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The taxonomy of Pseudolachnea and Pseudolachnella is controversial. Some authors have regarded them as congeneric, whereas others have considered them to be distinct genera differentiated merely on the number of conidial septa. A total of 26 isolates of Pseudolachnea-like fungi were subjected to morphological examination and phylogenetic analyses of nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 and partial 28S sequences and partial sequence of the translation elongation factor 1α gene. The results indicated that our materials should be classified in four genera: Pseudolachnea, Pseudolachnella, and two new genera, Neopseudolachnella and Pseudodinemasporium. Although the monophyly of both Pseudolachnea and Pseudolachnella was confirmed, it was concluded that differences observed in the conidiomatal structure, such as thickness of basal stroma and the excipulum, were more reliable for their circumscription, instead of conidial septation. Neopseudolachnella was similar to Pseudolachnea and Pseudolachnella in conidial morphology but was characterized by the conidiomata lacking an excipulum, unlike members of the latter two genera. Pseudodinemasporium bore conidia morphologically similar to those of Dinemasporium but was differentiated from the latter by the conidiomata, which was composed of a well developed peridial structure. A total of 12 new species, namely three in Neopseudolachnella (N. acutispora, N. magnispora, N. uniseptata), one in Pseudodinemasporium (P. fabiforme) and eight in Pseudolachnella (P. asymmetrica, P. botulispora, P. brevicoronata, P. campylospora, P. complanata, P. falcatispora, P. fusiformis and P. pachyderma) are described and illustrated.

The taxonomic relationships of three coelomycetous genera, Dinemasporium , Diarimella and Stauronema , were assessed. A total of 43 isolates/specimens of Dinemasporium -like fungi were examined by phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer sequences of the nuclear rRNA gene and morphological comparisons. Species highly consistent with Diarimella or Stauronema generic concepts failed to form monophyletic groups, but were scattered within the Dinemasporium clade. Diarimella and Stauronema are therefore treated as synonyms of Dinemasporium . An expanded generic concept of Dinemasporium is proposed to accommodate species having conidia with bipolar and lateral appendages (formerly Stauronema ) or branched multiple appendages (formerly Diarimella ), as well as typical Dinemasporium species having conidia with bipolar unbranched appendages. Eight new species of Dinemasporium — D . ambiguum , D . bambusicola , D . iriomotense , D . japonicum , D. parastrigosum , D . pseudodecipiens , D . rishiriense and D. sasae — are described and illustrated.

The ‘Lambertellin system’ was disclosed which rationally explains the fungal replacement (mycoparasitism) of Monilinia fructigena ( M. f. , the host) with Lambertella corni-maris ( L. corni-maris , the parasite) without competitive inhibition in the simultaneous incubations on agar media. The ‘Lambertellin system’ involves; (a) L. corni-maris secretes nontoxic lambertellols ( 1 , 2 ) as the diffusible precursors of the authentic responsible substance 3 regardless of existence of the host M. f. ; (b) In the absence of the host, the environment around the parasite is kept under neutral condition, and both 1 and 2 are readily transformed into 3 ; (c) Lambertellin ( 3 ) inhibits not only the host but also the parasite. The parasite degrades 3 for detoxification; and (d) Upon the host M. f. approaching closely to the area where the parasite inhabits, the environment around the parasite becomes acidic to stabilize 1 and 2 , which gives them a chance to diffuse into the host area. Then these are gradually transformed into 3 to inhibit the host without damaging the parasite. This mechanism also accords with the progress of ‘Natsu-Nenju’ disease on apple fruits, which is known to be a mysterious phyto-disease because of two unique stages of its lifecycle, anamorphic (asexual) and teleomorphic (sexual). The ‘Lambertellin system’ would be categorized as a novel class of alleropathies.

In July 2003, a new disease occurred on leaves of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbossum L.) in Iwate, Japan. Leaves initially had brownish spots, which subsequently developed into large lesions with concentric rings, resulting in premature defoliation. Teardrop-shaped conidia infecting leaves were visible by the naked eye as small protuberances in the center of lesions. Star-shaped conidia were sporadically produced on large lesions. The causal fungus was identified as Valdensinia heterodoxa, based on cultural, morphological and genetic studies. Inoculation tests showed that the fungus reproduced lesions on detached young leaves of highbush blueberry. A field survey in 2009 indicated that symptoms initially appeared on the lower leaves of basal shoots in late May, and the disease rapidly progressed on leaves of basal shoots, eventually spreading to lateral shoots from late June to late July. Removal of all basal shoots in late June significantly reduced disease incidence on lateral shoots in late July.

Mycochaetophora gentianae, the causal agent of brown leaf spot on gentian (Gentiana scabra), is characterized by its hyaline besom-like sporophore, although its conidiogenesis and phylogenetic position have so far remained unknown. We isolated the causal fungus from a new host, G. triflora, in Iwate, Japan. Both the G. triflora isolate and the ex-type M. gentianae isolate produced symptoms on G. triflora but not on G. scabra. Microscopic observations of the diseased leaves indicated that conidiogenesis was blastic from short conidiophores, and schizolytic secession of conidia left unthickened and inconspicuous conidial scars on the conidiogenous cells. Conidia were catenate, in branched acropetalous chains; secondary conidia were blastically produced from the first or second cell at the base of primary conidium. The G. triflora isolate was identified as M. gentianae because of its identity to the ex-type in characteristics of culture, pathogenicity, and conidia. Phylogenetic analyses using three ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences combined [small subunit (SSU) + large subunit (LSU) + 5.8S rDNA] indicated that both isolates clustered with Rhexocercosporidium carotae, and the cluster was placed within Helotiales–Rhytismatales. Additional analyses using internal transcribed spacers including 5.8S rDNA sequences revealed that both isolates were monophyletic and that they were closely related to three helotialean Pseudocercosporella-like hyphomycetous genera: Helgardia, Rhexocercosporidium and Rhynchosporium.

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

A new pleosporalean family Tetraplosphaeriaceae is established to accommodate five new genera; 1) Tetraplosphaeria with small ascomata and anamorphs belonging to Tetraploa s. str., 2) Triplosphaeria characterised by hemispherical ascomata with rim-like side walls and anamorphs similar to Tetraploa but with three conidial setose appendages, 3) Polyplosphaeria with large ascomata surrounded by brown hyphae and anamorphs producing globose conidia with several setose appendages, 4) Pseudotetraploa, an anamorphic genus, having obpyriform conidia with pseudosepta and four to eight setose appendages, and 5) Quadricrura, an anamorphic genus, having globose conidia with one or two long setose appendages at the apex and four to five short setose appendages at the base. Fifteen new taxa in these genera mostly collected from bamboo are described and illustrated. They are linked by their Tetraploa s. l. anamorphs. To infer phylogenetic placement in the Pleosporales, analyses based on a combined dataset of small- and large-subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA (SSU+LSU nrDNA) was carried out. Tetraplosphaeriaceae, however, is basal to the main pleosporalean clade and therefore its relationship with other existing families was not completely resolved. To evaluate the validity of each taxon and to clarify the phylogenetic relationships within this family, further analyses using sequences from ITS-5.8S nrDNA (ITS), transcription elongation factor 1-α (TEF), and β-tubulin (BT), were also conducted. Monophyly of the family and that of each genus were strongly supported by analyses based on a combined dataset of the three regions (ITS+TEF+BT). Our results also suggest that Tetraplosphaeria (anamorph: Tetraploa s. str.) is an ancestral lineage within this family. Taxonomic placement of the bambusicolous fungi in Astrosphaeriella, Kalmusia, Katumotoa, Massarina, Ophiosphaerella, Phaeosphaeria, Roussoella, Roussoellopsis, and Versicolorisporium, are also discussed based on the SSU+LSU phylogeny. Taxonomic novelties: Tetraplosphaeriaceae Kaz. Tanaka & K. Hiray., fam. nov., Tetraplosphaeria Kaz. Tanaka & K. Hiray., gen. nov., Tetraplosphaeria nagasakiensis Kaz. Tanaka & K. Hiray., sp. nov., Tetraplosphaeria sasicola Kaz. Tanaka & K. Hiray., sp. nov., Tetraplosphaeria tetraploa (Scheuer) Kaz. Tanaka& K. Hiray., comb. nov., Tetraplosphaeria yakushimensis Kaz. Tanaka, K. Hiray. & Hosoya, sp. nov., Triplosphaeria Kaz. Tanaka& K. Hiray., gen. nov., Triplosphaeria acuta Kaz. Tanaka & K. Hiray., sp. nov., Triplosphaeria cylindrica Kaz. Tanaka & K. Hiray., nom. nov., Triplosphaeria maxima Kaz. Tanaka & K. Hiray., sp. nov., Triplosphaeria yezoensis (I. Hino & Katum.) Kaz. Tanaka, K. Hiray. & Shirouzu, comb. nov., Polyplosphaeria Kaz. Tanaka & K. Hiray., gen. nov., Polyplosphaeria fusca Kaz. Tanaka& K. Hiray., sp. nov., Pseudotetraploa Kaz. Tanaka & K. Hiray., gen. nov., Pseudotetraploa curviappendiculata (Sat. Hatak., Kaz. Tanaka & Y. Harada) Kaz. Tanaka & K. Hiray., comb. nov., Pseudotetraploa javanica (Rifai, Zainuddin & Cholil) Kaz. Tanaka& K. Hiray., comb. nov., Pseudotetraploa longissima (Sat. Hatak., Kaz. Tanaka & Y. Harada) Kaz. Tanaka & K. Hiray., comb. nov., Quadricrura Kaz. Tanaka, K. Hiray. & Sat. Hatak., gen. nov., Quadricrura bicornis Kaz. Tanaka, K. Hiray. & H. Yonez., sp. nov., Quadricrura meridionalis Kaz. Tanaka & K. Hiray., sp. nov., Quadricrura septentrionalis Kaz. Tanaka, K. Hiray. & Sat. Hatak., sp. nov.

The anamorphic stage of Polystigma fulvum, collected as a red leaf blotch on Prunus ssiori from Japan, was first confirmed by inoculation tests and field observations in this study. It was identified as Polystigmina pallescens based on the characteristic features of sympodial conidiogenous cells and the 80- to 120-μm-long filiform conidia. The description of P. fulvum including the Polystigmina stage is provided with microscopic illustrations. Presumably the Polystigmina stage of this species was considered to be an andromorph rather than an anamorph, possibly involving fertilization of the fungus. A synopsis of the life cycle of Polystigma fulvum is briefly noted.

Lambertellols A (1) and B (2), isolated from mycoparasites Lambertella species, were synthesized. The synthesis features intramolecular aldol-type cyclizations of aldehydes 12 and 14 and site specific oxidations of 1-hydroxylambertellols as key steps. The synthesis also provided all diastereomers of 1-hydrolambertellols 17-19 and 25. Chiral resolution made the optically active forms available, which enabled the investigation of the real active species in the mycoparasitism by Lambertella species against Monilinia fructigena. These experiments suggested that lambertellin (3) is responsible for this phenomenon. Chemically labile 1 and 2 should be converted to 3 during the bioassay. The parasite may excrete 1 and 2 as readily diffusible forms, which are then transformed into 3 to inhibit the host M. fructigena. The parasite may have acquired this "drug delivery system" mechanism as an evolutionary enhancement.

A new genus, Versicolorisporium, is established for the coelomycetous fungus collected in Japan on dead culms of the bamboos Pleioblastus chino and Sasamorpha borealis. The type species of the genus, V. triseptatum, is characterized by the production of holoblastic, 3-septate, obovoid, versicolored conidia. Versicolorisporium is similar to Toxosporiella, Neohendersonia, Toxosporiopsis, and Scolicosporium in having versicolored conidia, but differs from these genera by the uniloculate pycnidial conidiomata with a periphysate ostiole, lacking paraphyses, and the conidia without black-banded septa. A BLAST search using LSU nrDNA sequence indicates that the new genus is a member of Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes.

The filamentous fungus, Lambertella corni-maris (L. corni-maris), a mycoparasite on Monilinia fructigena, produces the antibiotics, lambertellols A (1), B (2), and lambertellin (3), in a substantial amounts under acidic conditions, whereas these antibiotics were hardly detected when the fungus was cultured on a potato-sucrose (PS) medium without added acids. Our investigations also revealed that the host, M. fructigena, changed its surroundings into acidic conditions, suggesting that the acidic conditions acted as kairomones that stimulated the production of 1-3.

Taxonomy of the genus Cristulariella is revised, retaining Cristulariella (Crist.) depraedans as the type. Two new species, Crist. cercidiphylli and Crist. corni, are additionally described under the genus. The new anamorphic genus Hinomyces is erected to accommodate Botrytis (Cristulariella) moricola and Cristulariella pruni. A new genus and species, Nervostroma depraedans, is erected in the Sclerotiniaceae to accommodate the teleomorph of Crist. depraedans, with an additional species, Nervostroma cercidiphylli.

Two new Exobasidium species on Vaccinium spp. in Japan are described and discussed. Exobasidium kishianum, which causes Exobasidium leaf blight on I/. hirtum var. pubescens and V. smallii, is characterized by its ellipsoid to ovoid basidiospores with (0-)1-3 septa. Its systemic infection is also observed. Exobasidium inconspicuum, cansing Exobasidium leaf blister on V. hirtum vat. pubescens, is characterized by its obovoid or ellipsoid to oval basidiospores with 0-4 septa. Mode of germination of the basidiospores is by germ tube in both species.

The leaf blight and mummy fruit disease fungus of Prunus ssiori in northern Japan is newly named M. ssiori, as a fourth member in the M. padi group of section Disjunctoriae of the genus Monilinia (Sclerotiniaceae). It has been misidentified with Monilinia kusanoi, but recent studies show it is different from M. kusanoi as well as other related species on prunaceous hosts in respect to host relation, pathogenicity, morphology, and gene analysis.

Three lignicolous freshwater ascomycetes from rivers in Akkeshi, Hokkaido, northern Japan are reported. All of these are new species belonging to the Lophiostomataceae and described as Lophiostoma breviappendiculatum, Massarina clionina, and Massariosphaeria maxima. Morphological differences between each species and its similar taxa are noted. All three species have been observed to produce only ascomatal states in artificial culture.

A new genus, Katumotoa, is established for a single species, K. bambusicola, collected from culms of Sasa kurilensis. Morphological differences between Katumotoa and some related genera are noted. Katumotoa is characterized by perithecioid ascomata, thin ascomal wall composed of small pseudoparenchymatous cells, cellular pseudoparaphyses, fissitunicate asci, and apiosporous fusiform ascospores with bipolar mucilaginous sheath. From these features, it is considered that the genus belongs to Phaeosphaeriaceae in Pleosporales.

Eight species in Pleomassariaceae are described and illustrated. They are Pleomassaria maxima, Pl. swidae, Pl. siparia “type A,” Prosthemium canba, Asteromassaria macroconidica, A. pulchra, Splanchnonema mori, and S. argus. Of these, Pl. swidae on twigs of Swida controversa, Pr. canba on Betula ermanii, and A. macroconidica on twigs of Prunus ×yedoensis and an unknown woody plant are new. Three species, Pl. siparia “type A,” A. pulchra, and S. argus, are reported from Japan for the first time. A new combination, S. mori (≡ Massaria mori), is proposed.

Three species of Tetraploa collected from Sasa, or bamboos, are described and illustrated. Among them, T. curviappendiculata on Sasa kurilensis and T. longissima on Pleioblastus chino are compared with hitherto known species and described as new species. In the nomenclature, T. javanica is substituted for T. biformis, formerly reported from the dead bark of a broad-leaved tree in Japan, as a correct name.

Microfungal flora on aerial parts of a forest floor plant, Rodgersia podophylla, were studied at the forest side of a Japanese cedar plantation. From May to October, Nigrospora spp. were dominantly isolated from leaves, whereas Acremonium spp. and Fusarium spp. were dominant on stems, suggesting that the aerial part of the plants about 1 m height can offer two different habitats for these dominant fungi. In September and October, we could easily discern different types of tissue on the withering leaves, i.e., brown (necrotic lesion), yellowish (border tissue between brown and green areas), and green (healthy tissue). Nigrospora spp. and Pestalotiopsis spp. were continuously isolated on the brown area as well as on green and yellowish areas. Pathogenicity of N. sacchari and P. neglecta on potted plant leaves was confirmed by inoculation. From these, the fungi of these two genera seemed to have changed from quiescent to pathogenic with leaf senescence. Sporulations by fungi of the two genera were recognized on overwintered stems. These fungi may overwinter in stems that are slow to decompose, and seem to go over to the leaves in the following spring. Thus, they could be candidates for parasites that may play an important role in decomposition of the plant.

A new leaf blight and mummy fruit disease caused by a species of Monilinia was first found on Rhododendron kaempferi at the lakeside of Shikotsu-ko, Hokkaido, northern Japan, in 2002. Studies on morphology, life cycle, cultural characters, and gene analyses of the causal fungus enabled us to conclude that it is a new species of the genus. It is named M. jezoensis. Rhododendron is a new host genus for Monilinia fungi in Japan.

Leptosphaeria scabrispora collected from Phyllostachys bambusoides is reported from Japan. This species was described initially from China and has not been reported subsequently. Based on the morphological features of clypeate ascomata, long stipitate asci, and reddish-brown ascospores with median primary septum, it is transferred to the genus Kalmusia. The fungus produced a Leptodothiorella-like microconidial state in culture.

Melanopsamma aggregata, described on culms of Phyllostachys bambusoides in Japan, is transferred to the genus Astrosphaeriella, and a new combination, A. aggregata, is proposed. Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens and Sasa kurilensis are newly recorded as host plants of this species. The species produces a Pleurophomopsis-like microconidial state in culture media.

One new hyphomycete, Phialosporostilbe gregariclava, is described and illustrated based on specimens collected on dead culms of two Sasa species in Hokkaido and Iwate, Japan. This fungus is compared with previously described species of Phialosporostilbe and Nawawia, and its morphological and cultural characteristics are reported.

In 1982, an anamorphic fungus in the genus Monilia was first isolated as the causal agent of brown rot disease of Japanese apricot or mume (Prunus mume) in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan. Inoculation of flowers, shoots, and fruit of P. mume with the fungus reproduced brown rot disease symptoms similar to those found in nature. The fungus somewhat resembled the colony appearance of Monilinia (anamorph Monilia) laxa, the apricot brown rot fungus, on PSA plates, but it differed from the latter and the other two brown rot fungi, M. fructigena and M. fructicola, in terms of growth rate, temperature optima for mycelial growth and sporulation, morphology and germination pattern of conidia, nuclear number in the conidium, and nucleotide sequences in the ITS region of ribosomal DNA. It is newly described as Monilia mumecola Y. Harada, Y. Sasaki & T. Sano. A key to anamorphic states of four brown rot fungi of fruit trees is provided.

Four Phaeosphaeria species on bamboos are reported. Leptosphaeria lelebae on culms of Bambusa multiplex is synonymized with P. oryzae. A Phaeosphaeria sp. on leaves of Sasa kurilensis is noted to have some similarities to Leptosphaeria sasae. Cultural characteristics of P. brevispora collected from culms of Sasa sp. are first recorded. Phaeosphaeria bambusae on leaves of Pleioblastus simoni is redescribed. In addition, the history of taxonomic studies on bambusicolous fungi in Japan is briefly reviewed.

Biosyntheses of lambertellols A (1) and B (2) as well as lambertellin (3) were investigated by isotope labeling experiments. Nearly 40% of specific incorporation of [1,2-(13)C(2)]acetate was achieved, and all the carbons in 1 and 2 were labeled. This high incorporation of the labeled acetate was realized by providing INADEQUATE spectra by employing only 0.4 and 0.7 mg of 1 and 2, respectively. Our studies revealed that 1-3 are biogenetically synthesized via loss of two carbons from octameric acetate. A biological assay against Monilinia fructicola revealed those remarkably inhibited hyphal germinations. However, neither of them killed the spores immediately, even in high concentration. These conditions induced the formation of microconidia.

Conidia of two morphologically different types, one with a basal appendage only and the other with appendage at both ends, were isolated from the stems of Paeonia suffruticosa. Single conidial isolates of both types of conidia yield identical colonies, which then produced both types of conidia on agar media depending on temperature, thus showing that both types of conidia belong to the same fungus. Seimatosporium botan is described based on its morphological characteristics. The teleomorph of the fungus was first found on sterilized P. suffruticosa stems placed on water agar, when grown at 5°C for 2 months in 12-h photoperiod. Discostroma botan is described for this fungus. The teleomorph is also found on the same host in the field.

Six species of the genus Massariosphaeria collected from northern Japan are described and illustrated. Massariosphaeria moricola (on dead twigs of Morus australis) and M. megaspora (on submerged dead twigs of an unknown woody plant) are reported as new species. A new combination of M. clavispora (basionym: Hysterium clavispora) is proposed. Three species, M. typhicola, M. roumeguerei, and M. grandispora, are newly added to the mycoflora of Japan.

A hyphomycete with black synnema and appendaged phragmoconidia was collected on Rhododendron brachycarpum showing twig blight symptom in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The twig blight is macroscopically similar to the disease symptoms caused by Pycnostysanus azaleae. The fungus, however, has determinate synnemata, (1–)3-level verticillately branched conidiophores, and Pestalotia-like conidia. It cannot be accommodated by any existing genus of anamorphic fungi. A new genus Synnemapestaloides is established to accommodate the fungus, which is named S. rhododendri. The pathogenicity of the fungus on Rhododendron leaves and shoots is confirmed by inoculation. Synnemapestaloides twig blight is proposed for the disease of R. brachycarpum caused by the fungus.

This is a preliminary account of species of Helminthosporium and its allied genera in Japan. Six taxa reported here, which were collected mainly in northern Japan, comprise three Helminthosporium species, which include one new species, as well as two Corynespora and one Ellisembia species, which were new or rare records in this country. Descriptions of morphology with full illustrations and cultural characters of these fungi are reported.

A new disease of quince with fruit spots and brown flecks on leaves was found in Aomori. A species of Cylindrosporium was isolated from the fruit spots, and Mycosphaerella type pseudothecia were obtained from overwintered, affected leaves. Single-spore isolates from the pseudothecia produced a Cylindrosporium anamorph on potato dextrose agar. These isolates caused the same spots on quince and apple fruits and the blown flecks on quince leaves in inoculation tests. Based on morphological and cultural characteristics, the fungus was identified as Mycosphaerella pomi (anamorph: Cylindrosporium pomi). This is the first report of M. pomi on quince in Japan.

Aspergillus rot on apple fruit induced by inoculation with a spore suspension of Aspergillus niger was investigated in relation to watercore severity. The brown areas of Aspergillus rot in the fruit with watercore symptoms were less severe than in fruit without watercore, and the brown areas in the infected flesh were remarkably soft. The softening of flesh tissue with watercore by enzymes produced by A. niger was retarded compared with that in tissue without watercore. Flesh tissue with watercore had higher sorbitol concentrations than tissue without watercore. Sorbitol retarded the softening of flesh tissue by the enzymes produced by A. niger, and galactosidase and pectinesterase (PE) activities were retarded by sorbitol. We conclude that elevated sorbitol concentrations in tissue with watercore might inhibit A. niger infection.

Twelve species of the genus Massarina collected from Japan are reported in this article. Among them, 4 new species, M. constricta, M. japonica, M. submediana, and M. uniserialis, are described, illustrated, and compared to similar species. Two species, M. scirpina and M. ryukyuensis, are described as new combination, and 4 species, M. arundinariae, M. fluviatilis, M. peerallyi, and M. rubi, are reported from Japan for the first time. One bambusicolous species, Metasphaeria tuberculosa, is considered to be a synonym of Massarina bambusina.

Hadrospora fallax (Phaeosphaeriaceae, Pleosporales), collected from riverside environments, is described and illustrated for the first time in Japan.

Purpose: Mutations in the GTPase-activating protein-related domain (GRD) of the von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene have been reported in several tumors that were not previously associated with NF1. We analyzed 37 cases of lung cancer, including 9 cases of small cell carcinoma, to detect mutations in this domain. Methods: DNA was extracted from the tumors, and single-strand conformation polymorphism and direct sequencing were used to detect mutations. Results: Three cases of small cell carcinoma had mutations in NF1-GRD. There were two incidences of an A → G transition at the second base of codon 1415 resulting in Glu → Gly substitution, and one incidence of an A → G transition at the third base of codon 1411 (Pro) without amino acid substitution. All three patients had both hilar and mediastinal lymphatic metastasis. Conclusions: A mutation in this region could imply a poor prognosis.

Five species of the genus Lophiotrema are reported in this article. Of these, Lophiotrema vitigenum is described and illustrated as a new species. Three species, L. nucula, L. neohysterioides, and L. vagabundum, are newly added to the Japanease mycoflora. Lophiosphaera orientalis, Nodulosphaeria araucariae, and N. rosae, which had been recorded in Japan, are treated as synonyms of Lophiotrema fuckelii. A key to the species of Lophiotrema in Japan is given.

1990年,青森県三戸地方のセイヨウナシ圃場において,果実に黒色の小斑点が多数生じる病害が発生した.病斑部からは高率にCylindrosporium属菌が分離された.また1998年,同病害が多発した圃場において,葉に紫褐色∼黒褐色の斑点がみられ,翌年1999年5月に越冬した罹病落葉の斑点部にMycosphaerella属菌の偽子のう殻の形成が確認された.偽子のう殻に形成された子のう胞子の単胞子分離菌は培地上でCyliudrosporium型分生子を生じた.この分生子をセイヨウナシ果実に無傷接種した結果,黒色小斑点病徴が再現され,接種菌が再分離された.リンゴ果実に接種した場合,黒点病を生じた.またリンゴ黒点病菌をセイヨウナシ果実に接種した結果,黒色小斑点症状が生じた.本菌は形態的特徴および培養性状からMycosphaerella pomi (Passerini) Lindau(アナモルフ:Cylindrosporium pomi Brooks)と同定される.本菌によるセイヨウナシの病害としてはじめての報告である.本病害をセイヨウナシ黒点病(Mycosphaerella fruit spot)と称することを提案する.

Sclerotinia trillii n. sp., which attacksTrillium tschonoskii andT. smallii in Hokkaido and northern Honshu, Japan, is described. The characters identifying this species with the genusSclerotinia are large tuberoid sclerotia, produced both on infected plants and in culture, which consisted of only mycelium (true sclerotia) and flesh apothecia produced on them. This species is distinguished fromS. sclerotiorum, S. minor, S. trifoliorum, andS. nivalis by relatively large sclerotia, cultural colony appearance, and red-brown to yellow-brown, relatively large apothecium, in addition to its parasitic nature onTrillium. Sclerotinia trillii is a psychrophilic having an optimum temperature for mycelial growth at 15–20°C.

Three species ofUrocystis onAnemone (Ranunculaceae) are reported based on comparative morphology with specimens collected in Japan.Urocystis anemones, U. japonica, andU. pseudoanemones sp. nov. are separated by the number of ustilospores and sterile cells surrounding the ustilospores in the spore balls. Morphological characteristics, host plants and geographical distribution of these three species are also reported.

We examined the phytopathological and biological characters ofBotryosphaeria spp. isolated from apples and other deciduous fruit trees, and determined the nucleotide sequences of their rDNA ITS regions. TheBotryosphaeria isolates from deciduous fruit trees can be divided into three groups based on their production of warts on twigs, size of the conidia, and nucleotide sequences of rDNA ITS 1, ITS 2 and 5.8S rDNA. Isolates ofBotryosphaeria in ITS group A produced conidia of intermediate size and showed warts on infected twigs prior to the development of ring rot on fruit. This group was common on deciduous fruit trees in Japan as a causal agent of ring rot and wart bark diseases of apples and pears; and it appears similar to theB. dothidea from the US that was isolated from apple exhibiting white rot. The ITS group BBotryosphaeria produced small conidia and induced shoot blight without wart development prior to the development of ring rot on fruit. This group was localized on pear, persimmon, and kiwi fruit in restricted areas of Japan. The ITS group CBotryosphaeria consisted ofB. obtusa, the causal agent of apple black rot in the US, which produced large dark brown conidia.