Wen-Jing Li

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.

The Faces of Fungi database: fungal names linked with morphology, phylogeny and human impacts

Taxonomic names are key links between various databases that store information on different organisms. Several global fungal nomenclural and taxonomic databases (notably Index Fungorum, Species Fungorum and MycoBank) can be sourced to find taxonomic details about fungi, while DNA sequence data can be sourced from NCBI, EBI and UNITE databases. Although the sequence data may be linked to a name, the quality of the metadata is variable and generally there is no corresponding link to images, descriptions or herbarium material. There is generally no way to establish the accuracy of the names in these genomic databases, other than whether the submission is from a reputable source. To tackle this problem, a new database (FacesofFungi), accessible at www.facesoffungi.org (FoF) has been established. This fungal database allows deposition of taxonomic data, phenotypic details and other useful data, which will enhance our current taxonomic understanding and ultimately enable mycologists to gain better and updated insights into the current fungal classification system. In addition, the database will also allow access to comprehensive metadata including descriptions of voucher and type specimens. This database is user-friendly, providing links and easy access between taxonomic ranks, with the classification system based primarily on molecular data (from the literature and via updated web-based phylogenetic trees), and to a lesser extent on morphological data when molecular data are unavailable. In FoF species are not only linked to the closest phylogenetic representatives, but also relevant data is provided, wherever available, on various applied aspects, such as ecological, industrial, quarantine and chemical uses. The data include the three main fungal groups (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Basal fungi) and fungus-like organisms. The FoF webpage is an output funded by the Mushroom Research Foundation which is an NGO with seven directors with mycological expertise. The webpage has 76 curators, and with the help of these specialists, FoF will provide an updated natural classification of the fungi, with illustrated accounts of species linked to molecular data. The present paper introduces the FoF database to the scientific community and briefly reviews some of the problems associated with classification and identification of the main fungal groups. The structure and use of the database is then explained. We would like to invite all mycologists to contribute to these web pages.

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.

Fungal diversity notes 1–110: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions to fungal species

This paper is a compilation of notes on 110 fungal taxa, including one new family, 10 new genera, and 76 new species, representing a wide taxonomic and geographic range. The new family, Paradictyoarthriniaceae is introduced based on its distinct lineage in Dothideomycetes and its unique morphology. The family is sister to Biatriosporaceae and Roussoellaceae. The new genera are Allophaeosphaeria (Phaeosphaeriaceae), Amphibambusa (Amphisphaeriaceae), Brunneomycosphaerella (Capnodiales genera incertae cedis), Chaetocapnodium (Capnodiaceae), Flammeascoma (Anteagloniaceae), Multiseptospora (Pleosporales genera incertae cedis), Neogaeumannomyces (Magnaporthaceae), Palmiascoma (Bambusicolaceae), Paralecia (Squamarinaceae) and Sarimanas (Melanommataceae). The newly described species are the Ascomycota Aliquandostipite manochii, Allophaeosphaeria dactylidis, A. muriformia, Alternaria cesenica, Amphibambusa bambusicola, Amphisphaeria sorbi, Annulohypoxylon thailandicum, Atrotorquata spartii, Brunneomycosphaerella laburni, Byssosphaeria musae, Camarosporium aborescentis, C. aureum, C. frutexensis, Chaetocapnodium siamensis, Chaetothyrium agathis, Colletotrichum sedi, Conicomyces pseudotransvaalensis, Cytospora berberidis, C. sibiraeae, Diaporthe thunbergiicola, Diatrype palmicola, Dictyosporium aquaticum, D. meiosporum, D. thailandicum, Didymella cirsii, Dinemasporium nelloi, Flammeascoma bambusae, Kalmusia italica, K. spartii, Keissleriella sparticola, Lauriomyces synnematicus, Leptosphaeria ebuli, Lophiostoma pseudodictyosporium, L. ravennicum, Lophiotrema eburnoides, Montagnula graminicola, Multiseptospora thailandica, Myrothecium macrosporum, Natantispora unipolaris, Neogaeumannomyces bambusicola, Neosetophoma clematidis, N. italica, Oxydothis atypica, Palmiascoma gregariascomum, Paraconiothyrium nelloi, P. thysanolaenae, Paradictyoarthrinium tectonicola, Paralecia pratorum, Paraphaeosphaeria spartii, Pestalotiopsis digitalis, P. dracontomelon, P. italiana, Phaeoisaria pseudoclematidis, Phragmocapnias philippinensis, Pseudocamarosporium cotinae, Pseudocercospora tamarindi, Pseudotrichia rubriostiolata, P. thailandica, Psiloglonium multiseptatum, Saagaromyces mangrovei, Sarimanas pseudofluviatile, S. shirakamiense, Tothia spartii, Trichomerium siamensis, Wojnowicia dactylidicola, W. dactylidis and W. lonicerae. The Basidiomycota Agaricus flavicentrus, A. hanthanaensis, A. parvibicolor, A. sodalis, Cantharellus luteostipitatus, Lactarius atrobrunneus, L. politus, Phylloporia dependens and Russula cortinarioides are also introduced. Epitypifications or reference specimens are designated for Hapalocystis berkeleyi, Meliola tamarindi, Pallidocercospora acaciigena, Phaeosphaeria musae, Plenodomus agnitus, Psiloglonium colihuae, P. sasicola and Zasmidium musae while notes and/or new sequence data are provided for Annulohypoxylon leptascum, A. nitens, A. stygium, Biscogniauxia marginata, Fasciatispora nypae, Hypoxylon fendleri, H. monticulosum, Leptosphaeria doliolum, Microsphaeropsis olivacea, Neomicrothyrium, Paraleptosphaeria nitschkei, Phoma medicaginis and Saccotheciaceae. A full description of each species is provided with light micrographs (or drawings). Molecular data is provided for 90 taxa and used to generate phylogenetic trees to establish a natural classification for species.

Towards unraveling relationships in Xylariomycetidae (Sordariomycetes)

The classification of subclass Xylariomycetidae is revisited with additional collections and phylogeny based on novel rDNA sequence data. Phylogenetic inferences are provided and are based on analysis of 115 sequence data, including new data for 27 strains. An updated outline to the subclass is presented based on the phylogenies and comprises two orders, 18 families and 222 genera. An account of each order, family and genus in the subclass is given. We accept the orders Amphisphaeriales and Xylariales based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. Amphisphaeriales comprises Amphisphaeriaceae, Bartaliniaceae fam. nov., Clypeosphaeriaceae, Discosiaceae fam. nov., Pestalotiopsidaceae fam. nov. and Phlogicylindriaceae fam. nov. Xylariales comprises Apiosporaceae, Cainiaceae, Coniocessiaceae, Diatrypaceae, Graphostromataceae (doubtful), Hyponectriaceae, Iodosphaeriaceae, Lopadostomaceae fam. nov., Melogrammataceae, Pseudomassariaceae fam. nov., Vialaeaceae and Xylariaceae. The new genera and species introduced are Arthrinium hyphopodii, A. subglobosa, Cainia anthoxanthis, Ciferriascosea gen. nov., C. fluctamurum, C. rectamurum, Discosia neofraxinea, D. pseudopleurochaeta, Hyalotiella rubi, Seimatosporium cornii, S. ficeae, S. vitis and Truncatella spartii.

Tubeufiales, ord. nov., integrating sexual and asexual generic names

Tubeufiaceae is based on the generic type Tubeufia, which is characterized by superficial, oval and bright ascomata, bitunicate asci, mostly long fusiform to filiform, transeptate ascospores and hyphomycetous asexual states with helicosporous conidia. Most species in this family are saprobic on terrestrial woody substrates and some are aquatic. Their distinct morphology as well as combined LSU, SSU and TEF1 sequence analysis show that Tubeufiaceae should be accommodated in a new order Tubeufiales, which is introduced in this paper. Phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU and ITS sequences were used to resolve genera and species within the family Tubeufiaceae. In this study, we examine and incorporate sexual and asexual states of genera in Tubeufiales to provide a modern treatment, based on single names. An epitype for Tubeufia javanica, the type species of Tubeufia, is designated and represents Tubeufia sensu stricto. The genera Acanthophiobolus, Acanthostigma, Boerlagiomyces, Chlamydotubeufia, Kamalomyces, Podonectria, Thaxteriella and Thaxteriellopsis are accepted, Acanthostigmina is reinstated, and the asexual genera Aquaphila, Helicoma, Helicomyces, Helicosporium and Tamhinispora are accepted in Tubeufiaceae. Three new genera Acanthohelicospora, Helicangiospora and Neoacanthostigma are introduced. The genus Bifrontia is added to the family based on morphological similarity. The incongruous morphological genera Acanthostigmella, Amphinectria, Chaetocrea, Chaetosphaerulina, Glaxoa, Malacaria, Melioliphila, Paranectriella, Puttemansia, Rebentischia and Uredinophila are excluded from Tubeufiaceae despite having characteristic ascomata with setae and multiseptate long spores. A key to genera accepted in Tubeufiaceae is provided.

Phylogenetic relationships and morphological reappraisal of Melanommataceae (Pleosporales)

The family Melanommataceae is widespread in temperate and subtropical regions and species invariably occur on twigs or bark of various woody plants in terrestrial, marine or freshwater habitats. In this paper, the type species of 26 genera of the family are re-described and illustrated. A multi-gene phylogeny based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of LSU, SSU, RPB2 and EF-1α sequence data of species of Melanommataceae is provided. The new genera, Muriformistrickeria, Pseudostrickeria and Thysanolaenae are introduced. Anomalemma is synonymized under Exosporiella. Acrocordiopsis, Astrosphaeriella, Beverwykella, Caryosporella, Sporidesmiella and Pseudotrichia are excluded from Melanommataceae based on molecular phylogenetic analyses. Presently, 20 genera are accepted in Melanommataceae. Based on the phylogenetic data, five new species, Byssosphaeria siamensis, Herpotrichia vaginatispora, Pseudostrickeria muriformis, Pseudostrickeria ononidis and Muriformistrickeria rubi, are introduced.

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.

Vamsapriya (Xylariaceae) re-described, with two new species and molecular sequence data

Abstract Vamsapriya comprises two species from bamboo and is characterized by erect, rigid, dark brown, synnematous conidiophores, monotretic conidiogenous cells and brown to dark brown, septate, conidia in chains. Vamsapriya indica, the generic type of Vamsapriya, was recollected and isolated from bamboo culms in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand and is described, illustrated and epitypified in this paper. Two new species in the genus were also discovered and are introduced as V. khunkonensis and V. bambusicola. The new species differs from the type and the other known species, V. mahabaleshwarensis, in the shape and size of the conidia. Maximum-parsimony (MP) analysis of combined LSU, SSU and RPB2 sequence data and Bayesian analysis based on multi-gene data set of betatubulin, ITS, LSU, and RPB2 show Vamsapriya belongs in Xylariaceae, Xylariales.

Introducing the Novel Species, Dothiorella symphoricarposicola, from Snowberry in Italy

Abstract Species of Dothiorella are common plant pathogens or saprobes found mainly on a variety of woody hosts, with a cosmopolitan distribution. Strains of Dothiorella were isolated from the stems of Symphoricarpos sp. and Cornus sanguinea in Italy. Morphological characters, as well as phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS4, ITS5) and partial sequences of the translation elongation factor 1-&agr; genes were used to characterize and distinguish the two isolates. One is conspecific to D. sarmentorum previously from Menispermum canadense collected in Sweden, and a description for this species is provided. The second species could not be assigned to any known species of Dothiorella. Dothiorella symphoricarposicola sp. nov. from Symphoricarpos is described and illustrated herein, and compared with similar Dothiorella taxa.