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Many groups of parasites lack basic information on biodiversity and host associations, which poses challenges for conservation and understanding the ecological relationships between hosts and their parasites. This gap in knowledge is particularly relevant for parasitic species with obscure lifestyles. Ectoparasitc bird lice (Insecta: Psocodea: Phthiraptera) are a group of parasites that has received a relatively substantial research focus, yet patterns of bird-louse relationships and louse diversity remain understudied in many geographic regions, including in parts of the southeastern United States. In this study, we assessed the diversity, prevalence, abundance, and intensity of lice from live and salvaged birds in northeastern Arkansas. We also focused on the frequency of co-occurrence of lice and symbiotic feather mites. Finally, we used nuclear and mitochondrial genes to assess the phylogenic relationships among the most common genera of lice in our sample. We found a total louse prevalence of 10.57% with the highest prevalence on the Passeriformes families Turdidae, Passerellidae, and Parulidae. We also found the louse genera Myrsidea and Brueelia to be the most prevalent and abundant in our sample. Additionally, we reported several novel associations among well-studied bird species. We also found that louse phylogenic patterns tend to reflect host taxonomy and/or ecology. Overall, our results provide important insight into the biodiversity, community structure, and host interactions of parasitic lice from North American birds.

Many groups of parasites lack basic information on biodiversity and host associations, which poses challenges for conservation and understanding the ecological relationships between hosts and their parasites. This gap in knowledge is particularly relevant for parasitic species with obscure lifestyles. Ectoparasitc bird lice (Insecta: Psocodea: Phthiraptera) are a group of parasites that has received a relatively substantial research focus, yet patterns of bird-louse relationships and louse diversity remain understudied in many geographic regions, including in parts of the southeastern United States. In this study, we assessed the diversity, prevalence, abundance, and intensity of lice from live and salvaged birds in northeastern Arkansas. We also focused on the frequency of co-occurrence of lice and symbiotic feather mites. Finally, we used nuclear and mitochondrial genes to assess the phylogenic relationships among the most common genera of lice in our sample. We found a total louse prevalence of 10.57% with the highest prevalence on the Passeriformes families Turdidae, Passerellidae, and Parulidae. We also found the louse genera Myrsidea and Brueelia to be the most prevalent and abundant in our sample. Additionally, we reported several novel associations among well-studied bird species. We also found that louse phylogenic patterns tend to reflect host taxonomy and/or ecology. Overall, our results provide important insight into the biodiversity, community structure, and host interactions of parasitic lice from North American birds. [Display omitted] • Variation in louse prevalence among several taxonomic groups of hosts. • Low ectosymbiont co-occurrences of mites and lice. • Phylogenetic patterns of Myrsidea and Brueelia reflect host taxonomy or host ecology. • Several novel associations not previously recorded among even common and well-researched host species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In October 2020, the presence of an intense Fusarium dry rot disease was detected during a survey of potato tubers in the production storage facilities in Chui region, Kyrgyzstan. The species of Fusarium isolates, obtained from infected tubers, were identified as Fusarium sambucinum by using morphological features and phylogenetic analyses of the transcription elongation factor 1-α (EF1-α) gene. The isolates were pathogenic to potato tubers, and Koch's postulates were confirmed by successful re-isolation of the pathogen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of dry rot of potato caused by Fusarium sambucinum in Kyrgyzstan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gasteruptiidae are an easily recognised family of wasps whose larvae are considered predator-inquilines in the nests of solitary bees and wasps. There has been minimal molecular research on the family and as a result little understanding of the evolutionary relationships within the group. We present the first molecular phylogeny focused on Gasteruptiidae, generated using three molecular fragments (mitochondrial C01 and nuclear markers EF1-α and 28s) and estimate the divergence times of Evanioidea based on three secondary calibration points. The analyses included 142 specimens of Gasteruptiidae and 5 outgroup taxa from Aulacidae and Evaniidae. The monophyly of the Gasteruptiidae and its subfamilies Gasteruptiinae (Gasteruption) and Hyptiogastrinae (Hyptiogaster and Pseudofoenus) are confirmed. Our results indicate that Evanioidea diverged during the late Jurassic at 151.3 (171.99–136.15) Ma with Evaniidae during the early Cretaceous at 137.33 (140.86–133.67) Ma, and Gasteruptiidae during the Palaeocene at 60.23 (83.78–40.02) Ma. The crown age of Hyptiogastrinae was estimated to be during the mid-Eocene 40.72 (60.9–22.57) Ma and for Gasteruption during the early Eocene at 47.46 (64.7–31.75) Ma, which corresponded to their host divergence ages. We anticipate that more extensive taxon sampling combined with the use of phylogenomic data will help resolve low support within the Gasteruption clade. The wasp family Gasteruptiidae are an easily recognised group, whose larvae are considered predator-inquilines in the nests of bees and wasps. There has been limited molecular research on the family and as a result limited understanding of the evolutionary relationships. We present the first molecular phylogeny on Gasteruptiidae and discuss patterns of biogeography and divergence estimates. A robust phylogeny for Gasteruptiidae will provide a platform for future detailed taxonomic treatments and systematic research aimed at exploring the evolutionary relationships within the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuber mesentericum is an edible European black truffle, apparently easy to recognize, but showing a high degree of genetic variability. In this study, we performed an integrative taxonomic assessment of the T. mesentericum complex, combining a multilocus phylogeographic approach with morphological analyses, and including authentic specimens of Vittadini, and Berkeley and Broome. We performed maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses, based on single and concatenated gene datasets (ITS rDNA, β-tubulin, elongation factor 1-α), and including all available sequences from previous studies. Phylogenetic analyses consistently recovered three reciprocally monophyletic and well-supported clades: clade I, with a wide range across Europe; clade II, specimens collected mainly in the Iberian, Italian, and Balkan peninsulas; and clade III, specimens collected almost exclusively in central Italy. Genetic distance between clades ranged from 10.4% to 13.1% at the ITS region. We also designed new primer pairs specific for each phylogenetic lineage. Morphology of spores, asci, and peridium were investigated on specimens representing the three lineages. Macro- and micromorphological analyses of ascomata revealed only a few, but not diagnostic, differences between the three phylogenetic lineages, thus, confirming that they are morphologically cryptic. By studying authentic specimens of Vittadini, and Berkeley and Broome, it was possible to identify the three clades as T. mesentericum, Tuber bituminatum, and Tuber suave sp. nov., and to designate an epitype for T. mesentericum s.s. and a lectotype for T. bituminatum. Future investigations on volatile organic compound (VOC) composition are needed to define the aroma repertoires in this species complex.

Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) has been observed in Slovakia during the last two decades. Up until 2017, Dothistroma septosporum has only been detected and molecularly confirmed to cause DNB in Slovakia. Here, we report the detection of Dothistroma pini at six localities around Slovakia, representing different plantation types. Four pine species (Pinus sylvestris, P. nigra, P. mugo and P. jeffreyi) were confirmed as hosts of D. pini in Slovakia, of which only P. mugo has been previously reported as host in Slovakia. Three gene regions (ITS, EF1 -α, and ß-tubulin) of each of the 13 isolates were sequenced and assigned as D. pini. Based on ITS sequences, the studied isolates represent the haplotypes Dp_HAP.1, Dp_HAP.2. Both mating types were detected but at different localities. Our results suggest that in addition to D. septosporum, D. pini may contribute to DNB also in Slovakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massariothea is a coelomycetous genus that produces brown, distoseptate conidia with species commonly reported on grasses (Poaceae) worldwide. Two undescribed Massariothea species associated with grass hosts were collected in Thailand, Chiang Rai province. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS, LSU, and EF1-α sequence data revealed that the new taxa nested in the family Diaporthaceae. Massariothea thailandica and M. thysanolaenae are therefore introduced as novel species and compared with other Massariothea species. Detailed accounts of the morphological characters of the new species are provided with illustrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) production is centred in the northwestern region of Argentina (NWA), where the incidence of root rot and stem diseases has increased considerably in recent years. This study aimed to analyse the genetic, morphological and pathogenic diversity of the Fusarium oxysporum and F. solani complexes (hereafter FOSC-FSSC), causing Fusarium wilt and root rot. One hundred tobacco fields were surveyed at six locations during two consecutive seasons, and 130 isolates were recovered from symptomatic tobacco plants. The isolates were characterized by morphological traits, molecular characteristics (EF1-α sequence) and pathogenicity tests. All of the isolates were identified as members of the FOSC or FSSC, exhibiting considerable intra-group variation. Three morphotypes were differentiated based on morphological characters in both complexes. The phylogenetic tree generated from the EF1-α sequences confirmed the isolates’ identification. The pathogenicity of the isolates towards tobacco seedlings was assessed in a greenhouse. Considerable variability in pathogenicity was observed among the isolates. Differences in the levels of pathogenicity were recorded. In the FOSC and FSSC, 81% and 60% of the isolates were pathogenic, respectively. In this study, members of FOSC and FSSC exhibited considerable variability in morphological characteristics and virulence, and a portion of them were non-pathogenic for tobacco. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to provide information on the variability of the pathogens associated with tobacco wilt and root rot in NWA. This work contributes to the development of sustainable management strategies in tobacco production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In autumn 2015, hazelnut plants with leaf blight symptoms were noticed in a commercial plantation in the Province of Vojvodina, Serbia. Symptomatic samples were collected and submitted to laboratory analysis. Based on morphological characterization, the fungus isolated from the material was initially identified as Pestalotiopsis sp. Pathogenicity tests showed that two selected isolates infected hazelnut leaves and fruits that developed symptoms after artificial inoculation. The pathogen was re-isolated from diseased leaves and fruits, confirming Koch’s postulates. Molecular identification was performed with sequence and phylogenetic analysis of ITS, EF1-α, and TUB genomic regions. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the results of the morphological identification. The detection of Pestalotiopsis sp., a causal agent of leaf blight on hazelnut in Serbia, is one of a few reports of these pathogenic fungi on hazelnut.

Netto, M. S. B., Lima, W. G., Correia, K. C., da Silva, C. F. B., Thon, M., Martins, R. B., Miller, R. N. G., Michereff, S. J., and Câmara, M. P. S. 2016. Analysis of phylogeny, distribution, and pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with gummosis of Anacardium in Brazil, with a new species of Lasiodiplodia . We identified Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with gummosis on Anacardium in Brazil. Isolates were sampled and identified on the basis morphology and phylogeny, through analysis of a partial translation elongation factor 1-α sequence, ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers, and β-tubulin gene sequence. Ten taxa were identified, namely, Lasiodiplodia brasiliense , L. euphorbicola , L. gonubiensis , L. iraniensis , L. jatrophicola , L. gravistriata sp. nov., L. pseudotheobromae , L. theobromae , Neofusicoccum batangarum , and Pseudofusicoccum stromaticum . Lasiodiplodia theobromae has been previously reported in cashew and is the most prevalent species observed. All the other species are reported here for the first time on this host. All species of Botryosphaeriaceae were pathogenic on detached green cashew shoots. Differences in aggressiveness were observed among the species, with N. batangarum , L. iraniensis , L. jatrophicola , and L. gravistriata characterized as the most aggressive species, whilst L. euphorbicola and L. pseudotheobromae were identified as the least aggressive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlebotomus (Ph.) sergenti is the main vector of Leishmania (L.) tropica (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae), the causative agent of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Morocco. This species has an extended geographical distribution, wider than that of the parasite. The main objective of our study was to analyze the genetic diversity of Ph. sergenti collected in four foci in Morocco: Taza, Foum Jemâa, El Hanchane, and Ouarzazate. We studied a set of diversity and population structure indices by sequencing two markers; nuclear EF-1α and mitochondrial Cyt b from 175 individual sand flies. Our results showed a considerable degree of intraspecific polymorphism with a high number of haplotypes identified in both genes. Many polymorphic sites detected in the Cyt b sequences (SCyt b = 45) indicate that it is the most polymorphic marker showing a distinct distribution of haplotypes according to their geographical origin, whereas the EF-1α marker showed no geographical isolation. Analysis by Tajima's D and Fu's Fs tests revealed a possible recent expansion of the populations, especially with the EF-1α marker, showing significant values in Taza and Ouarzazate sequences. The present study revealed significant genetic diversity within Ph. sergenti populations in Morocco. The results warrant further research using a combination of more than two markers including mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial markers, which may provide more information to clarify the genetic status of Ph. sergenti., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Phomopsis azadirachtae (PA), a deuteromycetous fungus, is responsible for die-back disease in neem. The conventional method of identification of the causative fungi has been based on morphological and microscopic studies which are inconclusive and laborious. To assist in a reliable and faster detection of the infection, molecular methods are widely used in various studies of characterizing different species of Phomopsis. Lack of adequate polymorphism at the ITS region in most Phomopsis spp . have led to identification of other gene sequences which assist in accurately resolving the species. The translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) locus has assisted in accurate delineation of various fungal species as this is highly consistent and also exhibits sufficient polymorphism. In the present study, EF1-α sequences of 25 PA isolates were considered, along with some of the Phomopsis and Diaporthe spp. obtained using BLAST analyses. Subsequently, a pair of specific primers was designed to amplify a 240-bp product. The results illustrated that the primers were specific to all the PA isolates and could detect 50 ng/μl DNA template. To enhance the sensitivity of detection, a nested PCR protocol was designed which raised the detection limit to 10 fg/μl. In addition, the primers also proved efficient in detection of the pathogen in neem twigs obtained by artificial inoculation one day after infection, with the nested PCR method. The results provide a highly sensitive method in early and rapid detection of PA and facilitate in primary screening of the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lyophyllum shimeji is an edible ectomycorrhizal fungus that is widely distributed in East Asia and also present in the northern regions of Europe. In Japan, L. shimeji is a culinary delicacy, considered amongst all edible mushrooms to have the best taste and to be second only to Tricholoma matsutake in price. Traditionally, fruiting bodies of L. shimeji have been collected from the wild but fruiting of L. shimeji is now relatively uncommon and cannot keep up with increasing consumer demand. As a result, methods for its cultivation are being developed for commercial production in Japan and other countries. In this work, techniques were developed to cultivate L. shimeji on coniferous seedlings using a pure culture inoculum. They resulted in successful mycorrhization of Pinus pinaster and Picea abies in only 8 to 10 months. As ectomycorrhizae of L. shimeji are difficult to identify morphologically, mycorrhization was confirmed using an L. shimeji-specific PCR diagnostic, which was designed following a phylogenetic analysis of the Lyophyllum section Difformia using DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), intergenic spacer (IGS) and elongation factor 1-α (EF1-α) gene. L. shimeji is a member of the Lyophyllum decastes complex in section Difformia, which also includes Lyophyllum fumosum and L. decastes. This analysis confirmed the separation of L. shimeji from closely related Lyophyllum spp. and enabled its unambiguous detection using an IGS-based PCR diagnostic. This is the first report of successful mycorrhization of L. shimeji on P. pinaster and P. abies and provides an opportunity for its commercial cultivation on conifers in New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elongation factor 1‐alpha (EF1‐α) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions ITS1 and ITS2 (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) sequences were used to characterize and to identify Isaria isolates from Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil, as well as to study the phylogenetic relationships among these isolates and other related fungi from the order Hypocreales. The molecular characterization, which was performed by PCR‐RFLP of EF1‐α and ITS1‐5.8‐ITS2 genes, was useful for resolving representative isolates of Isaria fumosorosea, Isaria farinosa, and Isaria tenuipes and to confirm the taxonomic identity of fungi from Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil. The phylogenetic analyses showed three clades corresponding to three families of Hypocreales. The genus Isaria was confirmed as polyphyletic and in family Cordycipitaceae, Isaria species were related to anamorphic species of Beauveria, Lecanicillium, and Simplicillium and to teleomorphic Cordyceps and Torrubiella. Therefore, EF1‐α and ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 genes were found to be powerful tools for improving the characterization, identification, and phylogenetic relationship of the Isaria species and other entomopathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species determination by sequencing and PCR genetic chemotyping, used to determine the toxigenic potential of Fusarium strains, is fundamental for developing preventive strategies in food safety. Here we propose and statistically validate a quick protocol for standardizing the procedure of species determination by sequencing of the elongation factor 1-α and multiplex genetic chemotyping using the Trill gene, based on fungal growth on Miracloth tissue coupled with microwave extraction. The test was validated on 75 Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium graminearum strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal species of Botryosphaeriaceae have a cosmopolitan distribution and are important pathogens of a wide range of plant hosts. This study aims to use phylogenetic inference to review the geographical distribution of botryosphaeriacous species that have been associated with diseases of mango ( Mangifera indica) globally. The phylogenetic analyses were performed based on the combined sequence datasets of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear rDNA and a partial region of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) gene. The phylogenetic study revealed seven clades with distinct morphological characters from several countries, including Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Mali, Peru, South Africa, Taiwan and Thailand. Lasiodiplodia theobromae appears to be a dominant species on mango with the largest geographical distribution, whereas L. crassispora and Barriopsis iraniana have only been reported on mango in Brazil and Iran, respectively. These finding indicate that most of the species reported from mango are not restricted to specific geographical regions, although some genera appear to have a limited distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify and characterize species of Lasiodiplodia associated with stem-end rot of papaya in six different populations in the Northeast of Brazil. Fungal identifications were made using a combination of morphology together with a phylogenetic analysis based on partial translation elongation factor 1-α sequence (EF-1α) and internal transcribed spacers (ITS). Five species of Lasiodiplodia were identified: Lasiodiplodia brasiliense sp. nov., L. hormozganensis, L. marypalme sp. nov. , L. pseudotheobromae and L. theobromae. Only L. theobromae had previously been reported in papaya, while all the other species are reported for the first time in association with this host in Brazil and worldwide. Lasiodiplodia theobromae was the most prevalent species. All species of Lasiodiplodia were pathogenic on papaya fruit, with L. hormozganensis being the most virulent . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango ( Mangifera indica) is a major tropical fruit species cultivated in Brazil. The objective of this study was to identify species of Lasiodiplodia associated with dieback and stem-end rot of mango in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil, and compare the species in relation to mycelial growth, pathogenicity and virulence. A total of 120 isolates of Lasiodiplodia were used and identifications were made using a combination of morphology and phylogenetic analysis based on partial translation elongation factor 1-α sequence (EF1-α) and internal transcribed spacers (ITS). The following species were identified: Lasiodiplodia crassispora, L. egyptiacae, L. hormozganensis, L. iraniensis, L. pseudotheobromae, L. theobromae and Lasiodiplodia sp.. Lasiodiplodia theobromae was the most frequently isolated species, which represented 41 % of all the isolates. Only this species had been previously reported on mango in Brazil, while the other species represent the first report associated with mango tree diseases in this country. Lasiodiplodia crassispora is reported for the first time associated with mango diseases worldwide. There were significant differences in mycelial growth rates among the Lasiodiplodia species and also in the optimum temperature for growth. All species of Lasiodiplodia were pathogenic on mango fruit. There were significant differences in virulence among the species, wherein L. hormozganensis and Lasiodiplodia sp .were the most virulent, while the least virulent were L. iraniensis, L. pseudotheobromae, L. crassispora and L. egyptiacae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. 1. The endangered butterfly Phengaris alcon exists in two ecotypes ( P. 'alcon' and P. 'rebeli'), which inhabit contrasting biotopes (wet and warm/dry grasslands respectively) and use different larval food plants. The initially flower-bud-feeding caterpillars complete their development as social parasites of Myrmica ants, and the specificity of these relationships shows geographical variation. 2. We studied the genetic structure of 16 populations (365 individuals) of both ecotypes in eastern Europe, sampling P. 'rebeli' in two disjunct areas in Lithuania and southern Poland, and P. 'alcon' on Polish localities between them. We analysed the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I ( COI) mitochondrial gene, the EF1-α nuclear gene and five polymorphic microsatellite loci. 3. All individuals shared an identical COI haplotype, which we hypothesise may be linked to a selective sweep associated with the presence of the Wolbachia B strain in all populations. 4. For nuclear markers, we did not find a clear pattern reflecting division into two putative ecotypes. However, ecotypes differed significantly in their genetic variability, i.e., the P. 'rebeli' ecotype was less polymorphic, and its populations were much more differentiated ( FST: 0.632 for EF1-α and 0.504 for microsatellites) than the P. 'alcon' ecotype (0.177 and 0.082, respectively). 5. Our microsatellite data suggest that all populations of P. 'alcon' form a single clade but that P 'rebeli' can be split into either six or two clades. The former model would indicate many independent origins, especially in the mountainous areas of southern Poland. The latter, not mutually exclusive, grouping clearly reflects the use of different host ants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among Crioceris leaf-beetles, the two most widespread species ( Crioceris asparagi and C. duodecimpunctata) are serious invasive plant pests, while another two ( C. quatuordecimpunctata and C. quinquepunctata) are rare species restricted to steppe-like habitats in Eurasia. The aim of the research was to check the genetic distinctiveness of these four species and develop barcodes for their molecular identification using the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene and two nuclear markers: Elongation Factor 1-α (EF1-α) and Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1). The identification of each species was possible and reliable with the use of COI and ITS1 markers. EF1-α was omitted in analyses due to its high level of heterozygosity (presence of multiple PCR products). C. duodecimpunctata and C. quatuordecimpunctata were shown to be sister taxa, but the similar genetic distances between all of the species indicate that these species originated almost simultaneously from a common ancestor. Identification of two separate clades in populations of C. quatuordecimpunctata suggested that the clades are isolated and can be considered as separate conservation units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sexual reproduction in ascomycete fungi is governed by the mating-type (MAT) locus. The MAT loci of Diaporthe and its Phomopsis anamorphs differ in only one gene: MAT1-1-1 in mating-type MAT1-1 and MAT1-2-1 in mating-type MAT1-2. In order to diagnose mating-types in Diaporthe and Phomopsis and evaluate their usefulness in teleomorph induction in vitro and biological species delimitation, we designed primers that amplify part of the MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 genes. MAT phylogenies were generated and compared with ITS and EF1-α phylograms. Species recognised in the EF1-α phylogeny corresponded directly with those determined in the MAT phylogenies. ITS was shown to be highly variable resulting in a large number of phylogenetic species that were discordant with MAT and EF1-α species. Mating experiments were conducted to evaluate the existence of reproductive barriers between some isolates, and their anamorphic morphologies were compared. The primers proved to be useful in the mating-type diagnosis of isolates, selection of compatible mating pairs, and in the assessment of biological species boundaries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A molecular phylogenetic analysis of Fusarium poae isolates from South America (Argentina) and Europe (mainly England, Germany, Italy) was performed using 98 F. poae, four Fusarium culmorum, two Fusarium sporotrichioides and one Fusarium langsethiae isolates. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using nuclear (translation elongation factor 1-alpha, EF-1α) and mitochondrial (mitochondrial small subunit rDNA, mtSSU) sequences. Partitioned (each dataset separately) and combined (EF-1α + mtSSU) analyses did not reveal any clear correlations from the inferred branching topology, between the distribution of observed haplotypes and the geographic origin and/or host species. Results from the present study confirmed that isolates from F. poae form a monophyletic group, and the low variability within isolates from a broad geographic range suggests a common lineage history. Among F. poae isolates from Argentina, however, some were found to possess an insert within mtSSU with structural similarities to group IC2 introns. F. poae isolates differing by the presence/absence of a mtSSU insertion were characterized further by analysis of a portion of the Tri5 gene, but this sequence was unable to reveal variability. The presence of this insert only within isolates from Argentina suggests that evolutionary events (insertions/deletions) are probably taking place within the Argentinian F. poae isolates, and that the acquisition of this insert occurred after geographic isolation of the Argentinian and European populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report the occurrence of the North-East Pacific intertidal barnacle Balanus glandula in the south-western African shores of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, an attempt is made to trace the origin of the South African population by comparing the distribution of haplotype groups of two molecular markers, cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and elongation factor 1 (EF1-α). The frequency of COI haplotypes in the South African specimens was most similar to that in specimens from Bodega Marine Laboratory and of Fort Bragg in Central California. Pairwise genetic distances demonstrated that the samples from Pillar Point were also similar to the Cape Town population. The frequency of EF1-α haplotype groups from Cape Town was most similar to that of Cape Blanco, Cape Meares and Westport Jetty, and, with lower p-values, to the populations of Cape Mendocino and Heceta Head. Pairwise genetic distances demonstrated that samples from Vancouver Island, Bodega Marine Laboratory and Heceta Head were also similar to the Cape Town population. Results indicate that the population of B. glandula from South Africa is most similar to the population from the northern portion of the Oregonian faunal province. It is possible that this is the origin of the South African population. As a result of this invasion, B. glandula out-competed the native African chthamalid species, Chthamalus dentatus. Thus, C. dentatus is presently very rare on the Atlantic South African shores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The bee tribe Ctenoplectrini, with two genera, comprises nine species in tropical Africa and ten in Asia and Australia. Most of them collect floral oil, pollen, and nectar from Cucurbitaceae, but three species are thought to be cleptoparasites. The unusual morphology of Ctenoplectrini has made it difficult to infer their closest relatives, in turn preventing an understanding of these bees’ geographic and temporal origin. We used two mitochondrial and two nuclear markers (4741 nucleotides) generated for most of the species to test the monophyly of the tribe, its relationships to other Apidae, and its biogeographic history. Ctenoplectrini are strongly supported as monophyletic and closest to the Long-horned bees, Eucerini. The presumably cleptoparasitic species form a clade (Ctenoplectrina) that is sister to the remaining species (Ctenoplectra), confirming the independent evolution of cleptoparasitism in this tribe. Tree topology and molecular dating together suggest that Ctenoplectrini originated in Africa in the Early Eocene and that Ctenoplectra dispersed twice from Africa to Asia, sometime in the Late Eocene, 30–40my ago, from where one species reached the Australian continent via Indonesia and New Guinea in the mid-Miocene, c. 13my ago. Dry and cool mid-Miocene climates also coincide with the divergence between Ctenoplectra bequaerti from West Africa and Ctenoplectra terminalis from East and South Africa, perhaps related to fragmentation of the equatorial African rainforest belt. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A phylogeny of the fungal phylum Basidiomycota is presented based on a survey of 160 taxa and five nuclear genes. Two genes, rpb2, and tef1, are presented in detail. The rpb2 gene is more variable than tef1 and recovers well-supported clades at shallow and deep taxonomic levels. The tef1 gene recovers some deep and ordinal-level relationships but with greater branch support from nucleotides compared to amino acids. Intron placement is dynamic in tef1, often lineage-specific, and diagnostic for many clades. Introns are fewer in rpb2 and tend to be highly conserved by position. When both protein-coding loci are combined with sequences of nuclear ribosomal RNA genes, 18 inclusive clades of Basidiomycota are strongly supported by Bayesian posterior probabilities and 16 by parsimony bootstrapping. These numbers are greater than produced by single genes and combined ribosomal RNA gene regions. Combination of nrDNA with amino acid sequences, or exons with third codon positions removed, produces strong measures of support, particularly for deep internodes of Basidiomycota, which have been difficult to resolve with confidence using nrDNA data alone. This study produces strong boostrap support and significant posterior probabilities for the first time for the following monophyletic groups: (1) Ustilaginomycetes plus Hymenomycetes, (2) an inclusive cluster of hymenochaetoid, corticioid, polyporoid, Thelephorales, russuloid, athelioid, Boletales, and euagarics clades, (3) Thelephorales plus the polyporoid clade, (4) the polyporoid clade, and (5) the cantharelloid clade. Strong support is also recovered for the basal position of the Dacrymycetales in the Hymenomycetidae and paraphyly of the Exobasidiomycetidae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A phylogenetic epidemiological study of Beauveria bassiana s.l. was conducted for African and Neotropical pathogens of the coffee berry borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei, based on inferences from two nuclear intergenic regions, EFutr and Bloc. CBB pathogens were distributed among four terminal clades, however, the majority of African and Neotropical isolates cluster in a well-supported monophyletic group, informally designated AFNEO_1. Although the relationship between African and Neotropical AFNEO_1 is unresolved, the majority of alleles detected were exclusive to either the African or the Neotropical populations. These fixed genetic differences suggest that their disjunction predates the world trade in coffee. Neotropical AFNEO_1 have a broad host range and CBB pathogens are intermixed phylogenetically with isolates from diverse indigenous insects. Several Neotropical AFNEO_1 isolates were isolated from coffee plants as epiphytes or endophytes, thus plants themselves may potentially serve as reservoirs of pathogens against their insect pests. Topological incongruence between the EFutr and Bloc phylogenies of Neotropical AFNEO_1 may signify that individuals within this population are recombining. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The expression levels of three commonly used housekeeping genes, EF1-α, RPS20 and Beta-Actin, were examined in seven different tissues and leucocytes from non-stimulated Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). The tissues analysed by quantitative real-time PCR were gill, liver, intestine, muscle, spleen, head kidney leucocytes (HKL) and peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL). The experiments were performed to investigate the transcriptional stability within and between tissues and leucocytes and between individuals. For all tissues and leucocytes, an appropriate reference gene was identified except for muscle tissue. HKL were used as a calibrator and the expression of EF1-α varied maximally 2.5-fold in five out of the six tissues and leucocytes investigated relative to the expression of 18S rRNA. The RPS20 gene was more intermediate and varied at least by a factor of two and maximally by a 20-fold factor. Beta-Actin was generally the most regulated gene showing high variations for gill (5.8×) and spleen tissue (10.3×) relative to the calibrator. A suitable reference gene for muscle tissue was not found since the expression varied between 8.3- and 25-fold for the three genes compared to the calibrator. By comparing the expression results of the non-stimulated tissues and leucocytes using the Normfinder programme, it was further shown that EF1-α was the most stably expressed gene both between individuals and the different tissues/leucocytes. Stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of TO cells and HKL from Atlantic salmon was additionally performed to reveal whether an immune stimulating agent would change the expression level of EF1-α, RPS20 and Beta-Actin. LPS stimulation of cells revealed that RPS20 and EF1-α were least regulated by the LPS treatment in the TO cells relative to 18S rRNA, but in HKL, Beta-Actin was the most appropriate gene. However, the variations were overall maximally two-fold in LPS-stimulated TO cells and HKL, which make all three genes suitable as reference genes in this case. A further experiment showed that no RT- and/or PCR inhibitors were present in the non-stimulated tissues and cells, indicating true transcriptional differences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two different genomic regions (ND2 mitochondrial gene and EF1-α intron) were PCR amplified, cloned and sequenced for the ten known honey bee species collected within their natural range distribution. DNA sequences were analyzed using parsimony, distance and maximum likelihood methods to investigate phylogenetic relationships within Apis. The phylogenetic analyses strongly supported the basic topology recoverable from morphometric analysis, grouping the honey bees into three major clusters: giant bees (A. dorsata, A. binghami, and A. laboriosa), dwarf bees (A. andreniformis and A. florea), and cavity-nesting bees (A. mellifera, A. cerana, A. koschevnikovi, A. nuluensis, and A. nigrocincta). However, the clade of Asian cavity-nesting bees included paraphyletic taxa. Exemplars of Apis cerana collected from divergent portions of its range were less related to each other than were sympatric A. cerana, A. nuluensis, and A. nigrocincta taxa. Nucleotide sequence divergence between allopatrically distributed western (A. mellifera) and eastern (A. cerana, A. koschevnikovi, A. nigrocincta, and A. nuluensis) cavity-nesting species, around 18% for the mitochondrial gene and 10–15% for the nuclear intron, suggested an earlier divergence for these groups than previously estimated from morphometric and behavioral studies. This latter finding neccessitates reevaluation of the hypothesized origin of extant European, African, and west Asian Apis mellifera. Sequence divergence between A. laboriosa and A. dorsata was consistent with behavioral data and supports the species status of A. laboriosa. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tuber mesentericum is an edible European black truffle, apparently easy to recognize, but showing a high degree of genetic variability. In this study, we performed an integrative taxonomic assessment of the T. mesentericum complex, combining a multilocus phylogeographic approach with morphological analyses, and including authentic specimens of Vittadini, and Berkeley and Broome. We performed maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses, based on single and concatenated gene datasets (ITS rDNA, β-tubulin, elongation factor 1-α), and including all available sequences from previous studies. Phylogenetic analyses consistently recovered three reciprocally monophyletic and well-supported clades: clade I, with a wide range across Europe; clade II, specimens collected mainly in the Iberian, Italian, and Balkan peninsulas; and clade III, specimens collected almost exclusively in central Italy. Genetic distance between clades ranged from 10.4% to 13.1% at the ITS region. We also designed new primer pairs specific for each phylogenetic lineage. Morphology of spores, asci, and peridium were investigated on specimens representing the three lineages. Macro- and micromorphological analyses of ascomata revealed only a few, but not diagnostic, differences between the three phylogenetic lineages, thus, confirming that they are morphologically cryptic. By studying authentic specimens of Vittadini, and Berkeley and Broome, it was possible to identify the three clades as T. mesentericum, Tuber bituminatum, and Tuber suave sp. nov., and to designate an epitype for T. mesentericum s.s. and a lectotype for T. bituminatum. Future investigations on volatile organic compound (VOC) composition are needed to define the aroma repertoires in this species complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sisal (Agave sisalana Perrine) is an important hard fiber crop that is widely planted in Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Yunnan, and Fujian provinces, China. In July 2019, a new leaf disease of sisal with a disease incident of about 36% was found in Guangxi (Fig.1a~d). The oval or circular black lesions were 2.3 cm to 15.9 cm in length and 1.6 cm to 5.5 cm in width on both sides of the diseased leaves. The central part of the lesions was slightly hollow. The lesions continuously enlarged and ultimately penetrated the leaves. Reddish brown and dark mucus was secreted from the lesions. The junction of lesions and healthy parts was reddish brown to yellow. The diseased leaf fiber and mesophyll tissues were reddish brown and necrotic. Fresh leaf yield was reduced about 30% by the disease, and fiber quality was significantly compromised every year in Guangxi. Six kinds of fungi distinguished by their morphology, size and color of the colonies were isolated from diseased leaf tissues of 60 sisal plants sampled from five different farms in Guangxi. Isolate JMHB1 was isolated at a rate of 95.67%. The isolate JMHB1 was initially white with dense and hairy aerial mycelium, gradually turning dark grey to olive green on PDA (Fig. 2). Conidia, arthrospores, and chlamydospores were observed on PDA in culture (Fig. 3). The conidia formed arthric chains, disarticulating, cylindrical-truncate, oblong-obtuse to doliiform, colorless and transparent, zero- to one-septate, and averaging 4.4 to 13.8 µm × 2.2 to 5.6 µm (n=100). Arthrospores were short columnar, pigmented and transparent, single or formed arthric chains, averaging 5.5 to 17.9 µm × 2.1 to 3.5 µm (n=100). Chlamydospores were dark brown, round or oval, averaging 4.5 to 9.6 µm × 4.5 to 8.6 µm (n=100). Pathogenicity testing was conducted by inoculating 3-year-old healthy sisal plants with PDA plugs (5 × 5 mm) on which the fungus had grown for 5 days. Nine healthy plants were wounded on the leaves with a sterile needle, and mycelial plugs were placed on the wounds, covered with sterile moist cotton, and wrapped with parafilm. Nine control plants were wounded and treated with PDA plugs as the negative control. The test was repeated three times. All treated plants were kept in a greenhouse at ~28 ℃ and 40% RH. After 5 days, only leaves inoculated with isolate JMHB1 showed lesions similar to symptoms observed in the field (Fig.1e~f). The fungus was re-isolated from all nine diseased plants, and no symptoms were observed on the leaves of control plants. Molecular identification of the fungus was made by PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA, EF1-α gene and β-tubulin gene using primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), EFl-728F/EF1-986R (Carbone and Kohn 1999), TUB2Fd/TUB4Rd (Aveskamp et al. 2009) respectively. The ITS (MT705646), EF1-α (MT733516) and β-tubulin (MT773603) sequences of JMHB1 were similar to the ITS (AY819727), EF1-α (EU144063) and β-tubulin (KF531800) sequences of the epitype of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (CBS 499.66) with 100%, 99.65% and 99.02% identity, respectively. Based on pathogenicity testing, morphological characteristics, and molecular identification, the pathogen of sisal causing black spot was identified as N. dimidiatum (Penz.) Crous & Slippers (Crous et al. 2006). To our knowledge, this is the first report of black spot caused by N. dimidiatum on sisal in China. Sisal is the main economic crop in arid and semi-arid areas that is widely planted in several provinces of southern China. The serious occurrence of the disease caused by N. dimidiatum has greatly affected the development of sisal industry and local economic income in China. Identification of the pathogen of the disease is of great significance to guide disease control, increase farmers' income and promote the development of sisal industry. References: Aveskamp, M. M., et al. 2009. Mycologia, 101: 363. https://doi.org/10.3852/08-199. Carbone, I., and Kohn, L. M. 1999. Mycologia, 91:553. https://doi.org/10.1080/00275514.1999. 12061051. Crous, P. W., et al. 2006. Stud. Mycol. 55:235. https://doi.org/10.3114/sim.55.1.235. White, T. J., et al. 1990. PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, Page 315. doi.org/10.1002/mrd.1080280418. Supplemental photographs: Fig. 1 Symptoms of sisal black spot disease a, b, c, d showed symptoms in the field, e and f were symptoms after inoculating Neoscytalidium dimidiatum JMHB1. a, c, and e were the front of the lesions, b, d, and f were the back of the lesions. Fig. 2 Primary colony (a) and old colony (b) of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum JMHB1 Fig. 3 Arthrospores (a), conidia and chlamydospores (b) of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum JMHB1.

Ormosia pinnata (Lour.) Merr. is an important tree used for landscape and plant recovery of barren slopes in China. During an investigation of plant disease on landscape trees in 2018, a dieback was observed on O. pinnata trees in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Symptoms were characterized by initial dryness of the twigs and eventual death of the whole branch of the tree. Isolations from symptomatic branches yielded 13 isolates including two main morphotypes. Pathogenicity tests showed that isolate GDOP1 from Type I caused dieback of O. pinnata . Based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer rDNA (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and partial sequence of the translation elongation factor 1α (EF1-α), the fungus causing dieback on O. pinnata was identified as Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae . This is the first report of L. pseudotheobromae infecting O. pinnata in the world.