Journal of Fungi

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26 pages, 4076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Insights into Tetraplosphaeriaceae Based on Taxonomic Investigations of Bambusicolous Fungi and Freshwater Fungi

by Hai-Jun Zhao, Mingkwan Doilom, Ausana Mapook, Gennuo Wang, Kevin D. Hyde and Wei Dong

J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050319 - 27 Apr 2024

Viewed by 184

Abstract

Species within Tetraplosphaeriaceae have been frequently documented in recent years with the extensive investigations of microfungi along a latitudinal gradient from north to south in the Asian/Australian region. Both bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats serve as extensive reservoirs, hosting a rich diversity of [...] Read more.

Species within Tetraplosphaeriaceae have been frequently documented in recent years with the extensive investigations of microfungi along a latitudinal gradient from north to south in the Asian/Australian region. Both bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats serve as extensive reservoirs, hosting a rich diversity of fungi that exhibit broad geographical distributions. The most common fungi in these two environments are generally distributed in distinct families. However, our statistics have revealed an intriguingly distinct preference of Tetraplosphaeriaceae species for inhabiting both bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats. The genera Pseudotetraploa (100%) and Triplosphaeria (100%) exhibit a strong preference, followed by Shrungabeeja (71%) and Quadricrura (67%). Our taxonomic and phylogenetic study of microfungi in southern China have identified four additional novel species, viz., Aquatisphaeria bambusae sp. nov., Pseudotetraploa phyllostachydis sp. nov., Pseudotetraploa yangjiangensis sp. nov., and Tetraploa submersa sp. nov. from bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats. In addition, Aquatisphaeria thailandica has previously been documented from freshwater habitats in Thailand; however, we have once again isolated this species from decaying bamboo substrates in Guangdong, China. The new findings substantiate our hypothesis that the preference of Tetraplosphaeriaceae species for colonizing bamboo substrates and freshwater habitats will be more evident through more extensive investigations conducted in such environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Fungal Diversity)

17 pages, 3273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three Novel Cheiroid Hyphomycetes in Dictyocheirospora and Dictyosporium (Dictyosporiaceae) from Freshwater Habitats in Guangdong and Guizhou Provinces, China

by Yong-Xin Shu, Mingkwan Doilom, Saranyaphat Boonmee, Biao Xu and Wei Dong

J. Fungi 2024, 10(4), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10040259 - 28 Mar 2024

Viewed by 610

Abstract

Over the past two decades, numerous novel species have been identified within Dictyosporiaceae, primarily in Dictyocheirospora and Dictyosporium. A recent monograph has revealed that these two genera exhibit a distinct preference for freshwater habitats, particularly in southern China. However, further investigation [...] Read more.

Over the past two decades, numerous novel species have been identified within Dictyosporiaceae, primarily in Dictyocheirospora and Dictyosporium. A recent monograph has revealed that these two genera exhibit a distinct preference for freshwater habitats, particularly in southern China. However, further investigation into the distribution and diversity of the two genera in Guangdong and Guizhou Provinces remains insufficient. In this study, we conducted an analysis of four intriguing cheiroid hyphomycetes collected from flowing rivers in these two regions. Through morphological and phylogenetic analyses incorporating combined LSU, SSU, ITS, and tef1-α sequence data, we have identified them as a novel species in Dictyocheirospora (Dictyoc. submersa sp. nov.), two novel species in Dictyosporium (Dictyos. guangdongense sp. nov. and Dictyos. variabilisporum sp. nov.), and one previously documented species (Dictyos. digitatum). Specifically, the identification of Dictyos. guangdongense is primarily based on its distinct morphology, characterized by complanate, cheiroid, and brown to dark brown conidia, with a hyaline, short, and atrophied appendage arising from the apical cell of the outer row. In addition, the morphological distinctions between Dictyocheirospora and Dictyosporium are further clarified based on our new data. This study also highlights a few phylogenetic matters regarding Dictyosporiaceae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Fungal Diversity)

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16 pages, 5255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multilocus Phylogeny and Characterization of Five Undescribed Aquatic Carnivorous Fungi (Orbiliomycetes)

by Fa Zhang, Yao-Quan Yang, Fa-Ping Zhou, Wen Xiao, Saranyaphat Boonmee and Xiao-Yan Yang

J. Fungi 2024, 10(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10010081 - 20 Jan 2024

Viewed by 926

Abstract

The diversity of nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) holds significant theoretical and practical implications in the study of adaptive evolution and the bio-control of harmful nematodes. However, compared to terrestrial ecosystems, research on aquatic NTF is still in its early stages. During a survey of [...] Read more.

The diversity of nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) holds significant theoretical and practical implications in the study of adaptive evolution and the bio-control of harmful nematodes. However, compared to terrestrial ecosystems, research on aquatic NTF is still in its early stages. During a survey of NTF in six watersheds in Yunnan Province, China, we isolated 10 taxa from freshwater sediment. Subsequent identification based on morphological and multigene (ITS, TEF1-α, and RPB2) phylogenetic analyses inferred they belong to five new species within Arthrobotrys. This paper provides a detailed description of these five novel species (Arthrobotrys cibiensis, A. heihuiensis, A. jinshaensis, A. yangbiensis, and A. yangjiangensis), contributing novel insights for further research into the diversity of NTF and providing new material for the biological control of aquatic harmful nematodes. Additionally, future research directions concerning aquatic NTF are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Fungal Diversity)

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38 pages, 4371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into Some Onygenalean Fungi from Freshwater Sediments in Spain and Description of Novel Taxa

by Daniel Torres-Garcia, Josepa Gené, Dania García and Jose F. Cano-Lira

J. Fungi 2023, 9(12), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9121129 - 22 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1921

Abstract

During the course of a project investigating culturable Ascomycota diversity from freshwater sediments in Spain, we isolated 63 strains of cycloheximide-resistant fungi belonging to the order Onygenales. These well-known ascomycetes, able to infect both humans and animals, are commonly found in terrestrial [...] Read more.

During the course of a project investigating culturable Ascomycota diversity from freshwater sediments in Spain, we isolated 63 strains of cycloheximide-resistant fungi belonging to the order Onygenales. These well-known ascomycetes, able to infect both humans and animals, are commonly found in terrestrial habitats, colonizing keratin-rich soils or dung. Little is known about their diversity in aquatic environments. Combining morphological features and sequence analyses of the ITS and LSU regions of the nrDNA, we identified 14 species distributed in the genera Aphanoascus, Arachniotus, Arthroderma, Arthropsis, Emmonsiellopsis, Gymnoascoideus, Leucothecium, Malbranchea, and Myriodontium. Furthermore, three novel species for the genus Malbranchea are proposed as M. echinulata sp. nov., M. irregularis sp. nov., and M. sinuata sp. nov. The new genera Albidomyces and Neoarthropsis are introduced based on Arachniotus albicans and Arthropsis hispanica, respectively. Neoarthropsis sexualis sp. nov. is characterized and differentiated morphologically from its counterpart by the production of a sexual morph. The novel family Neoarthropsidaceae is proposed for the genera Albidomyes, Apinisia, Arachnotheca, Myriodontium, and Neoarthropsis, based on their phylogenetic relationships and phenotypic and ecological traits. Pseudoamaurascopsis gen. nov. is introduced to accommodate P. spiralis sp. nov., a fungus with unclear taxonomy related to Amaurascopsis and Polytolypa. We traced the ecology and global distribution of the novel fungi through ITS environmental sequences deposited in the GlobalFungi database. Studying the fungal diversity from freshwater sediments not only contributes to filling gaps in the relationships and taxonomy of the Ascomycota but also gives us insights into the fungal community that might represent a putative risk to the health of animals and humans inhabiting or transient in aquatic environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Fungal Diversity)

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26 pages, 9529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lignicolous Freshwater Fungi from Plateau Lakes in China (I): Morphological and Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Eight Species of Lentitheciaceae, Including New Genus, New Species and New Records

by Hong-Wei Shen, Dan-Feng Bao, Saranyaphat Boonmee, Xi-Jun Su, Xing-Guo Tian, Kevin D. Hyde and Zong-Long Luo

J. Fungi 2023, 9(10), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9100962 - 25 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1012

Abstract

During the investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi in plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, China, eight Lentitheciaceae species were collected from five lakes viz. Luguhu, Qiluhu, Xingyunhu, Cibihu, and Xihu lake. Based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, SSU, and [...] Read more.

During the investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi in plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, China, eight Lentitheciaceae species were collected from five lakes viz. Luguhu, Qiluhu, Xingyunhu, Cibihu, and Xihu lake. Based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, SSU, and tef 1-α sequence data, a new genus Paralentithecium, two new species (Paralentithecium suae, and Setoseptoria suae), three new records (Halobyssothecium phragmitis, H. unicellulare, and Lentithecium yunnanensis) and three known species viz. Halobyssothecium aquifusiforme, Lentithecium pseudoclioninum, and Setoseptoria bambusae are reported. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Fungal Diversity)

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34 pages, 14662 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Species of Didymellaceae within Aquatic Plants from Southwestern China

by Tong Chen, Siyuan Wang, Xinwei Jiang, Ying Huang, Minghe Mo and Zefen Yu

J. Fungi 2023, 9(7), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9070761 - 19 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1493

Abstract

Members of Didymellaceae have a wide geographical distribution throughout different ecosystems, and most species are associated with fruit, leaf, stem and root diseases of land plants. However, species that occur in aquatic plants are not clearly known. During a survey of the diversity [...] Read more.

Members of Didymellaceae have a wide geographical distribution throughout different ecosystems, and most species are associated with fruit, leaf, stem and root diseases of land plants. However, species that occur in aquatic plants are not clearly known. During a survey of the diversity of endophytes in aquatic plants in Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou provinces, we obtained 51 isolates belonging to Didymellaceae based on internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) sequences. Further, the phylogenetic positions of these isolates were determined by combined sequences composed of ITS, partial large subunit nrRNA gene (28S nrDNA; LSU), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) and partial beta-tubulin gene (tub2). Combining morphological characteristics and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, two new varieties belong to Boeremia and 12 new species distributed into seven genera were recognized from 51 isolates, i.e., Cumuliphoma, Didymella, Dimorphoma, Ectophoma, Leptosphaerulina, Remotididymella, and Stagonosporopsis. Among these species, only one species of Stagonosporopsis and two species of Leptosphaerulina show teleomorphic stages on OA, but have no anamorphic state. Each new species is described in detail, and the differences between new species and their phylogenetically related species are discussed here. The high frequency of new species indicates that aquatic plants may be a special ecological niche which highly promotes species differentiation. At the same time, the frequent occurrence of new species may indicate the need for extensive investigation of fungal resources in those aquatic environments where fungal diversity may be underestimated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Fungal Diversity)

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14 pages, 4621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological and Multi-Gene Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Pseudotubeufia gen. nov. and Two New Species in Tubeufiaceae from China

by Jian Ma, Xing-Juan Xiao, Ning-Guo Liu, Saranyaphat Boonmee, Yuan-Pin Xiao and Yong-Zhong Lu

J. Fungi 2023, 9(7), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9070742 - 12 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 917

Abstract

Three helicosporous hyphomycete collections representing two species were obtained from rotting wood found in freshwater and terrestrial habitats in the Guizhou and Guangxi Provinces, China. A new genus Pseudotubeufia (Tubeufiaceae, Tubeufiales), comprising Ps. hyalospora sp. nov. and Ps. laxispora sp. nov., [...] Read more.

Three helicosporous hyphomycete collections representing two species were obtained from rotting wood found in freshwater and terrestrial habitats in the Guizhou and Guangxi Provinces, China. A new genus Pseudotubeufia (Tubeufiaceae, Tubeufiales), comprising Ps. hyalospora sp. nov. and Ps. laxispora sp. nov., was introduced with morphological characteristic and molecular data. In addition, the molecular evidence showed that Helicomyces sp. (G.M. 2020-09-19.1), H. roseus (CBS: 102.76), and the new genus Pseudotubeufia clustered together with high support based on a multi-gene (LSU, ITS, tef1α, and rpb2) phylogenetic analysis. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and notes of the three new collections are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Fungal Diversity)

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17 pages, 10915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Additions to Bambusicolous Fungi of Savoryellaceae from Southwest China

by Xian-Dong Yu, Sheng-Nan Zhang and Jian-Kui Liu

J. Fungi 2023, 9(5), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9050571 - 14 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1180

Abstract

Asexual and sexual morphs of saprobic bambusicolous fungi were collected from freshwater and terrestrial habitats in Sichuan Province, China. Taxonomic identification of these fungi was carried out on the basis of morphological comparison, culture characteristics, and molecular phylogeny. Multi-gene phylogeny based on combined [...] Read more.

Asexual and sexual morphs of saprobic bambusicolous fungi were collected from freshwater and terrestrial habitats in Sichuan Province, China. Taxonomic identification of these fungi was carried out on the basis of morphological comparison, culture characteristics, and molecular phylogeny. Multi-gene phylogeny based on combined SSU, ITS, LSU, rpb2, and tef1α sequence data was performed to determine their phylogenetic placement, and the result showed that these fungi belong to Savoryellaceae. Morphologically, four asexual morphs are similar to Canalisporium and Dematiosporium, while a sexual morph well-fits to Savoryella. Three new species, Canalisporium sichuanense, Dematiosporium bambusicola, and Savoryella bambusicola are identified and described. Two new records, C. dehongense and D. aquaticum, were recovered from the bamboo hosts in terrestrial and freshwater habitats, respectively. In addition, the nomenclatural confusion of C. dehongense and C. thailandense is discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Fungal Diversity)

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17 pages, 5014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Hyphomycetous Muriform Conidial Taxa from the Tibetan Plateau, China

by Rong-Ju Xu, Ying-An Zhu, Ning-Guo Liu, Saranyaphat Boonmee, De-Qun Zhou and Qi Zhao

J. Fungi 2023, 9(5), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9050560 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1472

Abstract

During the investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi in the Tibetan Plateau habitat, fifteen collections were isolated from submerged decaying wood. Fungal characteristics are commonly found as punctiform or powdery colonies with dark pigmented and muriform conidia. Multigene phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, [...] Read more.

During the investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi in the Tibetan Plateau habitat, fifteen collections were isolated from submerged decaying wood. Fungal characteristics are commonly found as punctiform or powdery colonies with dark pigmented and muriform conidia. Multigene phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, SSU and TEF DNA sequences showed that they belong to three families in Pleosporales. Among them, Paramonodictys dispersa, Pleopunctum megalosporum, Pl. multicellularum and Pl. rotundatum are established as new species. Paradictyoarthrinium hydei, Pleopunctum ellipsoideum and Pl. pseudoellipsoideum are reported as new records on the freshwater habitats in Tibetan Plateau, China. The morphological descriptions and illustrations of the new collections are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Fungal Diversity)

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Review

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11 pages, 838 KiB

Open AccessReview

Opening Pandora’s Box: Neglected Biochemical Potential of Permafrost-Associated Fungal Communities in a Warming Climate

by Hossein Masigol, Alice Retter, Mohammad Javad Pourmoghaddam, Hossein Amini, Seyedeh Roksana Taheri, Reza Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa, Mahyar Kimiaei and Hans-Peter Grossart

J. Fungi 2024, 10(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10010020 - 28 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1000

Abstract

Permafrost, a vast storage reservoir of frozen organic matter, is rapidly thawing due to climate change, releasing previously preserved carbon into the environment. This phenomenon has significant consequences for microbial communities, including fungi, inhabiting permafrost-associated regions. In this review, we delve into the [...] Read more.

Permafrost, a vast storage reservoir of frozen organic matter, is rapidly thawing due to climate change, releasing previously preserved carbon into the environment. This phenomenon has significant consequences for microbial communities, including fungi, inhabiting permafrost-associated regions. In this review, we delve into the intricate interplay between permafrost thawing and fungal diversity and functionality with an emphasis on thermokarst lakes. We explore how the release of organic carbon from thawing permafrost alters the composition and activities of fungal communities, emphasizing the potential for shifts in taxonomic diversity and functional gene expression. We discuss the formation of thermokarst lakes, as an example of permafrost thaw-induced ecological disruptions and their impact on fungal communities. Furthermore, we analyze the repercussions of these changes, including effects on nutrient cycling, plant productivity, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By elucidating the multifaceted relationship between permafrost thaw and aquatic fungi, this review provides valuable insights into the ecological consequences of ongoing climate change in permafrost-affected regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Fungal Diversity)

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