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Background: The fungal communities inhabiting natural Ophiocordyceps sinensis play critical ecological roles in alpine meadow ecosystem, contribute to infect host insect, influence the occurrence of O. sinensis, and are repertoire of potential novel metabolites discovery. However, a comprehensive understanding of fungal communities of O. sinensis remain elusive. Therefore, the present study aimed to unravel fungal communities of natural O. sinensis using combination of high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent approaches. Results: A total of 280,519 high-quality sequences, belonging to 5 fungal phyla, 15 classes, 41 orders, 79 families, 112 genera, and 352 putative operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained from natural O. sinensis using high-throughput sequencing. Among of which, 43 genera were identified in external mycelial cortices (EMC), Ophiocordyceps, Sebacinia, Archaeorhizomyces were predominant genera with the abundance of 95.86%, 1.14%, 0.85%, respectively. A total of 66 genera were identified from soil microhabitat (Soil), Inocybe, Archaeorhizomyces, unclassified Thelephoraceae, Tomentella, Thelephora, Sebacina, unclassified Ascomycota, unclassified Fungi were predominant genera with an average abundance of 53.32%, 8.69%, 8.12%, 8.12%, 7.21%, 4.6%, 3.08% and 3.05%, respectively. The fungal communities in external mycelial cortices were significantly distinct from the soil microhabitat. Meanwhile, seven types of culture media were used to isolate culturable fungi at 16°C, resulted in 77 fungal strains isolated by rDNA ITS sequence analysis, belonging to 33 genera, including Ophiocordyceps, Trichoderma, Cytospora, Truncatella, Dactylonectria, Isaria, Cephalosporium, Fusarium, Cosmospora and Paecilomyces, etc.. Among all culturable fungi, Mortierella and Trichoderma were predominant genera. Conclusions: The significantly differences and overlap in fungal community structure between two approaches highlight that the integration of high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent approaches would generate more information. Our result reveal a comprehensive understanding of fungal community structure of natural O. sinensis, provide new insight into O. sinensis associated fungi, and support that microbiota of natural O. sinensis is an untapped source for novel bioactive metabolites discovery.

We surveyed the distribution and diversity of fungi present in moss fairy rings from the South Shetland Islands. In the different islands accessed, the mosses Bartramia patens, Brachythecium austrosalebrosum, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Pohlia nutans, Polytrichastrum alpinum, Sanionia uncinata, Syntrichia magellanica, and Syntrichia saxicola were infected with fairy rings. Among them, B. patens, B. pseudotriquetrum, P. nutans, P. alpinum, S. magellanica, and S. saxicola were reported for the first time as species susceptible to infection with fairy rings. From five different fairy ring moss species sampled, we isolated 40 fungal taxa identified as belonging to the genera Alpinaria, Cadophora, Cladosporium, Chalara, Cosmospora, Drechmera, Glarea, Gyoerffyella, Hymenoscyphus, Juncaceicola, Melanodiplodia, Mortierella, Mycosysmbioses, Pseudogymnoascus, Phoma, and Velucrispora. A high level of fungal richness was associated with the infected mosses, and Mortierella was the dominant genus. However, most of the fungi were present as minor components of the fungal assemblages. Among the mosses studied, S. uncinata harboured the greatest fungal diversity. Some fungal taxa present have previously been reported as opportunistic plant pathogens, including Cladosporium sp. and Phoma herbarum. We hypothesize that some of the fungi recovered from fairy ring mosses might represent secondary opportunistic pathogens and contribute to the reduced natural defences of the infected mosses, thus accelerating the dissemination of the pathogenic fairy rings in the Antarctic Peninsula. In addition, the presence of fairy rings on previously unreported moss species suggests that the disease may be becoming more widespread in Antarctica.

Brown root rot (BRR) caused by Phellinus noxius is a destructive tree disease in tropical and subtropical areas. To understand how BRR affects the composition of the plant rhizoplane-enriched microbiota, the microbiomes within five root-associated compartments (i.e., bulk soil, old/young root rhizosphere soil, old/young root tissue) of Ficus trees naturally infected by P. noxius were investigated. The level of P. noxius infection was determined by quantitative PCR. Illumina sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer and 16S rRNA revealed that P. noxius infection caused a significant reduction in fungal diversity in the bulk soil, old root tissue, and rhizosphere soil. Interestingly, Cosmospora was the only fungal genus positively correlated with P. noxius. The abundance and composition of dominant bacterial taxa such as Actinomadura, Bacillus, Rhodoplanes, and Streptomyces differed between BRR-diseased and healthy samples. Furthermore, 838 isolates belonging to 26 fungal and 35 bacterial genera were isolated and tested for interactions with P. noxius. Antagonistic activities were observed for isolates of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma. Cellophane overlay and cellulose/lignin utilization assays suggested that Cosmospora could tolerate the secretions of P. noxius and that the degradation of lignin by P. noxius may create suitable conditions for Cosmorpora growth. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Cosmospora xylariae is described as new to science and illustrated based on six collections from Europe occurring on stromata of Xylaria hypoxylon, X. longipes and X. polymorpha. The placement of this fungus in the genus Cosmospora and its status as a distinct species are based on the study of its sexual and asexual morphs, colour of colony in culture and phylogenetic comparison of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences with those of cosmospora-like fungi having an acremonium-like asexual morph. Field observations in French Guiana are reported showing the presence of the closely related C. scruposae on dead stromata of X. schweinitzii. C. scruposae is closely related to C. xylariae and was so far considered to be affiliated with X. scruposa only. The status of C. berkeleyana as a distinct species is questioned by the phylogenetic analysis of numerous ITS sequences published under this name in GenBank, one of them being close to C. xylariae. It is determined that Verticillium berkeleyanum, thus C. berkeleyana, is a synonym of Sphaerostilbella berkeleyana. A dichotomous key to species of Cosmospora is presented based on morphological features of sexual state and host affiliation.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:22:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-01-01 Antarctic environments are characterized by polar climate, making it difficult for the development of any form of life. The biogeochemical cycles and food web in such restrictive environments may be exclusively formed by microorganisms. Polar mycological studies are recent and there is much to know about the diversity and genetic resources of these microorganisms. In this sense, the molecular taxonomic approach was applied to identify 129 fungal isolates from marine and terrestrial samples collected from the King George Island (South Shetland Islands, Maritime Antarctic). Additionally, the production of cold-adapted enzymes by these microorganisms was evaluated. Among the 129 isolates, 69.0% were identified by ITS-sequencing and affiliated into 12 genera. Cadophora, Geomyces, Penicillium, Cosmospora, and Cladosporium were the most abundant genera. Representatives of Cosmospora were isolated only from terrestrial samples, while representatives of the others genera were recovered from marine and terrestrial samples. A total of 29, 19, and 74 isolates were able to produce ligninolytic enzymes, xylanase, and l-asparaginase, respectively. Representatives of Cadophora showed great ability to produce lignin peroxidase (LiP) and laccase at 15.0 °C in liquid medium, while representatives of Penicillium and non-identified fungi were the best producers of xylanase and l-asparaginase at 20.0 °C. The high number of fungi able to produce enzymes at moderate temperature reveals their potential for industrial production and biotechnological applications. The present study broadens the knowledge of fungal diversity associated with the southern polar region. Additionally, data from molecular taxonomy suggest that two filamentous fungi may be considered as potential new species. Federal University of Alagoas, Campus Arapiraca Division of Microbial Resources Chemical Biological and Agricultural Pluridisciplinary Research Center (CPQBA)/Campinas State University (UNICAMP) Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP)

To clarify phylogenetic relationships among Aquanectria, Cosmospora, Fusicolla and other related taxa in Nectriaceae, we examined detailed morphological characters and performed cladistic analyses of a concatenated dataset based on the ITS, LSU and β-tubulin DNA sequences of fungal specimens collected from freshwater habitats in China. A new genus, Cosmosporella, is described to accommodate C. olivacea as its type species. Cosmospora obscura is transferred to Cosmosporella based on morphological similarities and phylogenetic support. Aquanectria jacinthicolor, a freshwater lignicolous taxon, characterized by its orange ascomata and ellipsoid ascospores with broad paraphyses is a newly described freshwater species. This species has affinities with other two known species of Aquanectria and can be distinguished based on ascospore morphology. A specimen with sexual morph of Fusicolla aquaeductuum is reported for the first time.

Elm (Ulmus, Ulmaceae) is one of the most popular and important trees in urban and landscape areas in Iran. A severe decline of elm trees has recently been observed in some areas of Kerman and Shiraz cities. However, the identity of the causal agents has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study, carried out in the years 2012–2014, was to isolate and identify fungal trunk pathogens associated with decline symptoms observed in elm trees. Samples were collected from trunks and branches of trees showing various disease symptoms and internal wood lesions. Fungal isolations were made from discolored or decayed wood tissue. In Kerman some elm trees were attacked by the beetle Aeolesthes sarta; therefore, samples were also collected from larvae and adults of beetles associated with trees showing wood damage. Fungal isolates were identified by morphological, cultural and molecular characteristics. Thirteen fungal species, Phaeoacremonium (P.) minimum, P. parasiticum, P. sicilianum, P. alvesii, P. fraxinopennsylvanicum, Spencermartinsia viticola, Dothiorella (Do.) sarmentorum, Neoscytalidium hyalinum, Diatrype (Di.) whitmanensis, Cosmospora viridescens, Phoma (Pho.) herbarum, Phellinus (Phe.) tuberculosus and Inonotus levis were identified. Phaeoacremonium parasiticum was the only species isolated from both larvae and adult beetles. Pathogenicity trials were performed on detached shoots of elm under greenhouse conditions. Dothiorella sarmentorum was the most virulent species based on the length of wood necrosis. This study is the first report of P. sicilianum, C. viridescens and Phe. tuberculosus in Iran. In addition, most of the isolated species are reported for the first time on elm trees in the world.

The presence of fungi in pristine Antarctic soils is of particular interest because of the diversity of this microbial group. However, the extreme conditions that coexist in Antarctica produce a strong selective pressure that could lead to the evolution of novel mechanisms for stress tolerance by indigenous microorganisms. For this reason, in recent years, research on cold-adapted microorganisms has increased, driven by their potential value for applications in biotechnology. Cold-adapted fungi, in particular, have become important sources for the discovery of novel bioactive secondary metabolites and enzymes. In this study, we studied the fungal community structure of 12 soil samples from Antarctic sites, including King George Island (including Collins Glacier), Deception Island and Robert Island. Culturable fungi were isolated and described according to their morphological and phenotypical characteristics, and the richness index was compared with soil chemical properties to describe the fungal community and associated environmental parameters. We isolated 54 fungal strains belonging to the following 19 genera: Penicillium, Pseudogymnoascus, Lambertella, Cadophora, Candida, Mortierella, Oxygenales, Geomyces, Vishniacozyma, Talaromyces, Rhizopus, Antarctomyces, Cosmospora, Tetracladium, Leptosphaeria, Lecanicillium, Thelebolus, Bjerkandera and an uncultured Zygomycete. The isolated fungi were comprised of 70% Ascomycota, 10% Zygomycota, 10% Basidiomycota, 5% Deuteromycota and 5% Mucoromycota, highlighting that most strains were associated with similar genera grown in cold environments. Among the culturable strains, 55% were psychrotrophic and 45% were psychrophilic, and most were Ascomycetes occurring in their teleomorph forms. Soils from the Collins Glacier showed less species richness and greater species dominance compared with the rest of the sites, whereas samples 4, 7, and 10 (from Fildes Bay, Coppermine Peninsula and Arctowski Station, respectively) showed greater species richness and less species dominance. Species richness was related to the C/N ratio, whereas species dominance was inversely related to C and N content. Thus, the structure of the fungal community was mainly related to soil chemical parameters more than sample location and altitude.

Recent collections and herbarium specimens of Rugonectria and Thelonectria from different regions of China were examined. Using combined analyses of morphological and molecular data, 17 species are recognised including three species of Rugonectria and 14 species in Thelonectria. Amongst them, R.microconidia and T.guangdongensis are new to science. Rugonectriamicroconidia on mossy bark is characterised by superficial, yellow to orange, pyriform to subglobose perithecia with a warted surface; ellipsoidal to broadly ellipsoidal, striate, uniseptate ascospores; and allantoid to rod-shaped, aseptate microconidia. Thelonectriaguangdongensis possesses bright red perithecia with a slightly roughened surface and a prominently dark papilla; ellipsoidal, smooth, uniseptate ascospores; and subcylindrical, slightly curved, multiseptate macroconidia. Morphological distinctions and sequence divergences between the new species and their close relatives are discussed. Name changes for the previously recorded species in China are noted.

Funding for Open Access provided by the UMD Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund., Species of Cosmospora are parasites of other fungi (mycoparasites), including species belonging to the Xylariales. Based on prior taxonomic work, these fungi were determined to be highly host specific. We suspected that the association of Cosmospora and their hosts could not be a result of random chance, and tested the cospeciation of Cosmospora and the their hosts with contemporary methods (e.g., ParaFit, PACo, and Jane). The cophylogeny of Cosmospora and their hosts was found to be congruent, but only host-parasite links in more recent evolutionary lineages of the host were determined as coevolutionary. Reconciliation reconstructions determined at least five host-switch events early in the evolution of Cosmospora. Additionally, the rates of evolution between Cosmospora and their hosts were unequal. This pattern is more likely to be explained by pseudocospeciation (i.e., host switches followed by cospeciation), which also produces congruent cophylogenies.

Summary In August 2011, fungal endophytes were isolated from fine (0.1–0.5 cm diameter) and structural (0.6–2.0 cm) roots from eighteen Q. robur trees at six sites in a Q. robur-dominated forest displaying symptoms of oak decline. Five sites were subjected to periodic flooding for 3 months in 1997 and 1 month in 2010. Fungal colonization was detected in 94% of 1296 root fragments examined. Fungi representing 126 taxa from Zygomycota (four species), Ascomycota (117 species) and Basidiomycota (five species) were isolated using culture-based methods and identified by morphotyping and sequencing of the ITS 1 and 2 rDNA. The most frequent eudominants (with colonization frequencies ≥10%) were Aspergillus spp., Cosmospora sp., Ilyonectria radicicola, Pezicula radicicola, Pyrenochaeta cava and six species of Trichoderma. Species composition did not vary greatly between sites, but only 3% of species occurred in all sites. Number of species was higher in roots subjected to floods. Eudominants and dominants present only on flooded sites included Aspergillus spp., Chaetomium globosum, Cosmospora sp., I. radicicola, Sporothrix inflata, Trichoderma harzianum, T. pubescens and T. virens. Structural roots were usually colonized by a higher number of species than fine roots. The majority of species detected belong to Class 2 NC-endophytes. Pezicula radicicola and Phialocephala fortinii belong to Class 4 NC-endophytes.

Cosmospora sensu Rossman accommodated nectroid fungi with small, reddish, smooth, thin-walled perithecia but recently was found to be polyphyletic and has been segregated into multiple genera. Not all cosmospora-like fungi have been treated systematically. Some of these species include C. vilior and many specimens often labeled "Cosmospora sp." The objectives of this research were to establish the identity of C. vilior through epitypication using a recent collection that agrees with the type specimen in morphology, host and geography and to determine its phylogenetic position within Cosmospora sensu lato and the Nectriaceae. A multilocus phylogeny was constructed based on six loci (ITS, LSU, MCM7, rpb1, tef1, tub) to estimate a phylogeny. Results from the phylogenetic analyses indicated that C. vilior forms a monophyletic group with other cosmospora-like fungi that have an acremonium-like anamorph and that parasitize Eutypa and Eutypella (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes, Xylariales, Diatrypaceae). The group is phylogenetically distinct from other previously segregated genera. A new genus, Pseudocosmospora, is described to accommodate the type species, P. eutypellae, and nine additional species in this clade.

A new fungicolous species, Cosmospora inonoticola, is described and illustrated based on a specimen collected from northeast China. It is characterized by the occurrence of fruitbodies of Inonotus sp.; perithecia nonstromatic, subglobose to pyriform, not collapsing when dry; clavate asci containing (3–)6(−8) spores; ascospores ellipsoidal to broadly ellipsoidal, pale brown, finely warted, bicellular, conspicuously constricted at septum; and producing a verticillium-like asexual state. A multi-locus analysis of the combined ITS, rpb1 and tub sequences confirmed its taxonomic position, and revealed the distinction from its morphologically similar species including the type species, C. coccinea, which occurs also on Inonotus. A specimen with sexual state of C. lavitskiae is reported for the first time, and a reference specimen is indicated.

In the 17th century, Javanese handwritten manuscripts were written on dluwang. The material was made from the bark of the paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera Vent.) [1]. Microbial consortia, however, may inhabit ancient manuscripts. Cellulolytic organisms can exploit the paper as substrate [2]. Furthermore, some fungi which are able to grow in dry substrate (xerophilic character) are associated with deterioration of manuscripts [3]. A local collector from Mertasinga, Cirebon, Indonesia, preserves old dluwang manuscripts according to traditional Javanese custom. In our previous study, twenty three fungal isolates were obtained from the teak wardrobe which contained old dluwang manuscripts. The fungal isolates are deposited in the Universitas Indonesia Culture Collection (UICC). The aim of our study was to isolate and identify fungi from old dluwang manuscripts and to identify fungal isolates obtained from previous study. Ten old dluwang manuscripts showed fungal growth, characterized by spore-formation, and pigmentation on the manuscript surfaces. Twenty three fungal isolates were obtained from nine manuscripts. Morphological characterization and molecular approach were applied to identify the fungal strains to species level using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. Fifteen fungal species within fourteen genera from dluwang manuscripts were identified as Anthostomella sp., Arthrinium sp., Aspergillus jensenii, Asp. ruber, Cladosporium colocasiae, Cosmospora sp., Curvularia lunata, Flavomyces sp., Fusarium equiseti, Paecilomyces aerugineus, Paraphaeosphaeria sp., Penicillium rubens, Sarocladium sp., and Talaromyces aurantiacus. The genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Penicillium were previously reported from manuscripts, whereas other genera in this study are newly recorded for fungi from dluwang manuscripts. Four fungal species within three genera from the teak wardrobe were identified as Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium crustosum, P. rubens and Talaromyces australis. Fourteen isolates from dluwang manuscripts and 20 isolates from the teak wardrobe were xerophiles. The dluwang manuscripts have been preserved by traditional Javanese custom provides unique environment for selected fungal species. This report highlights the importance of research on fungal diversity on deteriorated cultural and historical heritage.

Although Nectria is the type genus of Nectriaceae (Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes, Pezizomycotina, Ascomycota), the systematics of the teleomorphic and anamorphic state of Nectria sensu Rossman has not been studied in detail. The objectives of this study are to 1) provide a phylogenetic overview to determine if species of Nectria with Gyrostroma, Tubercularia, and Zythiostroma anamorphs form a monophyletic group; 2) define Nectria, segregate genera, and their species using morphologically informative characters of teleomorphic and anamorphic states; and 3) provide descriptions and illustrations of these genera and species. To accomplish these objectives, results of phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data from six loci (act, ITS, LSU, rpb1, tef1 and tub), were integrated with morphological characterisations of anamorphs and teleomorphs. Results from the phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that species previously regarded as the genus Nectria having Gyrostroma, Tubercularia, and Zythiostroma anamorphs belong in two major paraphyletic clades. The first major clade regarded as the genus Pleonectria contains 26 species with ascoconidia produced by ascospores in asci, perithecial walls having bright yellow scurf, and immersed or superficial pycnidial anamorphs (Zythiostroma = Gyrostroma). A lineage basal to the Pleonectria clade includes Nectria miltina having very small, aseptate ascospores, and trichoderma-like conidiophores and occurring on monocotyledonous plants. These characteristics are unusual in Pleonectria, thus we recognise the monotypic genus Allantonectria with Allantonectria miltina. The second major clade comprises the genus Nectria sensu stricto including the type species, N. cinnabarina, and 28 additional species. Within the genus Nectria, four subclades exist. One subclade includes species with sporodochial anamorphs and another with synnematous anamorphs. The other two paraphyletic subclades include species that produce abundant stromata in which the large perithecia are immersed, large ascospores, and peculiar anamorphs that form pycnidia or sporodochia either on their natural substrate or in culture. In this study the evolution of species, morphology, and ecology of the three genera, Allantonectria, Nectria, and Pleonectria, are discussed based on the phylogenetic analyses. In addition, descriptions, illustrations, and keys for identification are presented for the 56 species in Allantonectria, Nectria, and Pleonectria. Taxonomic novelties: New species: Nectria argentinensis Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Nectria berberidicola Hirooka, Lechat, Rossman, & P. Chaverri, Nectria himalayensis Hirooka, Rossman, & P. Chaverri, Nectria magnispora Hirooka, Rossman, & P. Chaverri, Nectria mariae Hirooka, Fournier, Lechat, Rossman, & P. Chaverri, Nectria pyriformis Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria boothii Hirooka, Rossman & Chaverri, Pleonectria clavatispora Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria ilicicola Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria okinawensis Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria pseudomissouriensis Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria quercicola Hirooka, Checa, Areual, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria strobi Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri. New combinations: Cosmospora proteae (Marinc., M.J. Wingf. & Crous) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Nectricladiella viticola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Neocosmospora guarapiensis (Speg.) Hirooka, Samuels, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Neocosmospora rehmiana (Kirschstein) Hirooka, Samuels, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria aquifolii (Fr.) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria aurigera (Berk. & Rav.) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria chlorinella (Cooke) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria coryli (Fuckel) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria cucurbitula (Tode: Fr.) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria lonicerae (Seeler) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria rosellinii (Carestia) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria rubicarpa (Cooke) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria sinopica (Fr.: Fr.) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria sphaerospora (Ellis & Everh) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria virens (Harkn.) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri, Pleonectria zanthoxyli (Peck) Hirooka, Rossman & P. Chaverri.

A new genus, Volutellonectria with Volutella anamorphs is established, based on and typified by Cosmospora consors . It is characterized by small, red perithecia which may collapse laterally when dry, a Cosmospora -like perithecial wall structure, clavate asci with an apical ring, fusiform ascospores with smooth surface, and growing on decaying plant debris or woody substrates. Two new species are added to the new genus and described as Volutellonectria asiana and V. ciliata . Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS and 28S partial) strongly support the separation of Volutellonectria from Cosmospora and some other species with Volutella anamorphs in Nectriaceae, as well as recognition of the new species.

This supplement to the taxonomic monograph The Genera of Hyphomycetes summarises information on 23 accepted new genera and c. 160 species described in 2011. These include three dematiaceous genera (Funbolia, Noosia, Pyrigemmula, all related to Dothideomycetes), a bulbil-producing genus, Spiroplana (Pleosporales), and two endophytic genera, the sterile Periglandula (Clavicipitaceae), and the hyaline, sympodial Micronematobotrys (Pyronemataceae). Slow-growing, morphologically-reduced, darkly pigmented fungi continue to be the source of new taxa, including the new genus Atramixtia (Dothioraceae). Eight new genera of darkly pigmented chlamydospore-like anamorphs were described from marine or subtidal environments (Glomerulispora, Halozoön, Hiogispora, Matsusporium, Moheitospora, Moleospora, Moromyces), mostly associated with subclades of the Lulworthiales. Several genera that are morphologically similar to but phylogenetically distinct from genera of the Capnodiales (Pseudopassalora, Scleroramularia) were introduced, as well as segregates from the classical concepts of Alternaria (Sinomyces), Chalara and Phialophora (Brachyalara, Infundichalara, Lasiadelphia), and Paecilomyces (Purpureocillium for the former Paecilomyces lilacinus complex). In addition, in anticipation of the new nomenclatural rules, newly configured formerly-teleomorph genera were proposed as segregates from classical hyphomycete genera in the Hypocreales, namely Acremonium (Cosmospora), Fusarium (Cyanonectria, Dialonectria, Geejayessia, Macroconia, Stylonectria), and Volutella (Pseudonectria) and the Trichocomaceae, Eurotiales, Penicillium (Talaromyces for the former Penicillium subg. Biverticillium). Standardized generic mini-diagnoses are provided for the accepted new genera, along with details of distribution, substrates, numbers of new species and phylogenetic affinities within the Dikarya. GenBank accession numbers for ITS DNA-barcodes are provided where available. New information on generic concepts of previously recognised genera, phylogenetic relationships, and corrections of factual errors are also included. Only two newly described genera, Fecundostilbum and Utrechtiana, seem to be synonyms of previously described genera.

A comprehensive phylogenetic reassessment of the ascomycete genus Cosmospora (Hypocreales, Nectriaceae) is undertaken using fresh isolates and historical strains, sequences of two protein encoding genes, the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2), and a new phylogenetic marker, the larger subunit of ATP citrate lyase (acl1). The result is an extensive revision of taxonomic concepts, typification, and nomenclatural details of many anamorph- and teleomorph-typified genera of the Nectriaceae, most notably Cosmospora and Fusarium. The combined phylogenetic analysis shows that the present concept of Fusarium is not monophyletic and that the genus divides into two large groups, one basal in the family, the other terminal, separated by a large group of species classified in genera such as Calonectria, Neonectria, and Volutella. All accepted genera received high statistical support in the phylogenetic analyses. Preliminary polythetic morphological descriptions are presented for each genus, providing details of perithecia, micro- and/or macro-conidial synanamorphs, cultural characters, and ecological traits. Eight species are included in our restricted concept of Cosmospora, two of which have previously documented teleomorphs and all of which have Acremonium-like microconidial anamorphs. A key is provided to the three anamorphic species recognised in Atractium, which is removed from synonymy with Fusarium and epitypified for two macroconidial synnematous species and one sporodochial species associated with waterlogged wood. Dialonectria is recognised as distinct from Cosmospora and two species with teleomorph, macroconidia and microconidia are accepted, including the new species D. ullevolea. Seven species, one with a known teleomorph, are classified in Fusicolla, formerly considered a synonym of Fusarium including members of the F. aquaeductuum and F. merismoides species complex, with several former varieties raised to species rank. Originally a section of Nectria, Macroconia is raised to generic rank for five species, all producing a teleomorph and macroconidial anamorph. A new species of the Verticillium-like anamorphic genus Mariannaea is described as M. samuelsii. Microcera is recognised as distinct from Fusarium and a key is included for four macroconidial species, that are usually parasites of scale insects, two of them with teleomorphs. The four accepted species of Stylonectria each produce a teleomorph and micro- and macroconidial synanamorphs. The Volutella species sampled fall into three clades. Pseudonectria is accepted for a perithecial and sporodochial species that occurs on Buxus. Volutella s. str. also includes perithecial and/or sporodochial species and is revised to include a synnematous species formerly included in Stilbella. The third Volutella-like clade remains unnamed. All fungi in this paper are named using a single name system that gives priority to the oldest generic names and species epithets, irrespective of whether they are originally based on anamorph or teleomorph structures. The rationale behind this is discussed.Taxonomic novelties: New genus:Macroconia (Wollenw.) Gräfenhan, Seifert & Schroers. New species:Dialonectria ullevolea Seifert & Gräfenhan, Fusicolla violacea Gräfenhan & Seifert, Mariannaea samuelsiiSeifert & Bissett, Microcera rubra Gräfenhan & Seifert. New combinations:Atractium holubovae (Seifert, S.J. Stanley & K.D. Hyde) Seifert, Atractium crassum (Wollenw.) Seifert & Gräfenhan, Cosmospora arxii (W. Gams) Gräfenhan & Schroers, Cosmospora berkeleyana (P. Karst.) Gräfenhan, Seifert & Schroers, Cosmospora butyri (J.F.H, Beyma) Gräfenhan, Seifert & Schroers, Cosmospora cymosa (W. Gams) Gräfenhan & Seifert, Cosmospora khandalensis (Thirum. & Sukapure) Gräfenhan & Seifert, Cosmospora lavitskiae (Zhdanova) Gräfenhan & Seifert, Cosmospora viridescens (C. Booth) Gräfenhan & Seifert, Fusicolla acetilerea(Tubaki, C. Booth & T. Harada) Gräfenhan & Seifert, Fusicolla aquaeductuum (Radlk. & Rabenh.) Gräfenhan, Seifert & Schroers, Fusicolla epistroma (Höhn.) Gräfenhan & Seifert, Fusicolla matuoi (Hosoya & Tubaki) Gräfenhan & Seifert, Fusicolla merismoides (Corda) Gräfenhan, Seifert & Schroers, Macroconia cupularis (J. Luo & W.Y. Zhuang) Gräfenhan & Seifert, Macroconia gigas (J. Luo & W.Y. Zhuang) Gräfenhan & Seifert, Macroconia leptosphaeriae (Niessl) Gräfenhan & Schroers, Macroconia papilionacearum (Seaver) Gräfenhan & Seifert, Macroconia sphaeriae (Fuckel) Gräfenhan & Schroers, Microcera diploa (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Gräfenhan & Seifert, Microcera larvarum (Fuckel) Gräfenhan, Seifert & Schroers, Pseudonectria buxi (DC.) Seifert, Gräfenhan & Schroers, Stylonectria purtonii (Grev.) Gräfenhan, Stylonectria wegeliniana (Rehm) Gräfenhan, Voglmayr & Jaklitsch, Volutella citrinella (Ellis & Everh.) Seifert, Volutella consors (Ellis & Everh.) Seifert, Gräfenhan & Schroers. New name:Stylonectria carpini Gräfenhan.

Genus Chaetopsinectria is established to accommodate four species, previously assigned to Cosmospora, that possess Chaetopsina anamorphs, small and red perithecia not collapsing when dry, a typical Cosmospora perithecial wall structure, clavate asci, smooth or striate ascospores, sienna colonies on PDA, and on decaying debris or woody substrates. The segregation of the new genus from Cosmospora is well supported by sequence analyses of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS and 28S partial) with maximum parsimony and Bayesian methods. The molecular data indicate that the new genus is distantly related to Cosmospora coccinea Rabenh., the type species of Cosmospora sensu stricto, and its related fungi. Four new combinations, Chaetopsinectria chaetopsinae, C. chaetopsinae-catenulatae, C. chaetopsinae-penicillatae and C. chaetopsinae-polyblastiae, are proposed.

Seven species of the genus Cosmospora collected in Japan are reported in this article. Among them, Cosmospora japonica is described as a new species. Cosmospora henanensis, C. rishbethii, and C. triqua, all of which are known only from their type localities, are added to the Japanese mycobiota. The other species, C. chaetopsinaecatenulatae, C. diminuta, and C. peponum, are new records for Japan. Additional distribution records are given for Cosmospora species hitherto known in Japan.

Adventive armoured scale insects (Diaspididae) are of particular concern in New Zealand horticulture due to their polyphagous nature, the damage they can cause, and their implications in biosecurity. Two important species of fungal entomopathogens recorded on armoured scale insects in New Zealand are Cosmospora aurantiicola (Fusarium larvarum) and C. fl ammea (F. coccophilum). Both have previously been recorded in New Zealand from unidentifi ed Coccoidea; C. aurantiicola has also been recorded on Hemiberlesia lataniae and H. rapax. During 2002–2003, fi ve forays were carried out to provide further information on the host range of the species and to collect strains of the entomopathogens that may have potential as biocontrol agents for armoured scale insects. Aspidiotus nerii, Hemiberlesia sp., Leucaspis brittini, Leucaspis spp., Pinnaspis dysoxyli and Eriococcus cavelli (Eriococcidae) were recorded as new host species for C.fl ammea. Hemiberlesia lataniae is reconfi rmed as a host for both species.

A group of Fusarium isolates from slime flux similar to F. aquaeductuum produced unique, strongly curved, aseptate, C-shaped conidia. They were found to be identical to F. splendens nom. nud. Dried specimens from which F. splendens was originally isolated were reexamined and characterized as a new species of Cosmospora. Cosmospora matuoi sp. nov. is proposed for the teleomorph, and Fusarium matuoi sp. nov. is proposed for its anamorph.

Two species of lichenicolous fungi on Placopsis gélida are described from Ecuador: Capronia andina (also collected from Costa Rica and Colombia) and Roselliniopsis palicei. A diagnosis of Nectria byssophila, collected for the first time in America on Stereocaulon is presented. The new combination Cosmospora marelliana is proposed and Epicymatia microspora is synonymized with Phacopsis thallicola.Se describen dos especies de hongos liquenícolas encontrados en Ecuador sobre el liquen Placopsis gélida: Capronia andina (también recolectada en Costa Rica y Colombia) y Roselliniopsis palicei. También se hace una diagnosis de Nectria byssophila, recolectada por primera vez en América, sobre Stereocaulon. Se propone, además, la nueva combinación Cosmospora marelliana, y se sinonimiza Epicymatia microspora con Phacopsis thallicola.

Two species of lichenicolous fungi on Placopsis gélida are described from Ecuador: Capronia andina (also collected from Costa Rica and Colombia) and Roselliniopsis palicei. A diagnosis of Nectria byssophila, collected for the first time in America on Stereocaulon is presented. The new combination Cosmospora marelliana is proposed and Epicymatia microspora is synonymized with Phacopsis thallicola. Se describen dos especies de hongos liquenícolas encontrados en Ecuador sobre el liquen Placopsis gélida: Capronia andina (también recolectada en Costa Rica y Colombia) y Roselliniopsis palicei. También se hace una diagnosis de Nectria byssophila, recolectada por primera vez en América, sobre Stereocaulon. Se propone, además, la nueva combinación Cosmospora marelliana, y se sinonimiza Epicymatia microspora con Phacopsis thallicola.

The genus Cosmospora includes nectrioid fungi that grow on polypores and xylariaceous fungi. The collections growing on xylariaceous fungi have been identified recently as Cosmospora viliuscula. In this paper the phylogeny and taxonomy of C. viliuscula are investigated. A phylogeny was generated with maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods applied to a three-partition dataset (ITS, 28S, MCM7-RPB1-TUB2). Based on these results, we demonstrate that Cosmospora viliuscula represents a diverse species complex comprising more than 10 species. Seven new species are described, including three single-strain lineages, and the sexual states of C. arxii and C. khandalensis are described for the first time. The sexual states of these fungi tend to have a high degree of morphological homoplasy, making it difficult to differentiate among them based on morphological characters alone. However, the apparent host specificity of species in this complex aide in the diagnosis of these fungi. In addition, the RPB1 marker provides sufficient resolution to distinguish these fungi.

Nectria zealandica Cooke is transferred to the genus Cosmospora. This species is redescribed and its anamorph, Fusarium zealandicum sp.nov., is described as new and both are illustrated. The systematic position of Cosmospora zealandica comb.nov. and its anamorph is discussed.Key words: Hypocreales, Nectriaceae, taxonomy, New Zealand.

In the course of bioassay-guided study on the EtOAc extract of a culture broth of the marine-derived fungus Cosmospora sp. SF-5060, aquastatin A (1) was isolated as a protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory component produced by the fungus. The compound was isolated by various chromatographic methods, and the structure was determined mainly by analysis of NMR spectroscopic data. Compound 1 exhibited potent inhibitory activity against PTP1B with IC(50) value of 0.19muM, and the kinetic analyses of PTP1B inhibition by compound 1 suggested that the compound is inhibiting PTP1B activity in a competitive manner. Aquastatin A (1) also showed modest but selective inhibitory activity toward PTP1B over other protein tyrosine phosphatases, such as TCPTP, SHP-2, LAR, and CD45. In addition, the result of hydrolyzing aquastatin A (1) suggested that the dihydroxypentadecyl benzoic acid moiety in the molecule is responsible for the inhibitory activity.

Holcoglossum is one of the smaller genera of Orchidaceae, mainly distributed in southwest China. Some members of this genus as well as H. rupestre and H. flavescens are endemic and rare Chinese orchids. As far as we know, little work has been done concerning the relationships between the Holcoglossum plants and endophytic microorganisms. In this study, 46 culturable fungal endophytes were isolated and identified from roots of nine Holcoglossum plants collected from Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces of China based on molecular techniques. The results showed that all strains belonged to four classes, i.e., Sordariomycetes (41.30%), Dothideomycetes (36.96%), Agaricomycetes (17.39%), Leotiomycetes (4.35%). Thirty-six strains were identified at the genus level, including Alternaria, Cladosporium, Clonostachys, Colletotrichum, Cosmospora, Cryptosporiopsis, Cylindrocarpon, Didymella, Epulorhiza (Anamorphic Tulasnella), Fusarium, Myrmecridium, Leptosphaeria, Paraconiothyrium, Phomopsis, Pyrenochaeta, and Stephanonectria. Fusarium and Epulorhiza (Anamorphic Tulasnella) were the dominant fungal endophytes. Some orchids mycorrhizal fungi as well as Tulasnella calospora and Epulorhiza sp. were found in roots. This is the first report concerning endophytic fungi from Holcoglossum plants (Orchidaceae), suggesting that endophytic fungi in Holcoglossum plants are very abundant.

A revision of Fusarium-like species associated with the plant genus Buxus led to a reconsideration of generic concepts in the Fusarium clade of the Nectriaceae. Phylogenetic analyses of the partial second largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II (rpb2) and the larger subunit of the ATP citrate lyase (acl1) gene exons confirm the existence of a clade, here called the terminal Fusarium clade, that includes genera such as Fusarium sensu stricto (including its Gibberella teleomorphs), Albonectria, Cyanonectria, “Haematonectria”, the newly described genus Geejayessia, and “Nectria” albida. Geejayessia accommodates five species. Four were previously classified in Nectria sensu lato, namely the black perithecial, KOH–species G. atrofusca and the orange or reddish, KOH+ G. cicatricum, G. desmazieri and G. zealandica. Geejayessia celtidicola is newly described. Following our phylogenetic analyses showing its close relationship with Cyanonectria cyanostoma, the former Gibbera buxi is recombined as the second species of Cyanonectria. A three gene phylogenetic analysis of multiple strains of each morphological species using translation elongation factor 1 α (tef-1), rpb2 and acl1 gene exons and introns confirms their status as distinct phylogenetic species. Internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster and nuclear large ribosomal subunit sequences were generated as additional DNA barcodes for selected strains. The connection of Fusarium buxicola, often erroneously reported as the anamorph of G. desmazieri, with the bluish black and KOH+ perithecial species C. buxi is reinstated. Most Cyanonectria and Geejayessia species exhibit restricted host ranges on branches or twigs of Buxus species, Celtis occidentalis, or Staphylea trifolia. Their perithecia form caespitose clusters on well-developed, mostly erumpent stromata on the bark or outer cortex of the host and are relatively thin-walled, mostly smooth, and therefore reminiscent of the more or less astromatous, singly occurring perithecia of Cosmospora, Dialonectria, and Microcera. The cell walls in outer- and inner layers of the perithecial walls of Cyanonectria and Geejayessia have inconspicuous pore-like structures, as do representative species of Albonectria, Fusarium sensu stricto, “Haematonectria”, and “Nectria” albida. The taxonomic significance of these structures, which we call Samuels' pores, is discussed. Taxonomic novelties:Geejayessia Schroers, Grafenhan & Seifert, gen. nov., Geejayessia celtidicola Grafenhan & Schroers, sp. nov., Cyanonectria buxi (Fuckel) Schroers, Grafenhan & Seifert, comb. nov., Geejayessia atrofusca (Schw.) Schroers & Grafenhan, comb. nov., Geejayessia cicatricum (Berk.) Schroers, comb. nov., Geejayessia desmazieri (Becc. & De Not.) Schroers, Grafenhan & Seifert, comb. nov., Geejayessia zealandica (Cooke) Schroers, comb. nov.

Several species in the fungal genus Cosmospora (synonym Nectria) (anamorph Fusarium) are specialist entomopathogens of armored scale insects (Diaspididae), known to cause periodic epizootics in host populations. Inconsistent mortality rates recorded under laboratory conditions prompted a study into the process of infection of armored scale insects by this fungus. Scale insect mortality following exposure to a Cosmospora sp. (Culture Collection Number: CC89) from New Zealand was related to insect age, with reproductively mature insects having a significantly higher infection rate than immature insects. Examination using scanning electron microscopy found no evidence that the fungus penetrated directly through the wax test (cap) of the scale insect or through the un-lifted interface between the test and the substrate on which the insect resided. However, fungal hyphae were observed growing beneath the test when the test of the reproductively mature insect lifted away from the substrate for the purpose of releasing crawlers, the mobile pre-settled juveniles. Once the hyphae of CC89 advanced under the test, germ-tubes readily penetrated the insect body through a number of natural openings (e.g. spiracles, vulva, stylet), with mycosis observed within seven days after inoculation. Direct penetration through the cuticle of the scale insect was not observed.

In the course of bioassay-guided study on the EtOAc extract of a culture broth of the marine-derived fungus Cosmospora sp. SF-5060, aquastatin A (1) was isolated as a protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory component produced by the fungus. The compound was isolated by various chromatographic methods, and the structure was determined mainly by analysis of NMR spectroscopic data. Compound 1 exhibited potent inhibitory activity against PTP1B with IC(50) value of 0.19muM, and the kinetic analyses of PTP1B inhibition by compound 1 suggested that the compound is inhibiting PTP1B activity in a competitive manner. Aquastatin A (1) also showed modest but selective inhibitory activity toward PTP1B over other protein tyrosine phosphatases, such as TCPTP, SHP-2, LAR, and CD45. In addition, the result of hydrolyzing aquastatin A (1) suggested that the dihydroxypentadecyl benzoic acid moiety in the molecule is responsible for the inhibitory activity.