<Emphasis Type="Italic">Haliphthoros milfordensis</Emphasis> isolated from black tiger prawn larvae (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Penaeus monodon</Emphasis>) in Vietnam

 A marine fungus was isolated from the black tiger prawn Penaeus monodon at Nha Trang, Vietnam, on March 20, 2001 and named isolate NJM 0131. The fungus was identified as Haliphthoros milfordensis from the characteristics of asexual reproduction, and its physiological characteristics were investigated. Although the optimum temperature for growth of the isolate was 25°–30°C, the fungus grew at a wide range of temperatures (15°–40°C). H. milfordensis grew well in 50%–100% seawater, but poorly in PYG agar containing 1.0%–5.0% NaCl and KCl. The fungus grew at a wide range of pH (4.0–11.0) with the optimum pH value of 7.0–9.0. The isolate also showed pathogenicity to swimming crab larvae (Portunus trituberculatus) by artificial infection, but mortality was not high. This is the first report of disease in the black tiger prawn P. monodon in Vietnam caused by H. milfordensis. Received: July 22, 2002 / Accepted: January 21, 2003 Correspondence to:K. Hatai     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Colletotrichum echinochloae</Emphasis>, a new species on Japanese barnyard millet (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinochloa utilis</Emphasis>)

Five isolates of a species of Colletotrichum were collected from Japanese barnyard millet (Echinochloa utilis) in Japan. Although the fungus had once been identi-fied as C. graminicola sensu lato, it was clearly different from C. graminicola isolated from maize (Zea mays) in its falcate and short conidia, 18.0–22.2 μm in length, cultural characteristics, and specific pathogenicity to E. utilis. Moreover, molecular phylogenetic analyses using sequences of rDNA-ITS, HMG, and SOD2 indicated a monophyly of the isolates. A new species, Colletotrichum echinochloae, is then proposed based on the morphological, pathological, and molecular characteristics.     

Identification of the basidiomycetous fungus isolated from butt rot of the Japanese cypress

 To identify a basidiomycetous fungus isolated from butt rot of Chamaecyparis obtusa, Japanese cypress, its cultural features were examined, and sequences of its nuclear ribosomal 18S and ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 regions were analyzed. In culture, this fungus is characterized by the occurrence of chlamydospores, blastoconidium-like cells, and clavate-to-spathulate hyphal ends at the tips of aerial hyphae, and production of a small basidioma on the mycelial mat after 3 months of incubation. The morphological features of the basidioma are identical to those of Phlebia brevispora. Furthermore, molecular data of the sequences of these strains and P. brevispora showed a high level of similarity. These results appear to justify determining the present fungus as P. brevispora. This is the first report of this species for Japan and outside of southeastern USA. Received: March 11, 2002 / Accepted: September 20, 2002 Acknowledgments We thank Dr. Karen K. Nakasone, Center for Forest Mycology Research, Forest Products Laboratory, USDA Forest Service, for providing the fungal strains used in this study. Correspondence to:R. Kondo     

Genetic relatedness and genetic diversity of ornamental mei (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) as analysed by AFLP markers

The genetic diversity and genetic relatedness of mei (Prunus mume; 2n = 16) were studied using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Eight EcoRI–PstI AFLP primer combinations were applied to 121 distinct genotypes of mei cultivars and related species. A total of 508 AFLP product bands were produced, of which 382 were polymorphic. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages analysis was carried out based on these AFLP markers. From this analysis, “Qugeng Mei,” “Yan Mei,” “Chaodou Mei,” and mei cultivars were seen to share the same P. mume genetic stem. The AFLP data were able to clearly discriminate P. mume from other species in the genus Prunus, with P. armeniaca aligning as its closest related species. Two major groups and nine subgroups of mei flower were identified, and there was a strong coincidence of these AFLP-based groupings with the respective morphological characters of the accessions. The genetic diversity of mei accessions was greatest in the Yunnan Province and decreased toward Eastern China and Japan, so supporting the hypothesis that the southwest of China represents the genetic diversity center of the species.     

Raffaelea quercivora sp. nov. associated with mass mortality of Japanese oak, and the ambrosia beetle (Platypus quercivorus)

 A hyphomycete consistently isolated from dead oak trees (Quercus serrata and Q. mongolica var. grosseserrata) attacked by the ambrosia beetle Platypus quercivorus in Japan is described and illustrated as Raffaelea quercivora sp. nov. The new species is characterized by having small obovoid to pyriform sympodioconidia and slender, long conidiophores that taper to a point. The fungus has been isolated from the body surfaces and mycangia of the beetle. It is likely that the fungus was transferred to oak trees by P. quercivorus. Received: August 20, 2001 / Accepted: March 14, 2002     

Fungi on submerged wood in the Koito River,Japan

 Woody substrates were collected from the Koito River in Japan, and the biodiversity of fungi on these substrates was investigated. Twenty-eight species were identified, comprising 12 ascomycete and 16 anamorphic taxa. The common fungi included Chaetosphaeria sp., Ophioceras commune, Pseudohalonectria lignicola, and Savoryella lignicola. The occurrence of fungi on submerged wood is discussed, and three interesting taxa – Pseudohalonectria lignicola, Bactrodesmium arnaudii, and B. pallidum – are described and illustrated. Received: August 19, 2002 / Accepted: November 25, 2002 Acknowledgments We are grateful to the financial support of the Special Coordination Fund for Promoting Science and Technology from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan. Profs. K. Nishimura and M. Miyaji are thanked for scientific invitation and assistance in Chiba, Japan. Dr. Norio Hayashi from the Natural History Museum and Institute, Chiba, is thanked for providing physicochemical data for the Koito River. Y.M. Leung and M.H. Ng are thanked for technical assistance. Correspondence to:C.K.M. Tsui     

A new species: Gerres microphthalmus (Perciformes: Gerreidae) from Japan with notes on limited distribution, included in the “G. filamentosus complex”

 Gerres microphthalmus sp. nov., described on the basis of the holotype and 38 paratypes, has a limited distribution in Japan, including Tanega Island, southeastern Kyushu, southern Shikoku, and southern Kii Peninsula, central Honshu. It has not been recorded from the Ryukyu Islands. The species is the fourth member of the “G. filamentosus complex,” characterized by an elongated second dorsal fin spine, the others being G. filamentosus, G. infasciatus, and G. macracanthus. Gerres microphthalmus sp. nov. is most similar to G. filamentosus in overall body appearance, but differs from the latter in having smaller eyes (8%–11% of standard length vs. 10%–16% in the latter), a higher orbit diameter ratio (as % of snout length) (93%–143% of snout vs. 71%–104% of snout), and fewer pored lateral line scales (40–43 vs. 43–46). The limited distribution pattern of the new species is discussed with G. equulus and Lates japonicus (Centropomidae) having a limited distribution similar to that of the new species. Received: June 28, 2001 / Revised: November 13, 2001 / Accepted: December 10, 2001     

Pleosporales in Japan (1): the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lophiostoma</Emphasis>

 Seven species of the genus Lophiostoma were the subject of this study. Among these, Lophiostoma mucosum is described and illustrated as a new species. All other species, L. macrostomum, L. semiliberum, L. arundinis, L. caulium, L. caudatum, and L. winteri, are reported for the first time in Japan. A key to the species of Lophiostoma in Japan is given. Received: August 5, 2002 / Accepted: November 28, 2002 Acknowledgments We are grateful to Dr. Hideki Takahashi (curator of SAPA) for the loan of fungal material. Correspondence to:Y. Harada     

Pleosporales in Japan (2): the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lophiotrema</Emphasis>

 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. Received: October 9, 2002 / Accepted: January 20, 2003 Acknowledgments We are grateful to Drs. Shuhei Tanaka (curator of YAM) and Ken Katumoto for the loan of fungal material. Correspondence to:K. Tanaka     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Erysiphe patagoniaca</Emphasis>: a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Erysiphe </Emphasis>sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Uncinula </Emphasis>from Patagonia,Argentina

 A new species of Erysiphe sect. Uncinula is described and illustrated from Patagonia, Argentina. Erysiphe patagoniaca sp. nov., found on leaves of Nothofagus × antarctica, is similar to E. nothofagi and E. kenjiana, but differs in its appendages being twisted throughout their length and the number of appendages, asci, and ascospores. The two endemic species of Erysiphe sect. Uncinula, E. magellanica and E. nothofagi, coexisted on the same leaves together with Erysiphe patagoniaca. Received: September 19, 2002 / Accepted: November 28, 2002 Acknowledgments The authors are grateful to Ms. Seiko Niinomi for providing the micrographs of ascomata of Erysiphe spp. on Nothofagus. Correspondence to:S. Takamatsu     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Exobasidium dubium</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">E. miyabei</Emphasis> sp. nov. causing Exobasidium leaf blisters on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhododendron </Emphasis>spp. in Japan

 Two Exobasidium species causing Exobasidium leaf blister on Rhododendron spp. are described. An Exobasidium leaf blister on Rhododendron yedoense var. yedoense f. yedoense has been recognized in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, since the first report was issued in 1950. The causal fungus is identified with Exobasidium dubium from the morphology of its hymenial structure and mode of germination of the basidiospores. Another Exobasidium leaf blister on Rhododendron dauricum has been observed in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. In comparison with morphology based on hymenial structure and mode of germination of the basidiospores of the 100 validly described taxa, this fungus differs from those known taxa in the size of basidia and basidiospores, the numbers of sterigmata and septa of basidiospores, and the mode of germination of basidiospores. Thus, a new species, Exobasidium miyabei, is established and illustrated. Received: February 13, 2002 / Accepted: September 25, 2002  Present address: National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba 305-8602, Japan Acknowledgments We profoundly appreciate the cooperation of Dr. V. Melnik in providing Russian papers and Dr. L. Vasilyeva for translating them into English. We thank Prof. H. Takahashi for loaning the materials in the Herbarium of the Hokkaido University Museum and Dr. W. Abe, Graduate School of Science, University of Hokkaido, for his kind help with the sampling of R. dauricum in Teshikaga, Hokkaido Prefecture. This study was supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) (No. 13460019), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). Contribution No. 171, Laboratory of Plant Parasitic Mycology, Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Tsukuba. Correspondence to:M. Kakishima     

Seasonal and regional occurrence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acanthocephalus</Emphasis> sp. (Acanthocephala: Echinorhynchidae) in fishes and isopods (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Asellus hilgendorfi</Emphasis>) in a lake system in northern Japan

 The echinorhynchid acanthocephalan Acanthocephalus sp. was collected and described from four species of fishes (rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, Sakhalin huchen Hucho perryi, Japanese pond smelt Hypomesus nipponensis, and threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus) from a lake system, the Tsugaru-Jūniko Lakes, in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. In rainbow trout, the prevalence and intensity of infection markedly differed between lakes, and the fish were most frequently and most heavily infected in the lakes with a dense population of the isopod intermediate host Asellus hilgendorfi. In isopods, the prevalence of acanthocephalan larvae increased in the late winter and reached its highest level in March or April. In rainbow trout, male worms were abundant from winter to spring, and female worms were immature during these seasons. Gravid females were abundant in summer and autumn. These findings indicate that Acanthocephalus sp. is an annual species and its recruitment from the intermediate host to the fish occurs mainly in winter and spring. Received: January 9, 2002 / Accepted: April 18, 2002 Acknowledgments We thank Professor Shōichi Saito, Faculty of Education, Hirosaki University, for his encouragement during this study. Thanks are also due to many students of the Nature Study Laboratory, Faculty of Education, Hirosaki University, for their assistance in the field. We are greatly indebted to the Iwasaki Village Office and Fukaura Forestry Office for giving us permission for the survey. Correspondence to:A. Ohtaka     

Differentiation of lineages within “Colletotrichum gloeosporioides s.l.” associated with cassava anthracnose disease by BOX‐ and ERIC‐PCRs

Several molecular techniques have been used to differentiate species or genetic lineages of microorganisms prior to sequencing. Among them, BOX‐ and ERIC‐PCRs may provide specific banding patterns for different species, allowing its differentiation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate these techniques as a tool for differentiation of phylogenetic lineages belonging to the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex associated with cassava anthracnose disease. Sets of BOX‐ and ERIC‐PCR primers were used to assess the differentiation of lineages belonging to the complex with 81 C. gloeosporioides sensu lato (s.l.) isolates from different cassava producing regions. Some were identified by sequencing, such as Colletotrichum fructicola, Colletotrichum tropicale, C. gloeosporioides s.s, Colletotrichum theobromicola, Colletotrichum siamense, Colletotrichum brevisporum and Colletotrichum sichuanensis. The primers were able to amplify DNA fragments from all isolates. The ERIC‐PCR presented a wider range of banding patterns in comparison to BOX‐PCR, providing better differentiation of the individuals, as well as a higher correlation with the phylogenetic data was obtained by ERIC‐PCR and the combined data set for “BOX‐/ERIC‐PCRs,” inferred by Mantel test. However, the use of concatenated data (BOX‐/ERIC‐PCRs) reduced the discriminatory capacity presented by ERIC‐PCR alone, probably due to the lowest resolution of BOX‐PCR. Therefore, ERIC‐PCR technique enabled efficient differentiation of isolates belonging to the C. gloeosporioides complex and can be used to analyse multiple isolates in a collection and also being an important tool as a guide in the decision‐making process prior to sequencing. Based on this methodology, it was possible to identify two new species associated with cassava anthracnose disease, C. brevisporum and C. sichuanensis, being the first report of these two species associated with cassava anthracnose disease in Brazil.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Erysiphe fimbriata</Emphasis> sp. nov.: a powdery mildew fungus found on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carpinus laxiflora</Emphasis>

Ascomata of a powdery mildew-like fungus have been found on Carpinus laxiflora in Tochigi Prefecture of Japan since 2003. The morphological and molecular characteristics of this fungus are reported, and a new species, Erysiphe fimbriata, is proposed. It has large chasmothecia (200–250 μm in diameter) with long (up to 4–5 mm in length), fimbriate appendages arising from the upper half of the chasmothecia and turning upward, and numerous asci (22–38 per chasmothecium). Erysiphe fimbriata is a unique fungus both genetically and morphologically.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ceratocystis ficicola</Emphasis> sp. nov., a causal fungus of fig canker in Japan

The causal fungus of Ceratocystis canker of fig in Japan is described as Ceratocystis ficicola sp. nov. This species is characterized by galeated ascospores and is similar to Ceratocystis fimbriata sensu lato. However, the perithecia of the new species are much larger than those of C. fimbriata. The fungus grows more rapidly than C. fimbriata sensu stricto at 25°C but more slowly at 30°C. Molecular analysis of the nucleotide sequences of rDNA ITS regions showed that C. ficicola is phylogenetically placed in the clade of C. fimbriata s. l. but is easily distinguishable from other species of C. fimbriata s. l.     

Notes on the genus Inocybe of Japan: I

 Three species of the genus Inocybe are reported as new species or new records from Japan. Inocybe phaeodisca Kühner var. geophylloides Kühner is redescribed by specimens collected in Chiba Prefecture; this is the first record of I. phaeodisca var. geophylloides for Japan. Inocybe pseudoreducta Stangl & Glowinski is also redescribed by materials collected in Hokkaido and Chiba Prefecture, new to Japan. Inocybe subtilis Takahito Kobayashi sp. nov. is proposed for material collected from Tokyo. The sectional position of this species is noted. Received: January 4, 2002 / Accepted: February 25, 2002     

A new species ofCortinarius sect.Sericeocybe from Japan

Cortinarius prunicola sp. nov., found in orchards and plantations ofPrunus mume, is described and illustrated. It is characterized by its dry and violet-white carpophores, unpleasant odor, and its close association withP. mume in spring and early summer. The differences betweenC. prunicola and similar species are briefly discussed.     

Scleroderma laeve (Gasteromycetes, Sclerodermatales), new to Japan

 A Scleroderma species collected on sandy soil under trees of Lithocarpus edulis in Saitama Prefecture, central Japan, is identified as Scleroderma laeve, a new record for Japan. Macroscopic and microscopic features are given. Received: May 24, 2002 / Accepted: September 9, 2002 Acknowledgments We thank Ms. Ryoko Onuma, who offered some useful literature on Scleroderma. We are also grateful to Dr. Toshimitsu Fukiharu (Natural History Museum and Institute, Chiba) for his help with preserving the specimens. For collecting specimens, we are grateful to Ms. Ayano Kimura, Mr. Tomoya Matsuyama, and Mr. Takahiro Uchida. Correspondence to:T. Kasuya