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Two corticolous species of Coenogonium viz., C. pseudonepalense and C. submoniliforme are described as new to science. Coenogonium pseudonepalense is characterized by a crustose, greenish‐grey thallus, pale‐orange apothecial disc and 13.0–17.0 × 2.5–3.0 µm ascospores. Coenogonium submoniliforme is characterized by appressed‐filamentous thallus, small‐sized apothecia (up to 0.4 mm in diameter), pale orange apothecial disc and 14.0–18.0 × 2.8–3.8 µm ascospores. Coenogonium lueckingii and C. pineti are new records for Indian lichen biota. An updated world key to the known species of Coenogonium is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pecan scab, caused by Venturia effusa, is the most destructive disease of pecan in the south‐eastern United States. The fungus was assumed to perpetuate solely through asexually produced conidia. Yet the identification of heterothallic mating type idiomorphs has led to successful crosses producing pseudothecia in vitro. To investigate factors influencing the development of pseudothecia, three isolates of each mating type (MAT1‐1 × MAT1‐2) were crossed pairwise on oatmeal agar. Pseudothecial production and maturation were assessed at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 22°C, with incubation periods of 2, 3 or 4 months, either with or without light (0 or 12 h photoperiod) during maturation. There were significant effects of temperature, month and cross on the production of pseudothecia. Similar numbers of pseudothecia were produced at 4, 8, 12 and 16°C (1.8–2.3 pseudothecia), but significantly fewer at 22°C (0.1 pseudothecia). Pseudothecia remained immature at 22°C suggesting a cold period is required for ascospore maturation. The isolate and mating type cross affected the number of pseudothecia, with both MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2 contributing to the number produced, which interacted with time. MAT1‐1 had the greatest effect on the number of pseudothecia produced, but this was modulated by MAT2‐2. At the highest temperature there were no differences among mating type crosses. Light had no effect on maturation of pseudothecia in this study. The results indicate the likely temperatures and durations required to produce pseudothecia in the field; ascospores may play a role as primary inoculum in the disease cycle of pecan scab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium graminearum is a prominent pathogen responsible for causing head blight disease in small grain cereals, leading to substantial agricultural damage. A recent study revealed the infectivity of a hypovirus, Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1), in F. graminearum. However, the effects of CHV1 on the pathogenicity and development of the fungus remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of CHV1 infection on F. graminearum and made several interesting discoveries. First, we observed that CHV1 infection attenuated the pathogenicity of F. graminearum and reduced its conidiation. CHV1 efficiently spread through various transmission modes, such as hyphal fusion and spores, including conidiospores and ascospores. However, the accumulation of the virus was reduced following transmission through spores. Interestingly, despite causing hypovirulence, CHV1 infection enhanced the production of deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin known to play a role in F. graminearum's virulence and induction of DON production by a DON-inducing medium elevated CHV1 accumulation. The transcriptional expression of key regulatory genes involved in DON biosynthesis or toxisome formation was upregulated in response to CHV1 infection. Furthermore, our study revealed that CHV1 infection suppressed the formation of lipid droplets. Overall, our study provides insights of how the infection of a hypovirulence-inducing mycovirus affects the physiological and metabolic processes in F. graminearum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of Phyllosticta citricarpa (causal agent of citrus black spot [CBS]) inoculum in orchards has previously been performed using volumetric spore traps. However, volumetric traps are nonspecific, and only capture ascospores (not pycnidiospores) of different Phyllosticta species. This research aimed to monitor and quantify the DNA of P. citricarpa using young citrus plants as a spore trap combined with quantitative PCR (qPCR), as well as quantify the number of ascospores and pycnidiospores, and to correlate results with weather variables. Citrus nursery plants were placed as traps under and outside tree canopies during fruit developmental stages (from October to July) in two seasons in commercial ‘Valencia’ sweet orange orchards. DNA was extracted from trap leaves to quantify P. citricarpa inoculum by qPCR of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1 rRNA) region of P. citricarpa (Pc‐ITS). Correlations of Pc‐ITS to rainy days, leaf wetness and temperature were performed. Overall, the highest numbers of 400 Pc‐ITS/cm2 of leaf tissue, which represented up to 12 ascospores or pycnidiospores per cm2, were detected on leaves sampled from October to March, regardless of the trap position, season and orchard. Trap plants placed under canopies had up to 20‐fold more Pc‐ITS than those placed outside. Rainy days and leaf wetness were the variables most positively correlated with Pc‐ITS. Both results in the fluctuation of P. citricarpa inoculum in orchards and the most favourable weather variables associated with inoculum production contribute to better understanding of the critical periods for CBS management in citrus‐growing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the species diversity of the genus Peltula Nyl. in Helan Mountain of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the specimens of the genus Peltula Nyl. collected from Helan Mountain of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region were classified by morph-anatomical, chemical and phylogenetic analysis of rDNA-ITS sequences. Two new records for China, Peltula africana (Jatta) Swinscow & Krog and P. impressa (Vain.) Swinscow & Krog, were identified. P. africana was mainly characterized by squamules undulate, 0.3-3.0 mm across, lower cortex cell palisade. P. impressa was mainly recognised by the black new type of soralia on top of the thallus, the hymenium I +, burgundy and about 64 ascospores. The morphological and anatomical characters of these two species were described in details, the differences with similar species were discussed, and the photos of morphological and anatomical structures of the two species were provided. The results enrich basic data for the genus Peltula Nyl. in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in-depth study of the phylogenetic relationships of Xylaria species associated with nutshells of fruits and seeds within the genus Xylaria and related genera of Xylaceaecea was conducted in China. The multi-gene phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on ITS, RPB2, and TUB sequences of 100 species of 16 known genera in Xylariaceae around the world. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, morphological observations, and ecological habitats, a new genus, Heteroxylaria, is established to accommodate four new species, viz. H. cordiicola, H. juglandicola, H. meliicola, and H. terminaliicola, and four new combinations, viz. H. oxyacanthae, H. palmicola, H. reevesiae, and H. rohrensis. The genus is characterized by cylindrical stromata with conspicuous to inconspicuous perithecial mounds, surface black, having brown to dark brown ascospores with a germ slit, and it grows on nutshell of fruits. The combined ITS+RPB2+TUB sequence dataset of representative taxa in the Xylariaceae demonstrate that Heteroxylaria is grouped with Hypocreodendron but forms a monophyletic lineage. All novelties described herein are morphologically illustrated and compared to similar species and phylogeny is investigated to establish new genera and species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hymenoscyphus fraxineus causes ash dieback in Europe. It overwinters on ash leaf residue (rachis) within the forest litter. In late spring, the fungus produces apothecia on the rachises and releases ascospores to infect leaves. Previous studies reported that H. fraxineus was able to produce apothecia on the rachis for 5 years after the leaf infection under artificial conditions. However, ash litter is known to decompose rapidly in situ. We therefore monitored the decomposition kinetics of ash leaf debris and the persistence of the pathogen, as well as its ability to produce apothecia in the forest litter. For this, leaves shed in autumn in stands affected by ash dieback were placed in mesh bags and left in the forest litter for 6, 18 and 30 months. At each sampling period, litter mass loss and level of colonization of the rachises by H. fraxineus were measured, as was the pathogen's ability to produce apothecia on them. Despite high fragmentation, about 14% of the rachis dry weight remained in the mesh bags after 30 months, and the pathogen retained the ability to produce apothecia on these rachises. A simulation estimating the age composition of the colonized rachises present in the litter during the fruiting period was developed from these results. It shows that the persistence of H. fraxineus in old rachises of the litter represents a reservoir of inoculum that could compensate for poor colonization of autumn leaves and revive local outbreaks after years of unfavourable weather for the development of the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleosporales is a highly diverse (and the largest) order in Dothideomycetes, and it is widespread in decaying plants in various environments around the world. During a survey of fungal diversity in Sichuan Province, China, specimens of hyphomycetous and Thyridaria-like fungi were collected from dead branches of pine trees and cherry trees. These taxa were initially identified as members of Massarinaceae and Thyridariaceae through morphological examination. Phylogenetic analyses of the Thyridariaceae, combining ITS, SSU, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1 sequence data, indicated a distinct clade sister to Pseudothyridariella and Thyridariella, distinct from any genus in the family. Thus, a new genus, Vaginospora, is proposed to accommodate the type species Vaginospora sichuanensis, which is characterized by semi-immersed globose to oblong ascomata with an ostiolar neck, cylindrical to clavate asci with an ocular chamber, and hyaline to dark brown, fusiform, 3–5-transversely septate ascospores with an inconspicuous mucilaginous sheath. Based on the morphological comparisons and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, SSU, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1) of the Massarinaceae, we have identified three collections belonging to the genus Helminthosporium, leading us to propose H. filamentosa sp. nov., H. pini sp. nov., and H. velutinum as a new host record. According to Phylogenetic analysis, H. pini formed an independent clade sister to H. austriacum and H. yunnanense, and H. filamentosa represents the closest sister clade to H. quercinum. Helminthosporium pini is distinct from H. austriacum by the shorter conidiophores and H. yunnanense by the longer and wider conidia. The H. filamentosa differs from H. quercinum in having longer conidiophores and smaller conidia. This study extends our understanding of diversity within Thyridariaceae and Helminthosporium. Our findings underscore the rich biodiversity and potential for discovering novel fungal taxa within these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A main biological constraint of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production in Canada is white mould, caused by the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The primary infectious propagules of S. sclerotiorum are airborne ascospores and monitoring the air for inoculum levels could help predict the severity of white mould in bean fields. Daily air samples were collected in commercial dry bean fields in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario and ascospores were quantified using quantitative PCR. Daily weather data was obtained from in‐field weather stations. The number of ascospores on a given day was modelled using 63 different environmental variables and several modelling methods, both regression and classification approaches, were implemented with machine learning (ML) (random forests, logistic regression and support vector machines) and statistical (generalized linear models) approaches. Across all years and provinces, ascospores were most highly correlated with ascospore release from the previous day (r ranged from 0.15 to 0.6). This variable was also the only variable included in all models and had the greatest weight in all models. Models without this variable had much poorer performance than those with it. Correlations of ascospores with other environmental variables varied by province and sometimes by year. A comparison of ML and statistical models revealed that they both performed similarly, but that the statistical models were easier to interpret. However, the precise relationship between airborne ascospore levels and in‐field disease severity remains unclear, and spore sampling methods will require further development before they can be deployed as a disease management tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phyllosticta citricarpa, the citrus black spot causal agent, requires both mating types, designated as MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2, to produce ascospores. Mating‐type ratio in some citrus‐growing areas has been characterized but remains little known in the São Paulo (SP) citrus belt, the largest sweet orange producer worldwide. A protocol for in vitro ascospore production was developed recently; however, there are few studies regarding the optimal conditions for their production. Thus, this study aimed to determine the mating‐type ratio in SP and quantify ascospores produced under different conditions in vitro. The mating types were identified by duplex PCR, and ascospore production was assessed in five culture media: potato dextrose agar (PDA), ½ PDA, malt extract agar (MEA), oatmeal agar (OMA) and citrus agar (CA), and at temperatures from 10 to 30°C. The ratio of MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2 was similar to 1:1. Ascospore production reached peaks of 8.0, 7.0 and 3.0 × 103 ascospores/mL in MEA, PDA and ½ PDA, respectively. There were no ascospores observed in OMA and CA. P. citricarpa ascospores were observed only at 15, 20 and 25°C in PDA, with peaks of up to 2.0 × 103 ascospores/mL at 42, 35 and 21 days, respectively. There were no ascospores observed at 10 and 30°C. Both mating types are similarly distributed in the SP citrus belt, and in vitro ascospore production may be optimized by using MEA at 25°C. These data provide a better understanding of P. citricarpa sexual reproduction and a background for further studies with ascospores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerotinia rot is a serious disease that occurs on Zephyranthes candida. A thorough understanding of the pathogenic fungal species and understanding the biological characteristics are important for controlling sclerotinia. Fungal strains were isolated from the diseased leaves of Z. candida through tissue isolation. Koch's hypothesis screened pathogenic strains by pathogenicity of healthy leaves, including re-isolation and identification. A multigene phylogenetic tree was constructed by extracting genomic DNA from pathogenic strains and measuring the nucleotide sequences at four sites, including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), and heat shock protein 60 (HSP60). Morphological characteristics of the fungal structures were evaluated through microscopic analysis. The growth of pathogens was observed and recorded under different pH, different temperatures, different carbon sources and different nitrogen sources to clarify their biological characteristics. Representative strains D7, D13, X4, and X15 infected Z. candida and caused sclerotinia rot. At the beginning of the culture, white flocculent fungal hyphae appeared on the potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium, and black spherical to irregular-shaped sclerotia appeared at the edge of the colony after 7 days. The diameter of the sclerotia was 2.4-8.6 mm and 0.4-0.9 mm, respectively. One sclerotium was able to germinate from 1 to 5 apothecia. Ascus were cylindrical or spindle-shaped, with a size of 110.0-120.0 x 9.2-11.6 μm. One ascus contained eight colorless, oval ascospores, with a size of 8.4-12.0 x 4.5-5.5 μm. Based on the phylogenetic tree constructed with the gene sequences for ITS, G3PDH, HSP60, and RPB2, D7 and D13 shared 99% homology with sclerotinia sclerotiorum, whereas X4 and X15 shared 99% homology with sclerotinia minor. S. sclerotiorum growth was more suitable when the culture temperature was 15°C-25°C, pH 5.0, carbon source was maltose and nitrogen source was yeast powder. S. minor growth was more suitable when the culture temperature was 15°C, pH 5.0, the carbon source was glucose, and the nitrogen source was yeast powder. The results identified the pathogens as S. sclerotiorum and S. minor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. sclerotiorum and S. minor causing sclerotinia rot on Z. candida. We herein aimed to identify the causal agent of sclerotinia rot of Z. candida in China based on morphological characteristics, molecular identification, and pathogenicity tests. Performed the experiments on the biological characteristics, to understand the law of disease occurrence. We also evaluated methods for the effective control of this disease. Our findings provide support for further studies on the pathogenesis mechanism of sclerotinia rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of Tuber, T. albicavum, T. laojunshanense, and T. umbilicicavatum belonging to the Puberulum phylogroup, are described based on specimens collected in alpine Abies forests at 3600–4000 m, Northwest Yunnan, China. T. albicavum is distinguished by its ascomata with a single chamber of 0.5–1.8 cm diameter, with an apical opening of 0.2–0.6 cm in diameter, and light golden-brown alveolate reticulate ascospores up to 30 μm in length; T. laojunshanense is characterized by having ascomata with a slightly tomentose surface, sometimes with a white navel, a relatively thick peridium, up to 280 µm, and yellow-brown spores with alveolate reticulate ornamentation, up to 34 µm in length; T. umbilicicavatum is characterized by smooth ascomata with a distinct white navel, a relatively thin peridium, up to 110 µm, and golden or golden-brown alveolate reticulate ascospores, up to 40 μm in length. The molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region also supports that these three new species differ from previously described Tuber species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid degeneration of Cordyceps militaris strains during subculture represents a bottleneck problem that affects production stability. This study explored the mechanism underlying this degeneration in three production and three wild-type strains of Cordyceps militaris, isolating single-conidium strains from each. The effects of subculturing on fructification in both original and single mating-type strains were compared. Changes in the ratio of the two mating types were analyzed in both original and degenerated strains. Based on these findings, the two mating strains were paired in different ratios to determine their effects on fruiting. The resulting five strains were heterokaryotic strains with both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 mating-type genes. Strain jb-2 was a single mating type (MAT1-1) mutant strain that produced stable fruiting bodies but failed to produce ascospores. It was found that the loss of or imbalance in mating types was the main reason for the rapid degeneration of fruiting traits during subculture and that this occurred randomly in the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 types. The strains differed significantly in their stability during subculture. Fruiting was stable in the single mating-type Jb-2 strain, and the eleventh-generation fruited normally. There were differences in yield between the production and wild strains after inoculation with spawn containing different proportions of mating types. The production strain was more stable when inoculated with strains with mating-type ratios of 1:9 to 9:1 without affecting the yield. However, the yield of the wild-type strain xf-1 was positively correlated with the proportion of the MAT1-2 type, while the other two strains showed no correlations. Subculturing single mating-type mycelia separately and mixing them before production effectively mitigated degeneration during subculture. For Cordyceps militaris breeding, selecting strains containing both mating types, which are insensitive to the proportion of mating-type genes, enhanced stability in subculture and reduced the risk of mating-type loss. Direct breeding of specific single-mating type strains to induce fruiting is thus an effective breeding strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monascus ruber is an important fungus that causes spoilage in table olives, resulting in the darkening of the brine, the softening of the fruit, increased pH, and apparent mycelial growth. This study aimed to evaluate this resistance, providing a model to determine the optimal processing conditions for mitigating fungal contamination and prolonging shelf life without antifungal agents while optimizing pasteurization to reduce energy consumption. The resistance in brine (3.5% NaCl; pH 3.5) from Arauco cultivar green olives imported from Argentina was assessed. Four predictive models (log linear, log linear + shoulder, log linear + tail, log linear + shoulder + tail) estimated kinetic parameters for each survival curve. Log linear + shoulder + tail provided the best fit for 70 °C and 75 °C, with low RMSE (0.171 and 0.112) and high R2 values (0.98 and 0.99), respectively, while the log linear model was used for 80 °C. Decimal reduction times at 70, 75, and 80 °C were 24.8, 5.4, and 1.6 min, respectively, with a z-value of 8.2 °C. The current regulatory processes are insufficient to eliminate M. ruber at requisite levels, considering reduced antifungal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Tarzetta is distributed mainly in temperate forests and establishes ectomycorrhizal associations with angiosperms and gymnosperms. Studies on this genus are scarce in México. A visual, morphological, and molecular (ITS-LSU) description of T. americupularis, T. cupressicola, T. davidii, T. durangensis, T. mesophila, T. mexicana, T. miquihuanensis, T. poblana, T. pseudobronca, T. texcocana, and T. victoriana was carried out in this work, associated with Abies, Quercus, and Pinus. The results of SEM showed an ornamented ascospores formation by Mexican Taxa; furthermore, the results showed that T. catinus and T. cupularis are only distributed in Europe and are not associated with any American host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma lucidum, renowned as an essential edible and medicinal mushroom in China, remains shrouded in limited understanding concerning the intrinsic mechanisms governing the accumulation of active components and potential protein expression across its diverse developmental stages. Accordingly, this study employed a meticulous integration of metabolomics and proteomics techniques to scrutinize the dynamic alterations in metabolite accumulation and protein expression in G. lucidum throughout its growth phases. The metabolomics analysis unveiled elevated levels of triterpenoids, steroids, and polyphenolic compounds during the budding stage (BS) of mushroom growth, with prominent compounds including Diplazium and Ganoderenic acids E, H, and I, alongside key steroids such as cholesterol and 4,4-dimethyl-5alpha-cholesta-8,14,24-trien-3beta-ol. Additionally, nutrients such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, and purines exhibited heightened presence during the maturation stage (FS) of ascospores. Proteomic scrutiny demonstrated the modulation of triterpenoid synthesis by the CYP450, HMGR, HMGS, and ERG protein families, all exhibiting a decline as G. lucidum progressed, except for the ARE family, which displayed an upward trajectory. Therefore, BS is recommended as the best harvesting period for G. lucidum. This investigation contributes novel insights into the holistic exploitation of G. lucidum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel species within the family Dictyosporiaceae are described and illustrated from terrestrial habitats on dead culms of bamboo and an unidentified plant, respectively. Through morphological comparisons and the multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU , ITS , SSU , and tef1-α sequence dataset, two species, Gregarithecium bambusicola, Pseudocoleophoma paraphysoidea are identified. Phylogenetically, both species clustered into a monophyletic clade with strong bootstrap support. Gregarithecium bambusicola sp. nov. can be distinguished from other species within the genus based on its almost straight ascospores. Pseudocoleophoma paraphysoidea sp. nov. differs from other species in its conidiogenous cells intermixed with paraphyses, longer conidiogenous cells and larger conidia. The identification of this lineage contributes to our understanding of the classification of Dictyosporiaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses on samples of Xylaria species associated with fallen fruits from China were carried out, and two new species were described, namely X. aleuriticola and X. microcarpa. Xylaria aleuriticola is found on fallen fruits of Aleurites moluccana, and characterized by stromata dichotomously branched several times with long acute sterile apices, fertile parts roughened with perithecia and tomentose, and ellipsoid to fusiform ascospores. Xylaria microcarpa differs in its very small stromata with dark brown tomentum, light brown ascospores with an inconspicuous straight germ slit, and grows on leguminous pods. The differences between the new species and morphologically similar species are discussed. Phylogenetic analyses on ITS - RPB2 - TUB sequences confirmed that the two species are clearly separated from other species of the genus Xylaria. Xylaria liquidambaris is reported as a new record from China. A key to the Xylaria species associated with fallen fruits and seeds reported from China is provided to facilitate future studies of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anthostomella-like fungus associated with dead palm rachis (Arecaceae) was collected in Nang Lae Village, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. It is characterised by solitary, scattered ascomata beneath a clypeus, centric ostioles, pedicellate, unitunicate asci, and dark, olivaceous-brown ascospores. Multigene phylogenetic analyses (ITS-LSU-rpb2-tub2) revealed that our isolates formed a distinct clade in Xenoanthostomella (Gyrothricaceae, Xylariales), sister to X. chromolaenae, X. cycadis, X. olivacea, and X. parvispora. Based on its distinct morphology compared with related taxa having semi-immersed ascomata, cylindrical and short pedicellate asci, oblong to narrow ellipsoid ascospores with a straight germ slit, and multigene phylogeny, a new anthostomella-like taxon is introduced as Xenoanthostomella thailandica. A comprehensive description and illustrations of the new taxon, a synopsis of morphological characteristics and illustrations of anthostomella-like genera accepted in Xylariomycetidae are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the continuous investigation into inconspicuous xylarialean species in northern Thailand, two amphisphaeria-like taxa were found in samples collected between July and October 2022. Both taxa have solitary, immersed ascomata with a two-layered peridium and unitunicate asci that are morphologically similar to Amphisphaeria species. Macro–micro morphological comparisons with related taxa and multigene phylogenetic analyses based on combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS), partial 28S large subunit rDNA (LSU), partial RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), and partial β-tubulin (tub2) sequences revealed that the two taxa are novel to science. Amphisphaeria chiangmaiensis sp. nov. is distinguished from known taxa by having larger ascomata, a J- apical ring in Melzer's reagent, and hyaline ascospores. Amphisphaeria hydei sp. nov. differs from its sister taxa in having larger ascomata, a longer ostiolar canal, and longer asci. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analyses of two novel taxa are provided herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apothecial fungus Ramomarthamyces octomerus sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in Mediterranean climate regions in southern Portugal, Spain (Canary Islands), and the Dalmatian region of Croatia. Presumably saprobic, R. octomerus occurs on intact, decorticated wood of Laurus novocanariensis and Olea europaea. Ascospores are cylindric-ellipsoid and seven-septate. Surprisingly, in our four-locus phylogenetic analysis (nuSSU, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, LSU, mtSSU), this fungus clusters among species of Cyclaneusma, Marthamyces, Naemacyclus, and Ramomarthamyces in a core Marthamycetaceae clade that circumscribes primarily leaf-inhabiting, filiform-spored species. In addition, the asci of R. octomerus possess an amyloid pore, but the reaction varies between specimens collected in the Canary Islands and those collected in Portugal and Croatia. The occurrence of an amyloid reaction in the asci of R. octomerus challenges the characterization of Marthamycetales taxa as possessing inamyloid asci. In our discussion we provide background and analysis of these notable observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The foliicolous lichen Gallaicolichen pacificus exhibits unique goniocystangia-like structures named peltidiangia and peltidia. Its taxonomic classification within the Ascomycota has been unclear due to the absence of ascomata and lack of molecular data. Here we clarify the phylogenetic affinities of Gallaicolichen pacificus by analyzing mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal RNA (mtSSU) sequences obtained from specimens collected in New Caledonia. Ascomata and ascospores of G. pacificus , previously unknown, are described and illustrated for the first time. The results from the molecular and morphological analyses clearly indicate that Gallaicolichen pacificus belongs to the Porinaceae and is closely related to Porina guianensis. This is a remarkable extension of the already known, wide morphological diversity of thalli and diaspores produced within this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of thelotremoid lichens, Ampliotrema subglobosum Poengs. & Lumbsch, Ocellularia lichexanthonica Poengs. & Lumbsch and O. saxiprotocetrarica Poengs. & Lumbsch, are described and illustrated based on specimens from southern Thailand. Ampliotrema subglobosum is similar to A. globosum but differs by having larger ascospores with more septa. Ocellularia lichexanthonica differs from O. subdolichotata in ascomata diameter and by containing lichexanthone. Ocellularia saxiprotocetrarica is similar to O. gentingensis in ascospore length and the number of ascospore septa but has narrower ascospores and contains protocetraric acid. Fifteen species are reported for the first time for Thailand: Austrotrema bicinctulum (Nyl.) I. Medeiros et al., Baeomyces heteromorphus Nyl. ex C. Bab. & Mitt., Chapsa niveocarpa Mangold, Chiodecton sphaerale Ach., Erythrodecton malacum (Kremp.) G. Thor, Lecanora subjaponica L. Lü & H. Y. Wang, Leucodecton subcompunctum (Nyl.) Frisch, Myriotrema concretum (Fée) Hale, M. neoterebrans Frisch, Ocellularia khasiana (Patw. & Nagarkar) Kraichak et al., O. upretii S. Joshi et al., Pseudotopeliopsis scabiomarginata (Hale) Parnmen et al., Sulzbacheromyces sinensis (R. H. Petersen & M. Zang) Dong Liu & Li S. Wang, Thelotrema diplotrema Nyl., and T. isidiophorum (Kremp.) Zahlbr. Ampliotrema globosum (Hale) Poengs. & Lumbsch is proposed as a new combination. The genus Erythrodecton G. Thor is a new genus for the lichen flora of Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed examination of Malmidea specimens deposited in the herbarium LWG and freshly collected samples resulted in the description of 10 new species. Malmidea glabromarginata has a finely verrucose thallus and granifera -type whitish apothecial margins. Malmidea globosa is characterized by having a strongly verrucose thallus with almost spherical warts and piperis -type apothecial margins. Malmidea incrassatispora has a thalline excipulum and ascospores with end wall thickenings. Malmidea kalbii has a thalline excipulum, dark brown to black apothecial discs and ascospores mostly < 15 μm in length. In Malmidea lutea the medulla of the thallus and verrucae is white to cream-coloured, with beige-coloured apothecial discs. Malmidea palghatensis has a thalline excipulum and with medulla of verrucae pink-coloured. Malmidea rubra has an irregularly verrucose thallus, with the medulla of verrucae orange-red and whitish apothecial margins. Malmidea subindica has light to dark orange-brown apothecial discs, 2–4-spored asci, and broadly ellipsoid ascospores mostly exceeding 30 μm in length. Malmidea upretii has prominent and confluent verrucae with an orange-red medulla, and ascospores exceeding 25 μm in length. Malmidea verrucosa has a characteristic whitish grey, densely verrucose thallus, dark reddish brown apothecial discs and contains atranorin. Additionally, seven species, viz. Malmidea fenicis (Vain.) Kalb et al. , M. leptoloma (Müll. Arg.) Kalb & Lücking, M. piae (Kalb) Kalb, M. piperina (Zahlbr.) Aptroot & Breuss, M. reunionis Kalb, M. sulphureosorediata Cáceres et al. and M. vinosa (Eschw.) Kalb et al., are reported as new distributional records for the Indian lichen biota. The world key of Malmidea by Breuss & Lücking (2015) has been updated with all the species discovered after 2015 by mentioning specific couplets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproduction and dispersal strategies of lichens play a major role in shaping their population structure and photobiont diversity. Sexual reproduction, which is common, leads to high lichen genetic diversity and low photobiont selectivity. However, the lichen genus Endocarpon adopts a special co-dispersal model in which algal cells from the photobiont and ascospores from the mycobiont are released together into the environment. To explore the dispersal strategy impact on population structures, a total of 62 Endocarpon individuals and 12 related Verrucariaceae genera individuals, representing co-dispersal strategy and conventional independent dispersal mode were studied. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Endocarpon, with a large-scale geographical distribution, showed an extremely high specificity of symbiotic associations with their photobiont. Furthermore, three types of group I intron at 1769 site have been found in most Endocarpon mycobionts, which showed a high variety of group I intron in the same insertion site even in the same species collected from one location. This study suggested that the ascospore-alga co-dispersal mode of Endocarpon resulted in this unusual mycobiont-photobiont relationship; also provided an evidence for the horizontal transfer of group I intron that may suggest the origin of the complexity and diversity of lichen symbiotic associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on morphological, chemical and molecular studies, two new species of the lichen genus Letrouitia are newly described from China. Letrouitia arcuata is distinguished by its arcuate ascospores [8–10(–12)-locular, (28–)33–50(–62.5) × (8–)10–14.5 µm] and L. sinuosa by its ascomata with wavy margins and ascospores with lens-shaped locules [6–8-locular, (18–)19.5–32(–34) × (6.5–)8–14 μm]. In addition, L. magenta is reported for the first time as a new record in China, characterized by small and round ascomata. The descriptions, distribution and phylogenetic analysis of the respective species have been actualized and a key to the Letrouitia species known from China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological comparisons and multi locus phylogenetic analyses (base on the combined genes of ITS , LSU, rpb2 and tub) demonstrated that three new saprobic taxa isolated from bamboo belong to Cainiaceae. These taxa comprise a novel genus Paramphibambusa (P. bambusicola sp. nov.) and two new species, Arecophila xishuangbannaensis and A. zhaotongensis. The three new taxa belong to Cainiaceae (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes) a poorly studied family, which now comprises eight genera. Paramphibambusa can be distinguished from other Cainiaceae genera in having ascomata with a neck and ascospores lacking longitudinal striation, germ slits or germ pores. The two new Arecophila species clustered in a clade with Arecophila sp. and A. bambusae. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and an updated phylogenetic tree are provided for the new taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species Diorygma tiantaiense Z.F. Jia, sp. nov. was found, which is characterized by a corticolous thallus with norstictic acid, oval or oblong apothecia, immersed to ± raised discs with white pruina, and large muriform ascospores (120–210 × 35–60 µm). Detailed morphological descriptions, photographs, and a comparison and discussion of similar species are provided. A checklist and key to the species of Diorygma known from China is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids and Sclerotinia stem rot in oilseed rape are often studied in isolation, and their relationship is rarely explored. Our field studies have revealed a significant positive correlation between the number of aphids and the incidence of Sclerotinia stem rot. Hence, starting with the colonizing stages of the two pests, Breveroryne brassicae was assessed for its potential to acquire, transmit, and inoculate Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by being sprayed with an ascospore suspension. Moreover, distinctions in aphid feeding behavior were examined between aphids on inoculated/uninoculated winter and spring oilseed rape plants or aphids, both with and without S. sclerotiorum ascospores, using electropenetrography (EPG). The results showed that aphid feeding followed by dropping ascospore suspension significantly increased the incidence of S. sclerotiorum. Ascospores were able to adhere to aphids and were carried by aphids to healthy plants, causing disease. The results of the EPG analysis indicated that aphid feeding behavior was significantly altered in all leaf tissue levels following infection with S. sclerotiorum. Specifically, aphids initiated their first puncture significantly sooner, began probing mesophyll cells earlier, had a significantly shorter pathway duration, and secreted saliva more frequently but reduced salivation prior to feeding and ingestion compared to aphids feeding on uninfected oilseed rape. Additionally, the feeding behavior of aphids carrying ascospores was markedly different from that of aphids not carrying ascospores, implying that ascospores directly influence aphid feeding behavior but that this influence appeared to be beneficial only for S. sclerotiorum infection. Aphids carrying ascospores started to puncture cells more quickly, with a significant increase in the frequency and duration of short probes and cell punctures, shortened pathway durations, and reduced salivation before feeding compared to aphids not carrying ascospores. It is clear that there is an interaction between aphids and S. sclerotiorum. The impact of S. sclerotiorum on aphid feeding behavior is directional, favoring the spread of the fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylariomycetidae comprises extremely diverse taxa that are widespread on decaying wood worldwide. An investigation of the diversity of microfungi on oil tree plantations in Sichuan Province was conducted during 2020–2021. Twelve saprobic taxa representing five species were identified as members of Amphisphaeriales and Xylariales through morphological comparisons. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, rpb2, tub2 and tef1 sequence data indicated a distinct clade formed by three strains within Xylariomycetidae, unrelated to any currently recognized families. Thus, a novel anthostomella-like genus, Bicellulospora, is proposed and treated as Xylariales genera incertae sedis. Bicellulospora is characterized by dark brown to black, immersed, subglobose ascomata with a clypeus, cylindrical asci, and hyaline to yellowish brown, inequilaterally ellipsoidal ascospores with a large upper cell and a dwarf lower cell. Two new species of Amphisphaeria, namely A. oleae and A. verniciae, are introduced based on multi-gene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tub2) coupled with morphological characteristics. Amphisphaeria micheliae and Endocalyx ptychospermatis are reported as new host records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pezizales are a diverse and economically important order of fungi. They are common in the environment, having epigeous form, such as morels and hypogeous, forms called truffles. The mature ascospores of most epigeous Pezizales are forcibly discharged through an opening at the ascus apex created with the lifting of the operculum, a lid-like structure specific to Pezizales. The axenic cultures of Pezizales fungi isolated from single ascospores are important for understanding the life cycle, development, ecology, and evolution of these fungi. However, obtaining single-spore isolates can be challenging, particularly for collections obtained in locations where sterile work environments are not available. In this paper, we introduce an accessible method for harvesting ascospores from fresh ascomata in the field and laboratory for obtaining single-spore isolates. Ascospores are harvested on the inside cover of Petri plate lids in the field, air dried, and stored. At a later date, single-spore isolates are axenically cultured through serial dilution and plating on antibiotic media. With this approach, we were able to harvest ascospores and obtain single-spore isolates from 12 saprotrophic and 2 ectomycorrhizal species belonging to six Pezizales families: Discinaceae, Morchellaceae, Pezizaceae, Pyronemataceae, Sarcosomataceae, and Sarcoscyphaceae. This method worked well for saprotrophic taxa (12 out of 19 species, 63%) and was even effective for a few ectomycorrhizal taxa (2 out of 13 species, 15%). This process was used to study the initial stages of spore germination and colony development in species across several Pezizales families. We found germination often commenced with the swelling of the spore, followed by the emergence of 1–8 germ tubes. This method is sufficiently straightforward that, provided with sterile Petri dishes, citizen scientists from distant locations could use this approach to capture spores and subsequently mail them with voucher specimens to a research laboratory for further study. The generated single-spore Pezizales isolates obtained through this method were used to generate high-quality genomic data. Isolates generated in this fashion can be used in manipulative experiments to better understand the biology, evolution, and ecogenomics of Pezizales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growers often use alternations or mixtures of fungicides to slow down the development of resistance to fungicides. However, within a landscape, some growers will implement such resistance management methods, whereas others do not, and may even apply solo components of the resistance management program. We investigated whether growers using solo components of resistant management programs affect the durability of disease control in fields of those who implement fungicide resistance management. We developed a spatially implicit semidiscrete epidemiological model for the development of fungicide resistance. The model simulates the development of epidemics of spot-form net blotch disease, caused by the pathogen Pyrenophora teres f. maculata. The landscape comprises three types of fields, grouped according to their treatment program, with spore dispersal between fields early in the cropping season. In one field type, a fungicide resistance management method is implemented, whereas in the two others, it is not, with one of these field types using a component of the fungicide resistance management program. The output of the model suggests that the use of component fungicides does affect the durability of disease control for growers using resistance management programs. The magnitude of the effect depends on the characteristics of the pathosystem, the degree of inoculum mixing between fields, and the resistance management program being used. Additionally, although increasing the amount of the solo component in the landscape generally decreases the lifespan within which the resistance management program provides effective control, situations exist where the lifespan may be minimized at intermediate levels of the solo component fungicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new termite-pathogenic species, Ophiocordyceps globiperitheciata and O. longistipes, are described from Yunnan Province, China. Six-locus (ITS , nrSSU , nrLSU , tef-1α, rpb1 and rpb2) phylogenetic analyses in combination with morphological observations were employed to characterize these two species. Phylogenetically, O. globiperitheciata is most closely related to Hirsutella cryptosclerotium and O. communis, whereas O. longistipes shares a sister relationship with O. fusiformis. However, O. globiperitheciata differs from H. cryptosclerotium by parasitizing Blattodea and producing clavate, unbifurcated stromata. Ophiocordyceps globiperitheciata is distinguished from O. communis by multiple stromata, shorter asci and ascospores. Ophiocordyceps longistipes differs from O. fusiformis in producing larger stromata, perithecia, asci and ascospores, as well as smaller citriform or oval conidia. Morphological descriptions of the two new species and a dichotomous key to the 19 termite-pathogenic Ophiocordyceps species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe 43 new lichen species in the family Graphidaceae, mainly from the Amazon basin: Fissurina bispora, F. diamantica, F. endothallina, F. lirelloreagens, F. reticulolirellina, Graphis inspersonorstictica, G. polystriatosubmuriformis, G. viridithallina, Heiomasia hypostictica, Leucodecton aurantiacum, Mangoldia thallolomoides, Myriochapsa negativa, M. triseptata, Myriotrema inspersosticticum, M. reticulatum, M. roseum, M. xanthonicum, Ocellularia coronatoverrucosa, O. griseosorediata, O. inspersomuriformis, O. inspersulascens, O. microschizidiata, O. norsorediata, O. pallidocolumellata, O. pedicellata, O. pertusella, O. pseudocyphellata, O. psorinspersa, O. psorsorediata, O. roseoisidiata, O. sorediopseudochapsa, O. verruciinspersa, O. vulcanica, O. wirthiotremoides, Phaeographis aureopruinosa, P. coccinea, P. fuscobilabiata, P. macrocephalica, P. norscalpturata, P. pallidoxanthonica, Rhabdodiscus lineatus, Stegobolus negativus, and Thalloloma xanthohypoleptum (the last species also from Puerto Rico). Relatively many are fertile but also form vegetative propagules. A few of the species contain no mature ascospores, but are so deviating from any other described species that we decided to describe them nonetheless. Also, we propose the following 22 new combinations for species of Graphidaceae that were previously described from Brazil and currently are accepted species but were so far assigned to the other genera: Allographa basaltica (≡ Graphis basaltica Kremp.), A. brevissima (≡ Graphis brevissima Fée), A. byrsonimae (≡ Graphina byrsonimae Redinger), A. heteroplaca (≡ Graphina heteroplaca Müll.Arg.), A. platypoda (≡ Phaeographina platypoda Zahlbr.), A. pseudoserpens (≡ Graphis pseudoserpens Chaves & Lücking), A. subargentata (≡ Graphis subargentata S.C.Feuerst., Dal Forno & Eliasaro), A. tricolorata (≡ Graphina tricolorata Redinger), Diorygma album (≡ Graphina alba Müll.Arg.), Fissurina adscripturiens (≡ Graphis adscripturiens Nyl.), F. egenella (≡ Graphina egenella Müll.Arg.), Graphis fasciata (≡ Ustalia fasciata Eschw.), Mangoldia lecideicarpa (≡ Graphina lecideicarpa Zahlbr.), O. endocrocea (≡ O. cinchonarum var. endocrocea Müll.Arg.), O. minarum (≡ Thelotrema minarum Vain.), Phaeographis atrolabiata (≡ Phaeographina atrolabiata Redinger), Phaeographis cheilomegas (≡ Graphis cheilomegas Fée), P. coriaria (≡ Phaeographina coriaria M.Wirth & Hale), P. crassa (≡ Platygramme crassa Fée), P. oxalifera (≡ Phaeographina oxalifera Redinger), P. scriptitata (≡ Phaeographina scriptitata C.W.Dodge), and Stegobolus trachodes (≡ Thelotrema trachodes Nyl.). Finally, we report several species new to Brazil or to one of the states: Allographa pitmanii new to Amapá, Cryptoschizotrema minus new to Alagoas, Glaucotrema glaucophaenum new to Amapá, Graphis pyrrhocheiloides new to Amapá, Graphis subserpentina new to Pará, Melanotrema astrolucens new to Brazil in Amazonas and Pará, Myriotrema hartii new to Amazonas, O. bullata new to Brazil in Pará, O. inspersipallens new to Brazil in Rondônia, O. jutaratiae new to Amapá, O. parvidisca new to Brazil in Amapá, O. rondoniana new to Alagoas, and Thelotrema wilsoniorum new to Brazil in Amapá. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthonia frostiicola and A. galligena are described as new to science based on collections from mountainous regions of southeastern North America. Arthonia frostiicola infects the saxicolous lichen Dirinaria frostii, producing emarginate black apothecia which erupt from within the host thallus. It is characterized by a dark hypothecium and 1-septate, obovoid ascospores which turn brownish and verruculose in age. It is known from five collections made in the southern Appalachian Mountains and Ozark Mountains in southeastern North America. Arthonia galligena produces galls in the thallus and apothecia of the corticolous lichens Lecanora masana and L. rugosella, and is apparently endemic to the high elevations of the southern Appalachian Mountains. It is characterized by a variably pigmented, pale to red-brown hypothecium and 2-septate, macrocephalic ascospores which turn brownish and verruculose in age. Keys to the species of Arthonia on Caliciales and Lecanoraceae are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fungus species, Nemania hydei, isolated from Avicennia marina in Pranburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand is described. The samples were collected from mangrove habitats, and the fungus was isolated and characterised. Nemania species produce carbonaceous, superficial stromata that are multi-peritheciate with papillate ostioles. They are frequently isolated from decomposing angiospermous wood and are primarily considered saprophytic, although some are endophytic, while a few are pathogenic. DNA extraction was performed on pure cultures, and the ITS, LSU, RPB-2, and TUB sequence data were amplified. Molecular phylogenetic investigation revealed that the isolate formed a distinct and well-supported clade with Nemania viridis as a sister taxon. Morphological observations further demonstrated unique characteristics that distinguish N. hydei from its closest taxonomic relative. Primarily, they differ in the shape and size of ascospores, asci, and the characteristic reaction of the apical ring. Despite the existence of over 70 known species within the genus Nemania, only four species have been previously documented from mangrove ecosystems. The discovery of N. hydei contributes to knowledge of species from mangroves, expanding our understanding of the diversity within Nemania in marine habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Hedgerows represent an agroecological lever for pest management. To date, few studies have shown that they can be used as a lever for the control of aerial fungal diseases, especially as a barrier to dispersal. On banana production, the main disease is black leaf streak disease (BLSD), which is a fungal disease caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis. This pathogen disperses through two types of spores: ascospore and conidia. The aim of this study was to observe and to quantify the effect of hedgerows on BLSD dispersal. Trap plants were placed at the same distance to an artificial source of inoculum with a hedgerow on one side. Lesions were counted to establish the daily lesion density of each trap plant. The combination of hedgerow characteristics such as height, width, and optical porosity were used to evaluate its potential capacity to intercept spores. RESULTS: When ascospores were used as a source of inoculum, the lesion density on traps plant decreased up to 50% between the hedgerow with the lowest interception capacities and the one with the highest interception capacities. For conidia, hedgerow height and side of the trap plants (with or without hedgerow between them and the source) were not significant, but low porosity of the hedgerow reduced the lesion density. On the contrary, for ascospore, the hedgerow effect was anisotropic; the trap plants on hedgerow side had less lesions. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first experimental proof of the effect of hedgerows on P. fijiensis dispersion, both on conidia and ascospore. We showed that hedgerow characteristics impact the capacity of interception of the hedgerow. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ophiocordyceps is the largest genus in Ophiocordycipitaceae and has a broad distribution with high diversity in subtropical and tropical regions. In this study, two new species, pathogenic on lepidopteran larvae are introduced, based on morphological observation and molecular phylogeny. Ophiocordyceps fenggangensis sp. nov. is characterised by having fibrous, stalked stroma with a sterile tip, immersed perithecia, cylindrical asci and filiform ascospores disarticulating into secondary spores. Ophiocordyceps liangii sp. nov. has the characteristics of fibrous, brown, stipitate, filiform stroma, superficial perithecia, cylindrical asci and cylindrical-filiform, non-disarticulating ascospores. A new combination Ophiocordyceps musicaudata (syn. Cordyceps musicaudata) is established employing molecular analysis and morphological characteristics. Ophiocordyceps musicaudata is characterised by wiry, stipitate, solitary, paired to multiple stromata, yellowish, branched fertile part, brown stipe, immersed perithecia, cylindrical asci and cylindrical-filiform, non-disarticulating ascospores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loxospora is a genus of crustose lichens containing 13 accepted species that can be separated into two groups, based on differences in secondary chemistry that correlate with differences in characters of the sexual reproductive structures (asci and ascospores). Molecular phylogenetic analyses recovered these groups as monophyletic and support their recognition as distinct genera that differ in phenotypic characters. Species containing 2'-O-methylperlatolic acid are transferred to the new genus, Chicitaea Guzow-Krzem., Kukwa & Lendemer and four new combinations are proposed: C. assateaguensis (Lendemer) Guzow-Krzem., Kukwa & Lendemer, C. confusa (Lendemer) Guzow-Krzem., Kukwa & Lendemer, C. cristinae (Guzow-Krzem., Łubek, Kubiak & Kukwa) Guzow-Krzem., Kukwa & Lendemer and C. lecanoriformis (Lumbsch, A. W. Archer & Elix) Guzow-Krzem., Kukwa & Lendemer. The remaining species produce thamnolic acid and represent Loxospora s.str. Haplotype analyses recovered sequences of L. elatina in two distinct groups, one corresponding to L. elatina s.str. and one to Pertusaria chloropolia, the latter being resurrected from synonymy of L. elatina and, thus, requiring the combination, L. chloropolia (Erichsen) Ptach-Styn, Guzow-Krzem., Tønsberg & Kukwa. Sequences of L. ochrophaea were found to be intermixed within the otherwise monophyletic L. elatina s.str. These two taxa, which differ in contrasting reproductive mode and overall geographic distributions, are maintained as distinct, pending further studies with additional molecular loci. Lectotypes are selected for Lecanora elatina, Pertusaria chloropolia and P. chloropolia f. cana. The latter is a synonym of Loxospora chloropolia. New primers for the amplification of mtSSU are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lichenised fungal genus Pyrenula is a very common crustose lichen element in tropical to subtropical forests, but little research has been done on this genus in China. During our study on Pyrenula in China, based on morphological characteristics, chemical traits and molecular phylogenetic analysis (ITS and nuLSU), three new 3-septate species with red or orange oil in over-mature ascospores were found: Pyrenula inspersa sp. nov., P. thailandicoides sp. nov. and P. apiculata sp. nov. Compared to the known 3-septate species of Pyrenula with red or orange oil, P. inspersa is characterised by the inspersed hamathecium; P. thailandicoides is characterised by the IKI+ red hamathecium and the existence of an unknown lichen substance; and P. apiculata is characterised by the absence of endospore layers in the spore tips and the absence of pseudocyphellae. It is reported for the first time that the presence of a gelatinous halo around the ascospores of Pyrenula is common. A word key for the Pyrenula species with red or orange oil in over-mature ascospores is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoscypha (Sarcoscyphaceae, Pezizales) is a saprobic fungus characterized by the cup or disc-shaped blight red apothecium and oblong to ellipsoid ascospores. The 18 species of Sarcoscypha were known to occur in Europe, North America, and tropical Asia. However, up to date, only two Sarcoscypha species have been reported in Korea. In this study, novel Sarcoscypha specimens were collected from Juwangsan, Odaesan, and Taebaeksan National Parks from September to October in Korea. This species is well distinguished from other Sarcoscypha species according to the molecular and phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Here, we provided detailed descriptions with illustrations and a phylogenetic tree to report our specimens as novel Sarcoscypha species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nectria dematiosa exhibiting orange red colour perithecia on stems and branches of young and old apple trees were reported under field conditions during 2020 and 2021. Reddish discoloration followed by papery appearance of stem and branches were the characteristic symptoms observed. Ascomata were non‐papillate, surface irregular comprising numerous cylindrical to narrowly clavate asci. Ascospores were ellipsoidal to fusiform, straight or slightly curved, hyaline with 0 to 1‐septa. Richard and Royal Delicious variety of apple were more susceptible with moderate to high severity of the European canker. Based on nucleotide homology and phylogenetic analysis, the pathogen was confirmed as N. dematiosa (accession no. OQ152022). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of N. dematiosa causing European canker of apple in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel Comoclathris species were identified from dicotyledonous plants (Clematis sp. and Xanthoceras sorbifolium) in China. The results were supported by morphological characters and Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) analyses. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of the ITS, LSU, SSU and rpb2 sequences revealed two new species Comoclathris clematidis and C. xanthoceratis, which are phylogenetically distinct. The new species are phylogenetically closely related to C. arrhenatheri. However, they are distinguishable from C. arrhenatheri by having comparatively larger asci and ascospores. This study improves our knowledge of Comoclathris as no species has been previously described from China. This suggests such taxa may be rare and it is likely that new taxa will be discovered from hosts and environments that have not yet been extensively investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcotrochila alpina (type species of the genus Sarcotrochila) has long been known as a saprotroph colonising larch needles in litter. During a survey of mycobiota colonising needles in litter, we regularly observed apothecia of this species on larch needles cultivated in damp chambers, and isolated the fungus from its ascospores into culture. Analysis of ITS rDNA obtained from these cultures revealed a surprising connection to the anamorph-typified species Rhabdocline (= Meria) laricis, a weak pathogen of European larch. A new combination, Rhabdocline alpina, is proposed, reflecting their conspecificity and the priority of the epitheton alpina. A proposal to protect the much more often used generic name Rhabdocline against the older Sarcotrochila is planned. The morphology of the species in vital condition is presented, and for the two examined type specimens of Orbilia retrusa and Hyalinia nostra (both synonyms of R. alpina) in dead condition. A comparison of our findings with descriptions in the literature is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circinaria russus sp. nov. is described based on morpho–anatomical and phylogenetic analysis. The novel species is characterized by its reddish brown thallus, absence of marginal lobes, taller hymenium 175–190 µm, and larger ascospores 22–32 × 15–20 than the similar taxon Circinaria tortuosa. A phylogenetic analysis, based on ITS nrDNA sequencing and ML analysis, supported the separation of the novel species. Complete description and a comparative analysis with related Circinaria species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven species of Cliostomum Fr. recorded from Australia are treated. These include the widespread C. griffithii (Sm.) Coppins, the austral C. praepallidum (Müll. Arg.) Kantvilas & Fryday and the Tasmanian endemic C. vezdae Kantvilas, a reinstated name previously subsumed under C. flavidulum Hafellner & Kalb. Three species are described as new: C. latisporum Kantvilas, a corticolous species containing atranorin and gangaleoidin from coastal Tasmania and New South Wales, characterized by pale pink, soon immarginate apothecia, 0.3–0.9 mm wide, non-capitate, unpigmented paraphyses, and relatively wide, 1(–3)-septate ascospores, 9–15 × 4–6 μm; C. litorale Kantvilas, a saxicolous species containing atranorin and confluentic acid, recorded only from Tasmania, with relatively large, usually pale pinkish apothecia, 0.6–1.5 mm wide, non-capitate paraphyses, and 1(–2)-septate ascospores, 9–13 × 4−6 μm; and C. saxatile Kantvilas, a saxicolous species containing atranorin and lecanoric acid, also known only from Tasmania, with dark brown to black apothecia, 0.3–0.5 mm wide, pigmented with Laurocerasi-brown, capitate paraphyses, and 1-septate ascospores, 7–14 × 3–5 μm. The widespread, coastal Australasian species Tylothallia verrucosa (Müll. Arg.) Kantvilas is transferred to Cliostomum , with the additional synonym Catillaria brisbanensis Räsänen. Megalaria variegata (Müll. Arg.) D. J. Galloway, based on a New Zealand type, is a further synonym of Cliostomum griffithii. All species are illustrated and described on the basis of Australian and Tasmanian specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of the lichen genus Pseudopyrenula in India is presented, with morphotaxonomic accounts of all six accepted species. Two species, P. himalayana and P. megaspora , are new to science. Both species resemble P. staphyleae but have a lichenized thallus and eccentric ostiole. Furthermore, P. himalayana differs from P. staphyleae in having immersed perithecia and narrower ascospores, while P. megaspora differs in the larger ascospores. Detailed descriptions of the new species are presented, together with notes on their chemistry, distribution, ecology and taxonomy. A key to all known species of Pseudopyrenula from India is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new powdery mildew species, Erysipheneelamensis, was found on Celtis eriocarpa in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The identification was based upon morpho‐anatomical features and results of a molecular sequence analysis. This species is morphologically distinguished from phylogenetically allied Erysiphe species by having chasmothecia with fewer, shorter appendages and a small number of asci and ascospores. A phylogenetic analysis of the nrDNA of ITS region of E. neelamensis supports the involvement of a novel species of the genus Erysiphe. The new species is described, illustrated and compared with all allied species, along with a phylogram showing its inferred phylogenetic position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxylaceous fungi are abundant in China, but their discovery and report are uneven in various provinces, with more fungi in Yunnan and Hainan and fewer fungi in Tibet. During the investigation of macro-fungi in Motuo county, Tibet Autonomous Region, we collected a number of xylarialean specimens. Six hypoxylaceous specimens growing on dead angiosperm were collected from the forests of Motuo county, and they were described and illustrated as two new species in Hypoxylon based on a combination of morphological characters and molecular evidence. Hypoxylon diperithecium was characterized by its bistratal perithecia, purple-brown stromatal granules, citrine to rust KOH-extractable pigments, and light brown to brown ascospores ellipsoid-inequilateral with conspicuous coil-like ornamentation. Hypoxylon tibeticum was distinct from other species by having pulvinate and applanate stromata, surface vinaceous, with orange granules, orange KOH-extractable pigments, and brown ascospores with inconspicuous ornamentation. The multi-gene phylogenetic analyses (ITS-LSU-RPB2-TUB) supported the two new taxa as separate lineages in the genus Hypoxylon. A key to all known Hypoxylon taxa from China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Varicellaria was originally erected for a single species that was similar to the species then included in Pertusaria, which all had simple ascospores, but differed in having 1-septate ascospores. However, a molecular analysis has shown that septate ascospores is not a genus-level trait in the group and that Varicellaria was better characterised by the thallus containing lecanoric acid, and several species lacking a septum have subsequently been transferred to Varicellaria from Pertusaria. Here, Varicellaria cacuminum is described as new to science from rocks on the summits of several mountains on Campbell Island/ Motu Ihupuku, New Zealand. It is characterised by the thallus lacking soralia, the presence of lecanoric acid, and huge ascospores up to 315 µm long. The new species is compared with other members of the genus and Pertusaria otagoana, a species with similar sized ascospores. Pertusaria otagoana, which has only been reported from its type locality near Dunedin, is also reported from Campbell Island and South Island, New Zealand. The status of the New Zealand species of Pertusaria transferred to Lepra is discussed and it is concluded that Pertusaria erubescens and P. muricata should be retained in Pertusaria, whereas it is not currently possible to determine the correct generic placement of the other three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]