Myrothecium-like (Ascomycota,Hypocreales) species from tropical areas: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Digitiseta</Emphasis> gen. nov. and additions to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Inaequalispora</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Parvothecium</Emphasis>

Inaequalispora and Parvothecium are two myrothecium-like, closely related genera of Hypocreales. They are also morphologically similar, sharing sporodochial conidiomata, penicillate conidiophores, fusiform to ellipsoidal conidia accumulating in a green slimy drop, and hypha-like setoid extensions emerging through the conidial mass. During a revision of myrothecium-like isolates originating from rainforest areas of South America (Ecuador, Brazil) and Southeast Asia (Singapore), multilocus phylogenetic inferences (based on DNA sequence data of ITS, partial nuc 28S, and partial tef1a, rpb2 and tub2) and morphological studies concordantly revealed the occurrence of two undescribed species of Inaequalispora (I. longiseta sp. nov. and I. cylindrospora sp. nov.) and one undescribed species of Parvothecium (P. amazonensesp. nov.). Myrothecium setiramosum, M. dimorphum, and two undescribed taxa form the base of a new lineage, sister to the current Parvothecium lineage. This lineage is recognized as Digitiseta gen. nov., typified by D. setiramosa comb. nov. Digitiseta dimorpha comb. nov. is also proposed, and the new species D. parvodigitata sp. nov. and D. multidigitata sp. nov. are described.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Colletotrichum kakivorum</Emphasis> sp. nov., a new leaf spot pathogen of persimmon in Korea

In this study, a new species within the genus Colletotrichum was isolated from diseased persimmon leaves collected from Sangju and Cheongdo in the Gyeongbuk province of Korea. The disease was characterized by leaf spots with a brown to gray center surrounded by a black ring with a green halo. Black acervuli with setae and numerous curved conidia were observed on the leaf spots. Phylogenetic analysis based on a combination of multiple loci, including sequences of the internal transcribed spacers, actin, beta-tubulin, chitin synthase-1, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes, revealed that the isolates were clearly distinct from other species of the Colletotrichum dematium complex, with the closest species being C. anthrisci. Cultural and morphological characteristics and pathogenicity on persimmon leaves were examined. The isolates differed from C. anthrisci in their cultural and morphological characteristics, such as the conidia and appressoria. Based on molecular phylogenetic, morphological, and cultural characteristics and pathogenicity, this fungus was demonstrated to be a new species, Colletotrichum kakivorum, and the causal agent of a leaf spot disease on persimmon in Korea.     

Identification of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colletotrichum</Emphasis> spp. associated with fruit rot of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Capsicum annuum</Emphasis> in North Western Himalayan region of India using fungal DNA barcode markers

The DNA barcode approach was used to identify and establish association of Colletotrichum species complex with fruit rot disease of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) in North-Western Himalayan region of India. Twenty isolates of five morphologically identified Colletotrichum species collected from commercial chili growing areas were identified using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) barcode marker genes, 5.8S ribosomal ribonucleic acid flanking internal transcribed spacers 1 & 2 and β-tubulin gene. Morpho-cultural identification requires expertise to delineate C. gloeosporioides, C. boninense and C. acutatum complexes from each other, as these species possess minute variation in spore shape and size. Ribosomal DNA and β-tubulin sequence analysis along with species-specific marker amplification established the association of seven Colletorichum spp. viz., C. truncatum (syn. Colletotrichum capsici), C. coccodes, C. karstii, C. kahawae, C. nymphaeae, C. fructicola and C. gloeosporioides complex with fruit rot of chili. Phylogenetic analysis of 35 Colletotrichum sequences including authentic type sequences validated the identified sequences with strong bootstrap support. This approach delineated morphologically identified species with great ease into more reliable genotype based speciation of various Colletorichum complexes. The DNA barcode markers have direct implications for plant pathologists in relation to diagnostics in fields and for the purpose of quarantine and disease management.     

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.     

Revisiting phylogenetic diversity and cryptic species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cenococcum geophilum</Emphasis> sensu lato

The fungus Cenococcum geophilum Fr. (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota) is one of the most common ectomycorrhizal fungi in boreal to temperate regions. A series of molecular studies has demonstrated that C. geophilum is monophyletic but a heterogeneous species or a species complex. Here, we revisit the phylogenetic diversity of C. geophilum sensu lato from a regional to intercontinental scale by using new data from Florida (USA) along with existing data in GenBank from Japan, Europe, and North America. The combination of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA and the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene resolved six well-supported lineages (87–100 % bootstrap values) that are closely related to each other and a seventh lineage that is phylogenetically distinct. A multi-locus analysis (small subunit (SSU), large subunit (LSU), translational elongation factor (TEF), and the largest and second-largest subunits of RNA polymerase II (RPB1 and RPB2)) revealed that the divergent lineage is the sister group to all other known Cenococcum isolates. Isolates of the divergent lineage grow fast on nutrient media and do not form ectomycorrhizas on seedlings of several pine and oak species. Our results indicate that C. geophilum sensu lato includes more phylogenetically distinct cryptic species than have previously been reported. Furthermore, the divergent lineage appears to be a non-mycorrhizal sister group. We discuss the phylogenetic diversity of C. geophilum sensu lato and argue in favor of species recognition based on phylogenetic and ecological information in addition to morphological characteristics. A new genus and species (Pseudocenococcum floridanum gen. et sp. nov.) is proposed to accommodate a divergent and putatively non-mycorrhizal lineage.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Calcarisporium xylariicola</Emphasis> sp. nov. and introduction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calcarisporiaceae</Emphasis> fam. nov. in Hypocreales

During a survey of fungicolous fungi, a novel taxon from the surface of stroma of an unidentified Xylaria species was collected. Phylogenetic analyses showed that this taxon clustered with Calcarisporium sp. and C. arbuscula isolates, but was resolved as a distinct species. A detailed morphological examination coupled with phylogenetic analysis indicated that the taxon represented a new species. Calcarisporium xylariicola sp. nov. is thus introduced. The new taxon is characterized by short conidiophores with swollen bases and less length/width ratio of conidia that distinguish it from other Calcarisporium species. Calcarisporium is presently placed in Hypocreales genera, incertae sedis genus. Species in the genus are largely fungicolous, or occasionally caulicolous or foliicolous, and have hyaline, erect, verticillate conidiophores and sympodial, polyblastic conidiation. A phylogenetic analysis of combined SSU, ITS, LSU, TEF and RPB2 sequence data from Calcarisporium species and other taxa in Hypocreales indicate that Calcarisporium is a distinct lineage from other families. Therefore, a new family, Calcarisporiaceae, in Hypocreales is introduced.     

Diversity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colletotrichum</Emphasis> spp. isolated from chili pepper fruit exhibiting symptoms of anthracnose in Thailand

Colletotrichum spp. are causal agents of anthracnose disease in chili fruits and other tropical crops. The disease is increasing in chili fruits in Thailand and significantly reduces fruit quality and fruit production. Forty-eight isolates of Colletotrichum spp. associated with chili anthracnose were collected from different areas of Thailand during 2010–2015. Based on morphological characteristic identification, 10 isolates were shown to belong to the C. gloeosporioides species complex, 24 isolates belong to the C. acutatum species complex and 14 isolates to C. capsici. For molecular identification, two primer sets, ITS1/ITS4 and ACT528/ACT738, were used for amplification of the internal transcribed spacer of rRNA gene (ITS1–5.8S–ITS2) and partial region actin gene (ACT), respectively. The phylogenetic analysis of individual and combined ITS region and actin nucleotide sequences identified the collected isolates into 4 species: C. gloeosporioides, C. siamense, C. acutatum and C. capsici. The pathogenicity test demonstrated that all four species were pathogenic on intact unwounded and healthy fruits. These results indicated that C. capsici, C. acutatum, C. gloeosporioides and C. siamense were the causal agents of chili anthracnose disease.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Metarhizium bibionidarum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">M. purpureogenum</Emphasis>: new species from Japan

Two new species of Metarhizium, M. bibionidarum and M. purpureogenum are described from Japan. Metarhizium bibionidarum is the phylogenetic sister species of M. pemphigi and a member of the M. flavoviride species complex. It is distinguished morphologically from M. pemphigi by its larger conidia. The species is based on a collection of an infected March fly larva (Diptera: Bibionidae) but is also known to occur on fruit beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) encountered in France. Metarhizium purpureogenum was isolated from soil by plating and insect baiting methods and represents a unique phylogenetic lineage placed outside the M. anisopliae and M. flavoviride species complexes. Three isolates of M. purpureogenum excreted a distinctive red-purple pigment into agar medium when co-cultured with M. robertsii or Aspergillus oryzae.     

Geographic distribution of phylogenetic species of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium graminearum</Emphasis> species complex and their 8-ketotrichothecene chemotypes on wheat spikes in Iran

Isolates of the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC, n = 446) were collected from wheat spikes from northern and western regions of Iran with a history of Fusarium head blight (FHB) occurrences. The trichothecene mycotoxin genotypes/chemotypes, the associated phylogenetic species, and geographical distribution of these isolates were analyzed. Two phylogenetic species, Fusarium asiaticum and F. graminearum, were identified and were found to belong to sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) groups V and I. Isolates from F. asiaticum species lineage 6 were within SCAR group V, whereas F. graminearum species lineage 7 were of SCAR group I. Of the 446 isolates assayed, 274 were F. asiaticum species predominantly of the nivalenol (NIV) genotype, while other isolates were either deoxynivalenol (DON) plus 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-AcDON) or DON plus 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-AcDON) genotype. Based on Tri7 gene sequences, a new subpopulation of 15-AcDON producers was observed among F. asiaticum strains in which 11-bp repeats were absent in the Tri7 sequences. The trichothecene chemotype was confirmed and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 46 FGSC isolates. Isolates produced NIV (33.4–108.2 μg/g) and DON (64.7–473.6 μg/g) plus either 3-AcDON (51.4–142.4 μg/g) or 15-AcDON (24.1–99.3 μg/g). Among FGSC isolates, F. asiaticum produced the highest levels of trichothecenes. Using BIOCLIM based on the climate data of 20-year during 1994–2014, modelling geographical distribution of FGSC showed that F. asiaticum was restricted to warmer and humid areas with a median value of mean annual temperature of about 17.5 °C and annual rainfall of 658 mm, respectively (P < 0.05). In contrast, F. graminearum (only 15-AcDON producers) was restricted to cooler and drier areas, with a median value of the mean annual temperature of 14.4 °C and an annual rainfall of 384 mm, respectively (P < 0.05). Based on climate parameters at anthesis, the recorded distribution of F. graminearum and F. asiaticum was similar to that based on BIOCLIM parameters. Therefore, geographic differences on the wheat-growing areas in Iran have had a significant effect on distribution of FGSC and their trichothecene chemotypes.     

Monoterpene biotransformation by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colletotrichum</Emphasis> species

Objective

To investigate the biocatalytic potential of Colletotrichum acutatum and Colletotrichum nymphaeae for monoterpene biotransformation.

Results

C. acutatum and C. nymphaeae used limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, farnesene, citronellol, linalool, geraniol, perillyl alcohol, and carveol as sole carbon and energy sources. Both species biotransformed limonene and linalool, accumulating limonene-1,2-diol and linalool oxides, respectively. α-Pinene was only biotransformed by C. nymphaeae producing campholenic aldehyde, pinanone and verbenone. The biotransformation of limonene by C. nymphaeae yielded 3.34–4.01 g limonene-1,2-diol l^?1, depending on the substrate (R-(+)-limonene, S-(?)-limonene or citrus terpene (an agro-industrial by-product). This is among the highest concentrations already reported for this product.

Conclusions

This is the first report on the biotransformation of these terpenes by Colletotrichum spp. and the biotransformation of limonene to limonene-1,2-diol possibly involves enzymes similar to those found in Grosmannia clavigera.

     

Pleistocene climatic fluctuations explain the disjunct distribution and complex phylogeographic structure of the Southern Red-backed Salamander, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plethodon serratus</Emphasis>

The southeastern United States (U.S.) has experienced dynamic climatic changes over the past several million years that have impacted species distributions. In many cases, contiguous ranges were fragmented and a lack of gene flow between allopatric populations led to genetic divergence and speciation. The Southern Red-backed Salamander, Plethodon serratus, inhabits four widely disjunct regions of the southeastern U.S.: the southern Appalachian Mountains, the Ozark Plateau, the Ouachita Mountains, and the Southern Tertiary Uplands of central Louisiana. We integrated phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences (1399 base pairs) with ecological niche modeling to test the hypothesis that climate fluctuations during the Pleistocene drove the isolation and divergence of disjunct populations of P. serratus. Appalachian, Ozark, and Louisiana populations each formed well-supported clades in our phylogeny. Ouachita Mountain populations sorted into two geographically distinct clades; one Ouachita clade was sister to the Louisiana clade whereas the other Ouachita clade grouped with the Appalachian and Ozark clades but relationships were unresolved. Plethodon serratus diverged from its sister taxon, P. sherando, ~5.4 million years ago (Ma), and lineage diversification within P. serratus occurred ~1.9–0.6 Ma (Pleistocene). Ecological niche models showed that the four geographic isolates of P. serratus are currently separated by unsuitable habitat, but the species was likely more continuously distributed during the colder climates of the Pleistocene. Our results support the hypothesis that climate-induced environmental changes during the Pleistocene played a dominant role in driving isolation and divergence of disjunct populations of P. serratus.     

Disentangling the effects of isolation-by-distance and isolation-by-environment on genetic differentiation among <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhododendron</Emphasis> lineages in the subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tsutsusi</Emphasis>

Ecological speciation has long been noted as a central topic in the field of evolutionary biology, and investigation into the relative importance of ecological and geographical factors is becoming increasingly emphasized. We surveyed genetic variation of 277 samples from 25 populations of nine Rhododendron species within Tsutsusi subgenus in Taiwan using simple sequence repeats of expressed sequence tags. Bayesian clustering revealed four genetic lineages: (1) the Rhododendron simsii, Rhododendron kanehirai, and Rhododendron nakaharae lineage (lineage 1); (2) the Rhododendron longiperulatum, Rhododendron breviperulatum, and Rhododendron noriakianum lineage (lineage 2); (3) the Rhododendron rubropilosum lineage (lineage 3); and (4) the Rhododendron oldhamii lineage (lineage 4). Asymmetric introgressions were found from lineage 3 into lineages 1 and 2 (introgressed lineages). Genetic admixture of non-R. oldhamii species was also revealed by a neighbor-joining tree. Variation partitioning showed that environment explained much larger portions of genetic variation than geography between non-introgressed lineages (i.e., between R. oldhamii and other lineages). However, the Mantel and partial Mantel tests and the multiple matrix regression with randomization found that isolation-by-distance played a more important role than isolation-by-environment (IBE) in contributing to genetic variation in most between lineage comparisons. Nevertheless, strong IBE was found when compared between non-introgressed lineages of R. oldhamii and R. rubropilosum, suggesting post-speciation ecological divergence. Several environmental variables, including annual mean temperature, aspect, isothermality, seasonal precipitation, slope, and soil pH, could be important ecological drivers involved in reproductive isolation between R. oldhamii and non-R. oldhamii species within the Tsutsusi subgenus.     

<Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Barrmaelia</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Entosordaria</Emphasis> in Barrmaeliaceae (fam. nov., Xylariales) and critical notes on <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Anthostomella</Emphasis>-like genera based on multigene phylogenies

Phylogenetic analyses of a combined DNA data matrix containing ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tub2 sequences of representative Xylariales revealed that the genus Barrmaelia is a well-defined monophylum, as based on four of its described species (B. macrospora, B. moravica, B. oxyacanthae, B. rhamnicola) and the new species B. rappazii. The generic type of Entosordaria, E. perfidiosa, is revealed as the closest relative of Barrmaelia, being phylogenetically distant from the generic type of Clypeosphaeria, C. mamillana, which belongs to Xylariaceae sensu stricto. Entosordaria and Barrmaelia are highly supported and form a distinct lineage, which is recognised as the new family Barrmaeliaceae. The new species E. quercina is described. Barrmaelia macrospora, B. moravica and B. rhamnicola are epitypified and E. perfidiosa is lecto- and epitypified. Published sequences of Anthostomella and several Anthostomella-like species from the genera Alloanthostomella, Anthostomelloides, Neoanthostomella, Pseudoanthostomella and Pyriformiascoma are evaluated, demonstrating the necessity of critical inspection of published sequence data before inclusion in phylogenies. Verified isolates of several species from these genera should be re-sequenced to affirm their phylogenetic affinities. In addition, the generic type of Anthostomella should be sequenced before additional generic re-arrangements are proposed.     

Methods of <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Candida dubliniensis</Emphasis> identification and its occurrence in human clinical material

Candida dubliniensis was reported as a new species in 1995. This species is often misidentified as Candida albicans. The aims of this work were to determine the occurrence of C. dubliniensis in various clinical materials, to evaluate several ways to identify it and to examine the genetic variability of isolates. Among 7706 isolates originally identified as C. albicans, 237 were identified as C. dubliniensis (3.1%). Most of the C. dubliniensis isolates were obtained from the upper and lower respiratory tract (61.4 and 22.9%). Five phenotypic methods including latex agglutination were used (cultivation on CHROMagar Candida, on Staib agar, at 42 °C and in medium with 6.5% NaCl), but only cultivation on the medium with an increased concentration of NaCl and latex agglutination gave reliable results. Species-specific polymerase chain reaction was used as the confirmation method. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry provided less reliable results. In fact, 78.9% of C. dubliniensis isolates had scores above 1.7. However, the rest of them (21.1%) were also identified as C. dubliniensis even when the scores were lower than 1.7. Divergences among C. dubliniensis strains were evaluated by means of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Eighty-six selected C. dubliniensis isolates showed a 69.6% level of similarity. The results of this study expand the knowledge of the incidence, means of identification and genotypic divergence of C. dubliniensis isolates.     

The diversity of culturable yeasts in the phylloplane of rice in Thailand

One hundred and fifty-six yeast strains were obtained by the enrichment technique from the phylloplanes of 85 rice leaf samples collected from seven provinces in Thailand. On the basis of the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene sequence analysis, 156 strains were identified as 34 known species in 18 genera consisting of 25 species in 13 genera of the phylum Ascomycota and nine species in five genera of the phylum Basidiomycota. The species in the phylum Ascomycota comprised 24 species in 12 genera of the order Saccharomycetales and one species viz. Yarrowia lipolytica in Saccharomycetales incertae sedis. The 24 species viz. Candida glabrata in the Nakaseomyces clade of Saccharomycetaceae, Candida jaroonii, Candida membranifaciens and Candida terebra in the Yamadazyma clade of Debaryomycetaceae, Candida pseudolambica in the Pichia clade of Pichiaceae, Candida ruelliae in the Metschnikowia clade of Metschnikowiaceae, and three unaffiliated clade Candida species (Candida catenulata, Candida rugosa and Candida tropicalis); Clavispora lusitaniae, Kodamaea ohmeri, Metschnikowia koreensis and Metschnikowia lopburiensis in Metschnikowiaceae; Cyberlindnera fabianii, Cyberlindnera rhodanensis and Wickerhamomyces ciferrii in Wickerhamomycetaceae; Debaryomyces nepalensis, Meyerozyma caribbica, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Millerozyma koratensis, and Yamadazyma mexicanum in Debaryomycetaceae; Pichia kudriavzevii in Pichiaceae; and Lachancea thermotolerans in Saccharomycetaceae. The species in Basidiomycota viz. Cryptococcus flavescens, Cryptococcus laurentii, Cryptococcus aff. laurentii and Cryptococcus rajasthanensis in the Tremellales lineage, Bulleromyces clade, Tremellales, Tremellomycetes, Agaricomycotina; Pseudozyma antarctica and Pseudozyma aphidis in Ustilaginales, Ustilaginomycetes, Ustilaginomycotina; Rhodotorula taiwanensis and Sporobolomyces blumeae in Sporidiobolales, Microbotryomycetes, Pucciniomycotina; and Trichosporon asahii in Trichosporonales, Tremellomycetes, Agaricomycotina. The most prevalent species was R. taiwanensis with a 23 % frequency of occurrence followed by Candida tropicalis (16 %) and Cryptococcus fabianii (12 %).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cortinarius</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Riederi</Emphasis>: taxonomy and phylogeny of the new section with European and North American distribution

Cortinarius is one of the most species-rich genera of mushroom-forming fungi. Based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence, Cortinarius, sect. Riederi, is introduced at sectional level (= subsect. Riederi sensu Brandrud & Melot). The taxonomy, phylogeny, ecology and distribution of not only mainly European but also including some North American taxa of this section are treated, which includes nine species and two varieties. Of these, three taxa are described as new (C. burlinghamiae, C. pallidoriederi and C. argenteolilacinus var. dovrensis). The sect. Riederi species possess morphological features similar to Phlegmacium group(s) and forms a phylogenetically isolated lineage, with no supported affinity to other phlegmacioid groups. Three taxa are known from both Europe and North America, two species are known only from North America and five only from Europe. Altogether, eight of the ten taxa are associated with conifers or northern (boreal-subalpine) deciduous trees (Betula spp.). Only two species occur in more temperate forests (Fagus forests), and no species have so far been found in thermophilous Quercus forests     

Morphological and molecular data for a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pomphorhynchus</Emphasis> Monticelli, 1905 (Acanthocephala: Pomphorhynchidae) in the Mexican redhorse <Emphasis Type="Italic">Moxostoma austrinum</Emphasis> Bean (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae) in central Mexico

Pomphorhynchus purhepechus n. sp. is described from the intestine of the Mexican redhorse Moxostoma austrinum Bean (Catostomidae) in central Mexico. The new species can be distinguished from the other seven described species of Pomphorhynchus Monticelli, 1905 in the Americas by a subspherical proboscis and 14 longitudinal rows with 16–18 hooks each; the third and the fourth row of hooks are alternately longest. Sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and the large subunit (LSU) rDNA (including the domains D2-D3) were used to corroborate the morphological distinction between the new species and Pomphorhynchus bulbocolli Linkins in Van Cleave, 1919, a species widely distributed in several freshwater fish species across Canada, USA, and Mexico. The genetic divergence estimated between the new species and the isolates of P. bulbocolli ranged between 13 and 14% for cox1, and between 0.6 and 0.8% for LSU. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of each dataset showed that the isolates of P. bulbocolli parasitising freshwater fishes from three families, the Catostomidae, Cyprinidae and Centrarchidae, represent a separate lineage, and that the acanthocephalans collected from two localities in central Mexico comprise an independent lineage. In addition, our analysis of the genetic variation of P. bulbocolli demonstrates that individuals of this acanthocephalan from different host species are conspecific. Finally, the distribution, host-association, and phylogenetic relationship of the new species, when placed in the context of the region’s geological history, suggest that both host and parasite underwent speciation after their ancestors became isolated in Central Mexico.     

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.     

Molecular phylogeny and morphology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ophiocordyceps unituberculata</Emphasis> sp. nov. (Ophiocordycipitaceae), a pathogen of caterpillars (Noctuidae,Lepidoptera) from Yunnan,China

Ophiocordyceps unituberculata, a new insect pathogenic fungus from southwestern China, is described using molecular phylogenetic and morphological data. This fungus differs from other Ophiocordyceps species by its enormously long monophialidic conidiogenous cells and a large periclinal protuberance often growing near the apex of conidiogenous cells, single conidia (lanceolate to fusiform) embedded in mucous sheath, and much larger conidial dimensions. Four-locus (nrSSU, nrLSU, tef-1α and rpb1) and ITS data phylogenetic analyses show that O. unituberculata belongs to the Hirsutella nodulosa clade within the genus Ophiocordyceps of Ophiocordycipitaceae and is a separate clade from other allied species. Molecular phylogeny and morphology both strongly support the distinctiveness of this taxon. The interspecific relationships in the H. nodulosa clade are discussed.