Three novel woody litter inhabiting fungi in Didymosphaeriaceae, Phaeoseptaceae and Synnemasporellaceae from Zhujiangyuan Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province, P.R. China.

Zhujiangyuan Nature Reserve, located in Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China, is reported with high fauna and floral diversity, while the fungal diversity of the region is poorly documented. During the summer season in 2023, decaying wood-inhabiting microfungi were collected from different microhabitats. The novel species were identified based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses (based on combined datasets of ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 regions). Two species belong to Dothideomycetes (viz., Spegazziniazhujiangyuanensis sp. nov. and Phaeoseptumzhujiangyuanense sp. nov. in Pleosporales) while the other one resides in Sordariomycetes (Synnemasporellafanii sp. nov. in Diaporthales). The results are in conformity with the earlier studies that predicted higher fungal diversity in this region.

Pezizomycotina species associated with rotten plant materials in Guizhou Province, China.

Nine Pezizomycotina strains were isolated from rotten dead branches and leaves collected from Guizhou Province. To obtain their accurate taxonomic placement, we provided the morphological characteristics of conidiophore cells and conidia. Phylogenetic relationships, based on ITS, rpb2, SSU, LSU and tub2 gene sequences, confirmed our strains represented three novel species, Peglioniafalcata, Neoascochytapseudofusiformis and Neomicrosphaeropsiscylindrica. Peglioniafalcata produced falcate conidia and Neoa.pseudofusiformis generated fusiform conidia, while Neom.cylindrica possessed cylindrical conidia. The phylogenetic results also supported them as novel taxa. All the new species in the present study were found as saprophytic on forest litter with high rainfall, which suggest they may have a certain effect on nutrient decomposition and redistribution in forest ecosystems. Thus, it opened a way for further research on related ecological roles and their application production.

Paramphibambusabambusicola gen. et. sp. nov., Arecophilaxishuangbannaensis and A.zhaotongensis spp. nov. in Cainiaceae from Yunnan, China.

Morphological comparisons and multi locus phylogenetic analyses (base on the combined genes of ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tub) demonstrated that three new saprobic taxa isolated from bamboo belong to Cainiaceae. These taxa comprise a novel genus Paramphibambusa (P.bambusicolasp. nov.) and two new species, Arecophilaxishuangbannaensis and A.zhaotongensis. The three new taxa belong to Cainiaceae (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes) a poorly studied family, which now comprises eight genera. Paramphibambusa can be distinguished from other Cainiaceae genera in having ascomata with a neck and ascospores lacking longitudinal striation, germ slits or germ pores. The two new Arecophila species clustered in a clade with Arecophila sp. and A.bambusae. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and an updated phylogenetic tree are provided for the new taxa.

Erratum: Corrigendum: Hu H et al. (2023) Taxonomic and phylogenetic characterisations of six species of Pleosporales (in Didymosphaeriaceae, Roussoellaceae and Nigrogranaceae) from China. MycoKeys 100: 123-151. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.100.109423.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.100.109423.].

Taxonomic and phylogenetic characterisations of six species of Pleosporales (in Didymosphaeriaceae, Roussoellaceae and Nigrogranaceae) from China.

Pleosporales comprise a diverse group of fungi with a global distribution and significant ecological importance. A survey on Pleosporales (in Didymosphaeriaceae, Roussoellaceae and Nigrogranaceae) in Guizhou Province, China, was conducted. Specimens were identified, based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses using a dataset composed of ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1 and rpb2 loci. Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analyses were performed. As a result, three new species (Neokalmusiakarka, Nigrogranaschinifolium and N.trachycarpus) have been discovered, along with two new records for China (Roussoellaneopustulans and R.doimaesalongensis) and a known species (Roussoellapseudohysterioides). Morphologically similar species and phylogenetically close taxa are compared and discussed. This study provides detailed information and descriptions of all newly-identified taxa.

Taxonomy and evolution history of two new litter-decomposing Ciliochorella (Amphisphaeriales, Sporocadaceae).

The genus Ciliochorella is a group of pestalotioid fungi, which typically occurs in subtropical and tropical areas. Species from the Ciliochorella genus play important roles in the decomposition of litter. In this study, we introduce two new species (Ciliochorellachinensissp. nov. and C.savannicasp. nov.) that were found on leaf litter collected from savanna-like vegetation in hot dry valleys of southwestern China. Phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, ITS and tub2 sequence datasets indicated that C.chinensis and C.savannica respectively form a distinct clade within the Ciliochorella genus. The comparison of the morphological characteristics indicated that the two new species are well differentiated within this genus species. Analysis of the evolutionary history suggests that Ciliochorella originated from the Eurasian continent during the Paleogene (38 Mya). Further, we find that both new species can produce cellulase and laccase, playing a decomposer role.

OMICS and Other Advanced Technologies in Mycological Applications.

Fungi play many roles in different ecosystems. The precise identification of fungi is important in different aspects. Historically, they were identified based on morphological characteristics, but technological advancements such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing now enable more accurate identification and taxonomy, and higher-level classifications. However, some species, referred to as "dark taxa", lack distinct physical features that makes their identification challenging. High-throughput sequencing and metagenomics of environmental samples provide a solution to identifying new lineages of fungi. This paper discusses different approaches to taxonomy, including PCR amplification and sequencing of rDNA, multi-loci phylogenetic analyses, and the importance of various omics (large-scale molecular) techniques for understanding fungal applications. The use of proteomics, transcriptomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, and interactomics provides a comprehensive understanding of fungi. These advanced technologies are critical for expanding the knowledge of the Kingdom of Fungi, including its impact on food safety and security, edible mushrooms foodomics, fungal secondary metabolites, mycotoxin-producing fungi, and biomedical and therapeutic applications, including antifungal drugs and drug resistance, and fungal omics data for novel drug development. The paper also highlights the importance of exploring fungi from extreme environments and understudied areas to identify novel lineages in the fungal dark taxa.

Ecological and Oceanographic Perspectives in Future Marine Fungal Taxonomy.

Marine fungi are an ecological rather than a taxonomic group that has been widely researched. Significant progress has been made in documenting their phylogeny, biodiversity, ultrastructure, ecology, physiology, and capacity for degradation of lignocellulosic compounds. This review (concept paper) summarizes the current knowledge of marine fungal diversity and provides an integrated and comprehensive view of their ecological roles in the world's oceans. Novel terms for 'semi marine fungi' and 'marine fungi' are proposed based on the existence of fungi in various oceanic environments. The major maritime currents and upwelling that affect species diversity are discussed. This paper also forecasts under-explored regions with a greater diversity of marine taxa based on oceanic currents. The prospects for marine and semi-marine mycology are highlighted, notably, technological developments in culture-independent sequencing approaches for strengthening our present understanding of marine fungi's ecological roles.

Fungi associated with dead branches of Magnolia grandiflora: A case study from Qujing, China.

As a result of an ongoing survey of microfungi associated with garden and ornamental plants in Qijing, Yunnan, China, several saprobic fungal taxa were isolated from Magnolia grandiflora. Both morphological and combined SSU, LSU, ITS, tef1, and rpb2 locus phylogenetic analyses (maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analyses) were carried out to identify the fungal taxa. Three new species are introduced in Pleosporales, viz., Lonicericola qujingensis (Parabambusicolaceae), Phragmocamarosporium magnoliae, and Periacma qujingensis (Lentitheciaceae). Botryosphaeria dothidea, Diplodia mutila, and Diplodia seriata (in Botryosphaeriaceae) are reported from Magnolia grandiflora for the first time in China. Angustimassarina populi (Amorosiaceae) is reported for the first time on M. grandiflora from China, and this is the first report of a member of this genus outside Europe. Shearia formosa is also reported for the first time on M. grandiflora from China.

Taxonomy, Phylogenetic and Ancestral Area Reconstruction in Phyllachora, with Four Novel Species from Northwestern China.

The members of Phyllachora are biotrophic, obligate plant parasitic fungi featuring a high degree of host specificity. This genus also features a high degree of species richness and worldwide distribution. In this study, four species occurring on leaf and stem of two different species of grass were collected from Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces, China. Based on morphological analysis, multigene (combined data set of LSU, SSU, and ITS) phylogenetic analyses (maximum likelihood and Bayesian analysis), and host relationship, we introduce herein four new taxa of Phyllachora. Ancestral area reconstruction analysis showed that the ancestral area of Phyllachora occurred in Latin America about 194 Mya. Novel taxa are compared with the related Phyllachora species. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and notes are provided for each species.

Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Characterizations Reveal Four New Species, Two New Asexual Morph Reports, and Six New Country Records of Bambusicolous Roussoella from China.

During the ongoing investigation of bambusicolous ascomycetous fungi in Yunnan, China, 24 specimens belonging to the family Roussoellaceae were collected and identified based on morphological features and phylogenetic support. Maximum-likelihood (ML) analyses and Bayesian analyses were generated based on the combined data set of ITS, LSU, tef1, and rpb2 loci. The phylogenetic analyses revealed four novel lineages in Roussoella s. str.; thus, we introduced four new species viz., Roussoella multiloculate sp. nov., R. papillate sp. nov., R. sinensis sp. nov., and R. uniloculata sp. nov. Their morphological characters were compared with the known Roussoella taxa, which lack sequence data in the GenBank. Asexual morphs of R. kunmingensis and R. padinae were recorded from dead bamboo culms in China (from the natural substrates) for the first time. Neoroussoella bambusae, Roussoella japanensis, R. nitidula, R. padinae, R. scabrispora, and R. tuberculate were also reported as the first records from China. All new taxa are described and illustrated in detail. Plates are provided for new reports.

Potential Fungi Isolated From Anti-biodegradable Chinese Medicine Residue to Degrade Lignocellulose.

Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the ancient medicines which is popular in Asian countries, among which the residue produced by the use of anti-biodegradables is endless, and causes significant adverse impacts on the environment. However, the high acidity of anti-biodegradable residues and some special biological activities make it difficult for microorganisms to survive, resulting in a very low degradation rate of lignocellulose in naturally stacked residues, which directly impedes the degradation of residues. We aimed to identify the fungal strains that efficiently biodegrade anti-biodegradable residue and see the possibility to improve the biodegradation of it and other agricultural wastes by co-cultivating these fungi. We isolated 302 fungal strains from anti-biodegradable residue to test hydrolysis ability. Finally, we found Coniochaeta sp., Fomitopsis sp., Nemania sp., Talaromyces sp., Phaeophlebiopsis sp. which inhabit the anti-biodegradable residues are capable of producing higher concentrations of extracellular enzymes. Synergistic fungal combinations (viz., Fomitopsis sp. + Phaeophlebiopsis sp.; Talaromyces sp. + Coniochaeta sp. + Fomitopsis sp.; Talaromyces sp. + Fomitopsis sp. + Piloderma sp. and Talaromyces sp. + Nemania sp. + Piloderma sp.) have better overall degradation effect on lignocellulose. Therefore, these fungi and their combinations have strong potential to be further developed for bioremediation and biological enzyme industrial production.

New species and records of Neomassaria, Oxydothis and Roussoella (Pezizomycotina, Ascomycota) associated with palm and bamboo from China.

Several micro fungi were gathered from bamboo and palm in Guizhou Province, China. In morphology, these taxa resemble Neomassaria, Roussoella and Oxydothis. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on combined ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2 and tef1 loci confirmed that two are new geographical records for China, (viz. Roussoellasiamensis, Neomassariafabacearum), while two of them are new to science (viz. Oxydothisfortunei sp. nov. and Roussoellabambusarum sp. nov.). The stromata of Roussoellabambusarum are similar to those of R.thailandica, but its ascospores are larger. In addition, multi-gene phylogenetic analyses show that Oxydothisfortunei is closely related to O.inaequalis, but the J- ascus subapical ring as well as the ascospores of O.inaequalis are smaller. Morphological descriptions and illustrations of all species are provided.

Overexpressing GRE3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae enables high ethanol production from different lignocellulose hydrolysates.

The efficiently renewable bioethanol can help to alleviate energy crisis and environmental pollution. Genetically modified strains for efficient use of xylose and developing lignocellulosic hydrolysates play an essential role in facilitating cellulosic ethanol production. Here we present a promising strain GRE3OE via GRE3 overexpressed in a previously reported Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain WXY70. A comprehensive evaluation of the fermentation level of GRE3OE in alkaline-distilled sweet sorghum bagasse, sorghum straw and xylose mother liquor hydrolysate. Under simulated corn stover hydrolysate, GRE3OE produced 53.39 g/L ethanol within 48 h. GRE3OE produced about 0.498 g/g total sugar in sorghum straw hydrolysate solution. Moreover, GRE3OE consumed more xylose than WXY70 in the high-concentration xylose mother liquor. Taken together, GRE3OE could be a candidate strain for industrial ethanol development, which is due to its remarkable fermentation efficiency during different lignocellulosic hydrolysates.

https://www.fungiofpakistan.com: a continuously updated online database of fungi in Pakistan.

The website fungiofpakistan.com is a collection of all the available data about macro- as well as micro-fungi collected from Pakistan. This website comprises reported fungal species with isolation source or host record, locality and updated classification. The data on this website is based on old literature (library data, personal data of specific authors or books that were not easily accessible to public) and recent publications. This website is an important potential platform for researchers, government officials, industries and other users. Users can provide their inputs related to missing taxa, new genera, the new record and new data. They also have the opportunity to express their opinions on valid names, invalid names and illegitimate names, with notes published in the 'Notes' section of webpage provided following review and editing by curators and fungal taxonomists. This website plays a significant contribution to our knowledge of the rich fungal diversity of Pakistan. However, much more sustained and detailed research is needed to fully evaluate fungal diversity in Pakistan. Undoubtedly, that many more fungi will be discovered and added in the future. DATABASE URL: https://fungiofpakistan.com/.

A taxonomic study of Nemania from China, with six new species.

During an investigation of Xylariaceae from 2019 to 2020, isolates representing eight Nemania (Xylariacese) species were collected from Yunnan, Guizhou and Hainan Provinces in China. Morphological and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses, based on combined ITS, α-actin, rpb2 and ß-tubulin sequences, confirmed that six of them are new to science, viz. Nemaniacamelliae, N.changningensis, N.cyclobalanopsina, N.feicuiensis, N.lishuicola and N.rubi; one is a new record (N.caries) for China and one is a known species (N.diffusa). Morphological descriptions and illustrations of all species are detailed. In addition, the characteristics of Nemania are summarised and prevailing contradictions in generic concepts are discussed.

Current Insight into Culture-Dependent and Culture-Independent Methods in Discovering Ascomycetous Taxa.

Culture techniques are vital in both traditional and modern fungal taxonomy. Establishing sexual-asexual links and synanamorphs, extracting DNA and secondary metabolites are mainly based on cultures. However, it is widely accepted that a large number of species are not sporulating in nature while others cannot be cultured. Recent ecological studies based on culture-independent methods revealed these unculturable taxa, i.e., dark taxa. Recent fungal diversity estimation studies suggested that environmental sequencing plays a vital role in discovering missing species. However, Sanger sequencing is still the main approach in determining DNA sequences in culturable species. In this paper, we summarize culture-based and culture-independent methods in the study of ascomycetous taxa. High-throughput sequencing of leaf endophytes, leaf litter fungi and fungi in aquatic environments is important to determine dark taxa. Nevertheless, currently, naming dark taxa is not recognized by the ICN, thus provisional naming of them is essential as suggested by several studies.

New contributions to Diatrypaceae from karst areas in China.

In this study, fungal specimens of the family Diatrypaceae were collected from karst areas in Guizhou, Hainan and Yunnan Provinces, China. Morpho-molecular analyses confirmed that these new collections comprise a new genus Pseudodiatrype, three new species (Diatrypelancangensis, Diatrypellapseudooregonensis and Eutypacerasi), a new combination (Diatrypellaoregonensis), two new records (Allodiatrypethailandica and Diatrypellavulgaris) from China and two other known species (Neoeutypellabaoshanensis and Paraeutypellacitricola). The new taxa are introduced, based on multi-gene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, ß-tubulin), as well as morphological analyses. The new genus Pseudodiatrype is characterised by its wart-like stromata with 5-20 ascomata immersed in one stroma and the endostroma composed of thin black outer and inner layers of large white cells with thin, powdery, yellowish cells. These characteristics separate this genus from two similar genera Allodiatrype and Diatrype. Based on morphological as well as phylogenetic analyses, Diatrypelancangensis is introduced as a new species of Diatrype. The stromata of Diatrypelancangensis are similar to those of D.subundulata and D.undulate, but the ascospores are larger. Based on phylogenetic analyses, Diatrypeoregonensis is transferred to the genus Diatrypella as Diatrypellaoregonensis while Diatrypellapseudooregonensis is introduced as a new species of Diatrypella with 8 spores in an ascus. In addition, multi-gene phylogenetic analyses show that Eutypacerasi is closely related to E.lata, but the ascomata and asci of Eutypacerasi are smaller. The polyphyletic nature of some genera of Diatrypaceae has led to confusion in the classification of the family, thus we discuss whether the number of ascospores per asci can still be used as a basis for classification.

The Hidden Diversity of Diatrypaceous Fungi in China.

In this study, we investigated the diversity of diatrypaceous fungi from six regions in China based on morpho-molecular analyses of combined ITS and tub2 gene regions. We accept 23 genera in Diatrypaceae with 18 genera involved in the phylogram, and the other five genera are lacking living materials with sequences data. Eleven species included in four genera (viz. Allocryptovalsa, Diatrype, Diatrypella, and Eutypella) have been isolated from seven host species, of which nine novel species (viz. Allocryptovalsa castaneae, A. castaneicola, Diatrype betulae, D. castaneicola, D. quercicola, Diatrypella betulae, Da. betulicola, Da. hubeiensis, and Da. shennongensis), a known species of Diatrypella favacea, and a new record of Eutypella citricola from the host genus Morus are included. Current results show the high diversity of Diatrypaceae which are wood-inhabiting fungi in China.

Paraeutypella guizhouensis gen. et sp. nov. and Diatrypella longiasca sp. nov. (Diatrypaceae) from China.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we introduce a novel genus, Paraeutypella, of the family Diatrypaceae comprising three species viz. Paraeutypella guizhouensis sp. nov. and P. citricola (basionym: Eutypella citricola) and P. vitis (basionym: Sphaeria vitis). Diatrypella longiasca sp. nov. is also introduced, which forms a distinct clade in Diatrypella sensu stricto. The discovery of this new genus will contribute to expanding the knowledge and taxonomic framework of Diatrypaceae (Xylariales). NEW INFORMATION: Generic delimitations in Diatrypaceae are unsettled because the phylogeny has yet to be resolved using extensive taxon sampling and sequencing of ex-type cultures. During an investigation of xylarialean fungi, we collected eutypella-like fungi which is distinct from Eutypella sensu stricto in our phylogenetic analyses (ITS and ß-tubulin), thus, introduced as Paraeutypella guizhouensis gen. et sp. nov.. Paraeutypella is characterised by having 4-25 perithecia in a stroma each with 3-6 sulcate, long ostiolar necks. Paraeutypella citricola comb. nov. (basionym: Eutypella citricola) is introduced on Acer sp. from China. Diatrypella longiasca sp. nov. is introduced as a new species in Diatrypella sensu stricto. which has 2-5 ascomata per stroma and long ascospores, unusual when compared to other Diatrypella species and distinct phylogenetically.