D. Jayarama Bhat

Families of Dothideomycetes

Dothideomycetes comprise a highly diverse range of fungi characterized mainly by asci with two wall layers (bitunicate asci) and often with fissitunicate dehiscence. Many species are saprobes, with many asexual states comprising important plant pathogens. They are also endophytes, epiphytes, fungicolous, lichenized, or lichenicolous fungi. They occur in terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats in almost every part of the world. We accept 105 families in Dothideomycetes with the new families Anteagloniaceae, Bambusicolaceae, Biatriosporaceae, Lichenoconiaceae, Muyocopronaceae, Paranectriellaceae, Roussoellaceae, Salsugineaceae, Seynesiopeltidaceae and Thyridariaceae introduced in this paper. Each family is provided with a description and notes, including asexual and asexual states, and if more than one genus is included, the type genus is also characterized. Each family is provided with at least one figure-plate, usually illustrating the type genus, a list of accepted genera, including asexual genera, and a key to these genera. A phylogenetic tree based on four gene combined analysis add support for 64 of the families and 22 orders, including the novel orders, Dyfrolomycetales, Lichenoconiales, Lichenotheliales, Monoblastiales, Natipusillales, Phaeotrichales and Strigulales. The paper is expected to provide a working document on Dothideomycetes which can be modified as new data comes to light. It is hoped that by illustrating types we provide stimulation and interest so that more work is carried out in this remarkable group of fungi.

Naming and outline of Dothideomycetes-2014 including proposals for the protection or suppression of generic names

Article 59.1, of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants (ICN; Melbourne Code), which addresses the nomenclature of pleomorphic fungi, became effective from 30 July 2011. Since that date, each fungal species can have one nomenclaturally correct name in a particular classification. All other previously used names for this species will be considered as synonyms. The older generic epithet takes priority over the younger name. Any widely used younger names proposed for use, must comply with Art. 57.2 and their usage should be approved by the Nomenclature Committee for Fungi (NCF). In this paper, we list all genera currently accepted by us in Dothideomycetes (belonging to 23 orders and 110 families), including pleomorphic and non-pleomorphic genera. In the case of pleomorphic genera, we follow the rulings of the current ICN and propose single generic names for future usage. The taxonomic placements of 1261 genera are listed as an outline. Protected names and suppressed names for 34 pleomorphic genera are listed separately. Notes and justifications are provided for possible proposed names after the list of genera. Notes are also provided on recent advances in our understanding of asexual and sexual morph linkages in Dothideomycetes. A phylogenetic tree based on four gene analyses supported 23 orders and 75 families, while 35 families still lack molecular data.

A multi-locus backbone tree for Pestalotiopsis, with a polyphasic characterization of 14 new species

Pestalotiopsis is a taxonomically confused, pathogenic and chemically creative genus requiring a critical re-examination using a multi-gene phylogeny based on ex-type and ex-epitype cultures. In this study 40 isolates of Pestalotiopsis, comprised of 28 strains collected from living and dead plant material of various host plants from China were studied by means of morphology and analysis of ITS, β–tubulin and tef1 gene sequence data. Based on molecular and morphological data we describe 14 new species (Pestalotiopsis asiatica, P. chinensis, P. chrysea, P. clavata, P. diversiseta, P. ellipsospora, P. inflexa, P. intermedia, P. linearis, P. rosea, P. saprophyta, P. umberspora, P. unicolor and P. verruculosa) and three species are epitypified (P. adusta, P. clavispora and P. foedans). Of the 10 gene regions (ACT, β-tubulin, CAL, GPDH, GS, ITS, LSU, RPB 1, SSU and tef1) utilized to resolve cryptic Pestalotiopsis species, ITS, β–tubulin and tef1 proved to be the better markers. The other gene regions were less useful due to poor success in PCR amplification and/or in their ability to resolve species boundaries. As a single gene tef1 met the requirements for an ideal candidate and functions well for species delimitation due to its better species resolution and PCR success. Although β-tubulin showed fairly good differences among species, a combination of ITS, β-tubulin and tef1 gene data gave the best resolution as compared to single gene analysis. This work provides a backbone tree for 22 ex-type/epitypified species of Pestalotiopsis and can be used in future studies of the genus.

Bambusicola, a New Genus from Bamboo with Asexual and Sexual Morphs

Abstract Bambusicola, gen. nov., is introduced for four new saprobic taxa from culms of bamboos in northern Thailand. One species, chosen as the generic type, has both sexual and asexual morphs, one species has the sexual morph only and two species have the asexual morph only. The four new species, Bambusicola massarinia, B. bambusae, B. irregulispora and B. splendida are illustrated and described. Isolates of each species were sequenced using LSU, SSU and ITS genes and phylogenetic analysis shows the genus to be a distinct clade in the suborder “Massarineae”. Morphological differences between Bambusicola and some related genera are noted. Bambusicola is characterized by small, cone-shaped ascomata, slightly broad and fusiform ascospores and a coelomycete asexual morph with light brown conidia. Bambusicola clusters in Trematosphaeriaceae, but the closeness of this relationship cannot be resolved.

Microfungi on Tectona grandis (teak) in Northern Thailand

To date there is virtually no information available concerning the fungi associated with Tectona grandis (teak) (Lamiaceae) in Thailand. In this study, samples of microfungi were collected from both asymptomatic stems and dead wood, and symptomatic branches, stem and leaves of T. grandis from 27 sites in six provinces (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phitsanulok, Phrae and Uttaradit Provinces). Morphology and combined multi-gene phylogeny (CAL, GAPDH, ITS, LSU, RPB2, SSU, TEF1 and TUB) were used to identify taxa. A total of 270 collections, representing 28 fungal species residing in 12 families, 7 orders and 21 genera, with three species of uncertain taxonomic placement were identified. Of these, one family, three genera and 14 species are new to science. The new family, Pseudocoleodictyosporaceae is introduced based on its distinct lineage in the Dothideomycetes and its unique morphology as compared to Roussoellaceae and Torulaceae. The new genera are Neooccultibambusa, Pseudocoleodictyospora and Subglobosporium. The newly described species are Diaporthe neoraonikayaporum, D. tectonendophytica, D. tectonae, D. tectonigena, Hermatomyces tectonae, H. thailandica, Manoharachariella tectonae, Neooccultibambusa chiangraiensis, Pseudocoleodictyospora sukhothaiensis, Ps. tectonae, Ps. thailandica, Rhytidhysteron tectonae, Subglobosporium tectonae and Tubeufia tectonae. Fourteen species are known published taxa including Alternaria tillandsiae, Berkleasmium talaumae, Boerlagiomyces macrospora, Ceratocladium purpureogriseum, Fusarium solani, Helicoma siamense, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Macrovalsaria megalospora, Paradictyoarthrinium diffractum, Phaeoacremonium italicum, Sphaeropsis eucalypticola, Stachybotrys levispora, St. renispora and Thaxteriellopsis lignicola. Epitypifications or reference specimens are designated for Boerlagiomyces macrospora and Macrovalsaria megalospora. Macrovalsaria megalospora is transferred from Botryosphaeriaceae to Dothideomycetes genus, incertae sedis based on taxonomy and phylogenetic analysis, which indicate it is distinct from Botryosphaeriaceae. All fungal species represent first reports on T. grandis in Thailand. New taxa and taxa incertae sedis, as well as known taxa which are established as reference specimens or epitypes, are presented with phylogenetic tree analyses, habitat, known distribution, material examined, full descriptions, notes and figures. Information is also provided for known taxa to add to the body of knowledge and to assist those wishing to study fungi occurring on T. grandis in future.

Pustulomyces gen. nov. Accommodated in Diaporthaceae, Diaporthales, as Revealed by Morphology and Molecular Analyses

Abstract A new coelomycetous genus, Pustulomyces, inhabiting decaying bamboo, is introduced based on morpho-molecular studies. Pustulomyces is characterized by immersed, pustule-like, acervular conidiomata, with dark ostiolar necks, enteroblastic, phialidic conidiogenous cells with a small collarette and fusiform, sigmoid, aseptate, guttulate conidia. In morphology it is similar with Bambusicola (Bambusicolaceae), but maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analyses of the combined LSU and TEF-1 alpha sequence data set shows Pustulomyces belongs in Diaporthaceae, Diaporthales. The new fungus is compared with other morphologically and phylogenetically similar genera.

Molecular Phylogeny and Morphological Characterization of Asexual Fungi (Tubeufiaceae) from Freshwater Habitats in Yunnan, China

Abstract The diversity of lignicolous freshwater fungi along a north-south latitudinal gradient are currently being studied in Asia. In this paper, we report on 18 collections of asexual morphs of Tubeufiaceae from submerged wood in rivers, streams and a lake in Yunnan Province, China. Taxa are characterized based on morphological characters and analyses of ITS, LSU and TEF1α sequence data. The new genera, Muripulchra with a single species, M. aquatica and Neohelicomyces with three new taxa (N. aquaticus, N. grandisporus, N. submersus) are introduced. Muripulchra is characterized by micronematous conidiophores and obpyriform, septate to muriform conidia. Neohelicomyces is characterized macronematous conidiophores and multi-septate, helicoid conidia. Tubeufia aquatica is introduced as a new species and its phylogenetic relationships with other taxa is discussed. The phylogenetic analyses of a concatenated ITS, LSU and TEF1α dataset place all collections in the family Tubeufiaceae (Tubeufiales) and provide evidence to support the establishment of our new taxa. The asexual morph of Tubeufia cylindrothecia, the type species of Helicomyces (H. roseus) are described herein, phylogenetic relationships assessed and reference specimens are given for these two species. Descriptions and illustrations for the new genera and species are provided with notes on their taxonomy and phylogeny.

Camarosporium-Like Species are Polyphyletic in Pleosporales; Introducing Paracamarosporium and Pseudocamarosporium gen. nov. in Montagnulaceae

Abstract Camarosporium is a large coelomycetous genus which was formerly recognised as an asexual state in Botryosphaeriales and Cucurbitariaceae. In the present study, we collected several Camarosporium-like taxa in Europe (Germany and Italy) and carried out morpho-molecular analyses. Molecular analyses (maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and MrBayes) of combined LSU and SSU gene datasets show that the Camarosporium-like taxa are polyphyletic in Pleosporales. Camarosporium quaternatum, the type species of Camarosporium clusters in the suborder Pleosporinae with five other Camarosporium species. This clade is supported by high bootstrap and PP values and is distinct from other well-established families in Pleosporinae. Other Camarosporium-like taxa grouped in Montagnulaceae (Massarineae) as two phylogenetically distinct clades and are introduced as two new genera, viz. Paracamarosporium and Pseudocamarosporium. Paracamarosporium is morphologically distinct as it has paraphyses and microconidia, while Pseudocamarosporium lacks both of these characters. Since Camarosporium comprises a large number of species epithets, re-collection and morpho-molecular studies of other Camarosporium-like taxa is essential.

Families of Diaporthales based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence

Diaporthales is an important ascomycetous order comprising phytopathogenic, saprobic, and endophytic fungi, but interfamilial taxonomic relationships are still ambiguous. Despite its cosmopolitan distribution and high diversity with distinctive morphologies, this order has received relativelyiaceae, Macrohilaceae, Melanconidaceae, Pseudoplagiostomaceae, Schizoparmaceae, Stilbosporaceae and Sydowiellaceae. Taxonomic uncertainties among genera are also clarified and recurrent discrepancies in the taxonomic position of families within the Diaporthales are discussed. An updated outline and key to families and genera of the order is presented.

Additions to Brown Spored Coelomycetous Taxa in Massarinae, Pleosporales: Introducing Phragmocamarosporium gen. nov. and Suttonomyces gen. nov.

Abstract Three collections of coelomycetes producing brown spores have been subjected to morphological and molecular data analyses. Two of them have phragmosporous conidia and are morphologically similar to Camarosporium hederae which has the distinct morphology of Camarosporium sensu stricto. The other collection with muriform conidia is morphologically similar to Camarosporium sensu stricto but has paraphyses. Based on morphology and molecular data analyses of combined LSU and SSU rDNA sequences, two new genera are introduced viz. Phragmocamarosporium (in Lentitheciaceae) and Suttonomyces (in Massarinaceae).