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Sunn pests, which can cause significant yield losses on wheat and barley, are one of the pests whose population levels should be followed. Overwintering areas, which have an important place in the biology of the insect, provide an advantage in the development of biological or integrated control with entomopathogenic fungi. Entomopathogenic fungi are one of the most important control agents in reducing the population in overwintering areas. In this study, one Lecanicillium psalliotae (KK8) isolate and one Akanthomyces muscarium (DIKA11/1) isolate were identified according to morphologic and molecular data. Pathogenicity test was carried out with DIKA11/1 A. muscarium isolate. Adult insects were inoculated with a 1×107 conidia/ml suspension. With this current study, A. muscarium was reported for the first time on sunn pests with 87.7% mortality rate. The L. psalliotae species, which is a pathogen on other insects and sunn pests, was isolated from the sunn pests and identified from Turkey. It is thought that DIKA11/1 A. muscarium isolate can be used in the biological control of this insect and commercial formulation development studies.

Akanthomyces zaquensis Y.H. Wang, W.J. Wang, Ke Wang, C.H. Dong, J.R. Hao, P.M. Kirk & Y.J. Yao, sp. nov. (Figs. 2–4) Fungal Names registration: FN570746. Etymology:— zaquensis, referring to the collecting site near the Za Qu River. Colonies on PDA were rapidly growing, attaining a diameter of 25–28 mm and 30–34 mm within 10 days at 20 and 25 ºC, respectively, round, flat, white. Reverse primrose to pale yellow. Colonies on MEA and PCA attained a diameter of 23–28 mm and 28–31 mm within 10 days at 20 and 25ºC, respectively, round, flat, white. Reverse pale yellow (FIGURE 2). The vegetative hyphae on PDA medium were delicate, hyaline, smooth-walled, 0.4–2.0 μm wide. Phialides occurring directly on the aerial hyphae; simple, 8.0–40.0 µm long, rarely over 100 µm, 0.6–1.2 µm at the base, tapering to about 0.4 µm at the tips. The conidia produced on the three media were one-celled, smooth-walled, hyaline; (1.5–)3.0–6.0(–7.0) × 0.5–1.2(–1.5) µm; adhering in heads at the apex of the phialides, long-ellipsoidal to almost cylindrical (FIGURE 3). The optimum temperature for growth was 5–37 ºC on three media (17–34 mm diameter in 10 d at 15–30 ºC), little growth (usually less than 10 mm diameter) at ≤10 ºC, no growth at ≥ 33 ºC (FIGURE 4). Notes: Akanthomyces zaquensis was isolated from O. sinensis. The species differed from A. lecanii by having bigger conidia. Furthermore, A. zaquensis produced single and lanceolate or narrowly lageniform phialides directly from the aerial hypha. Sexual state:—Unknown. Holotype:— CHINA. Qinghai Province: Yushu Prefecture, Zadoi County, Sulu Country, Duoxiao Village beside the Za Qu River, isolated from both the stroma and the sclerotium of O. sinensis on the ground, 20 May 2002, J.J. Li (holotype HMAS 246915, ex-holotype living culture CGMCC 19934). Other material examined:— CHINA. Qinghai Province: Yushu Prefecture, Zadoi County, Sulu Country, Duoxiao Village beside the Za Qu River, from both the stroma and the sclerotium of O. sinensis on the ground, 20 May 2002, J.J. Li (isotype HMAS 246914, isotype HMAS 246916, isotype HMAS 246917)., Published as part of Wang, Yong-Hui, Wang, Wen-Jing, Wang, Ke, Dong, Cai-Hong, Hao, Ji-Rong, Kirk, Paul M. & Yao, Yi-Jian, 2023, Akanthomyces zaquensis (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales), a new species isolated from both the stroma and the sclerotium of Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Qinghai, China, pp. 198-208 in Phytotaxa 579 (3) on pages 203-204, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.579.3.5, http://zenodo.org/record/7550391

In Colombia, the Tetranychus urticae mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the most challenging phytosanitary issues faced by flower cultivators. The control of this mite has been commonly done thr...

The entomopathogenic fungus Akanthomyces muscarius strain IMI 268317, previously known as Lecanicilliummuscariumand Verticillium lecanii, is currently used as a microbial insecticide to protect tomatoes from serious leaf-inhabiting pests in greenhouses. However, its persistence on tomato leaves has been unidentified. Understanding the events and processes of phyllosphere colonisation by this strain should help in developing its practical applications. This study assessed the epiphytic abilities of this strain on tomato leaves in humid conditions, simulating closed greenhouse environments. Conidia applied on tomato leaflets strongly adhered 12 h after inoculation. The mucilage-like materials were found around the germinated conidia after 3 days after inoculation (dpi), which possibly strengthened the adhesion. A total of 15% of conidia germinated at 3 dpi, of which 2% formed typical conidium or an enlarged structure on germ-tube tips. Many conidia were produced on phialide tips that branched from elongated hyphae at 7 dpi; however, invasion into leaf tissue was not observed. On the leaflets, inoculated conidia suspensions of 1 × 105 and 1 × 106 conidia/mL, colony forming units increased 52.6 and 8.8 folds from 0 to 14 dpi, respectively. These results suggested that A. muscarius strain IMI 268317 has high epiphytic abilities on tomato leaflets in a humid condition.

In the search for new antibiotics, several fungal endophytes were isolated from the medicinal plant Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum (Edelweiss). The extract from one of these fungi classified as Akanthomyces sp. displayed broad-spectrum antibiotic activity against gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Further investigation into the composition of this extract using bioactivity-guided fractionation, HRMS, and nuclear magnetic resonance revealed two new 4-hydroxy-2-pyridone alkaloids (1, 2) and emestrin (3), an epidithiodioxopiperazine not previously known to be produced by a member of Cordycipitaceae. Further testing of purified compounds 1 and 2 proved that they are devoid of antibiotic activity, and all the activities observed in the crude extract could be assigned to emestrin (3), whose configuration was confirmed by crystallographic data. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that endophytic fungi from Edelweiss can produce new compounds, prompting further investigation into them for drug discovery.

Fil: Danilovich, Mariana Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Tucuman. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiologicos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucuman. Facultad de Bioquimica, Quimica y Farmacia; Argentina

A new species, Akanthomyces neocoleopterorum, which was isolated from an infected ladybug, is introduced. Morphological comparisons with extant species and DNA-based phylogenies from analysis of a multigene dataset support the establishment of the new species. It differs from other species by having mononematous and verticillium-like conidiophores, longer phialides, and mostly cylindrical conidia. Both the morphological identification and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, RPB1, RPB2 and TEF sequence data support A. neocoleopterorum as a new species in the genus Akanthomyces.

During a survey of spider-pathogenic fungi from Southwest China, a new araneogenous species was found. The new species, Akanthomyces araneicola, differs from other species based on mostly smaller fusiform conidia (2.5–5.0 × 1.3–1.9 μm), mononematous conidiophores and, additionally, in parasitising a spider. Both the morphological identification and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, RPB1, RPB2 and TEF sequence data support A. araneicola as a new species in the genus Akanthomyces.

Akanthomycesis a genus of invertebrate-pathogenic fungi from the family Cordycipitaceae (Ascomycota, Hypocreales). Its species occurs on two different types of hosts, spiders and insects, and in the latter case specifically Lepidoptera adults. Three new species ofAkanthomyces,A. noctuidarum,A. pyralidarum, andA. tortricidarumoccurring on adult moths from Thailand are proposed based on the differences of their morphological characteristics and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses using a combined dataset, including the internal transcribed spacer regions, the large subunit of the ribosomal DNA, translation elongation factor 1-α, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, support the delimitation of these new species inAkanthomyces.

Akanthomyces is a genus of invertebrate-pathogenic fungi from the family Cordycipitaceae (Ascomycota, Hypocreales). Its species occurs on two different types of hosts, spiders and insects, and in the latter case specifically Lepidoptera adults. Three new species of Akanthomyces, A. noctuidarum, A. pyralidarum, and A. tortricidarum occurring on adult moths from Thailand are proposed based on the differences of their morphological characteristics and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses using a combined dataset, including the internal transcribed spacer regions, the large subunit of the ribosomal DNA, translation elongation factor 1-α, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, support the delimitation of these new species in Akanthomyces.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, the Netherlands, and co‐rapporteur Member State, France, for the pesticide active substance Akanthomyces muscarius strain Ve6 formerly Lecanicillium muscarium strain Ve6 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012 as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of Akanthomyces muscarius strain Ve6 as an insecticide on fruiting vegetables of cucurbitaceae with edible and inedible peel, fruiting vegetables of solanaceae, strawberries, floriculture crops (except roses), cut roses and tree nursery. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

The ending of dual nomenclatural systems for pleomorphic fungi in 2011 requires the reconciliation of competing names, ideally linked through culture based or molecular methods. The phylogenetic systematics of Hypocreales and its many genera have received extensive study in the last two decades, however resolution of competing names in Cordycipitaceae has not yet been addressed. Here we present a molecular phylogenetic investigation of Cordycipitaceae that enables identification of competing names in this family, and provides the basis upon which these names can be maintained or suppressed. The taxonomy presented here seeks to harmonize competing names by principles of priority, recognition of monophyletic groups, and the practical usage of affected taxa. In total, we propose maintaining nine generic names, Akanthomyces, Ascopolyporus, Beauveria, Cordyceps, Engyodontium, Gibellula, Hyperdermium, Parengyodontium, and Simplicillium and the rejection of eight generic names, Evlachovaea, Granulomanus, Isaria, Lecanicillium, Microhilum, Phytocordyceps, Synsterigmatocystis, and Torrubiella. Two new generic names, Hevansia and Blackwellomyces, and a new species, Beauveria blattidicola, are described. New combinations are also proposed in the genera Akanthomyces, Beauveria, Blackwellomyces, and Hevansia.

Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall) is one of the most harmful pests of leguminous plants. In order to expand our knowledge on the infection of M. usitatus by entomopathogenic fungi, two newly identified isolates of Akanthomyces attenuatus (Zare &amp, Gams) were tested for their pathogenicity against M. usitatus. Both isolates of A. attenuatus (SCAUDCL-38 and SCAUDCL-56) were isolated from soil and were identified by morphological and molecular analyses. The adult females of M. usitatus were treated with five different concentrations (1 &times, 104, 1 &times, 105, 1 &times, 106, 1 &times, 107, and 1 &times, 108 conidia/mL) of the isolates. Our results revealed 76.25% and 57.5% mortality of M. usitatus after five days of treatment with 1 &times, 108 conidia/mL of SCAUDCL-38 and SCAUDCL-56, respectively. The median lethal concentrations (LC50) of SCAUDCL-38 and SCAUDCL-56 calculated through linear regression analysis after five days of fungal treatment of M. usitatus were 1.9 &times, 106 and 1.5 &times, 107 conidia/mL, respectively, whereas the median lethal time (LT50) observed for 1 &times, 108 conidia/mL of SCAUDCL-38 and SCAUDCL-56 were 3.52 days and 4.9 days, respectively. A. attenuatus isolates SCAUDCL-38 and SCAUDCL-56 are highly pathogenic strains of M. usitatus. These findings offer valuable information on the development and commercialization of alternative control measures against M. usitatus.

During an investigation into parasitic fungi on arthropods in the mixed forests of Mt. Fruška Gora, Republic of Serbia, two pathogenic species were found: Cordyceps thaxteri Mains (anamorph: Cordyceps thaxteri Mains (Anamorph: Akanthomyces aranearum (Petch) Mains) and Torrubiella arachnophila (J.R. Johnst.) Mains (Anamorph: Gibellula leiopus (Vuill. ex Maubl.) Mains (Hypocreales, Cordycipitaceae). Both specimens were found in the anamorphic (asexual) stage. Previously, there have been no investigations of this group of fungi in this region, thus these are the first records of pathogenic fungi for both Mt. Fruška Gora and the entire territory of the Republic of Serbia. Collected specimens are deposited in the Herbarium of the National Park Fruška Gora, Republic of Serbia.

Akanthomyces ampullifer, A. aranearum, A. novoguineensis and a new species A. ovalongatus are described from dead spiders in Taiwan. Akanthomyces ovalongatus is characterized by its globose to subglo- bose conidiogenous cells that have an abruptly nar- rowed neck, and obovoid, oblong to ellipsoidal co- nidia. In these features, A. ovalongatus resembles A. aranearum, A. arachnophilus and A. novoguineensis, but it can be readily separated from these species ei- ther by roughness of conidiogenous cells, or by mor- phological characters of conidia. A key to the thir- teen known species of Akanthomyces is provided.

Three poorly recorded species of Akanthomyces, A. arachnophilus, A. aranearum and A. novoguineensis, currently recognized from spiders were all found in various forest types in Thailand. Three other species A. koratensis, A. cinereus and A. websteri, are described as new. No evidence was found to link any of these six anamorphic species with teleomorphs. A key to the known species of Akanthomyces on spiders is provided.

SUMMARY Four species of Akanthomyces, collected on various arthropod hosts in Ghana, are described and illustrated. Akanthomyces gracilis Samson & Evans spec. nov. appeared to occur on a wide variety of insect hosts and is particularly common on ants. Akanthomyces pistillariaeformis (Pat.) Samson & Evans comb. nov. (= Isaria pistillariaeformis Pat.) is often found on moths together with Cordyceps tuberculata. The variability in synnematous habit and the associated Cordyceps tuberculata is discussed. Akanthomyces arachnophilus (Petch) Samson & Evans comb. nov. (= Trichosterigma arachnophilum Petch) was collected twice on spiders together with Torrubiella flava Petch. A. aranearum (Petch) Mains is rather common on spiders.

Pistillaria johnsonii is transferred to the anamorph genus Akanthomyces and redescribed and illustrated from herbarium specimens and cultures. The species produces white indeterminate synnemata with phialidic conidiogenous cells and catenate ameroconidia, and occurs on decaying leaves and herbaceous litter, often in association with species of Botryosporium.