Three newAspergillus species isolated from clinical sources as a causal agent of human aspergillosis

Three new species ofAspergillus isolated from clinical sources in China are described and illustrated:A. beijingensis, A. qizutongii andA. wangduanlii. The first species is characterized by spreading colonies, yellow to grayish green conidial heads, smooth-walled conidiophores with a clavate vesicle, uniseriate aspergilla and nearly globose, micro-verrucose conidia. The second is characterized by spreading colonies, olive-yellow conidial heads, conspicuously roughened conidiophores with a flask-shaped vesicle, uniseriate but often secondarily proliferating aspergilla and globose, smooth conidia. The third is characterized by rapidly growing colonies, dull green conidial heads, smooth to irregularly roughened conidiophores which are often surrounded by coiled hyphae in the basal part and are terminally swollen into a globose or irregular shaped vesicle, uniseriate aspergilla and globose, micro-verrucose conidia.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Exobasidium symploci-japonicae</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">carpogenum</Emphasis> var. nov. causing Exobasidium fruit deformation on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Symplocos lucida</Emphasis> in Japan

Exobasidium symploci-japonicae var. carpogenum, causing Exobasidium fruit deformation on Symplocos lucida collected in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, is newly described based on morphological observations of hymenial structure and mode of basidiospore germination. This new variety differs morphologically from the type variety, particularly in the septal number of basidiospores and in the shapes and sizes of conidia formed on the medium. Colonies of this new variety are also distinguishable from those of the type variety by yeast-like growth, morphology, and color of colonies.Contribution no.178, Laboratory of Plant Parasitic Mycology, Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Tsukuba, Japan     

Colonization byCladosporium spp. of painted metal surfaces associated with heating and air conditioning systems

Summary Cladosporium cladosporioides andC. hebarum colonized painted metal surfaces of covering panels and register vents of heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems. Hyphae penetrated the paint film and developed characteristic conidiophores and conidia. The colonies were tightly appressed to the metal surface and conidia were not readily detectable via standard air sampling procedures.     

Brown spot ofRheum officinale in indonesia with special reference to the variation in conidia of the causal fungus

Brown spot disease ofRheum officinale, a traditional medicinal plant in South East Asia, was newly recorded from the highland area of West Java Province. After confirmation of its pathogenicity towardRheum officinale and comparison of its morphology with hitherto known species, the casual fungus was identified asAscochyta rhei. It produces widely varied conidia from unicellular and bacillar conidia (Phoma-type), 1-septate oblong conidia (Ascochyta-type) to 2–3-septate cylindric conidia. These conidia were sometimes formed within the same pycnidium. They could germinate easily and produce the similar colonies to each other. Supported by “Joint Study Project for Strengthening Research on Diseases of Industrial Crops in Indonesia, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)” in BALITTRO.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Discostroma</Emphasis> and its anamorph <Emphasis Type="Italic">Seimatosporium</Emphasis> with two morphological types of conidia,isolated from the stems of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paeonia suffruticosa</Emphasis>

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.     

A new basidiomycetous anamorph genus with cruciform conidia

An undescribed hyphomycete with clamped septa, conidiophores aggregated in sporodochia, and cruciform, aseptate conidia apically borne on clamps was found on a branch of a deciduous tree lying on the ground. The septal pores are dolipores with perforate parenthesomes indicating a homobasidiomycetous relationship. The morphology and ecology of the fungus are discussed in relation to morphologically similar anamorphic basidiomycetes. Because the fungus could not be classified in any known genus, the new genus and new speciesCruciger lignatilis is proposed to accommodate this species.     

Fungal Infection of Mantis Shrimp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oratosquilla oratoria</Emphasis>) Caused by Two Anamorphic Fungi Found in Japan

Two fungal pathogens of the mantis shrimp (Oratosquilla oratoria) in Yamaguchi and Aichi Prefectures, Japan are described as the new species Plectosporium oratosquillae and Acremonium sp. (a member of the Emericellopsis marine clade). Both fungi infect the gills of the mantis shrimp, which become brown or black due to melanization. The former species is characterized by its slow growth on artificial seawater yeast extract peptone glucose (PYGS) agar, pale yellow to pale orange or grayish yellow colonies, short cylindrical solitary phialides with a wavy tip, and one-celled ellipsoidal conidia. Although lacking the two-celled conidia demonstrated by the type species Plectosporium tabacinum, the taxonomic placement of the new species was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA (ITS1, 5.8S rDNA and ITS2). Acremonium sp., the other causal pathogen, differs from P. oratosquillae by its fast growth on PYGS agar, pale orange to salmon-colored colonies, long, slender conidiophores consisting of solitary phialides with tips lacking an undulate outline, and typically cylindrical conidia. Analysis of ITS and β-tubulin gene sequences placed this fungus within the phylogenetically distinct Emericellopsis (anam. Acremonium) marine clade. Various physiological characteristics of both pathogens were also investigated. This is the first report of a fungal infection found on the mantis shrimp in Japan.     

Fusarium fractiflexum sp. nov. and two other species within theGibberella fujikuroi species complex recently discovered in Japan that form aerial conidia in false heads

Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted on 12 strains ofFusarium, deposited in MAFF asF. subglutinans (≡F. moniliforme var.subglutinans≡F. sacchari var.subglutinans) orFusarium sp. because they formed aerial conidia in false heads in the dark. These strains were resolved as three distinct species within theGibberella fujikuroi species complex. A new species,F. fractiflexum, and two species new to Japan,F. circinatum andF. concentricum, are described and illustrated and their morphological features are discussed.Fusarium fractiflexum, isolated from diseased yellow leaf spots ofCymbidium spp., is differentiated from other fusaria based on its yellowish colonies and aerial conidia formed in false heads in the dark and in zigzag-like conidial chains under black light. Japanese strains ofF. circinatum also formed elongate, coiled sterile hyphae. Phialidic aerial conidia with a pointed apex and a wedgeshaped base were found inF. concentricum cultured under black light and represent a new diagnostic character of the species, in addition to colonies with alternating concentric rings when cultured on PDA. Based on DNA sequences of the β-tubulin gene and two other loci, strains ofF. fractiflexum were resolved phylogenetically as members of the Asian clade of theG. fujikuroi species complex. In addition, Japanese strains ofF. circinatum andF. concentricum were phylogenetically identical to the ex-type strains.     

A new species ofPestalosphaeria, the teleomorph ofPestalotiopsis neglecta

Three specimens of a newPestalosphaeria species were obtained from a twig ofQuercus myrsinaefolia from Kumamoto Pref., and from leaves ofRhododendron hybridum andRicinus communis from Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Pref. The collected materials were kept moist for 1 to 2 mo after collection. Monoascospore isolates from each specimen produced identical colonies with black slimy masses of conidia on them. Morphological characteristics of the conidia accorded well with those ofPestalotiopsis neglecta not only hitherto recorded but also formed on the same specimen. Hence,Pestalosphaeria gubae sp. nov. is proposed for the new species, as the teleomorph ofPestalotiopsis neglecta.     

Two common fungi associated with farmer's lung: Fine structure of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus umbrosus

The fine structure of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus umbrosus by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is described. The fine structure of the ascosporic and asexual stages of A. umbrosus is described for the first time. Dense, homogenous material and fibers were detected on the outer hyphal cell wall of the Aspergilli. Septal pores were found in the hypha of A. umbrosus. Two wall layers were detected in the cell wall of the conidia of the both Aspergilli. The ascospores of A. umbrosus contained thick cell wall and the surface of which was smoother than that of the conidia.     

New and interesting species ofEurotium from Chinese soil

Eurotium taklimakanense, a new species isolated from desert soil in the Taklimakan desert, Xinjiang Province, China, is described and illustrated. It is characterized by light yellow to reddish yellow colonies on Czapek's agar with 70% (w/v) sucrose, yellow ascomata, broadly lenticular ascospores with conspicuously irregular equatorial crests and tuberculate or verrucose convex surfaces, and anAspergillus anamorph.Eurotium cristatum is also described as a new record from China. It is characterized by light yellow colonies on Czapek's agar with 70% sucrose, yellow ascomata, broadly lenticular ascospores with two equatorial crests and echinulate convex surfaces, and small tuberculate conidia.     

Evidence for Resistance-inducing Compounds in Conidia of Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei

Preparations of Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei conidia were spray-applied to the first leaf of barley plants which were subsequently challenge inoculated with virulent powdery mildew. The powdery mildew reducing effect of the preparations was assessed by scoring the outcome of the challenge inoculation. Homogenates of ungerminated conidia, germinated conidia, and methanol-water extracts of germinated conidia reduced the number of powdery mildew colonies. Cell wall fragments from ungerminated conidia, germinated conidia, and conidial germination fluid obtained from conidia germinated in aqueous suspension did not reduce the number of powdery mildew colonies. Microsconical analysis of the infection course following challenge inoculation indicated that the powdery mildew reducing effect is due partly to induced resistance.     

The Selection of an Isolate of the Hyphomycete Fungus,Metarhizium anisopliae,for Control of Termites in Australia

Ninety-three isolates ofMetarhizium anisopliae,mostly derived from a survey of termite material, were screened for activity againstNasutitermes exitiosusandCoptotermes frenchiorC. acinaciformisusing a grooming assay technique. Twenty-six of the most promising isolates were further evaluated by bioassay againstN. exitiosusandC. acinaciformis.All isolates were pathogenic withCoptotermesspp. being more susceptible thanN. exitiosus.A group of nine isolates, chosen for their level of pathogenicity for one or other genus of termites and to represent a genetically diverse group, was finally compared in a minicolony test using termite colonies in 1 liter jars. The isolate, code-named FI-610 (derived from nest-mound material ofC. lacteusin SE New South Wales), was one of the most effective isolates against termites from both of the two colonies tested. This isolate also grew relatively well on agar plates at 36°C. FI-610 was thus selected for field trials and was found to be effective in killing colonies ofC. acinaciformiswhen 10 g (=3 × 10¹¹conidia) or more of conidial powder was blown into the center of the large mound colonies.     

Occlusion of the septal pores of damaged hyphae ofNeurospora crassa by hexagonal crystals

Summary Hyphae ofNeurospora crassa were damaged by flooding colonies with water or cutting them with a razor blade. Loss of cytoplasm from damaged hyphae was reduced by the rapid occlusion of septal pores by hexagonal crystals. Re-growth of these hyphae occurred by the formation of intra-hyphal branches from the plugged septa, the production of side branches just below the septa, or the production of multiple branches from the lateral walls. Small vesicles accumulated behind plugged septa prior to branch production.     

Cytokinin-like substances and accumulation of labelled metabolites at infection sites of Alternaria brassicicola

Green islands were observed on mustard leaves beneath the infection drops containing germinating conidia of Alternaria brassicicola, when the surrounding uninfected tissue had yellowed due to senescence. Green island formation has been correlated with the secretion of cytokinin-like substances by the pathogens. A. brassicicola secreted cytokinin-like substances in a liquid synthetic medium and their application to detached host leaves evoked the formation of green islands in the dark. ¹⁴C studies confirmed that green islands act as metabolic sinks in which photosynthates are retained or accumulated. Cytokinin-like substances appear to be actively involved in infection and pathogenesis of A. brassicicola.     

Connection of Gnomonia intermedia to Discula betulina and its relationship to other taxa in Gnomoniaceae

Discula betulina is a foliar pathogen on birch (Betula) and Gnomonia intermedia is found on overwintered birch leaves. Perithecia of G. intermedia developed in vitro on colonies of D. betulina isolated from birch tissues in late summer, and single ascospores of G. intermedia consistently developed into colonies similar to D. betulina, producing typical D. betulina conidia. Isolates of D. betulina could be grouped into two mating types, which produced fertile perithecia of G. intermedia when mated with each other. Mycelia from single-ascospore and single-conidial isolates were inoculated onto shoots of downy birch, causing lesions and die-back from which D. betulina was consistently isolated. ITS region ribosomal DNA sequence analysis confirmed the results of the morphological and mating studies, and found that the closest known relatives of G. intermedia/D. betulina are Gnomoniella nana and Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum. The conclusion from these studies is that D. betulina is the anamorph of G. intermedia.     

Aspergillus taichungensis,a new species from Taiwan

Aspergillus taichungensis isolated from a soil sample collected in Taiwan is described as a new species. The new species is characterized by its restricted growth on Czapek's and malt extract agars and its white to light yellow colonies, radiate conidial heads, smooth and often diminutive conidiophores, hemispherical to elongate vesicles with biseriate aspergilla (conidiogenous cells), globose, micro-verrucose conidia and dark brown sclerotia. The species somewhat resemblesA. versicolor, A. terreus andA. flavipes, but differs in cultural and morphological details, and is considered to represent an interface species in the subgenusNidulantes.     

Fusarium nisikadoi, a new species from Japan

A new species ofFusarium, F. nisikadoi, isolated fromPhyllostachys nigra var.henonis (bamboo) andTriticum aestivum (wheat) in Japan, is described, illustrated and discussed. This species is differentiated from other known species of the genus by the following characteristics: whitish colony color, long zigzag-like chains of 0–3(-5)-septate clavate conidia, intermixed with pyriform conidia, produced mostly from monophialides and rarely from polyphialides in the aerial mycelium, very long and slender sporodochial conidia, and no chlamydospores. The long chains of septate conidia are known only in this species of the genusFusarium. The conidiophores on the aerial mycelium sometimes proliferate sympodially. The species is tentatively placed in the form-sectionLiseola.