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Aquatic hyphomycetes are key organisms that perform the decomposition of plant organic matter in streams. They are strongly influenced by nitrogen availability and temperature. Both environmental parameters stimulate aquatic hyphomycete activity (litter decomposition and conidia production) while high temperature tends to lower their diversity. However, the past research mostly focused on temperate streams, and tropical studies remain comparatively too scarce to determine if current knowledge applies to tropical aquatic hyphomycetes. Here, we provide the first assessment of aquatic hyphomycete communities and microbial litter decomposition in streams of Guadeloupe, which exhibit naturally warm and oligotrophic conditions. Local gradients of temperature and nitrate concentration allowed to test the hypothesis that microbial litter decomposition is stimulated by nitrate and temperature. To the contrary, we expected the warmer downstream sites to exhibit lower aquatic hyphomycete diversity due to high temperature. Contrary to our expectations, diversity increased along both nitrate and temperature gradients, while decomposition process was stimulated by nitrate but not by temperature. One implication of these findings is that warm water in the tropics is not necessarily associated with low aquatic hyphomycete diversity. Future studies should investigate the effect of temperature using broad and independent gradients of temperature (latitude, altitude and season). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A meticulous morphological study of the genus Minimelanolocus and related genera reveals that several species within the genus are not congeneric. As a result, two new genera, Acuminavicula and Zelofuscophialis, are proposed to accommodate Minimelanolocus chimonanthi and M. bicolorata, respectively. Additionally, a new species, M. eucalypti, is proposed. Seven species of Minimelanolocus are reassigned to the genera Kylindria, Nigrolentilocus, Pyriculariopsis, Repetophragma and Thysanorea. Two synonyms are proposed for Belemnospora verruculosa and Repetophragma dennisii. The new combination Kylindria yunnanensis is suggested based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis. A synoptic table and illustrations of conidia of accepted species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Family Torulaceae belongs to the Order Pleosporales (Class Dothideomycetes) and mainly comprises saprobes. The taxa are widely distributed in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. In this study, we collected three dead leaf specimens of Carex baccans and two submerged wood specimens in Yunnan Province, China. A biphasic approach of morphological examination and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses conducted for internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), nuclear large subunit rDNA (28S), nuclear small subunit rDNA (18S), translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1) gene, and RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit (rpb2) revealed one new species Rutola kunmingensis and a new collection of Torula sundara. Rutola kunmingensis is characterized by black, powdery colonies, micronematous, creeping, reticular conidiophores bearing inconspicuous, monoblastic conidiogenous loci, and multi-septate, catenulate, verruculose, brown conidia. The conidiophores and conidia of each genus in Torulaceae are mapped onto the phylogenetic tree and the generic demarcations of this family are discussed and the significant divergence of ITS, 18S, 28S, rpb2, and tef1 sequences in Torulaceae is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on unique morphological features and phylogenetic analysis of combined LSU and ITS sequences, Paramirandina guttulata is established as the third species in Paramirandina, along with P. aquatica and P. cymbiformis. All three species of Paramirandina were reported from freshwater habitats in China.Paramirandina guttulata sp. nov. is a morphologically conspicuous hyphomycetes species, collected from a plateau lake (Dujuanhu Lake) in Yunnan Province, China. The key distinguishing characteristics of P. guttulata are scattered or gregarious conidiophores, polyblastic, terminal, sympodial conidiogenous cells and fusiform, cymbiform, 4–6-septate, guttulate, hyaline conidia that are solitary or in chains and with truncate base and obtuse apex. Detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided for the new species.

Bambusa vulgaris is an exotic species for Brazil with high economic value, widely-distributed, highly-adaptable and fast growing. While many studies on fungal diversity on bamboo species have been conducted in the past, most utilised generic or family-level designations for the host, limiting our understanding of the true diversity and distribution patterns of fungi among these plants. Such investigations are particularly limited and conducted intermittently over long periods of time in Brazil. To address this, we conducted a survey of hyphomycetes associated with Bambusa vulgaris debris on the campus of the State University of Feira de Santana, located in Bahia, Brazil. Four new species, Endophragmiella pseudostromatica, Kramasamuha subramanianii, Rhexoampullifera castanedae and Ceratocladium bambusicola are reported. Our results additionally provide the second record for the American continent of Staphylotrichum acaciicola and the first record for this host. Taxonomic treatments, morphological descriptions, comments, and illustrations are provided for the aforementioned species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic hyphomycetes decompose submerged detritus in aquatic ecosystems making organic matter more nutritious and palatable for consumption by aquatic invertebrates. They can be classified into three ecological groups based on their morphology and form of sporulation: aero-aquatic fungi, facultative aquatic fungi and Ingoldian fungi. The current study provides an inventory of aquatic hyphomycetes associated with submerged debris (leaves and twigs) of streams and lakes in the Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Norte. In addition, new records for the area are described. Substrate collections were carried out in eight streams and two lakes. Two methodologies were used for the analysis of decomposing substrates: moist chamber and submerged incubation. Seventy-seven taxa were found, distributed in 49 genera of aquatic hyphomycetes associated with plant debris in water bodies of the Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Norte. Sixteen taxa are new records for Rio Grande do Norte, two are new records for Brazil (Gyrothrix encephalarti and Triscelophorus konajensis) and one for the Americas (Flagellospora minuta). The study demonstrated a high species richness of aquatic hyphomycetes for the Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Norte and can serve as a model for studies on the conservation of Funga in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fungal palynomorph corresponding to the fossil-species Lirasporis intergranifer R. Potonié & S.C.D. Sah, from the Middle Miocene lignite mine in Tomisławice (central Poland), is considered as the new combination Cancellidium intergraniferum (R. Potonié & S.C.D. Sah) G. Worobiec & E. Worobiec, comb. nov. The fossil-genus Lirasporis is treated as a synonym of the modern genus Cancellidium Tubaki. Cancellidium intergraniferum from the Miocene of Poland represents the first fossil record of Cancellidium outside Asia, the first record of this genus from Europe, and the northernmost known fossil occurrence of Cancellidium. Living representatives of Cancellidium seem to prefer warm and humid climates and, being aero-aquatic hyphomycetes, are usually associated with decaying woody remains in aquatic environments. A similar ecology is suggested for the fossil C. intergraniferum, which could be a reliable fungal non-pollen palynomorph proxy for palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pine trees play a crucial role in the forests of Sichuan Province, boasting rich species diversity and a lengthy evolutionary history. However, research and investigation on fungi associated with pine trees are insufficient. This study investigated the diversity of hyphomycetes fungi associated with pine trees in Sichuan Province, China. During the survey, we collected five specimens of hyphomycetes from branches and bark of species of Pinus. Five barcodes were selected for study and sequenced, including ITS, SSU, LSU, TEF1, and RPB2. Morphological examination and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses revealed three new species, viz. Catenulostroma pini sp. nov. within Teratosphaeriaceae, Kirschsteiniothelia longisporum sp. nov. within Kirschsteiniotheliaceae, Sporidesmiella sichuanensis sp. nov. within Junewangiaceae, and two known species, Paradictyoarthrinium diffractum and P. hydei within Paradictyoarthriniaceae, which are the new host records from Pinus species. Catenulostroma pini, distinguished from other species in the genus by its unique morphology, has three conidial morphologies: small terminal helicoconidia, scolecoconidia with many septa, and phragmoconidia conidia. Kirschsteiniothelia longisporum has longer spores when compared to the other species in the genus. According to phylogenetic analysis, Sporidesmiella sichuanensis formed an independent clade sister to S. aquatica and S. juncicola, distinguished by differences in conidial size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey of the diversity of lignicolous fungi in Yunnan Province, China, we collected and identified five microfungi species from dead woody litters of Castanopsis trees in terrestrial habitats. Through both morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of multi-gene sequences, we identified two taxa as new species and three collections as new host records within Pleosporales. Pseudolophiostoma lincangense sp. nov. is introduced as a sexual morph in Lophiostomataceae, Pleopunctum baoshanense sp. nov. is introduced as a hyphomycetous fungi in Phaeoseptaceae, and Paraphoma aquatica as a first report of sexual morph in Paraphoma. In addition, Occultibambusa kunmingensis and Pleopunctum megalosporum were isolated for the first time from the dead twigs of Castanopsis delavayi and C. calathiformis, respectively. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis results are provided for the above-mentioned species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogenetic position and taxonomic status of the monotypic genus Lappodochium Matsush. and its constituent species Lappodochium lageniforme Matsush. have long been uncertain. A multilocus phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS , LSU , rpb 2 and tub 2 datasets and morphological data were used to establish relationships of Lappodochium lageniforme within the Chaetomiaceae. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a strongly supported monophyletic clade of Lappodochium lageniforme with Botryoderma strains. These results provide sufficient data to re-examine the phylogenetic position of Lappodochium and propose the new combination Botryoderma lageniforme (Matsush.) Gusmão, G.G.Barreto & M.G.A.Primo. The previously invalidly published B. rostratum is also validated, as B. rostratum Papendorf & H.P.Upadhyay ex Gusmão & G.G.Barreto. We also provide a key and synopsis of all accepted Botryoderma species. In the 1970s, scientists stumbled upon an unusual microfungus named Lappodochium in Brazilian soil. Over the years, the true identity and position in the fungal evolutionary tree remained a puzzle. Through meticulous genetic and morphological investigations, experts have finally unravelled the connection to a known genus called Botryoderma. This revelation not only adds to our knowledge of this captivating fungus but also deepens our understanding of the diverse world of fungi in tropical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium agapanthi is newly reported from the centre of origin of Agapanthus in South Africa, where it is associated with dead flower stalks of Agapanthus praecox. Mjuua agapanthi, a rare hyphomycete with a morphology corresponding to asexual morphs of Pyxidiophora, was isolated as mycoparasitic on F. agapanthi, along with bacteria that co-occurred in synnematal heads of M. agapanthi. Germinating conidia of M. agapanthi were observed to parasitise germinating conidia of F. agapanthi. Although M. agapanthi could not be cultivated on its own, the association with Fusarium proved to not be restricted to F. agapanthi, as it could also be cultivated with other Fusarium spp. Mjuua agapanthi is a member of Pyxidiophorales, an order of obligate insect parasitic microfungi. The exact role of the bacteria in synnematal heads of M. agapanthi remains to be further elucidated, although one bacterium, Alsobacter metallidurans, appeared to cause lysis of the synnematal conidial cell walls. This discovery suggests that many unculturable obligate biotrophic microbes can probably be cultivated if co-cultivated with their respective hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rotting wood in freshwater is a unique eco-environment favoring various fungi. During our investigation of freshwater fungi on decaying wood, three hyphomycetes were collected from Jiangxi and Guangxi Provinces, China. Based on the morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis of a combined DNA data containing ITS, LSU, SSU and tef1-α sequences, two new Trichobotrys species, T. meilingensis and T. yunjushanensis, as well as a new record of T. effusa, were introduced. Additionally, a comprehensive description of the genus with both morphological and molecular data was first provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South China is a hotspot for fungal diversity. During investigations of saprobic fungi in Yunnan Province, we collected and identified a new species, Queenslandipenidiella lingcangensis, and a new host record of Periconia byssoides from dead woody twigs of Cryptocarya hainanensis and Ehretia acuminata, respectively. Both morphology and multigene phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS and LSU sequence data supported the placement of the new taxa within Queenslandipenidiella with high statistical support. The new taxon is characterised by numerous, erect, hairy, and dark brown to black colonies, macronematous, solitary or gregarious, oblong, dark brown, branching penicillate conidiophores with 5−6-septate, mono- to polyblastic, terminal, narrowly ellipsoidal to subcylindrical, pale brown to brown conidiogenous cells with 1–2-celled, globose to subglobose, aseptate, thick-walled, hyaline greenish-brown to brown conidia. We provide descriptions, illustrations, phylogenetic analyses results, and notes discussing the new species and the new record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neohelicomyces species are a group of helicosporous hyphomycetes with the potential to produce secondary metabolites. During our investigation of helicosporous fungi, six collections were isolated from both terrestrial and freshwater habitats in Guizhou Province, China. Based on multigene phylogenetic analysis (ITS, LSU, tef1α and rpb2), coupled with morphological data, three new Neohelicomyces species, viz. N. guizhouensis, N. helicosporus and N. hydei were established. A list of accepted Neohelicomyces species with molecular data was provided. The strain of Neohelicomyces pallidus (UAMH 10535) was synonymised under N. denticulatus based on molecular data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, numerous novel species have been identified within Dictyosporiaceae, primarily in Dictyocheirospora and Dictyosporium. A recent monograph has revealed that these two genera exhibit a distinct preference for freshwater habitats, particularly in southern China. However, further investigation into the distribution and diversity of the two genera in Guangdong and Guizhou Provinces remains insufficient. In this study, we conducted an analysis of four intriguing cheiroid hyphomycetes collected from flowing rivers in these two regions. Through morphological and phylogenetic analyses incorporating combined LSU, SSU, ITS, and tef1-α sequence data, we have identified them as a novel species in Dictyocheirospora (Dictyoc. submersa sp. nov.), two novel species in Dictyosporium (Dictyos. guangdongense sp. nov. and Dictyos. variabilisporum sp. nov.), and one previously documented species (Dictyos. digitatum). Specifically, the identification of Dictyos. guangdongense is primarily based on its distinct morphology, characterized by complanate, cheiroid, and brown to dark brown conidia, with a hyaline, short, and atrophied appendage arising from the apical cell of the outer row. In addition, the morphological distinctions between Dictyocheirospora and Dictyosporium are further clarified based on our new data. This study also highlights a few phylogenetic matters regarding Dictyosporiaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Family Torulaceae belongs to the Order Pleosporales (Class Dothideomycetes) and mainly comprises saprobes. The taxa are widely distributed in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. In this study, we collected three dead leaf specimens of Carex baccans and two submerged wood specimens in Yunnan Province, China. A biphasic approach of morphological examination and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses conducted for internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), nuclear large subunit rDNA (28S), nuclear small subunit rDNA (18S), translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1) gene, and RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit (rpb2) revealed one new species Rutola kunmingensis and a new collection of Torula sundara. Rutola kunmingensis is characterized by black, powdery colonies, micronematous, creeping, reticular conidiophores bearing inconspicuous, monoblastic conidiogenous loci, and multi-septate, catenulate, verruculose, brown conidia. The conidiophores and conidia of each genus in Torulaceae are mapped onto the phylogenetic tree and the generic demarcations of this family are discussed and the significant divergence of ITS, 18S, 28S, rpb2, and tef1 sequences in Torulaceae is also discussed.

During our investigation of saprophytic fungi in Guizhou and Hainan provinces, China, three hyphomycetes were collected from terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, tef1-a, and rpb2 sequence data, two new species are introduced: Distoseptispora hainanensis and D. lanceolatispora. Additionally, one known species, D. tectonae, previously unreported from Edgeworthia chrysantha, is newly reported. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree to show the two new species and the new host record of Distoseptispora are provided. In addition, a checklist of Distoseptispora species with their locations, lifestyles, habitats, and hosts is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of Ceratosporella collected on leaf litter of Mohru Oak Quercus floribunda in Uttarakhand, India, are described herein and compared with closely allied species. They are Ceratosporella deviata and Ceratosporella cheiroidea. Among them, C. cheiroidea is newly recorded from India. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, and comments are provided for the aforementioned species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater fungi are highly diverse in China and frequently reported from submerged wood, freshwater insects, herbaceous substrates, sediments, leaves, foams, and living plants. In this study, we investigated two freshwater species that were collected from Yunnan and Guizhou provinces in China. Detailed morphological analysis complemented by multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on LSU, SSU, ITS, RPB2 and TEF1-a sequences data revealed them to be two new saprobic species, namely Acrogenospora alangii sp. nov. and Conioscypha yunnanensis sp. nov. in their asexual morphs. Additionally, Acrogenospora alangii sp. nov. is reported for the first time as a freshwater ascomycete associated with the medicinal plant Alangium chinense (Alangiaceae). Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and updated phylogenetic relationships of the new taxa are provided herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the structure, taxonomic, and trophic composition of an assemblage of chironomid larvae associated with leaf litter in a tropical stream (Brazilian Cerrado biome) during different seasonal periods. Additionally, the study aimed to examine the relationship between the activity of decomposing microorganisms and the abundance and total richness of chironomids. To conduct the study, leaves were collected in buckets from the Boiadeiro stream at five sampling points over 30 consecutive days, resulting in a total collection of 12 months. Then, they were placed in litter bags (n = 3 per point) and incubated in the stream for 30 days to evaluate chironomid colonization and microbial activity. A total of 3,892 chironomid larvae were identified. Among the functional feeding groups (FFGs) of chironomid larvae, the food collector-gatherer group displayed higher diversity than other FFGs. The richness of chironomids was positively associated with the number of conidia produced by aquatic hyphomycetes' during leaf decomposition. We found that during the dry season (April–August), the highest values of abundance and total richness of chironomids were recorded, accompanied by the lowest taxonomic variability of chironomid larvae. Conversely, environmental variations in the rainy season contributed to greater taxonomic variability but lower abundance and total richness of chironomids associated with leaf detritus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the survey on freshwater hyphomycetes in Guangxi, Guizhou and Hainan Provinces, China, five fresh collections were encountered. Based on their morphology, these five isolates were identified as belonging to Hermatomyces, Kirschsteiniothelia, Paramonodictys, Pleopunctum and Sparticola. Multigene phylogenetic analyses were performed for each genus, which resulted in the identification of five new species, namely Hermatomyces hainanensis, Kirschsteiniothelia ramus, Paramonodictys globosa, Pleopunctum guizhouense, and Sparticola irregularis. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the morphological characteristics of these new taxa were provided. This research enriches the biodiversity of freshwater dematiaceous hyphomycetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being a small island, Sri Lanka is rich in fungal diversity. Most of the fungi from Sri Lanka have been identified as pathogens of vegetables, fruits, and plantation crops to date. The pleosporalean genus Curvularia (Dothideomycetes) includes phytopathogenic, saprobic, endophytic, and human/animal opportunistic pathogenic fungal species. The majority of the plant-associated Curvularia species are known from poaceous hosts. During the current study, 22 geographical locations of the country were explored and collections were made from 10 different poaceous hosts. Morphology and molecular phylogeny based on three loci, including nuclear internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 with 5.8S nrDNA (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh), and translation elongation factor 1-a (tef1) supported the description of two new species of fungi described herein as C. aurantia sp. nov. and C. vidyodayana sp. nov. Moreover, novel host-fungal association records for C. chiangmaiensis, C. falsilunata, C. lonarensis, C. plantarum, and C. pseudobrachyspora are updated herein. In addition, five species within the genus Curvularia, viz., C. asiatica, C. geniculata, C. lunata, C. muehlenbeckiae, and C. verruculosa represent new records of fungi from Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Sporodophoron (Arthoniaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) is characterized by whitish, convex, and usually discrete or rarely becoming confluent sporodochia and conidia formed in zigzag-shaped and occasionally branched chains. It consists of four species, and only S. primorskiense was known in Russia, in a single locality in the Primorye Territory. Here we report the second locality of S. primorskiense and two localities of new to Russia S. gossypinum, all from the deciduous and mixed forests of the very south of the Primorye Territory. Morphology and chemistry of our specimens are briefly discussed in comparison with the literature data. Using HPLC-UV-MS, in S. gossypinum we detected several minor and trace compounds previously unknown to the species, namely confluentic acid, 4-O-methylolivetolcarboxylic acid, hyperlatolic acid, and perlatolic acid. Using mass-spectrometry, we found that “lepraric high unknown” substance has the same molecular formula and fragmentation pattern as lepraric acid. The find of S. gossypinum is also confirmed by the mrSSU sequence.

Helicosporous hyphomycetes is a group of filamentous fungi that shows promising application prospects in metabolizing bioactive natural compounds. During a study of helicosporous fungi in China, six new helicosporous taxa were collected and isolated from decaying wood in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Morphological comparisons with multi-gene phylogenetic analyses revealed that these six taxa belong to Helicosporium (Tubeufiaceae, Tubeufiales), and they were recognized as three novel species and were named Helicosporium liuzhouense, H. multidentatum, and H. nanningense. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the newly discovered taxa and comparisons with similar fungi are provided. In addition, a list and a key to accepted Helicosporium species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During an investigation of helicosporous fungi in China, a total of seven helicosporous hyphomycetes were obtained from decaying wood in the southern region of the country. Based on phylogenetic analyses using a combined LSU, ITS, tef1α, and rpb2 sequence matrix, in conjunction with morphological comparisons, these taxa were classified within Tubeufia (Tubeufiaceae, Tubeufiales) and were recognized as three new species, viz. Tubeufia guttulata, T. hainanensis, and T. muriformis, as well as one new distribution record, viz. T. cocois. Evidence for these new taxa and the new record, descriptions, illustrations, notes, and phylogenetic evidence are provided for the newly collected helicosporous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic change at a global scale is affecting life on Earth with impacts on freshwaters. Aquatic hyphomycetes are fungi that drive organic matter decomposition in freshwaters and mediate energy transfer to higher trophic levels. Intraspecific trait variability affects ecological processes and can account for species adaptations to environmental change. To ascertain how aquatic hyphomycetes respond to global change related stressors, we selected 20 strains (7 species), based on their co-occurrence in streams and phylogenetic relatedness. We measured fungal growth rates at different temperatures (7 levels), nutrient concentrations (6 levels) and medium moisture (6 levels). Our results indicate that all stressors affected fungal growth, and responses to nutrient enrichment and moisture were strain specific. Fungal responses to the stressors were not explained by their phylogenetic relatedness. In the absence of stressors, interspecific diversity best explained the variance in fungal traits, while the increase in the stress gradient increased the importance of intraspecific diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi in the Tibetan Plateau habitat, fifteen collections were isolated from submerged decaying wood. Fungal characteristics are commonly found as punctiform or powdery colonies with dark pigmented and muriform conidia. Multigene phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, SSU and TEF DNA sequences showed that they belong to three families in Pleosporales. Among them, Paramonodictys dispersa, Pleopunctum megalosporum, Pl. multicellularum and Pl. rotundatum are established as new species. Paradictyoarthrinium hydei, Pleopunctum ellipsoideum and Pl. pseudoellipsoideum are reported as new records on the freshwater habitats in Tibetan Plateau, China. The morphological descriptions and illustrations of the new collections are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi are a remarkably diverse group of microorganisms that have imperceptible associations with their hosts for at least a part of their life cycle. The enormous biological diversity and the capability of producing bioactive secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyketides have attracted the attention of different scientific communities, resulting in numerous investigations on these fungal endophytes. During our surveys of plant-root-based fungi in the mountain areas of Qingzhen, Guizhou Province, several isolates of endophytic fungi were identified. In this study, a novel endophytic fungus was discovered in the roots of a medicinal plant (Orixa japonica) in Southern China and introduced as a new species (Amphisphaeria orixae) based on morphological evidence and molecular phylogenetic analysis (combined ITS and LSU sequence data). To the best of our knowledge, A. orixae is the first reported endophyte as well as the first hyphomycetous asexual morph in Amphisphaeria. A new isocoumarin, (R)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-methylisochroman-1-one (1), and 12 known compounds (2–13) were isolated from the rice fermentation products of this fungus. Using 1D- and 2D-NMR, mass spectrometry, and ECD studies, their structures were identified. The antitumor activity of these compounds was tested. Unfortunately, none of the compounds tested showed significant antitumor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Yungui Plateau is rich in fungal diversity. Hyphomycetes, growing on submerged wood, can promote the degradation of organisms and the reuse of rotten wood energy. During an investigation of hyphomycetes in this region, 19 species of dematiaceous hyphomycetes were collected in Yungui Plateau. New information Both morphological identification and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of ITS, tef1 and LSU sequences supported Coryneum sevenseptatis as a new species. Phaeoisaria guizhouensis and Pleurothecium yunanensis were introduced, based on morphology. Morphological descriptions and illustrations of the new species were detailed. Known species are listed with notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of Distoseptispora, viz. D. mengsongensis, D. nabanheensis, and D. sinensis, are described and illustrated from specimens collected on dead branches of unidentified plants in Yunnan Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses of LSU, ITS, and TEF1 sequence data, using maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI), reveal the taxonomic placement of D. mengsongensis, D. nabanheensis, and D. sinensis within Distoseptispora. Both morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses supported D. mengsongensis, D. nabanheensis, and D. sinensis as three new taxa. To extend our knowledge of the diversity of Distoseptispora-like taxa, a list of recognized species of Distoseptispora with major morphological features, habitat, host, and locality is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saprobic hyphomycetes are highly diverse on plant debris. Over the course of our mycological surveys in southern China, three new Helminthosporium species, H. guanshanense sp. nov., H. jiulianshanense sp. nov. and H. meilingense sp. nov., collected on dead branches of unidentified plants, were introduced by morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Multi-loci (ITS, LSU, SSU, RPB2 and TEF1) phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference to infer their taxonomic positions within Massarinaceae. Both molecular analyses and morphological data supported H. guanshanense, H. jiulianshanense and H. meilingense as three independent taxa within Helminthosporium. A list of accepted Helminthosporium species with major morphological features, host information, locality and sequence data was provided. This work expands our understanding of the diversity of Helminthosporium-like taxa in Jiangxi Province, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During an investigation of fungal diversity on fruit trees in Guizhou Province, 23 Cladosporium strains were isolated from various locations in Guizhou Province. Culture characteristics, morphology and molecular phylogenetic analysis of three genetic markers, namely, the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) of the rDNA, partial fragments of actin (act), and the translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-ɑ) loci were used to characterize these isolates. Seven new Cladosporium species and new host records for five other species were introduced, with detailed descriptions and illustrations. This study showed that there is a rich diversity of Cladosporium spp. in fruit trees in Guizhou Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circinotrichum, Gyrothrix and Vermiculariopsiella represent a complex of dematiaceous, setose, saprobic hyphomycetes that are commonly collected on plant litters in tropical, subtropical to temperate climates. Multi-locus analysis (ITS, LSU, rpb2) and morphological studies revealed that Gyrothrix and Circinotrichum are polyphyletic and species belong to 10 genera grouping in three different clades within Xylariales, named Coniocessiaceae (Circinotrichum and Pirozynskiomyces gen. nov.), Microdochiaceae (Selenodriella and the resurrected genus Peglionia) and the new family Gyrothricaceae (Gyrothrix, Xenoanthostomella, Neogyrothrix gen. nov., Pseudocircinotrichum gen. nov., and Pseudoceratocladium gen. nov.). Vermiculariopsiella (Vermiculariopsiellales, Vermiculariopsiellaceae) is emended for species with setose sporodochia with simple setae (V. dichapetali, V. eucalypticola, V. immersa, V. pini, V. spiralis, V. australiensis sp. nov.) while Vermiculariopsis is resurrected and includes setose fungi with branched setae (Vs. dunni, Vs. eucalypti, Vs. eucalyptigena, Vs. lauracearum, Vs. microsperma, Vs. pediculata and Vs. castanedae sp. nov.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nursery-grown Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) in Peradeniya, Central Province, Sri Lanka showed necrotic, reddish-brown, circular to irregular-shaped, 1-2 mm diameter spots scattered over the leaves and ray florets which developed a whitish center with time. At the advanced stage, the necrotic spots merged, and the whole leaf/flower was infected. The fungus associated with the disease was identified as Curvularia senegalensis based on morphological and molecular data. Inoculated leaves produced necrotic symptoms and subsequent pathogen recovery was confirmed through Koch’s postulates. This study provides the first report of Curvularia senegalensis causing leaf and floral spots on Z. elegans in Sri Lanka.

Freshwater fungi, growing on submerged wood, can promote the degradation of organisms and the reuse of rotten wood energy and play key roles in freshwater ecosystems. Here, a new hyphomycetous fungus, Sporidesmiella lignicola, was isolated and identified from submerged wood samples collected in a small stream in Jiangxi Province, south-eastern China.The new taxon was studied, based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses combined with LSU, ITS, TEF1α and RPB2 sequences data. Sporidesmiella lignicola was morphologically characterised by its pink colonies on PDA medium in prophase, macronematous, mononematous, solitary, brown, septate, unbranched, straight or slightly flexuous conidiophores with holoblastic, polyblastic, integrated, terminal, pale brown conidiogenous cells and cylindrical, narrowly clavate, broadly obovoid to cuneiform, 3–4-distoseptate, olivaceous brown or brown conidia with rounded apex. A phylogenetic tree was constructed, based on the combination of LSU, ITS, TEF1α and RPB2 sequences data.

During the survey of pathogenic fungi on medicinal plant leaves in Yunnan Province, China, two Cladosporium-like taxa were isolated from leaf spots of Paris polyphylla. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, TEF1-α and ACT genes, two new species were discovered.Two new species Cladosporium yunnanensis and C. paris are introduced, the detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided. Morphology of the two new species is compared with other related Cladosporium species. This study widens the host diversity of the genus Cladosporium.

Background Freshwater fungi are an integral part of freshwater ecosystems. They promote the carbon cycle of the ecosystem by decomposing wood substrates. Menisporopsis is a fungal genus of Chaetosphaeriales in Sordariomycetes, which has been commonly collected from aquatic and marine environments. Most species of this genus are saprophytes. New information Here, a new freshwater hyphomycetous fungus, Menisporopsis aquatica, reported from submerged rotten wood samples collected in a stream in Zhejiang Province, south-eastern China. The new species is characterised by hyaline conidia appendiculate with 1-2 setulae at each end and synnematous conidiophores growing closely around a black central seta. Molecular phylogeny of Menisporopsis was studied using a combined two-loci dataset, including the internal transcribed spacer sequences (ITS) and the nuclear ribosomal large subunit gene sequences (nrLSU). The new species is illustrated and a synopsis of the Menisporopsis species is presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of Helminthosporium, H. nabanhensis, H. sinensis and H. yunnanensis collected on dead branches of unidentified plants in Xishuangbanna, China, were proposed by morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of the combined data of ITS-SSU-LSU-TEF1-RPB2 sequences was performed using Maximum-Likelihood and Bayesian Inference, although H. nabanhensis and H. sinensis lack the RPB2 sequences. Both molecular analyses and morphological data supported H. nabanhensis, H. sinensis and H. yunnanensis as three independent taxa within the Massarinaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ingoldian fungi are a dominant group in aquatic environments. However, they are poorly known and studied, especially in the tropics. To increase knowledge about their diversity and distribution, samples of foam and decaying submerged leaves were collected from 12 areas in Brazil across four biomes (Amazon, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, and Cerrado). Slides were deposited in the HUEFS Herbarium. Thirty-five taxa were identified from foam and 24 from leaf spore suspension. These were distributed in five classes, mostly belonging to Ascomycota, with Leotiomycetes being the most representative class. Angulospora aquatica, Biflagellosporella amazonensis, Isthmotricladia laeensis and Lateriramulosa bi-inflata are new records for Brazil; Variocladium rangiferinum and Tricladium fuscum are new records for the Neotropics; and Polylobatispora deltoidea is a new record for the Americas. Description, illustration, and geographical distribution details are provided for the new records. The study showed a high richness of Ingoldian fungi and provides a basis for determining the biodiversity and ultimate conservation of the studied areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater fungi are highly diverse and ecologically important in freshwater systems. In China, more than 1000 species of freshwater fungi are known. Here, we present a brown-spored hyphomycetes that was collected on a submerged decaying bamboo culm in a forest stream in China.Phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, ITS and TUB2 sequences confirm the placement of our new strain in Veronaea (Herpotrichiellaceae), sister to V. japonica. Veronaea aquatica sp. nov. differs from related taxa V. compacta and V. japonica in having longer conidiophores and cylindrical to pyriform or subclavate conidia with 0–2 septa. Veronaea aquatica also has darker brown hyphae compared to V. japonica. A morphological description and detailed illustrations of V. aquatica are provided.

Aquatic hyphomycetes are key microbial decomposers of allochthonous organic matter in freshwater ecosystems. Although their importance in carbon flow and food webs in streams is widely recognized, there are still gaps in our understanding of their molecular diversity and distribution patterns. Our study utilized the growing database of ITS rDNA barcodes of aquatic hyphomycetes (1252 sequences) and aimed to (i) produce new barcodes for some lesser-known taxa; (ii) clarify the taxonomic placement of some taxa at the class or order level, based on molecular data; and (iii) provide insights into the biogeographical origins of some taxa. This study increased the number of aquatic hyphomycete species with available ITS barcodes from 119 (out of ~300 species described) to 136. Phylogenetically, the 136 species were distributed between 2 phyla, 6 classes, and 10 orders of fungi. Future studies should strive to increase the database of ITS sequences, especially focusing on species with unclear phylogenetic relationships (incertae sedis) and with few sequences available. The geographical distribution of species with available ITS sequences included 50 countries from five continents, but 6 countries had more than 20 species associated, showing a bias toward the northern hemisphere, likely due to sampling bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During an investigation of freshwater fungi in Jiangxi province, China, a new hyphomycetous fungus, Aquapteridospora jiangxiensis, was collected and isolated. Aquapteridospora jiangxiensis is characterized by its unbranched and guttulate conidiophores with multi-septa swollen at the base, polyblastic conidiogenous cells with sympodial proliferations, and denticles, and guttulate conidia with a sheath. A photo plate of the macro- and micro-morphology and a muti-loci (ITS, LSU, SSU, TEF1 and RPB2) phylogenetic tree are provided. A key to the species of Aquapteridospora is also presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa is an important agricultural crop and the most important forage crop in Iran, playing a crucial role in providing feed for livestock. Hephomycetous fungi are considered as part of the factors associated with the leaf spot disease of alfalfa. In this study, according to the importance of alfalfa cultivation in West Azerbaijan province, in November 2020, samples of alfalfa plants with leaf spot symptoms were collected from various farms in the southern regions of this province, including Miandoab, Mahabad and Naghadeh. After direct examination and single-spore isolations from the leaf spots, 66 fungal isolates from different fungal genera were obtained. After growing the isolated fungi on standard culture media and primary morphological identification, molecular analysis of representative isolates was performed using the ITS ribosomal region and or parts of the gapdh gene. Based on morphological and molecular characteristics, eight species belonging to five genera of hyphomycetes including Albifimbria verrucaria, Alternaria atra, Alternaria kordkuyana, Alternari sp. (section Alternaria), Cercospora zebrina, Curvularia inaequalis, Stemphylium botryosum and Stemphilium vesicarium were identified. Following pathogenicity test under greenhouse condition, the pathogenicity of Alb. verrucaria, A. kordkuyana, C. zebrina, S. botryosum and S. vesicarium species was confirmed. Among the identified species, A. atra, A. kordkuyana and Cu. inaequalis are first world records on alfalfa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chaetosphaeriaceae is a genera-rich and highly diverse group of fungi with a worldwide distribution in terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Eight fresh collections of Chaetosphaeriaceae were obtained during investigations of hyaline-spored hyphomycetes in China and Thailand. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of a combined LSU and ITS sequence dataset, Chaetosphaeria obovoidea, Codinaea aseptata, Codinaeella hyalina, Dictyochaeta guizhouensis and Paragaeumannomyces guttulatus were introduced as new species, Codinaea terminalis was reported as new host record, and Codinaea dwaya and Phialosporostilbe scutiformis were introduced as new collections. Phylogenetic analysis in this study revealed that Chaetosphaeria was polyphyletic. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of new taxa and identified species are provided, as well as an updated phylogenetic tree to confirm the placements of these eight new collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytopathogenic fungi in the genus Bipolaris are typically associated with poaceous hosts including major cereal crops. Morphological identification alone is often insufficient for species discrimination due to overlapping microscopic characters. Thus, molecular phylogenetic analyses have been utilised for accurate species identification and to establish evolutionary relationships within the genus. Although there are 138 species epithets of Bipolaris listed in the Index Fungorum, only 46 species have been identified and accurately placed within the genus based on ex-type derived DNA sequence data, with only four Bipolaris species reported from Sri Lanka. During this study, diseased and dead plant specimens of weedy grasses and cultivated rice were collected from several collection sites in Sri Lanka and associated fungal species were isolated. Morphological characters together with phylogenetic inference from the analyses of three loci, internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 with 5.8S region (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), supported the introduction of two novel species namely Bipolaris adikaramae from Panicum maximum and B. petchii from Ischaemum sp. Morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided for the newly described taxa. In addition, B. shoemakeri from Echinochloa sp. and Oryza sativa and B. sivanesaniana from O. sativa were identified as novel records from Sri Lanka. This study suggests the need for extensive surveys of crops and associated weedy hosts in order to accurately assess the diversity of emerging species of phytopathogenic and opportunistic graminicolous fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During taxonomic and phylogenetic studies of fungi on pteridophytes in Thailand, Monilochaetes pteridophytophila sp. nov. was collected from the scale of a tree fern (Alsophila costularis, Cyatheaceae). The new species is introduced based on evidence from morphological comparison and analysis of a concatenated LSU, ITS, SSU and RPB2 sequence data.Monilochaetes pteridophytophila differs from extant species of Monilochaetes in having darker and fewer, 1–4-septate conidiophores. Monilochaetes pteridophytophila forms a distinct clade basal from other species of Monilochaetes in Australiascaceae. A detailed description and illustrations of the new species are provided. We also provided a synopsis of accepted species of Monilochaetes.

During the investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi in the Tibetan Plateau habitat, fifteen collections were isolated from submerged decaying wood. Fungal characteristics are commonly found as punctiform or powdery colonies with dark pigmented and muriform conidia. Multigene phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, SSU and TEF DNA sequences showed that they belong to three families in Pleosporales. Among them, Paramonodictys dispersa, Pleopunctum megalosporum, Pl. multicellularum and Pl. rotundatum are established as new species. Paradictyoarthrinium hydei, Pleopunctum ellipsoideum and Pl. pseudoellipsoideum are reported as new records on the freshwater habitats in Tibetan Plateau, China. The morphological descriptions and illustrations of the new collections are provided.

Endophytic fungi are a remarkably diverse group of microorganisms that have imperceptible associations with their hosts for at least a part of their life cycle. The enormous biological diversity and the capability of producing bioactive secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyketides have attracted the attention of different scientific communities, resulting in numerous investigations on these fungal endophytes. During our surveys of plant-root-based fungi in the mountain areas of Qingzhen, Guizhou Province, several isolates of endophytic fungi were identified. In this study, a novel endophytic fungus was discovered in the roots of a medicinal plant (Orixa japonica) in Southern China and introduced as a new species (Amphisphaeria orixae) based on morphological evidence and molecular phylogenetic analysis (combined ITS and LSU sequence data). To the best of our knowledge, A. orixae is the first reported endophyte as well as the first hyphomycetous asexual morph in Amphisphaeria. A new isocoumarin, (R)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-methylisochroman-1-one (1), and 12 known compounds (2–13) were isolated from the rice fermentation products of this fungus. Using 1D- and 2D-NMR, mass spectrometry, and ECD studies, their structures were identified. The antitumor activity of these compounds was tested. Unfortunately, none of the compounds tested showed significant antitumor activity.