Effects of nonnative invertebrates on two life stages of the native eastern oyster <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crassostrea virginica</Emphasis>

Since their recent introductions into Florida waters, three sessile invertebrates [Perna viridis (Asian green mussel), Mytella charruana (charru mussel) and Megabalanus coccopoma (pink titan acorn barnacle)] have expanded their range along the Atlantic coast in estuarine waters. Little research has been done to understand how these nonnative species interact with the ecologically and economically important eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. To assess the potential effects of P. viridis, M. charruana and M. coccopoma on C. virginica, the following questions were addressed in manipulative experiments. (1) Does the presence of nonnative species decrease oyster larval settlement? (2) Do oyster larvae avoid settling on nonnative species? (3) Do nonnative species decrease survival of juvenile oysters (spat)? (4) Do nonnative species hinder spat growth? We included two controls: absence of nonnative species and presence of the native mussel Geukensia demissa. The nonnative species influenced settlement, growth and survival of C. virginica in different ways. M. coccopoma and P. viridis negatively influenced larval settlement, whereas M. charruana had no influence on the total number of settled larvae. Oyster larvae avoided settling on all three nonnative species and the native G. demissa. Both nonnative mussels negatively affected survival of juvenile oysters but only M. charruana also reduced spat growth. The native mussel, G. demissa, had no negative impacts on total settlement, survival and growth of C. virginica; in fact, it increased larval settlement in some trials. These three nonnative species should be classified as invasive because all had negative effects on native C. virginica.     

The structure of biogenic habitat and epibiotic assemblages associated with the global invasive kelp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Undaria pinnatifida</Emphasis> in comparison to native macroalgae

Kelp forests dominate temperate and polar rocky coastlines and represent critical marine habitats because they support elevated rates of primary and secondary production and high biodiversity. A major threat to the stability of these ecosystems is the proliferation of non-native species, such as the Japanese kelp Undaria pinnatifida (‘Wakame’), which has recently colonised natural habitats in the UK. We quantified the abundance and biomass of U. pinnatifida on a natural rocky reef habitat over 10 months to make comparisons with three native canopy-forming brown algae (Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina latissima, and Saccorhiza polyschides). We also examined the biogenic habitat structure provided by, and epibiotic assemblages associated with, U. pinnatifida in comparison to native macroalgae. Surveys conducted within the Plymouth Sound Special Area of Conservation indicated that U. pinnatifida is now a dominant and conspicuous member of kelp-dominated communities on natural substrata. Crucially, U. pinnatifida supported a structurally dissimilar and less diverse epibiotic assemblage than the native perennial kelp species. However, U. pinnatifida-associated assemblages were similar to those associated with Saccorhiza polyschides, which has a similar life history and growth strategy. Our results suggest that a shift towards U. pinnatifida dominated reefs could result in impoverished epibiotic assemblages and lower local biodiversity, although this could be offset, to some extent, by the climate-driven proliferation of L. ochroleuca at the poleward range edge, which provides complex biogenic habitat and harbours relatively high biodiversity. Clearly, greater understanding of the long-term dynamics and competitive interactions between these habitat-forming species is needed to accurately predict future biodiversity patterns.     

Multilocus phylogeny of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clonostachys</Emphasis> subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bionectria</Emphasis> from Brazil and description of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clonostachys chloroleuca</Emphasis> sp. nov.

Phylogenetic analyses based on protein-encoding gene exons and introns of ATP citrate lyase (ACL1), beta tubulin (TUB), the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB1), and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1) are used for inferring the existence of a new Clonostachys species from the Cerrado biome in Brazil, described here as C. chloroleuca. The species produces dimorphic, primary, and secondary conidiophores that form consistently greenish conidial masses on artificial media. It resembles therefore C. rosea f. catenulata although it differs from this species by less adpressed branches in the secondary conidiophores. The new species is also phylogenetically related to C. byssicola and C. rhizophaga. Our inventory suggests that C. byssicola, C. chloroleuca, C. pseudochroleuca, C. rhizophaga, C. rogersoniana, and C. rosea commonly occur in native and agriculturally used soils of the Cerrado and Amazon Forest. Using sequences available from two genome-sequenced strains employed as biological control agents, we confirm the identity of the European strain IK726 as C. rosea and identify strain 67-1 from China as C. chloroleuca.     

Reaping benefits from an invasive species: role of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Harmonia axyridis</Emphasis> in natural biological control of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aphis glycines</Emphasis> in North America

Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an invasive species present in numerous agroecosystems in North America. Despite adverse impacts as a threat to native biodiversity, a nuisance household invader and a pest in fruit production, H. axyridis also plays a beneficial role as a major component of assemblages of generalist predators in several agricultural crops. Here, we review the role of H. axyridis as a natural enemy of Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), an invasive pest of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill (Fabales: Fabaceae), in North America. Harmonia axyridis is often the most abundant predator species attacking A. glycines in soybean agroecosystems. This predator has the potential to both prevent and suppress A. glycines outbreaks. Further studies are needed to fully understand and utilize the potential of H. axyridis as a natural enemy in the management of A. glycines and other agricultural pests in agroecosystems worldwide.     

Contribution to the phylogeny and a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coccodiella</Emphasis> (Phyllachorales)

Coccodiella is a genus of plant-parasitic species in the family Phyllachoraceae (Phyllachorales, Ascomycota), i.e., tropical tar spot fungi. Members of the genus Coccodiella are tropical in distribution and are host-specific, growing on plant species belonging to nine host plant families. Most of the known species occur on various genera and species of the Melastomataceae in tropical America. In this study, we describe the new species C. calatheae from Panama, growing on Calathea crotalifera (Marantaceae). We obtained ITS, nrLSU, and nrSSU sequence data from this new species and from other freshly collected specimens of five species of Coccodiella on members of Melastomataceae from Ecuador and Panama. Phylogenetic analyses allowed us to confirm the placement of Coccodiella within Phyllachoraceae, as well as the monophyly of the genus. The phylogeny of representative species within the family Phyllachoraceae, including Coccodiella spp., graminicolous species of Phyllachora and taxa with erumpent to superficial stroma from several host families, suggests that the genus Phyllachora might be polyphyletic. Furthermore, tar spot fungi with superficial or erumpent perithecia seem to be restricted to the family Phyllachoraceae, independently of the host plant. We also discuss the biodiversity and host-plant patterns of species of Coccodiella worldwide.     

The <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cotesia sesamiae</Emphasis> story: insight into host-range evolution in a Hymenoptera parasitoid and implication for its use in biological control programs

This review covers nearly 20 years of studies on the ecology, physiology and genetics of the Hymenoptera Cotesia sesamiae, an African parasitoid of Lepidoptera that reduces populations of common maize borers in East and South Africa. The first part of the review presents studies based on sampling of C. sesamiae from maize crops in Kenya. From this agrosystem including one host plant and three main host borer species, studies revealed two genetically differentiated populations of C. sesamiae species adapted to their local host community, and showed that their differentiation involved the joint evolution of virulence genes and sensory mechanisms of host acceptance, reinforced by reproductive incompatibility due to Wolbachia infection status and natural inbreeding. In the second part, we consider the larger ecosystem of wild Poales plant species hosting many Lepidoptera stem borer species that are potential hosts for C. sesamiae. The hypothesis of other host-adapted C. sesamiae populations was investigated based on a large sampling of stem borer larvae on various Poales across sub-Saharan Africa. The sampling provided information on the respective contribution of local hosts, biogeography and Wolbachia in the genetic structure of C. sesamiae populations. Molecular evolution analyses highlighted that several bracovirus genes were under positive selection, some of them being under different selection pressure in C. sesamiae populations adapted to different hosts. This suggests that C. sesamiae host races result from co-evolution acting at the local scale on different bracovirus genes. The third part considers the mechanisms driving specialization. C. sesamiae host races are more or less host-specialized. This character is crucial for efficient and environmentally-safe use of natural enemies for biological control of pests. One method to get an insight in the evolutionary stability of host-parasite associations is to characterize the phylogenetic relationships between the so-called host-races. Based on the construction of a phylogeny of C. sesamiae samples from various host- and plant species, we revealed three main lineages. Mechanisms of differentiation are discussed with regard to the geography and ecology of the samples. One of the lineage presented all the hallmarks of a distinct species, which has been morphologically described and is now studied in the perspective of being used as biological control agent against Sesamia nonagrioides Lefèbvre (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a major maize pest in West Africa and Mediterranean countries (see Benoist et al. 2017). The fourth part reviews past and present use of C. sesamiae in biological control, and points out the interest of such molecular ecology studies to reconcile biodiversity and food security stakes in future biological control.     

The impact of invasive knotweed species (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Reynoutria</Emphasis> spp.) on the environment: review and research perspectives

I conducted an exhaustive literature review on Japanese knotweeds s.l. (including Reynoutria japonica, R. sachalinensis and R. ×bohemica), especially on the effects of these invasive plants on biodiversity and ecological processes or the chemical and physical characteristics of invaded habitats. A total of 44 studies have been published, the earliest in 2005, in peer-reviewed journals. Most studies were conducted in Europe, the others in the USA. Invasive knotweeds have major negative impacts on native plants, while the abundant litter produced and the deep rhizome system alter soil chemistry to the benefit of the invaders. However, the effects of knotweeds on other groups of species vary, with a combination of losers (soil bacteria, most arthropods and gastropods, some frogs and birds) and winners (most fungi, detritivorous arthropods, aquatic shredders, a few birds). This literature review highlights significant knowledge gaps of the effects of knotweeds on biodiversity (vertebrates) and ecological processes (ecohydrology). To what extent knotweed invasions have an impact on the population dynamics of native plants and animals on a regional to national scale remains to be verified. Although there is some evidence that knotweed invasions have negative effects on the environment, the research to date remains modest and a more extensive effort is needed to better define the environmental impacts of these plant invaders.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus contorta</Emphasis> invasion into treeless steppe reduces species richness and alters species traits of the local community

Pinus contorta, one of the most invasive tree species in the world, has been proposed as a model species for improving our understanding of invasion ecology. In this study, we assessed the impact of P. contorta invasions on the species richness, diversity and species traits of a resident treeless steppe community. In a Pinus contorta invasion gradient (Patagonia, Chile), we surveyed vegetation from high canopy closure pine invasion to treeless steppe, and computed species richness, diversity and Sørensen similarity indexes. For all species, we determined functional trait values from the literature, data bases, and personal observations. Species richness and diversity were related to canopy cover (a proxy for invasion intensity) using generalized linear mixed-effects models. Changes in species traits due to canopy cover were analyzed using RLQ ordination analysis and the fourth-corner analysis. We found that Pinus contorta canopy cover significantly reduced the number of native species by 70 %, implying a strong effect on species exclusion. A few native species, however, prevail in the novel conditions (e.g. Baccharis magellanica, Acaena integerrima). Species traits changed significantly with increasing pine canopy cover, where P. contorta promoted the existence of traits related to shade-tolerance and conservative reproductive strategies. We conclude that the negative impacts of Pinus contorta into the treeless steppe, including a reduction in the number of species and the shifting to traits adapted to tolerate shade and associated with conservative reproductive strategies, can have severe implications for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning where it invades.     

Distribution and socio-ecological impacts of the invasive alien cactus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Opuntia stricta</Emphasis> in eastern Africa

Many cactus species have been introduced around the world and have subsequently become major invaders, inducing social and ecological costs. We recorded the distribution of Opuntia stricta in eastern Africa, and conducted 200 household interviews using semi-structured questionnaires to assess local perceptions of O. stricta in Laikipia County, Kenya. Opuntia stricta was widespread and abundant in parts of Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia and present at low densities in Uganda. In Laikipia County, pastoralists identified that O. stricta had been present for more than 10 years, and were of the opinion that it was still spreading and increasing in density. Two-thirds of respondents estimated that 50–75% of valuable grazing land had been invaded, and all felt that it contributed to the ill-health and death of livestock. Other negative impacts included reductions in native plant populations, rangeland condition, human health, and mobility of humans and animals. These negative impacts resulted in economic losses of US$ 500–1000 per household per year for 48% of households. Only 20% of respondents reported actively managing O. stricta, yet all respondents believed a reduction in the abundance of this weed would improve well-being. Management interventions are needed to reduce negative impacts.     

Usefulness of the Non-conventional <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caenorhabditis elegans</Emphasis> Model to Assess <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida</Emphasis> Virulence

Invasive candidiasis is caused mainly by Candida albicans, but other Candida species have increasing etiologies. These species show different virulence and susceptibility levels to antifungal drugs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the usefulness of the non-conventional model Caenorhabditis elegans to assess the in vivo virulence of seven different Candida species and to compare the virulence in vivo with the in vitro production of proteinases and phospholipases, hemolytic activity and biofilm development capacity. One culture collection strain of each of seven Candida species (C. albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida metapsilosis, Candida orthopsilosis and Candida parapsilosis) was studied. A double mutant C. elegans AU37 strain (glp-4;sek-1) was infected with Candida by ingestion, and the analysis of nematode survival was performed in liquid medium every 24 h until 120 h. Candida establishes a persistent lethal infection in the C. elegans intestinal tract. C. albicans and C. krusei were the most pathogenic species, whereas C. dubliniensis infection showed the lowest mortality. C. albicans was the only species with phospholipase activity, was the greatest producer of aspartyl proteinase and had a higher hemolytic activity. C. albicans and C. krusei caused higher mortality than the rest of the Candida species studied in the C. elegans model of candidiasis.     

Introgression in native populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apis mellifera mellifera</Emphasis> L: implications for conservation

Hybridisation and introgression can have negative impacts on regional biodiversity through the potential erosion of locally adapted lineages. The honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) occurs in twenty-seven subspecies across Europe, is an extremely economically important insect, yet threatened by multifarious impacts. Transhumance of the most commercially appealing varieties threatens native honey bee diversity by introgression and subsequent loss of locally adapted traits, or even by complete removal of some subspecies from parts of the range. Here levels of admixture and introgression are examined in UK honey bees suspected to be from hives of the dark European honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera). Microsatellite DNA and STRUCTURE analyses reveal that the studied populations are generally admixed, and discriminant analysis of principal components shows them to be intermediate between A. m. mellifera and Apis mellifera carnica populations. However, examining mitochondrial haplotype data (COI-COII intergenic spacer region) and nuclear DNA reveal that some hives are relatively pure (from 4 to 15 hives, depending on the Q-value threshold). Genetic diversity is relatively high in comparison with other European populations. Implications for conservation and management are discussed.     

Host range testing of the nearctic beneficial parasitoid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neodryinus typhlocybae</Emphasis>

Neodryinus typhlocybae (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae) is a natural enemy of the planthopper Metcalfa pruinosa (Say) (Hemiptera: Flatidae), introduced from North America into Europe and regionally established as a pest species. Prior to possible utilization of the parasitoid as a biocontrol agent in Austria, its potential negative impacts on eight native plant- and leaf-hopper species were examined in the laboratory. Non-target species were selected according to the following criteria (a) occurrence in Austria, (b) close phylogenetic relationship with M. pruinosa, (c) larvae free-living and surface-dwelling, (d) phenology, (e) larval size, (f) ecological similarity with M. pruinosa and (g) availability of sufficient numbers of individuals. The Auchenorrhyncha species Issus coleoptratus (Fabricius), Chloriona smaragdula (Stål), Conomelus anceps (Germar), Alebra wahlbergi (Boheman), Empoasca sp., Idiocerus stigmaticalis (Lewis), Macrosteles septemnotatus (Fallén) and Japananus hyalinus (Osborn) were chosen for testing. Larvae from both the target and the non-target species were offered separately to N. typhlocybae females in no-choice laboratory tests and all attacks, instances of host feeding and parasitizations were recorded. No non-target species was attacked, fed upon or parasitized by N. typhlocybae, whereas M. pruinosa was attacked frequently. This study supports the assumption that the host range of N. typhlocybae is restricted to Flatidae, of which only the introduced species occurs in Austria. Direct negative effects on other Auchenorryncha species in Austria are therefore unlikely to occur.     

The impact of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carpobrotus</Emphasis> cfr. <Emphasis Type="Italic">acinaciformis</Emphasis> (L.) L. Bolus on soil nutrients,microbial communities structure and native plant communities in Mediterranean ecosystems

Background and aims

Carpobrotus spp. are amongst the most impactful and widespread plant invaders of Mediterranean habitats. Despite the negative ecological impacts on soil and vegetation that have been documented, information is still limited about the effect by Carpobrotus on soil microbial communities. We aimed to assess the changes in the floristic, soil and microbial parameters following the invasion by Carpobrotus cfr. acinaciformis within an insular Mediterranean ecosystem.

Methods

Within three study areas a paired-site approach, comparing an invaded vs. a non-invaded plot, was established. Within each plot biodiversity indexes, C and N soil content, pH and microbial biomass and structure (bacterial and fungal) were assessed.

Results

Invaded plots showed a decrease of α-species richness and diversity. The least represented plant species in invaded plots were those related to grassland habitats. In all invaded soils, a significant increase of carbon and nitrogen content and a significant decrease of pH were registered. Carpobrotus significantly increased bacterial and fungal biomass and altered soil microbial structure, particularly favoring fungal growth.

Conclusions

Carpobrotus may deeply impact edaphic properties and microbial communities and, in turn, these strong modifications probably increase its invasive potential and its ability to overcome native species, by preventing their natural regeneration.

     

Distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Divo</Emphasis> in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coffea</Emphasis> genomes,a poorly described family of angiosperm LTR-Retrotransposons

Coffea arabica (the Arabica coffee) is an allotetraploid species originating from a recent hybridization between two diploid species: C. canephora and C. eugenioides. Transposable elements can drive structural and functional variation during the process of hybridization and allopolyploid formation in plants. To learn more about the evolution of the C. arabica genome, we characterized and studied a new Copia LTR-Retrotransposon (LTR-RT) family in diploid and allotetraploid Coffea genomes called Divo. It is a complete and relatively compact LTR-RT element (~5 kb), carrying typical Gag and Pol Copia type domains. Reverse Trancriptase (RT) domain-based phylogeny demonstrated that Divo is a new and well-supported family in the Bianca lineage, but strictly restricted to dicotyledonous species. In C. canephora, Divo is expressed and showed a genomic distribution along gene rich and gene poor regions. The copy number, the molecular estimation of insertion time and the analysis at orthologous locations of insertions in diploid and allotetraploid coffee genomes suggest that Divo underwent a different and recent transposition activity in C. arabica and C. canephora when compared to C. eugenioides. The analysis of this novel LTR-RT family represents an important step toward uncovering the genome structure and evolution of C. arabica allotetraploid genome.     

Identifying the ecological and societal consequences of a decline in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Buxus</Emphasis> forests in Europe and the Caucasus

The potential impact of new invasive tree pests and diseases is usually quantified in economic terms. The ecological and social impacts are less often assessed. Using a comprehensive literature review we assess the potential ecological and social impact of two non-native invasive species (the box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis and the fungus Calonectria pseudonaviculata) that threaten the survival of box tree, Buxus spp. in forests in Europe and the Caucasus. A total of 132 fungi, 12 chromista (algae), 98 invertebrate and 44 lichens were found to use Buxus spp. Of these, 43 fungi, 3 chromista and 18 invertebrate species have only been recorded on Buxus spp., suggesting that these species are obligate on Buxus spp. and are most at risk from in the loss of Buxus spp. due to these invasive pest and disease species. Buxus spp. was shown to be important for soil stability and water quality but there was no information on other ecosystem functions provided by Buxus spp. Buxus was found to be of considerable historical cultural importance but there was very limited information on current social values and uses. Buxus trees, wood and leaves are associated with different folklore and sacred rites which are still particularly important in the Caucasus. While we could not find any assessment of the economic value of Buxus forests the biodiversity, cultural and social values of Buxus identified here indicate that its loss could have major indirect and non-market economic effects. This work highlights the importance of studying the ecological and societal implications of biological invasions.     

Determining the effects of life stage,shared prey density and host plant on intraguild predation of a native lacewing (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysoperla carnea</Emphasis>) by an invasive coccinellid (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Harmonia axyridis</Emphasis>)

Negative impacts of non-native Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) on members of the native aphid enemy guild have been widely hypothesised but mainly only assessed with other coccinellid species, and mostly in small experimental arenas. Here we investigated the interactions between H. axyridis and Chrysoperla carnea Stephens larvae. In small-scale (Petri dish) arenas 2nd-instar C. carnea were at risk of predation from larval (2nd and 4th-instar) and adult (male and female) H. axyridis while 3rd-instar C. carnea were only at minimal risk from 4th-instar and adult female H. axyridis. Plant species, aphid species and aphid density did not affect intraguild predation of 2nd-instar C. carnea by 4th-instar and adult H. axyridis in mesocosm experiments. Chrysoperla carnea consumed similar numbers of Megoura viciae Buckton, Aphis fabae Scop. and Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris aphids while H. axyridis consumed fewer M. viciae than the other two species. The greatest suppression of A. pisum was achieved in treatments with both C. carnea and H. axyridis. Life stage and the sex of H. axyridis as well as the life stage of C. carnea are important variables affecting intraguild predation and these attributes should be considered when assessing the potential threat of other potentially invasive alien predators.     

Direct impact of invasive bivalve (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sinanodonta woodiana</Emphasis>) parasitism on freshwater fish physiology: evidence and implications

Direct and potentially damaging effects of invasive alien species can remain unnoticed or insufficiently quantified, resulting in a lack of stakeholder awareness. We report for the first time that parasitic larvae (glochidia) of the invasive freshwater mussel Sinanodonta (Anodonta) woodiana (Unionidae, Bivalvia) cause an unexpected reduction in the condition factor of parasitized native fish species. The reduction in the body mass and condition factor of experimentally infested European chub (Squalius cephalus) was associated with changes in several physiological parameters measured in host fish plasma. Ion concentrations (potassium, chloride) and enzymes activities (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase) were significantly affected; hence, the results reveal the complex effects of non-native glochidia on the homeostasis of the individually tested fish. Changes in host physiology and condition status were recorded also in environmentally relevant infestation intensities (mean of 3.02 ± 0.51 glochidia g^?1). Despite intensive concern regarding the negative biodiversity and ecosystem impacts of the adult stage of S. woodiana among conservationists and natural resource managers, potential effects of its larval stage have been neglected until now. Because fish hosts are an obligatory part of the reproductive cycle of the mussel and the main vector for spreading, documentation of this direct and easily quantifiable impact on fish has great potential to influence the key community of stakeholders in fisheries and aquaculture sectors and to serve as a strong motivating factor for invasive species control. We argue for more careful consideration of potential multiple life-stage effects of S. woodiana and of other invasive alien species as well, as different life stages can have highly specific impacts and corresponding relevance for key stakeholder groups.     

Taxonomy and phylogeny of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptocoryneum</Emphasis> (Pleosporales,Dothideomycetes)

Species of Cryptocoryneum were taxonomically reassessed on the basis of morphological observations and the results of molecular phylogenetic analysis. Eighteen isolates of Cryptocoryneum species, namely two strains from Africa, three from Europe, and 13 from Japan, were phylogenetically analysed using sequences of nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and the partial sequence of the translation elongation factor 1α gene (TEF1). The phylogenetic analysis indicated that Cryptocoryneum species formed a monophyletic clade and were closely related to Lophiotrema (Lophiotremataceae) and Aquasubmersa (incertae sedis) in the Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes). We examined holotype specimens of C. fasciculatum, C. hysterioides, and Torula uniformis and concluded that these species are conspecific, with C. hysterioides having priority. Although C. hysterioides has long been regarded as a synonym of C. condensatum, we consider C. hysterioides to be a distinct species within the genus. We found several cryptic species that were morphologically similar to C. condensatum sensu lato, but that could be separated on the basis of conidial size and the number of conidial arms and conidial septa, characters that seem to be informative for species delimitation within Cryptocoryneum. A total of seven new species, namely C. akitaense, C. brevicondensatum, C. congregatum, C. japonicum, C. longicondensatum, C. paracondensatum, and C. pseudorilstonei, are described and illustrated. A key to species accepted in Cryptocoryneum is provided.     

Contribution of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculum to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Elymus nutans</Emphasis> under nitrogen addition

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are known to promote plant growth and nutrient uptake, but their role in nitrogen (N) uptake still remains unclear. Therefore, a pot experiment was set up to evaluate the impacts of N addition and AM inoculation (Diversispora eburnea, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Paraglomus occultum, and their mixture) on AM root colonization, plant biomass, N and P nutrition in Elymus nutans. Our results showed that AM root colonization was unaffected by N addition but was significantly affected by different AM fungal species. D. eburnea and C. etunicatum showed significant higher root colonization than P. occultum. The E. nutans exhibited the highest biomass when inoculated with D. eburnea and significantly higher than non-mycorrhizal (the control) regardless of N addition. Under N addition treatment, D. eburnea significantly enhanced P content of roots, N content of shoots and roots, while AM mixture significantly enhanced shoot P content compared with non-mycorrhizal. However, N and P content in shoots and roots did not significantly vary among treatments when no N was added. In addition, inoculation with C. etunicatum and P. occultum showed no significant effect on plant biomass, N and P content regardless of N addition. In conclusion, this study revealed that the plant response to N addition depends on AM fungal species and also confirmed that significant functional diversity exists among AM fungal species.     

Five new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Conocybe</Emphasis> (Agaricomycetes,Bolbitiaceae) from Russia

Five new Conocybe species are described from Russia based on collections made in different parts of the country. One species (C. olivaceopileata) belongs to sect. Conocybe, two species (C. praticola and C. coniferarum) to sect. Mixtae. The ornamented basidiospores of C. confundens and C. incerta is characteristic for sect. Ochromarasmius. All new species are described based on morphology and, in some cases, on DNA sequencing (ITS rDNA). Photos of basidiocarps, illustrations of microstructures and a comparison with similar taxa are given.