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The class Dothideomycetes is the largest and most ecologically diverse class of fungi, comprising endophytes, epiphytes, saprobes, human and plant pathogens, lichens, and lichenicolous, nematode trapping and rock-inhabiting taxa. Members of this class are mainly characterized by bitunicate asci with fissitunicate dehiscence, and occur on broad range of hosts in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Since the last monograph of families of Dothideomycetes in 2013, numerous novel species, genera, families and orders have been discovered. This has expanded information which has led to the modern classification in Dothideomycetes. In this paper, we provide a refined updated document on families of Dothideomycetes with emphasis on Dothideomycetidae and Pleosporomycetidae. We accept three orders with 25 families and four orders with 94 families in Dothideomycetidae and Pleosporomycetidae, respectively. The new family Paralophiostomataceae is introduced in Pleosporales. Each family is provided with an updated description, notes, including figures to represent the morphology, list of accepted genera, and economic and ecological significances. We also provide an overall phylogenetic tree of families in Dothideomycetes based on combined analysis of LSU, SSU, rpb-2 and tefl sequence data, and phylogenetic trees for each order in Dothideomycetidae and Pleosporomycetidae. Family-level trees are provided for the families which include several genera such as Mycosphaerellaceae and Teratosphaeriaceae. Two new genera (Ligninsphaeriopsis and Paralophiostoma) are introduced. Five new species (Biatrisopora borsei, Comoclathris galatellae, Ligninsphaeriopsis thailandica, Paralophiostoma hysterioides and Torula thailandica) are introduced based on morphology and phylogeny, together with nine new reports and seven new collections from different families.

This paper reviews and determines the fungi growing on seeds and fruits of wild plants in various habitats. Such fungi colonise a wide range of substrates with most reported from cones, cupules, and leguminous pods that are high in cellulose and lignin content. There are 1348 fungal species (belonging to 230 families and 609 genera) reported from wild seeds and fruits in 84 countries, listed in this paper. Of these, 300 fungi were described from wild seeds and fruit substrates. Members of the Fabaceae support the highest number of taxa, namely 19% of the novel wild fruit fungi. Twenty-eight genera, including 5 fossil fungal genera have been described from wild seeds and fruits: Agarwalomyces, Amorocoelophoma, Anisogenispora, Archephoma, Centrolepidosporium, Cylindroaseptospora, Cylindromyces, Davidhawksworthia, Delonicicola, Discotubeufia, Glaxoa, Kionocephala, Leucaenicola, Naranus, Neolindgomyces, Pleohelicoon, Quercicola, Remotididymella, Repetoblastiella, Restilago, Soloacrosporiella, Strobiloscypha and Tainosphaeria. Archephoma, Meniscoideisporites, Palaeodiplodites, Palaeopericonia and Xylohyphites are the new fossil fungal genera. Fungal asexual morphs predominate on wild seeds and fruits rather than the sexual morphs. The dominant fungal genera on wild seeds and fruits include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Candida, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Diaporthe, Drechslera, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, Pestalotiopsis, Restiosporium, Rhizopus, Talaromyces, Trichoderma and Xylaria. Certain assemblages of fungi have specific and distinct relationships with their hosts, especially Xylaria species (e.g., Xylaria magnoliae on Magnolia fruits; X. xanthinovelutina (= X. ianthino-velutina) on Fabaceae pods; X. carpophila on Fagus cupules; X. persicaria on liquidambar fruits). Whether these species occur as endophytes and become saprobes following fruit fall requires further investigation. In this study, we also made several sexual morph collections of sordariomycetous taxa from different seed and fruit substrates mainly from Thailand, with a few from the UK. These include 15 new species, 13 new host records and 1 new geographical record. The new species are described and illustrated. © 2020, Guizhou Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology

The website http://outlineoffungi.org, is launched to provide a continuous up-to-date classification of the kingdom Fungi (including fossil fungi) and fungus-like taxa. This is based on recent publications and on the outline of fungi and fungus-like taxa published recently (Mycosphere 11, 1060-1456, Doi: 10.5943/mycosphere/11/1/8). The website is continuously updated according to latest classification schemes, and will present an important platform for researchers, industries, government officials and other users. Users can provide input about missing genera, new genera, and new data. They will also have the opportunity to express their opinions on classifications with notes published in the 'Notes' section of the webpage following review and editing by the curators and independent experts. The website will provide a system to stay abreast of the continuous changes in fungal classification and provide a general consensus on the systematics of fungi.

During a survey of freshwater fungi in China and Thailand, seven fresh collections representing four species in Chaetosphaeriaceae are described and illustrated based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU and ITS sequence data. Cryptophiale udagawae, Cryptophialoidea fasciculata and Nawawia filiformis were re-collected and are reported with the first sequence data. Two collections of Phialosporostilbe from China and Thailand are identified and introduced as a new species named P. scutiformis with the first sequence data for the genus. A new genus Neonawawia is introduced to accommodate Ne. malaysiana. New combinations are proposed for the genera Neonawawia and Phialosporostilbe. Descriptions and illustrations of the new taxa and identified species are provided. Reference specimens of Cryptophiale udagawae, Cryptophialoidea fasciculata and Nawawia filiformis are designated in this study. Phylogenetic placements of the genera Cryptophiale, Cryptophialoidea, Nawawia, Neonawawia and Phialosporostilbe are discussed.

This is the fourth in a series of Mycosphere notes wherein we provide notes on various fungal genera. In this set of notes, we introduce Phaeoseptaceae as a new family, Pseudobyssosphaeria (Melanommataceae) as a new genus, 40 new species, 11 new host or country records, one reference specimen, one new combination and provide a description of the holotype of Uleodothis balansiana (Dothideaceae). The new species are Acrospermum longisporium (Acrospermaceae), Ascitendus aquaticus (Annulatascaceae), Ascochyta clinopodiicola (Didymellaceae), Asterina magnoliae (Asterinaceae), Barbatosphaeria aquatica (Barbatosphaeriaceae), Camarosporidiella populina (Camarosporidiellaceae), Chaetosphaeria mangrovei (Chaetosphaeriaceae), Cytospora predappioensis, Cytospora prunicola (Cytosporaceae), Dendryphiella phitsanulokensis (Dictyosporiaceae), Diaporthe subcylindrospora, Diaporthe subellipicola (Diaporthaceae), Diplodia arengae (Botryosphaeriaceae), Discosia querci (Sporocadaceae), Dyfrolomyces sinensis (Pleurotremataceae), Gliocladiopsis aquaticus (Nectriaceae), Hysterographium didymosporum (Pleosporomycetidae genera, incertae sedis), Kirschsteiniothelia phoenicis (Kirschsteiniotheliaceae), Leptogium thailandicum (Collemataceae), Lophodermium thailandicum (Rhytismataceae), Medicopsis chiangmaiensis (Neohendersoniaceae), Neocamarosporium phragmitis (Neocamarosporiaceae), Neodidymelliopsis negundinis (Didymellaceae), Neomassarina pandanicola (Sporormiaceae), Neooccultibambusa pandanicola (Occultibambusaceae), Neophaeosphaeria phragmiticola (Neophaeosphaeriaceae), Neosetophoma guiyangensis (Phaeosphaeriaceae), Neosetophoma shoemakeri (Phaeosphaeriaceae), Neosetophoma xingrensis (Phaeosphaeriaceae), Ophiocordyceps cylindrospora (Ophiocordycipitaceae), Otidea pseudoformicarum (Otideaceae), Periconia elaeidis (Periconiaceae), Phaeoisaria guttulata, Pleurotheciella krabiensis, Pleurotheciella tropica (Pleurotheciaceae), Pteridiospora bambusae (Astrosphaeriellaceae), Phaeoseptum terricola (Phaeoseptaceae), Poaceascoma taiwanense (Lentitheciaceae), Pseudobyssosphaeria bambusae (Melanommataceae) and Roussoella mangrovei (Roussoellaceae). The new host records or new country records are provided for Alfaria terrestris (Stachybotryaceae), Arthrinium phragmites (Apiosporaceae), Bertiella ellipsoidea (Melanommataceae), Brevicollum hyalosporum (Neohendersoniaceae), Byssosphaeria siamensis (Melanommataceae), Cerothallia subluteoalba (Teloschistaceae), Cryptophiale hamulata (Chaetosphaeriaceae), Didymella aliena (Didymellaceae), Epicoccum nigrum (Didymellaceae), Periconia pseudobyssoides (Periconiaceae) and Truncatella angustata (Sporocadaceae).

Discomycetes are an artificial grouping of apothecia-producing fungi in the phylum Ascomycota. Molecular-based studies have revealed that the discomycetes can be found among ten classes of Ascomycota. The classification of discomycetes has been a major challenge due to the lack of a clear understanding of the important morphological characters, as well as a lack of reference strains. In this review, we provide a historical perspective of discomycetes, notes on their morphology (including both asexual and sexual morphs), ecology and importance, an outline of discomycete families and a synoptical cladogram of currently accepted families in Ascomycota showing their systematic position. We also calculated evolutionary divergence times for major discomycetous taxa based on phylogenetic relationships using a combined LSU, SSU and RPB2 data set from 175 strains and fossil data. Our results confirm that discomycetes are found in two major subphyla of the Ascomycota: Taphrinomycotina and Pezizomycotina. The taxonomic placement of major discomycete taxa is briefly discussed. The most basal group of discomycetes is the class Neolectomycetes, which diverged from other Taphrinomycotina around 417 MYA (216–572), and the most derived group of discomycetes, the class Lecanoromycetes, diverged from Eurotiomycetes around 340 MYA (282–414). Further clarifications based on type specimens, designation of epitypes or reference specimens from fresh collections, and multi-gene analyses are needed to determine the taxonomic arrangement of many discomycetes.

A concatenated dataset of LSU, SSU, ITS and tef1 DNA sequence data was analysed to investigate the taxonomic position and phylogenetic relationships of the genus Camarosporium in Pleosporineae (Dothideomycetes). Newly generated sequences from camarosporium-like taxa collected from Europe (Italy) and Russia form a well-supported monophyletic clade within Pleosporineae. A new genus Camarosporidiella and a new family Camarosporidiellaceae are established to accommodate these taxa. Four new species, Neocamarosporium korfii, N. lamiacearum, N. salicorniicola and N. salsolae, constitute a strongly supported clade with several known taxa for which the new family, Neocamarosporiaceae, is introduced. The genus Staurosphaeria based on S. lycii is resurrected and epitypified, and shown to accommodate the recently introduced genus Hazslinszkyomyces in Coniothyriaceae with significant statistical support. Camarosporium quaternatum, the type species of Camarosporium and Camarosporomyces flavigena cluster together in a monophyletic clade with significant statistical support and sister to the Leptosphaeriaceae. To better resolve interfamilial/intergeneric level relationships and improve taxonomic understanding within Pleosporineae, we validate Camarosporiaceae to accommodate Camarosporium and Camarosporomyces. The latter taxa along with other species are described in this study.

Laburnicola gen. nov., with four new species, Paramassariosphaeria gen. nov., with a new species and Montagnula saikhuensis sp. nov. are introduced in this paper. The phylogeny of these taxa and genera of Didymosphaeriaceae are resolved based on analysis of combined LSU, SSU, and ITS sequence data. Laburnicola is characterized by obpyriform, immersed ascomata, with a peridium fused to the host tissues, long pedicellate asci and ellipsoidal to fusoid ascospores, whose central cells have longitudinal septa and a rugged surface. Paramassariosphaeria is characterized by globose to subglobose ascomata, papillate ostioles, a peridium comprising pseudoparenchymatous cells of textura angularis, cylindric-clavate to clavate, pedicellate asci and brown, curved-fusoid ascospores, with multiple transverse septa and a mucilaginous sheath. Montagnula saikhuensis has immersed ascomata, with a peridium fused to the host tissues, long pedicellate asci and blackish brown, ellipsoidal ascospores with a single septum. The relationship of these taxa with other Didymosphaeriaceae species is discussed based on comparative morphology and phylogenetic analysis. Munkovalsaria appendiculata and Munkovalsaria donacina are transferred to the genus Montagnula.

Aplosporella thailandica sp. nov. was collected from a dead stem in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand and identified by morphological characteristics and analyses of combined ITS and EF1-alpha sequence data. This is the first report of a sexual morph with molecular evidence for this genus and the first record of spermatogenesis and chlamydospore associated with the asexual state of this family. The sexual morph of Aplosporella thailandica resembles Bagnisiella and the asexual morph resembles Aplosporella, thus proving the sexual-asexual connection for the first time for this family.

During our studies of palm fungi in Thailand we identified a new species of Barriopsis on a petiole of Archontophoenix alexandrae, which we introduce herein as B. archontophoenicis. The new species is compared with other species in the genus Barriopsis and differs in its epapillate ostiole and smaller ascospores. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, SSU and TEF1-alpha sequence data also show the species to be distinct.

This paper briefly discusses the history of fungal taxonomy and contributes to the concepts and the importance of ranking genera, families and orders. We propose recommendations for introducing species into appropriate ranks such as genera, families and orders, as well as the rationale to maintain species in one genus or segregate one genus into several genera. Various ways to rank fungi have commonly been based on morphological and phylogenetic species concepts. More recently, the use of molecular clocks, coupled with estimates of divergence times, has provided insights into how to assign species and support their establishment at different taxonomic hierarchical levels. Case studies are given from the order Botryosphaeriales and Pleosporales, and the genera Camarosporium, Colletotrichum, Diaporthe, Pestalotiopsis, Lophiostoma and Agaricus to demonstrate taxonomic ambiguities and the subjectivity in classification of fungi.

A fungal species with bitunicate asci and ellipsoid to fusiform ascospores was collected from a dead branch of Rhamnus alpinus in Italy. The new taxon morphologically resembles Leptosphaeria. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analyses of a combined LSU and ITS sequence dataset confirm its placement in Leptosphaeria sensu stricto. The new taxon is distinct from other species based on morphology and phylogeny and is thus introduced as a new species, viz. L. italica. The new species is compared with other Leptosphaeria species and a comprehensive description and micrographs are provided.

A concatenated dataset of LSU, SSU, ITS and tef1 DNA sequence data was analysed to investigate the taxonomic position and phylogenetic relationships of the genus Camarosporium in Pleosporineae (Dothideomycetes). Newly generated sequences from camarosporium-like taxa collected from Europe (Italy) and Russia form a well-supported monophyletic clade within Pleosporineae. A new genus Camarosporidiella and a new family Camarosporidiellaceae are established to accommodate these taxa. Four new species, Neocamarosporium korfii, N. lamiacearum, N. salicorniicola and N. salsolae, constitute a strongly supported clade with several known taxa for which the new family, Neocamarosporiaceae, is introduced. The genus Staurosphaeria based on S. lycii is resurrected and epitypified, and shown to accommodate the recently introduced genus Hazslinszkyomyces in Coniothyriaceae with significant statistical support. Camarosporium quaternatum, the type species of Camarosporium and Camarosporomyces flavigena cluster together in a monophyletic clade with significant statistical support and sister to the Leptosphaeriaceae. To better resolve interfamilial/intergeneric level relationships and improve taxonomic understanding within Pleosporineae, we validate Camarosporiaceae to accommodate Camarosporium and Camarosporomyces. The latter taxa along with other species are described in this study.

We describe three new species of Fulvifomes from Thailand, all of which grow on Xylocarpus granatum, a major mangrove tree species in southeastern Asia. Fulvifomes xylocarpicola sp. nov. is characterized by the perennial and sessile basidiocarps, woody context without a distinct crust, pores 4–6/mm, a dimitic hyphal system both in the context and trama, broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 4–5.5 × 3.5–4.5 μm, and occurrence on the stem of X. granatum. Fulvifomes siamensis sp. nov. is characterized by the perennial and sessile basidiocarps, woody context without a crust, pores 7–8/mm, a monomitic hyphal system in the context, subglobose basidiospores measuring 4.5–6 × 4–5 μm, and occurrence on the root or butt of X. granatum. Fulvifomes halophilus sp. nov. is characterized by perennial, sessile basidiocarps, leathery to corky context with a crust near the pileus surface, pores 5–8/mm, a subdimitic hyphal system in the context, subglobose basidiospores measuring 4–5.5 × 3.5–5 μm, and occurrence on the root or butt of X. granatum. Fulvifomes mangrovicus comb. nov. is proposed for Fomes mangrovicus. A key to the worldwide species of Fulvifomes is provided.

Fungal taxonomy has a long history and nomenclatural type specimens constitute an integral part of fungal classification and nomenclature. To date, type specimens/old names have served as excellent exemplars and references and have been the pillar for a stable classification and appropriate nomenclature. However, with an increase in the number of species being discovered and the practical problems associated with re-examination and over reliance of old names as exemplars, there is a need to reconsider our traditional taxonomic thinking towards such an approach. It is becoming increasingly clear that loaning specimens, especially of rare and old species, is becoming too tedious, difficult and in some cases, practically impossible. This paper addresses in detail some of the major practical difficulties in referring to old names from a stable nomenclatural system viewpoint, in particular, reluctance of herbaria to loan specimens and poor conditions of specimens. Specific case studies where problems are encountered that hinder references to old names are discussed. Last but not least, mycologists express their opinions and concerns and provide deductive conclusions based on facts and their long experience in mycology. With regards to fungal nomenclature, taxonomists, devoted to bring about rational changes to fungal taxonomy, should be encouraged to use more friendly and practical approaches, with minimum hassle to examine old specimens. We contemplate that this paper will provide potential solutions to facilitate future naming/classification of fungal species.

Seagrasses are flowering plants inhabiting coastal and marine environments, with a worldwide distribution. They serve as feeding, breeding and nursery grounds for economically important marine organisms including endangered species. The tropical seagrass Enhalus acoroides was collected from Had Khanom-Mu Ko Thale Tai National Park, southern Thailand. The objectives of this study were to investigate for the presence of endophyte assemblages in E. acoroides, as well as to describe the diversity of endophytes based on LSU, ITS1, 2, 5.8S rDNA sequence analyses. Forty-two fungal assemblages were isolated and identified through molecular data. This resulted in a diversity of fungal groups of Ascomycota (98%) and Basidiomycota (2%). Three major Ascomycota classes including the Sordariomycetes (36%), Eurotiomycetes (33%) and Dothideomycetes (24%) were determined. The predominant ascomycete orders were the Hypocreales, followed by the Eurotiales and the Capnodiales, respectively. Additionally one taxon belonged to the Russulales, Basidiomycota and was possibly mycorrhiza. This study confirms that E. acoroides harbors a wide diversity of fungal endophytes, and provides a baseline for further studies on fungal-host plant interactions.

Phylogenetic analyses of four nuclear genes, namely the large and small subunits of the nuclear ribosomal RNA, transcription elongation factor 1-alpha and the second largest RNA polymerase II subunit, established that the ecological group of marine bitunicate ascomycetes has representatives in the orders Capnodiales, Hysteriales, Jahnulales, Mytilinidiales, Patellariales and Pleosporales. Most of the fungi sequenced were intertidal mangrove taxa and belong to members of 12 families in the Pleosporales: Aigialaceae, Didymellaceae, Leptosphaeriaceae, Lenthitheciaceae, Lophiostomataceae, Massarinaceae, Montagnulaceae, Morosphaeriaceae, Phaeosphaeriaceae, Pleosporaceae, Testudinaceae and Trematosphaeriaceae. Two new families are described: Aigialaceae and Morosphaeriaceae, and three new genera proposed: Halomassarina, Morosphaeria and Rimora. Few marine species are reported from the Dothideomycetidae (e.g. Mycosphaerellaceae, Capnodiales), a group poorly studied at the molecular level. New marine lineages include the Testudinaceae and Manglicola guatemalensis in the Jahnulales. Significantly, most marine Dothideomycetes are intertidal tropical species with only a few from temperate regions on salt marsh plants (Spartina species and Juncus roemerianus), and rarely totally submerged (e.g. Halotthia posidoniae and Pontoporeia biturbinata on the seagrasses Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosum). Specific attention is given to the adaptation of the Dothideomycetes to the marine milieu, new lineages of marine fungi and their host specificity.Taxonomic novelties: Aigialaceae Suetrong, Sakayaroj, E.B.G. Jones, Kohlm., Volkm.-Kohlm. & Schoch, fam. nov., Halomassarina Suetrong, Sakayaroj, E.B.G. Jones, Kohlm., Volkm.-Kohlm. & Schoch, gen. nov., Halomassarina thalassiae (Kohlm. & Volkm.-Kohlm.), Suetrong, Sakayaroj, E.B.G. Jones, Kohlm., Volkm.-Kohlm. & Schoch, comb. nov., Suetrong, Sakayaroj, E.B.G. Jones, Kohlm., Volkm.-Kohlm., comb. nov., Clade V. Morosphaeriaceae Suetrong, Sakayaroj, E.B.G. Jones, & Schoch, fam. nov., Morosphaeria velataspora (K.D. Hyde & Borse) Suetrong,· Sakayaroj, E.B.G. Jones & Schoch, comb. nov., Morosphaeria ramunculicola (K.D. Hyde) Suetrong,· Sakayaroj, E.B.G. Jones & Schoch, comb. nov., Rimora Kohlm., Volkm-Kohlm., Suetrong, Sakayaroj, E.B.G. Jones, gen. nov., Rimora mangrovei (Kohlm. & Vittal) Kohlm., Volkm-Kohlm., Suetrong, Sakayaroj, E.B.G. Jones, comb. nov.

We present a comprehensive phylogeny derived from 5 genes, nucSSU, nucLSU rDNA, TEF1, RPB1 and RPB2, for 356 isolates and 41 families (six newly described in this volume) in Dothideomycetes. All currently accepted orders in the class are represented for the first time in addition to numerous previously unplaced lineages. Subclass Pleosporomycetidae is expanded to include the aquatic order Jahnulales. An ancestral reconstruction of basic nutritional modes supports numerous transitions from saprobic life histories to plant associated and lichenised modes and a transition from terrestrial to aquatic habitats are confirmed. Finally, a genomic comparison of 6 dothideomycete genomes with other fungi finds a high level of unique protein associated with the class, supporting its delineation as a separate taxon. © 2009 CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre.

A comparative study on solid substrate fermentation (SSF) of sago ‘hampas’, oil palm frond parenchyma tissue (OPFPt) and rubberwood sawdust with Pycnoporus sanguineus for laccase production was carried out. Optimal mycelial growth of Pyc. sanguineus was observed on all the substrates studied over a 21 days time-course fermentation. Laccase productivity was highest during degradation of sago ‘hampas’ and OPFPt and a range from 7.5 to 7.6 U/g substrate on the 11th day of fermentation compared to degradation of rubberwood sawdust with a maximum laccase productivity of 5.7 U/g substrate on day 11 of SSF. Further optimization of laccase production was done by varying the inoculum age, density and nitrogen supplementation. SSF of OPFPt by Pyc. sanguineus gave maximum productivity of laccase of 46.5 U/g substrate on day 6 of fermentation with a 30% (w/w) of 4 weeks old inoculum and 0.92% nitrogen in the form of urea supplemented in the substrate. The extraction of laccase was also optimized in this study. Recovery of laccase was fourfold higher at 30.6 U/g substrate on day 10 of SSF using unadjusted tap water at pH 8.0 as extraction medium at 25 ± 2 °C compared to laccase recovery of 7.46 U/g substrate using sodium acetate buffer at pH 4.8 at 4 °C. Further optimization showed that laccase recovery was increased by 50% with a value of 46.5 U/g substrate on day 10 of SSF when the extraction medium was tap water adjusted to pH 5.0 at 25 ± 2 °C.

A Tricladium anamorph for the discomycete Hymenoscyphus varicosporoides was established in culture from both conidia and ascospores collected in KhaoYai National Park, Thailand, and is compared with Tricladium indicum and T. marylandicum. Hymenoscyphus varicosporoides is compared with Cudoniella indica.

The UK distribution of N. melanura is reported, based on records from museum collections, government laboratories and a field survey of wooden marine structures and driftwood along the English and Welsh coastlines. The global distribution is also reported, based on a questionnaire survey. The life cycle of the wharf borer under different environmental conditions is described and the environmental conditions over the adult emergence period presented. The cellulase complex, xylanase and a range of dissacharases were present in the larval digestive tract when tunnelling archaeological oak.

Zoospores of mangrove isolates of Schizochytrium mangrovei KF6, KF7, KF12 (three strains), Thraustochytrium striatum KF9 and Ulkenia sp. KF13 were examined for their chemotactic responses to amino acids, carbohydrates, ethanol, and leaf extracts using a capillary root model. Most leaf extracts of mangrove plants and a marsh grass tested were shown to induce moderate chemotactic responses in zoospores of both S. mangrovei KF6 and Ulkenia sp. KF13. Of the remaining amino acids and carbohydrates evaluated, glutamic acid and pectin induced strong attraction in zoospores of S. mangrovei KF6 and Ulkenia sp. KF13, suggesting these are the major components in leaves which may be responsible for the chemotactic response of thraustochytrid zoospores in nature. Zoospores of T. striatum KF9, in general, showed a weak chemotactic response to all the tested compounds and extracts except cellulose, which elicited a moderate response. The ecological significance of the data presented is discussed.

Taeniolella rudis, with secondary sympodioconidia, is illustrated and described and its taxonomic assignment evaluated. A second new species, Taeniolella longissima, is described and illustrated. The ecological role of these fungi in the colonization of wood in freshwater habitats is discussed.

A molecular phylogenetic study of selected species of three sub-genera of the genus Cordyceps was undertaken, along with representatives of the genera Akanthomyces, Aschersonia, Gibellula, Hymenostilbe, Hypocrella, Nomuraea, and Torrubiella, to examine their inter-relationship. Phylogenetic analyses of the data indicated that the Clavicipitaceae form a monophy|etic group within the Hypocreales, while the monophyly of Cordyceps was not supported. Four c|ades were identified: Cor. militaris/Cor, pseudomilitaris; Cor. irangiensis/Cor, sphecocephala; Cor. intermedia/Cor, capitata; and Cor. cylindrica/Nom, atypicola. The sub-genus Neocordyceps was shown to be monophyletic while the sub-genera Eucordu and Ophiocordyceps do not form monophyletic groups. The genus Hypocrella appeared monophyletic, and radiated after the formation of the genera Cordyceps, and Torrubiella. Akanthomyces arachnophilus and Gi. pulchra, anamorphs of Torrubiella species, formed a distinct clade that was separate from one formed by the scale insect pathogens, To. luteorostrata and Paecilomyces cinnarnomeus, suggesting that this genus may be polyphyletic.

Halosarpheia Kohlm. et E. Kohlm is a genus of eighteen species, all of which have septate ascospores with unfurling polar appendages. Asci and ascospores of Halosarpheia ratnagiriensis Patil et Borse were examined at the scanning (including freeze-fracture) and transmission electron microscope levels. The ascus wall has two well-defined layers and the apical apparatus comprises a refractive, electron-dense, lens-shaped disk embedded within a less electron-dense thickening. The ascospore wall comprises an episporium and a bipartite mesosporium, and the appendages are formed by extrusion of mucilaginous material through an episporial pore field. Ascospore appendage ontogeny is compared with other genera with unfurling polar appendages: Cataractispora, Diluviocola, Tunicatispora, Tirispora, and Halosarpheia aquadulcis Hsieh, H.S. Chang et E.B.G. Jones and Halosarpheia heteroguttulata S.W. Wong, K.D. Hyde et E.B.G. Jones.Key Words: ascospore appendage ontogeny, marine ascomycetes, unfurling polar appendages, ultrastructure.

Nine thraustochytrid strains isolated from subtropical mangroves were screened for their eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production potential in a glucose yeast extract medium. Their ability to utilize okara (soymilk residue) for growth and EPA and DHA production was also evaluated. EPA yield was low in most strains, while DHA level was high on glucose yeast extract medium, producing 28.1-41.1% of total fatty acids, for all strains, with the exception of Ulkenia sp. KF13. The DHA yield of Schizochytrium mangrovei strains ranged from 747.7 to 2778.9 mg/l after 52 h of fermentation at 25 degrees C. All strains utilized okara as a substrate for growth, but DHA yield was lower when compared with fermentation in a glucose yeast extract medium.

The ultrastructure ofCucullosporella mangrovei ascospores is described. Mature ascospores possess two wall layers, an outer electron-dense episporium and an innermost tripartite mesosporium. Episporial elaborations form electrondense spore wall ornamentations from which extend fibrils that may constitute a highly hydrated exosporium which was not visualised at either the scanning electron microscope or light microscope level. Ascospores possess a hamate appendage at each pole which unfolds in seawater to form a long thread. Ultrastructurally the polar appendage comprises folded fibro-granular electron-dense material and fine fibrils. The fibrils form a matrix around and within the fibro-granular appendage and around the entire unreleased ascospore. These fibrils have not been observed associated with the ascospore appendages in other species of the Halosphaeriales and are a discrete and new appendage component. The fibro-granular appendage and fibrils are bounded by the outer delimiting membrane which is absent around released ascospores. The nature of the spore appendage is compared with that of other marine and freshwater ascomycetes and the taxonomic assignment of the species is discussed.

Halojulellaceae fam. nov. and Halojullela gen. nov. are introduced to accommodate Julella avicenniae , a marine species in the suborder Pleosporineae, order Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes. Justification for the new family is based on combined gene analysis of the large and small subunits of the nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (LSU, SSU) and two protein coding genes RPB2 and TEF1, as well as morphological characters. Halojulellaceae and Halojulella are characterized by immersed to semi-immersed, clypeate ascomata, with short, papillate ostioles, cellular, hyphae-like, pseudoparaphyses, 8-spored, fissitunicate, clavate to cylindrical asci with a well-developed apical apparatus, a moderately long pedicel with a club-like base and hyaline or golden brown, ellipsoidal, muriform ascospores and is typified by Halojulella avicenniae . Halojullela differs from Julella, (type J. buxi ) in its marine habitat and distinctly differing ascus with the apical apparatus being well-developed and moderately long club-like pedicel . Morphological characters and molecular data show that H. avicenniae belongs in the Pleosporales, outside any of the known families, and thus a new family is introduced to accommodate it. Julella is maintained as a distinct genus which is presently most likely polyphyletic with saprobic and lichenized elements and needs further study as no molecular data is presently available for any species.

The microfungi of three palm species were investigated in their natural habitats and in habitats where the palms were cultivated outside their natural ranges. The palms that were selected differed in their habitats and ecology. Archontophoenix alexandrae is endemic to tropical rainforests in Australia, Cocos nucifera is pan-tropical and Trachycarpus fortunei occurs in warm-temperate China. Different assemblages of fungi were found in association with palms in temperate regions as compared to those in tropical regions. These differences were more related to climatic influences than to the hosts sampled, as few fungi were host-species specific. The status of the hosts at the site, i.e. indigenous or introduced, and the degree of disturbance of the habitats within which the palms grew were also influential. When sampled in its natural habitat, Archontophoenix alexandrae had a distinct palmicolous mycota typical of other palms in tropical rainforests. Outside of the palm’s natural habitat, a widely different mycota were recorded that comprised tropical species of a more plurivorous nature. A similar plurivorous assemblage characterized the fungi associated with Cocos nucifera, probably due to the palm’s long history of cultivation. Similarly, plurivorous, but temperate or widespread fungi were associated with Trachycarpus fortunei, both within and outside of its natural habitat. This palm is also highly cultivated. A reduction in palm fungi associated with palms in disturbed habitats has implications for conservation of these fungi. However, it is acknowledged that the data for fungal diversity and distribution is incomplete and fragmentary.

Halosarpheia kandeliae sp. nov. collected on intertidal bark of Kandelia candel is described and its unique ascus morphology illustrated. It is compared with other Halosarpheia spp. and Aniptodera salsuginosa.

A new speciesDactylospora mangrovei is described and illustrated and compared withD. haliotrepha andD. canariensis, all marine inhabiting species.Dactylospora haliotrepha andD. mangrovei are tropical/sub-tropical mangrove species collected in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand, whileD. canariensis was described from temperate waters. A map of the geographical distribution of the three marineDactylospora species is presented.

Ultrastructure of the marine, bitunicate, ascomycete Julella avicenniae is presented and compared with the marine Pleospora gaudefroyi. Asci of J. avicenniae possess an ocular chamber, a thick endoascus, and a thinner ectoascus. Pseudoparaphyses are enveloped by mucilage (hyphal sheath) which stains with ruthenium red. The mucilage appears to be an extension of the pseudoparaphysis cell wall and internally these cells contain an array of vesicles. Muriform ascospores are surrounded by an exosporial sheath, an electrondense episporium and a bilamellate mesosporium. Optimum conditions for growth are 25–30 °C in 100% artificial seawater glucoseyeast extract-tryptone media, but the fungus also is able to grow at 35° and at higher salinities. The ability of the fungus to withstand extremes of environmental conditions is discussed.

Fungal endophytes associated with the palm, Trachycarpus fortunei, within and outside its natural geographic range were investigated. Endophytes were relatively common with colonization rates of 23–57% at the four sites sampled. The endophyte assemblages at the different sites were diverse with 75 fertile species of ascomycetes and mitosporic fungi. The assemblage composition at each site was similar and between seven and 13 species comprised 81–89% of the taxa present in relative frequencies of >1%. Glomerella cingulata and Phomopsis spp., were consistently dominant, and a large number of rare species were recorded. The diversity at each site was similar in number, but the abundance of isolates varied. The results obtained were comparable to those of previous studies of palm endophyte assemblages, but the assemblages showed more affinity with unrelated temperate hosts than with tropical palm hosts. Quantitative and qualitative differences in endophyte assemblages from old and young tissues were observed, and more isolates were recovered from old tissues independent of the age of the palm. The composition of the assemblage varied with several taxa being exclusively or more commonly isolated from old tissues (e.g. xylariaceous taxa, Oxydothis sp. nov.) or young tissues (e.g. Stagonospora spp., Phoma multirostrata). Some differences in the composition of the assemblage and in relative frequencies of various species were observed in trees and saplings. Significantly more isolates were recovered from the vein than intervein tissues, independent of leaf age or tree age. Tissue specificity was not exhibited by any taxa isolated from either leaf or petiole tissues, except for xylariaceous taxa in leaf tissues. Some other taxa showed a preference for leaf tissues or petioles, whereas others were equally distributed amongst all tissues. Endophyte assemblages of palms from continuous distributions were similar, but those from disjunct distributions (i.e. outside the natural geographic range of the palm, such as Australia and Switzerland), differed significantly from each other and from assemblages within continuous distributions. The relative importance values of endophyte species at the two sites in China indicates the site-specific nature of the endophyte assemblages. Most previous studies on the endophytes of palm hosts have concentrated on tropical palms. However, this study examines the endophytes of the warm temperate palm Trachycarpus fortunei, and investigates the relative importance of host and climate related processes.

A new species of Halosarpheia, H. heteroguttulata, is described from wood submerged in streams and lakes in Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Mauritius, the Philippines, and South Africa. It differs from other species in the genus in ascospore dimensions, and consistently large guttule(s) in the apical cell, but many smaller guttules in the basal cell. The species is illustrated with light and scanning and transmission electron micrographs and compared with other Halosarpheia species.Key words: appendage ontogeny, freshwater Ascomycete, Halosarpheia, taxonomy, ascospore ultrastructure.

Chemotactic response of zoospores of two mangrove strains of Halophytophthora vesicula (iso- lates LEM-031 and LEM-036) was evaluated using a capillary root model for chemotaxis assay. Different compounds were tested as attractants, including ami- no acids, carbohydrates, lectins, ethanol and plant material and extracts. Zoospores of the two strains were found to be chemotactically attracted to all the plant material and extracts tested. Among amino ac- ids, glutamic acid elicited strong chemotactic activity on zoopores of both strains while asparagine on zoo- pores of isolate LEM-031 only. Ethanol and the poly- saccharide pectin also induced a strong chemotactic response on zoospores of both strains. True chemo- taxis of zoospores was observed among substances which elicited positive chemotactic response, except for glutamic acid which resulted in arc-attraction re- sponse on zoospores. Trapping of accumulated zoo- spores was observed in pectin, ethanol, glucose, fruc- tose and glutamic acid which resulted in encystment and subsequent germination. A negative chemotactic response was observed in lectins and the amino acids arginine, methionine and histidine, for both strains.

Gamma irradiation is evaluated as a novel decay prevention treatment for waterlogged archaeological wood. A dose of 15 kGy was found to be sufficient to inactivate a large number of wood biodeteriogens, including fungi, bacteria and invertebrates, at various stages of development. For timbers excavated from polluted sites, a dose of 25 kGy is suggested to inactivate human pathogens. The dose spread required for such treatments are 1.33:1 and 1.2:1, respectively, in timbers up to 150 mm thickness and density not exceeding 1590 kg/m3. No adverse effects on the physical properties of slightly or heavily degraded waterlogged archaeological wood were detected at doses of up to 100 kGy. This is the maximum recommended single or cumulative lifetime dose for any timber. Gamma irradiation offers far greater efficacy over currently used decay prevention treatments and, a step-wise procedure for evaluating timbers for treatment and dosimetry is presented.

Summary Temperate marine fungi are a distinct ecological group and differ from those found in tropical habitats, with the exception of a few cosmopolitan species. Sixty-two marine fungi were collected at San Juan Island, a temperate site, in 1994. The most frequently collected species were: Halosphaeria appendiculata, Monodictyspelagica, Halosarpheia trullifera, Ceriosporopsis halima and a new ascomycete. Eight records of Capronia ciliomaris were made, all on coniferous bark (probably Pseudosuga sp.). The fungi collected are compared with those previously reported from San Juan Island. The biogeography of marine fungi is discussed.