Molecular taxonomy and morphological characterization reveal new species and new host records of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Torula</Emphasis> species (Torulaceae,Pleosporales)

Four new species and two new host records of Torula (Torulaceae, Pleosporales) are described and illustrated from herbaceous litter collected in Italy and Thailand. The new species possess colony, conidiophore and conidial characteristics that fit within the generic concept of Torula. Detailed morphological observations clearly demarcate four of these from extant species and are hence described as new (Torula chiangmaiensis sp. nov., Torula pluriseptata sp. nov., Torula chromolaenae sp. nov., Torula mackenziei sp. nov.). Details of asexual morphs are described, and justifications for establishing these new species are provided. The nuclear are sequenced ribosomal RNA genes as well as protein coding genes to infer phylogenetic relationships and discuss phylogenetic affinities with morphologically similar species. Our morphological distinction is further supported by phylogenetic discrimination. In particular, phylogenies depict a close relationship of Torula chiangmaiensis and T. pluriseptata to T. hollandica, while T. chromolaenae and T. mackenziei constitute an independent phylogenetic lineage basal to T. herbarum and T. ficus. Torula ficus and T. masonii are also described and their phylogeny investigated as new host records from Bidens pilosa and Iris germanica, respectively.     

Morphological and molecular taxonomy of novel species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pleurotheciaceae</Emphasis> from freshwater habitats in Yunnan,China

The diversity of lignicolous freshwater fungi of the Greater Mekong Subregion are currently being studied. In this paper, 18 fresh collections of Pleurotheciaceae from submerged wood in freshwater are characterized based on morphological characters and analyses of ITS, LSU, SSU and RPB2 sequence data. Six new species of Pleurotheciella (P. aquatica, P. fusiformis, P. guttulata, P. lunata, P. saprophytica, P. submersa), one new Phaeoisaria species (Ph. aquatica) and one new Pleurothecium species (Pl. aquaticum) are introduced based on their distinct morphology and evidence from molecular phylogeny. Pleurotheciella uniseptata, Phaeoisaria clematidis and Pleurothecium pulneyense are also redescribed and phylogenetic relationships assessed herein, these species are the first records for China.     

New phylogenetic insights into <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saprolegniales</Emphasis> (Oomycota,Straminipila) based upon studies of specimens isolated from Brazil and Argentina

Saprolegniales is a complex and monophyletic order of oomycetes. Their members inhabit terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems and have a worldwide distribution. In these ecosystems, they are found as saprobes, parasites, or even pathogens of animals and plants of economic importance. In this study, a concatenate phylogeny of the partial LSU and complete ITS rDNA regions is presented, including isolates from Brazil and Argentina, which were sequenced after a detailed morphological analysis. Among the sequenced species, Achlya orion, Leptolegnia eccentrica, Phragmosporangium uniseriatum, and Pythiopsis irregularis are included for the first time in a phylogeny. Our results are in agreement with the recent informal proposals outlined in taxonomic overviews of the Oomycota of G.W. Beakes and collaborators, who placed the family Verrucalvaceae into the Saprolegniales and introduced the family Achlyaceae to group Achlya s.s., Brevilegnia, Dictyuchus, and Thraustotheca. These results also support the transference of Achlya androgyna to Newbya. Leptolegnia appears as paraphyletic, with the separation of L. eccentrica from the other species of this genus. In addition, Phragmosporangium, which is herein sequenced for the first time, clustered as sister to some species of Aphanomyces, including the type species, A. stellatus.     

Morphological and molecular taxonomy of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jahnula dianchia</Emphasis> sp. nov. (Jahnulales) from submerged wood in Dianchi Lake,Yunnan China

In this study, we report the discovery of Jahnula dianchia sp. nov., a freshwater lignicolous fungus belonging to the order Jahnulales (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota), from a submerged woody substrate from Dianchi Lake, Yunnan, China. Morphologically, this new taxon differs from other species of the genus in ascospore morphology; the ascospores of the new species are dark brown with mammiform apices. We also provide a phylogenetic tree showing the molecular relationships between the new taxon with the previously accepted Jahnula species. The analysis of combined ITS, LSU, and SSU sequence dataset places J. dianchia within the Jahnulales sister to J. sangamonensis. The phylogeny also shows the placement of both strains of J. dianchia in a well-supported independent sub-clade.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Antrodia multiformis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">A. tenerifensis</Emphasis> spp. nov. (Fomitopsidaceae,Basidiomycota): new brown rot polypores

Based on molecular evidence and morphological studies, the new polypores Antrodia multiformis and A. tenerifensis are described. Both species were discovered in arid biotope, A. multiformis in southwestern USA and A. tenerifensis in Tenerife (Canary Islands). Both of the new species show unique morphological and cultural features and are different in phylogeny. The structure of the Antrodia core clade of brown rot polypores is discussed.     

Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses reveals <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neohelicosporium</Emphasis> gen. nov. and five new species of helicosporous hyphomycetes from aquatic habitats

Helicosporous hyphomycetes are a morphologically allied group of Tubeufiales. We introduce a new helicosporous genus, Neohelicosporium, with five new species, Neohelicosporium aquaticum, N. guangxiense, N. hyalosporum, N. parvisporum, and N. thailandicum, based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. The RPB2 protein gene data are provided to analyze their phylogeny in Tubeufiales. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, RPB2, and TEF1α sequence data from 13 new isolates of Neohelicosporium provided evidence to support the establishment of the new taxa. The morphological characters of Neohelicosporium that differentiate it from other helicosporous species are compared and discussed.     

An annotated list and molecular data on larvae of gryporhynchid tapeworms (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) from freshwater fishes in Africa

An annotated list of larvae (metacestodes) of gryporhynchid tapeworms (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) from freshwater fishes in Africa is provided with numerous new host and geographical records. Newly collected materials from Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan and Zimbabwe practically double the total number of species reported from African fish so far. We confirm the occurrence of 16 species (five unidentified to the species level and most likely representing new taxa) belonging to the genera Amirthalingamia Bray, 1974 (1 species), Cyclustera Fuhrmann, 1901 (2 species), Dendrouterina Fuhrmann, 1912 (1 species), Neogryporhynchus Baer & Bona, 1960 (1 species), Paradilepis Hsü, 1935 (4 species), Parvitaenia Burt, 1940 (5 species), and Valipora Linton, 1927 (2 species). Additionally, metacestodes of four unidentified species of Paradilepis and Parvitaenia are reported from fish for the first time. Rostellar hooks of all species are illustrated and their measurements are provided together with a host-parasite list. The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on partial LSU rDNA sequences offers the first insight into the internal phylogenetic relationships within the family. Together with the morphological observations, the present study provides a taxonomic baseline for future studies on this largely neglected, but widely distributed and relatively frequent, group of parasites of African fishes, including economically important cichlids like tilapias and cyprinids.     

Five new species of dictyostelid social amoebae (Amoebozoa) from Thailand

Background

Dictyostelid cellular slime molds (dictyostelids) are common inhabitants of the soil and leaf litter layer of fields and forests, along with animal dung, where they feed mostly on bacteria. However, reports on the species diversity of dictyostelids in South Asia, particularly Thailand, are limited. The research reported in this paper was carried out to increase our knowledge of the species diversity of this group of organisms in northern Thailand.

Results

Forty soil samples were collected at four localities in northern Thailand to assess the species richness of dictyostelids. These samples yielded five dictyostelid isolates that were not morphologically consistent with any described species. Based on molecular signatures, all five of these isolates were assigned to the family Cavenderiaceae, genus Cavenderia. All five share a number of morphological similarities with other known species from this family. The new taxa differ from previously described species primarily in the size and complexity of their fruiting bodies (sorocarps). This paper describes these new species (Cavenderia aureostabilis, C. bhumiboliana, C. protodigitata, C. pseudoaureostipes, and C. subdiscoidea) based on a combination of morphological characteristics and their phylogenetic positions.

Conclusions

At least 15 taxa of dictyostelids were obtained from the four localities in northern Thailand, which indicates the high level of species diversity in this region. Five species were found to be new to science. These belong to the family Cavenderiaceae, genus Cavenderia, and were described based on both morphology and phylogeny.

     

Three new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stigmatodiscus</Emphasis> from Mallorca (Spain)

During a survey on corticolous Dothideomycetes in Mallorca, several collections with ascomata, asci, and ascospores matching the genus Stigmatodiscus (Stigmatodiscales, Dothideomycetes) were revealed, which did not fit any described species. Therefore, these collections were cultured and sequenced, and a multigene matrix of four loci (nuc18S-ITS-28S rDNA, rpb2, tef1 and tub2) was produced. Based on the results of the phylogenetic analyses of this matrix and of morphological investigations, three new species (Stigmatodiscus labiatus, S. oculatus, and S. pinicola) are described and illustrated, Asterodiscus is synonymised with Stigmatodiscus and the new combination S. tamaricis is proposed. A key to all currently known species of Stigmatodiscus is provided.     

Multigene phylogeny reveals a new species and novel records and hosts in the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ramularia</Emphasis> from Iran

Ramularia is a species-rich genus in the order Capnodiales (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota) that includes numerous phytopathogenic taxa, several of which are economically important plant pathogens. In this study, six isolates of Ramularia were recovered from leaf spot symptoms on six herbaceous and woody plants from Guilan, East and West Azarbaijan provinces in the north and northwest of Iran. The isolates were studied by a polyphasic approach involving morphological and cultural data, and multi-gene phylogeny (ITS, TEF1-α, ACT, HIS, RPB2 and GAPDH). The isolates were grouped in three species clades of the R. eucalypti species complex. Of these, R. mali is recorded for the first time in Asia and R. glennii represents a new record for the mycobiota of Iran. Ramularia taleshina on Alnus subcordata is described as a new species. Ramularia taleshina is phylogenetically related to R. mali, but they can be differentiated by morphological and cultural characters as well as molecular data. Acalypha australis, Ficus carica and Platanus sp. are reported as new hosts of R. glennii, and Prunus cerasus and Vitis vinifera as new hosts of R. mali.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudopestalotiopsis ignota</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ps. camelliae</Emphasis> spp. nov. associated with grey blight disease of tea in China

We combined morphological and combined ITS, TUB and TEF sequence data to infer the phylogeny of the recently introduced genus Pseudopestalotiopsis. Two new species from China, Ps. camelliae from blighted leaves of Camellia sinensis and Ps. ignota from an undetermined host in China, are introduced with illustrated accounts and compared with similar taxa. Grey blight disease of tea appears to be caused by a group of fungi that constitutes a species complex. A new combination is proposed to emend the monophyly of Pseudopestalotiopsis and a species comparison is provided for taxa in the genus.     

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.     

A new Species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ceratozamia</Emphasis> (Zamiaceae) from the Sierra Norte of Puebla,Mexico

Recent collections of Ceratozamia from the Sierra Norte of Puebla, Mexico, point to a new undescribed species, which was previously subsumed under the concept of C. mexicana. Identification of this new species resulted from a review of three associated species: C. mexicana, C. tenuis, and C. delucana. Here we describe Ceratozamia totonacorum and provide information regarding its distribution and natural history. The Ceratozamia species from the Sierra Madre Oriental, Mexico, are circumscribed using morphological characters, including a detailed evaluation of reproductive structures such as the apex, position, color and shape of the ovulate strobilus.     

<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     

Comparative wood anatomy of the Cupressaceae and correspondence with phylogeny,with special reference to the monotypic taxa

Wood anatomy is one of the tools used for taxonomic classification of species. By combining this tool with molecular phylogeny, the current groupings made in morphological studies can be discussed. This study describes the wood anatomy of the monotypic genera of Cupressaceae and analyses the features that could represent synapomorphies of the principal clades recovered by molecular phylogeny. The wood anatomical study shows the high homogeneity of this family, revealing the presence of common ancestral features that support the union between Taxodiaceae and Cupressaceae s.s. and the separation of Sciadopitys. It also supports the group formed by Taxodiaceae in Cupressaceae s.l. No clear division was observed between the callitroid and cupressoid clades. Some wood anatomical differences were observed in the Fitzroya–Diselma–Pilgerodendron and Microbiota–Platycladus–Tetraclinis associations. The wood anatomical features common to the family, such as axial tracheids without helical thickenings, homogeneous rays, cupressoid cross-field pits and the presence of a warty layer, are put forward as possible synapomorphies for Cupressaceae s.l. The clade-specific synapomorphies are taxodioid cross-field pits for taxodioid and sequoioid clades, absence of a well-defined torus in Thuja–Thujopsis and torus extensions in Diselma–Fitzroya–Widdringtonia.