, C. Nakash. & Crous, P. rubra Wikee & Crous, P. vacciniicola Wikee, Crous, K.D. Hyde & McKenzie; New combinations - P. foliorum (Sacc.) Wikee & Crous, P. philoprina (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Wikee & Crous; Epitypifications (basionyms) - P. concentrica Sacc., P. cussoniae Cejp, P. owaniana G. Winter; Neotypifications (basionyms) - Phyllosticta cordylinophila P.A. Young, Physalospora gregaria var. foliorum Sacc., Sphaeropsis hypoglossi Mont., Sphaeropsis minima Berk. & M.A. Curtis.