The type species of the genus Tiarosporella, T. paludosa, is epitypified and confirmed as a member of the Botryosphaeriaceae. Based on morphology and DNA sequence data of the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU, 28S) and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and 5.8S rRNA gene of the nrDNA operon, the genus Tiarosporella is shown to be poly-and paraphyletic. A group of isolates morphologically similar to T. paludosa cluster to the Phacidiaceae (Phacidiales, Leotiomycetes) and we accommodated them in Darkera, a genus associated with needle diseases of conifers, with D. picea introduced as a novel taxon. This new taxon includes isolates occurring on needles of Picea spp. in Europe (Finland, Norway and Switzerland) and differs from D. parca according to a five-locus alignment consisting of ITS, LSU, partial 18S nuclear ribosomal RNA, translation elongation factor 1-alpha and beta-tubulin genes. Four novel genera are introduced for tiarosporella-like fungi, namely Eutiarosporella based on E. tritici on Triticum aestivum from South Africa, Marasasiomyces based on M. karoo on Eriocephalus sp. from South Africa, Mucoharknessia based on M. cortaderiae on Cortaderia selloana from Argentina, and Sakireeta based on S. madreeya on Aristida setacea from India. Together with the genus Botryobambusa, these genera represent a subclade in the Botryosphaeriaceae that is ecologically diverse, occurring on Poaceae, as well as woody hosts, including endophytes, saprobes, and plant pathogens.
Thelonectria discophora (Thelonectria, Nectriaceae, Hypocreales) is a conspicuous group of saprobic fungi on decaying plant material, characterized by red perithecia each with a broad mammiform (nipple-like) apex. The anamorphic state is characterized by a cylindrocarpon-like morphology, with 3-5 septate macroconidia, unicellular microconidia and chlamydospores are rarely produced in culture. In the past, T.discophora was regarded as one species with a wide geographic distribution. However, a recent study rejected the monophyly and cosmopolitanism of this species, and showed the existence of at least sixteen cryptic species based solely on molecular data. In the present paper, we revise the taxonomy of T. discophora species complex by describing twelve new species and four new combinations based on historic names. Individual diagnostic morphological characters for each species could not be identified; however, discrete morphological traits corresponding to each one of the three main groups of species were discovered. Lineages could be differentiated by average values of morphological traits as well as presence/absence of characteristic asexual propagules and colony growth at 30 C. Description, illustrations and keys for identification are provided for the recognized species.
A new species belonging to the Dothideomycete genus Acanthostigma is described from bark of two Nothofagus species from Argentina. Its identity as a new species is based on both morphology and molecular sequence data. Acanthostigma patagonica differs from other species in the genus by having larger ascomata and setae and wider, asymmetrical ascospores. An amended key to Acanthostigma species is provided along with a discussion of other species previously described from South America.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.