Fungi of the family Gomphaceae are ecologically and economically very important. However, due to their morphological complexity and limited phylogenetic information on the taxa in this family, our understanding of its systematics and evolution remains rudimentary. Based on the most recent classification, Gomphaceae included 16 genera with genus Ramaria sensu lato being the most species rich. In traditional classification systems, Ramaria sensu lato was divided into four subgenera: Echinoramaria, Laeticolora, Lentoramaria, and Ramaria. However, recent phylogenetic analysis segregated subgenus Echinoramaria into an independent genus Phaeoclavulina. Here we explored the phylogenetic relationships among taxa within family Gomphaceae and related genera in other families within the order Gomphales. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using concatenated sequences of 1025 single-copy orthologs from 66 representative species, along with two-gene (ITS and nrLSU) phylogenetic analyses based on 506 samples. Our data revealed that the previously classified Gomphaceae is a non-monophyletic group and led to the following main changes: (1) Members of traditional subgenus Lentoramaria are distant from others in Gomphaceae and this subgenus is separated into five new genera (Acutiramaria, Brachyramaria, Gracimaria, Lentoramaria and Rubellaria); (2) Some species of subgenus Laeticolora, particularly those with pale purple coloration, are transferred to genus Gomphus; (3) The remaining members of subgenus Laeticolora are merged into genus Ramaria, retaining a relatively broad classification of genus Ramaria; and (4) Gautieria and Turbinellus are nested within the genus Ramaria, with Gautieria clustering with subgenus Ramaria and Turbinellus grouping with subgenus Laeticolora. Overall, five new genera and 113 species including 68 new ones and 13 new combinations were identified and described.
The plasmodial slime molds (Amoebozoa, class Myxomycetes) remain one of the few major eukaryotic groups lacking a classification based on robust multigene phylogenies. Extreme sequence divergence and the scarcity of universal primers have thus far impeded broad taxon sampling and the construction of deeply resolved phylogenies. Herein, we propose an updated system for the subclass Columellomycetidae (dark-spored myxomycetes). We employed a genome skimming approach to assemble a 22-gene matrix for 112 herbarium specimens spanning 101 species and integrated public transcriptomic and genomic data from three additional myxomycete species and two dictyostelid species. Different phylogeny inference methods and sequencing data from different loci (nuclear vs. mitochondrial) produced highly consistent and robust clades, most of which we propose as taxa at the level of families. The 22-gene backbone phylogeny was expanded by adding more than nine hundred accessions of dark-spored myxomycetes sequenced for 1–4 genes. This allowed us to produce a highly resolved and species-rich phylogeny of the Columellomycetidae and to revise the delimitation of several genera and families. We now recognize five orders and 12 families in the subclass Columellomycetidae. A new genus, Argentoderma, is described together with the new family Argentodermataceae and the new order Argentodermatales to accommodate three species forming an early-diverging lineage within the Columellomycetidae. The family Didymiaceae is split into four families that better reflect phylogenetic relationships within the Physarales; for this, three new families (Diacheaceae, Polyschismiaceae, and Didermataceae) are described alongside a more narrowly circumscribed Didymiaceae. Echinostelium australiense is transferred to Clastoderma, and Echinosteliopsis is placed within the Echinosteliaceae rather than in a separate order. Semimorula is synonymized with Echinostelium, Physarella is synonymized with Fuligo, Paradiacheopsis is synonymized with Comatricha, Collaria is restricted to the C. rubens clade within the Meridermataceae, and Stemonaria is synonymized with Stemonitis, herein redefined to include the clade centered on Stemonitis fusca. The genera Aethaliopsis, Angioridium, Carcerina, Claustria, and Scyphium are reinstated. In total, 35 new combinations and one nom. nov. (Stemonitis pinicola) are proposed. Extensive homoplasy in sporophore characters underlines the need to explore more fine-scale morphological characters that reflect the evolutionary history of myxomycetes more precisely. Our study demonstrates the utility of shallow genome sequencing of herbarium collections for resolving systematic problems and provides a phylogenomic foundation for comparative research on this neglected lineage of the Amoebozoa.
Macrofungi, although not a formal taxonomic group, comprise ecologically and economically important fungi characterized by conspicuous fruiting bodies. Despite major advances in fungal systematics, a dedicated and integrated classification framework for macrofungi has remained unavailable. Here, we present a hierarchical outline of macrofungal genera and establish MTSEM (Macrofungal Taxonomic System and Economic Mushrooms, https://nmdc.cn/macrofungi/), a continuously updated database integrating taxonomic, genomic, biodiversity resource, and economic trait information. The current outline recognizes 1,982 macrofungal genera distributed across two phyla, five subphyla, 15 classes, 49 orders, and 247 families. MTSEM is a macrofungi-centered resource built upon a comprehensive Dikarya-wide taxonomic backbone and currently integrates data for 9,943 fungal genera, 142,349 species, 20,633 genomes, together with extensive specimen, strain, publication, and patent records. Phylogenomic analyses of 829 fungal genomes supported the proposed classification and revealed that macrofungi are concentrated primarily within Agaricomycetes and Pezizomycetes. Comparative genomic analyses further showed that macrofungi possess larger genomes, higher gene content, fewer horizontally transferred genes, expanded biosynthetic gene cluster repertoires, and greater enrichment of regulatory and developmental functions than microfungi. These results suggest distinct evolutionary strategies associated with multicellular development and ecological specialization in macrofungi. MTSEM provides a comprehensive and continuously updated resource for macrofungal taxonomy, systematics, biodiversity research, and resource utilization.
The tropics account for one-third of global fungal biodiversity. In tropical climates, palms (Arecaceae) thrive as one of the most important monocots, valued for culture and food, while also hosting diverse fungal communities. Over the last 30 years, extensive research on fungi associated with palms has led to the identification of numerous new species, genera, and higher taxonomic groups. However, these valuable records are scattered and often lack DNA sequences and herbarium specimens. The current study compiles the data and provide a comprehensive analysis of the diversity, distribution, and host associations of palm fungi from 1990–2025. Fresh samples from palms were also collected in southern China and southern Thailand from 2021 to 2024 and fungal species were isolated. Eighty collections were obtained from Guangxi, Jiangxi, and Yunnan provinces in China, as well as Narathiwat Province, in Thailand. Based on morphological and multi-locus phylogenetic analysis, these collections were classified into five classes and 27 orders with Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes being dominant. Four of the 27 orders were incertae sedis within Dothideomycetes. Fifty families and 66 genera (including one genus incertae sedis in Pleosporales, one in Sordariales, and six in Xylariales) of Ascomycota were recorded. Cannoniaceae, Ganzhomycetaceae, Ganzhofusosporaceae, Leucocellomycetaceae, Pseudoconlariaceae, and Sporodochyalomycetaceae are introduced as new families. Calamomyces, Ganzhomyces, Ganzhofusospora, Leucocellomyces, Pesudoconioscypha, Proliferirostrum, Sporodochyalomyces, and Tropicomicromyces are described as new genera. In addition, 48 new species and 32 new host/country records are introduced. For novel taxa, detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis are provided. Three new combinations (Pleurophragmium submersum, Tropicomicromyces magnoliae and T. palmae) are also reported based on morphological and multi-locus phylogenetic evidence. This study presents a comprehensive worldwide checklist of palm fungi, comprising 6,094 records from 1990 to 2025. Centered on East Asia (southern China and southern Thailand), we combined these data to examine the predicted diversity and host preferences of palm fungi. Additionally, using weighted global records, we estimate that the total number of palm-associated fungal species ranges from 44,500 to 72,000. Furthermore, based on our collection and existing data, we classify the host preferences of palm fungi into three categories: typical, atypical, and suspected hosts, with definitions provided for each category. Our study establishes a foundation for future ecological and evolutionary research on host-specificity, filling important knowledge gaps, standardizing scattered data, and emphasizing the urgent need for further exploration in tropical regions.
Fungal and oomycete plant pathogens are a considerable threat to global agriculture, leading to widespread diseases that can devastate crops. Research indicates that these threats can cause crop losses typically ranging from 20% to 60%, with losses occasionally reaching up to 100%. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the 50 most studied fungal and oomycete plant pathogens, identified through searches of the Web of Science and other databases using strict selection criteria. We present the latest taxonomic classifications of these fungi, including synonyms, type and representative cultures, and their optimal growth conditions. Furthermore, we detail the diseases they cause, their geographical distribution, host ranges, and overall impact. We offer comprehensive insights into disease symptoms, life cycles, and discussions on efficient management strategies. We also address current research and development focused on these pathogens, while also examining the prospects for both the pathogens and the diseases they cause. Considering their extensive study and importance, we believe these pathogens could be regarded as the top 50 fungal and oomycete pathogens for future research. This paper serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners, offering valuable insights into the challenges posed by these fungal and oomycete pathogens. By clearly identifying and emphasizing key areas for further research and development, we aim to provide robust support for informed decision-making and actively encourage proactive measures to effectively mitigate potential threats to global food security.
Since its establishment, Fungal Diversity has sought to ad-vance the understanding of the Fungal Kingdom in all its complexity, from taxonomy and systematics to ecology, evolution, and applied research. Over the past decades, the journal has grown into a widely recognized international forum for mycological research, publishing work that has not only documented fungal diversity but has also shaped contemporary thinking in the discipline. As the journal moves forward, we are pleased to an-nounce that from January 2026, Fungal Diversity will be published by BioAcademic Press. This change ends our long and productive association with Springer Nature, which has served as the journal’s publisher for many years. The transition marks both a moment of reflection on what has been achieved and a considered step towards the future of scholarly publishing. Our collaboration with Springer Nature began during a period when mycology was expanding rapidly and increas-ingly intersecting with molecular biology, ecology, and other life sciences. During this time, Fungal Diversity has benefited from Springer Nature’s extensive publishing expertise, in-ternational reach, and consistent emphasis on quality. Under its stewardship, the journal has experienced sustained growth in readership, visibility, and scientific influence. We are deeply grateful to the Springer Nature publishing team—across editorial coordination, production, digital platforms, and dissemination—whose professionalism and commitment were central to this progress. Their efforts en-sured that the journal maintained high standards of editorial integrity, efficiency and academic rigor. The decision to transition Fungal Diversity to the BioAc-ademic Press reflects a shared vision for the journal’s con-tinued development. As fungal research continues to broaden, embracing genomics, biotechnology, ecosystem science, and interdisciplinary approaches, it is essential that the journal’s publishing framework remains responsive and adaptable. BioAcademic Press is a recently established aca-demic publisher with a clear focus on open-access, accessi-ble, and sustainable scholarly communication. This partner-ship offers greater flexibility in publishing models, enhanced digital capabilities, and improved integration of research data, while preserving the principles of rigorous peer review and scientific excellence. The editorial board, aims, and scope of Fungal Diversity will remain unchanged, and all manuscripts currently under review or in production will be managed seamlessly during the transition. Authors, reviewers, and readers can expect continuity in editorial practices and pub-lication standards. Our priority throughout this process was to ensure stability while creating space for thoughtful inno-vation. Thus, 2026 will mark a new phase in the journal’s his-tory. Working with BioAcademic Press, we aim to strengthen the journal’s digital presence, explore new formats for schol-arly communication, and expand initiatives that support transparency, reproducibility, and international collaboration. We also look forward to closer engagement with mycological societies and research networks and the development of thematic collections that reflect emerging directions in fun-gal research. At this point of transition, we wish to express once again our sincere appreciation to Springer Nature for its years of partnership and shared commitment to advancing mycolog-ical science. The success and standing of Fungal Diversity today are built in no small part on that collaboration. We also thank our authors, reviewers, and readers, whose contribu-tions and trust have sustained the journal over time. We invite you to continue this journey with us as Fungal Diver-sity enters its next chapter under BioAcademic Press, com-mitted to documenting and understanding the extraordinary diversity and significance of the Fungal Kingdom.
The genus Candida in the Saccharomycotina has long reflected the historical practice of yeast classification based on phenotypic characteristics, retaining remnants of dual nomenclature even after its abandonment in 2011. Following this shift, many Candida species were reclassified into existing or newly proposed genera; yet, Candida itself remained heterogeneous and phylogenetically divergent. This heterogeneity is also true for genera like Ogataea, Starmerella, and Wickerhamomyces. While this heterogeneity has been demonstrated in previous studies, including several recent proposals for new genera, the inclusion of reclassified Candida species in these genera will make them more phylogenetically diverse. Despite widespread recognition of the polyphyletic nature of Candida, confusion persists due to the continued use of this single generic name for species belonging to lineages distantly related to that of the generic type species, Candida vulgaris, a current synonym under Candida tropicalis. In this study, we aim to reduce the genetic heterogeneity of the genus Candida by (i) focusing on lineages distantly related to its nomenclature type and (ii) assessing the diversity and composition of genera into which former Candida species have been reassigned. Phylogenomic analyses were conducted to determine the positions of Candida species and several genomic metrics, including average amino acid identity (AAI), percentage of conserved proteins (POCP), and presence-absence patterns of orthologs (PAPO), in order to quantify genetic divergence in genera and clades, were calculated to assist the reclassification decisions as complementary approaches. In addition to phylogenomic analyses, comprehensive phylogenetic analyses using ITS and LSU D1/D2 rDNA sequence data were performed to include species that are not represented in the genome-scale analyses and to assist species recognition in future studies. This framework led to an updated classification of Candida species and related taxa, proposing 25 new genera to accommodate reclassified species and validating 4 genera, along with 175 new combinations and 87 newly recognized species.
African soils host a diverse but largely underexplored fungal community, but its poorly understood nature impedes the management and understanding of vital species that provide essential ecological services. As a result, the diversity and distribution of soil fungi in Africa remain largely unknown and inadequately documented compared to the global north, with countless species and presumably higher-level taxonomic groups awaiting discovery and description. Ongoing threats such as habitat degradation, climate change, and intensified land use highlight the urgent need to understand and conserve these vital microbial communities. To address this knowledge gap, we generated eDNA metabarcoding data from 467 topsoil samples across various terrestrial ecosystems in 32 African countries. Our analyses revealed significant spatial heterogeneity, with diversity hotspots in savannas, temperate mixed forests, and dry tropical forest ecosystems and low-diversity zones (coldspots) in arid shrublands and deserts. Precipitation and latitudinal distance emerged as the strongest predictors of fungal alpha diversity. Meanwhile, the drivers of beta diversity were mainly temperature, precipitation, and soil chemical properties. To integrate African soil fungi into the principles of continental biodiversity distribution, we present a detailed continent-wide (including islands) map of fungal richness for all fungi and mycorrhizal fungi, highlighting fine-scale spatial patterns across various ecosystems. This study presents the most comprehensive spatial analysis of soil fungal diversity in Africa to date, acting as a vital reference for advancing ecological research, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation planning across the continent. We emphasize here that more effort should be made to conserve soil fungi, particularly mycorrhizal fungi in Africa, especially in regions with low fungal diversity.
Pestalotiopsis-like taxa encompass a diverse group of fungi that are often associated with plant diseases, unique ecological interactions such as endophytism, and the production of novel chemical metabolites. Traditionally, classifying pestalotiopsis-like taxa has been challenging due to their significant phenotypic plasticity and the overlapping morphological characteristics among species. Identifying certain isolates at the species level remains problematic, or even impossible, with current DNA sequencing methods, which highlights issues with defining species boundaries. To refine species boundaries, we integrated evidence from single-gene phylogenies (ITS, tef1, and tub2), multi-gene phylogenetic analyses combined with species delimitation methods (GCPSR—genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition; PTP—Poisson tree processes; mPTP—multi-rate Poisson tree processes; ABGD—automatic barcode gap discovery; and ASAP—assemble species by automatic partitioning), and genomic metrics including average nucleotide identity (ANI) and the proportion of shared core gene clusters within the pangenome. Two novel species, Neopestalotiopsis camelliae and Pseudopestalotiopsis dasymaschalonis, are introduced based on integrative analyses. Evidence of over-splitting was detected across all three genera. Consequently, five species complexes—Pe. adusta species complex, Pe. brassicae species complex, Pe. clavata species complex, Pe. rosea species complex, and Ps. cocos species complex—are established to accommodate lineages that form monophyletic clades in both multi-gene and genome-scale phylogenies but exhibit short internal branches, low statistical support, and indistinct species boundaries. Furthermore, 28 species are synonymized, including seven in Neopestalotiopsis, 18 in Pestalotiopsis, and three in Pseudopestalotiopsis. Overall, our findings highlight the necessity of integrating genomic evidence with traditional phylogenetic approaches to achieve reliable species delimitation and prevent taxonomic inflation in pestalotiopsis-like fungi.
Polypores play a vital role in various forest ecosystems, yet their global biodiversity and distribution patterns have not been adequately studied. In this study, we compiled a comprehensive checklist of polypores using reliable databases and literature records, and then conducted in-depth analyses. A total of 4,026 polypore species was accepted, belonging to 11 orders, 60 families, and 368 genera within the class Agaricomycetes. Among the 11 orders (60 families), Polyporales (Polyporaceae) and Hymenochaetales (Hymenochaetaceae) have the highest number of species. Among six continents, Asia has the highest species number, while Oceania has the lowest number of species recorded. Although the tropical zone has the highest number of species, the temperate zone contains a greater number of orders, families, and genera. White rot fungi are primarily concentrated in the tropical zone, while brown rot fungi and mycorrhizal fungi are mainly distributed in the temperate zone. Bibliometric analyses revealed three distinct groups centered around the keywords of "new species" and "phylogenetic analysis", "activity" and "compound", and "forest" and "species diversity". Overall, our preliminary investigation into the species richness and distribution patterns of polypores has laid a solid foundation for resource development and conservation.
The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is a globally renowned biodiversity epicentre which plays an important role in maintaining the ecological health of China and the Asian region. Understanding the distribution of phytopathogenic fungi in the major agricultural zones of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is crucial for the agricultural management of major crops (e.g., highland barley) in the region. The genus Fusarium and its relatives in the family Nectriaceae (Ascomycota, Hypocreales) encompass a diverse array of species with pathogenic and ecological significance, but previous studies to the region have been very limited. This study aims to investigate the diversity and distribution of species belonging to Fusarium and allied genera in Xizang. A hitherto most intensive collection of diseased crops and samples of sediments, soils, and water from adjacent environments of cropland was carried out at 56 sites in Xizang, resulting in the isolation of 916 strains of fusarioid fungi. Using the FUSARIUM-ID v.3.0 and the FUSARIOID-ID databases, these strains were preliminarily classified into six genera: Cosmospora (4 strains), Fusarium (867 strains), Fusicolla (17 strains), Neocosmospora (21 strains), Neonectria (1 strain), and Thelonectria (6 strains). The representative strains were then subjected to multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, resulting in the identification of 46 species, including 17 new species described in this study and 8 new records for China. Our results provided preliminary insights into the species diversity and distribution of Fusarium and related genera in the Xizang region, and also suggested that cropland, including crop material, as well as neighboring ploughed and irrigated environments constitute a major reservoir for fungal pathogens.
The family Agaricaceae sensu lato (s.l.) represents a highly diverse and ecologically significant group of Basidiomycota, yet its taxonomic framework has long been contentious due to morphological convergence and conflicting phylogenetic hypotheses. Here, we present a comprehensive phylogenomic and taxonomic revision of Agaricaceae s.l. integrating multi-locus phylogenetics (ITS, nrLSU, rpb2, tef1), including 522 newly generated sequences, totaled 996 sequences from 334 species across 60 genera, genome-scale data (1764 single-copy orthologs from 118 genomes including 12 newly generated for this study), divergence time estimation, and detailed morphological analyses. Our analyses resolve Agaricaceae s.l. as a monophyletic lineage comprising five ancient, robustly supported clades that diverged during the Cretaceous. Based on this integrative evidence, we propose a revised classification recognizing five families: the re-circumscribed Agaricaceae sensu stricto and Lycoperdaceae; the reinstated Battarreaceae and Coprinaceae; and corroborating the family rank of Verrucosporaceae. Within the redefined Agaricaceae, we establish four subfamilies (Agaricoideae, Leucocoprinoideae, Macrolepioideae, and Podaxioideae) to provide a stable internal framework. Additionally, two new genera (Furfuragaricus, Conioexocarpus) and 43 novel species are described, along with 10 new combinations. This new classification provides unprecedented stability by resolving the contentious family-level status of major gasteroid lineages and clarifying the boundaries of historically problematic genera (Leucoagaricus, Leucocoprinus, Lepiota). This integrative framework combines molecular, morphological, and temporal evidence, resolving long-standing taxonomic ambiguities and providing a robust foundation for future studies on fungal diversity, evolution, and ecology. Our results underscore the critical role of phylogenomics in disentangling complex taxonomic groups and highlight the underestimated diversity within Agaricaceae s.l.
Yunnan, China, and Chiang Rai, Thailand, are located in the northern part of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), characterized by its warm climate and rich ecological diversity, harboring an abundance of unique fungal resources. This comprehensive study investigated the saprobes associated with the economic crop coffee in Yunnan, China, and Chiang Rai, Thailand. A total of 360 collections were obtained from eight locations: Baoshan, Dali, Dehong, Jinghong, Lincang, Nujiang, and Pu'er in Yunnan in China and Chiang Rai in Thailand, and initial ITS analyses revealed that they belong to seven classes, 37 orders, 83 families, and 137 genera; the life modes of these genera are discussed based on prior studies. The fungal diversity and specificity of the above-mentioned eight collection places are also compared and discussed. Out of the 360 collections, 100 were selected for further morphological and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses based on well-preserved samples, abundant fruiting bodies, and fully matured morphological structures that can be used for morphological observation. The 100 collections belong to three classes, 23 orders, 51 families, and 64 genera. Halotthicoffea, Loculimurus, Neoamorocoelophoma, Occultineomassaria, Similroussoella, and Vaginomyces were identified as new genera. Forty-nine new species, one species with new sequence data, 40 new records, and four new collections are also reviewed. Acrocalymma daliense, Pseudohelminthosporium clematidis, Tubeufia coffeae, and Menisporopsis dinemasporioides are reported in their sexual and asexual morphs from different collection sites, and the taxonomic status of Pseudohelminthosporium clematidis is confirmed based on both morphological characteristics. In addition, two new combinations (Neoamorocoelophoma camelliae and Similroussoella jinghongensis) are introduced in this study based on evidence from morphology and multi-locus phylogeny. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images, and phylogenetic analyses results are provided for all the species.
This article is the 19th contribution to the fungal diversity notes series, in which 106 taxa distributed in 3 phyla, 11 classes, 35 orders, and 64 families are treated. Taxa described in the present study include a new family, 5 new genera, 69 new species, 3 new combinations, 25 new host, habitat, and geographical records, a new name, a new collection, as well as reinstating a previously suppressed genus. The newly established family is Parasporidesmiaceae and the five new genera described herein are Dematiodidymosporum, Neoacrogenospora, Parasporidesmium, Speluncomyces, and Uniomyces. The 69 new species are Acrocalymma triseptatum, Agaricus darjeelingensis, Annellophorella aquatica, Anteaglonium menghaiense, Balsamia microspora, Bambusicola dehongensis, Barriopsis menglaense, Benjaminiomyces bergonzoi, Camporesiomyces aquaticus, Camporesiomyces wurfbainiae, Cercospora palmata, Chrysomphalina cantharella, Colletotrichum heteropanacicola, Conioscypha guizhouensis, Conioscypha yadongensis, Cora dalfornoae, Cylindromonium brasiliense, Dematiodidymosporum aquaticum, Distoseptispora dinghuensis, Distoseptispora zunyiensis, Ebollia neocarnea, Eudimeromyces aequatorialis, Eudimeromyces euconni, Funalia indica, Fuscosporella ovalis, Fuscosporella yunnanensis, Halobasidium csapodyae, Halokirschsteiniothelia hunanensis, Hongkongmyces xishuangbannaensis, Inocybe ispartaensis, Laboulbenia neofrancoisiana, Lachnella kunmingensis, Lasmenia thailandica, Leptospora cannabini, Lycoperdon sridharii, Myxospora neomasonii, Natipusilla aquatica, Neoacrogenospora aquatica, Neomassaria sinensis, Neovaginatispora juglandis, Niesslia yunnanensis, Ophiocordyceps aseptatospora, Oxneriaria sheosarensis, Paramicrosphaeropsis vitis, Paramyrothecium strychni, Parapaucispora aquatica, Parasporidesmium aquaticum, Parmelia neosaxatilis, Periconia bambusicola, Periconia neohongheensis, Peroneutypa thailandica, Polyozellus albus, Porina magnoliae, Porostereum subspadiceum, Pseudosperma subvolvatum, Pseudothyridariella caseariae, Rhexocercosporidium ferulae, Russula rubroglutinata, Septoriella iranica, Seriascoma asexuale, Sesquicillium flavum, Sirastachys zhongkaiensis, Speluncomyces lunatus, Sporidesmiella yunnanensis, Striaticonidium xishuangbannaensis, Trametopsis indica, Tulostoma hyderabadensis, Uniomyces hakkeijimanus, and Virgaria guizhouensis. The three new combinations are Lycoperdon alpinum, Lycoperdon lloydii, and Lycoperdon macrogemmae. The 25 new records comprise Acremonium sclerotigenum, Agroathelia rolfsii, Alfaria terrestris, Aspergillus cejpii, Colletotrichum brevisporum, Coriolopsis brunneoleuca, Coriolopsis hainanensis, Cytospora tamaricicola, Fomitopsis malicola, Fulvifomes fastuosus, Fulvifomes thailandicus, Funalia cystidiata, Funalia subgallica, Longididymella vitalbae, Lopharia mirabilis, Metarhizium viridulum, Neopestalotiopsis haikouensis, Occultibambusa aquatica, Phaeoacremonium scolyti, Phaeocytostroma virdimurae, Puccinia mysuruensis, Rhizopus stolonifer, Serpula similis, Trametes ellipsospora, and Vamsapriya shiwandashanensis. In addition, the new name is Irpiciporus pseudoxuchilensis, and the new collection is Aspergillus sydowii. The previously suppressed genus Eudimeromyces has been taxonomically reinstated.
Hyphomycetes is an artificial group of asexual fungi with an estimated 2200 recognizable genera. These fungi have crucial ecological and biotechnological significance by decomposing organic matter, facilitating nutrient recycling, and providing valuable metabolites, enzymes, and proteins for various applications in medicine, industry, and agriculture. Specifically, hyaline-spored hyphomycetes refer to hyphomycetes that produce colorless (hyaline) conidia. In this study, a comprehensive outline for hyaline-spored hyphomycetes is provided and includes 1237 genera with 151 synonyms, which are distributed among six phyla, 27 classes, 97 orders, and 239 families. At the phylum level, Ascomycota (1157 genera) is the dominant group of hyaline-spored hyphomycetes, with Sordariomycetes (506 genera) as the dominant class and Hypocreales (216 genera) as the dominant order in Ascomycota. In Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes (46 genera) is the dominant class and Agaricales (11 genera) stands as the dominant order. For each accepted genus, notes including sexual morphs, synasexual morph, DNA sequence data and morphology are provided. Based on both morphology and phylogeny, the taxonomic position for 38 genera is re-organized, 22 of which were previously located in Ascomycota genera incertae sedis. DNA sequence data is one of the key components for each genus in our notes. This study represents the most comprehensive analysis to date of hyaline-spored hyphomycetes subjected to multi-gene phylogenetic analysis with combined LSU, SSU and rpb2 DNA sequence data. This analysis encompasses 754 hyaline-spored hyphomycetous genera, and recognized three phyla clades, 25 classes and class-level clades, 107 orders and order-level clades, as well as 264 families and family-level clades. Thirty-eight taxa from 30 genera were documented based on fresh collections, utilizing both morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogeny, resulting in one new genus Parapleurothecium, with one new combination P. obovoideum; 14 new species, viz. Aciculomyces hyalosporus, Beltraniella hyalospora, Cylindrotrichum hyalosporum, Haplographium hyalosporum, Mariannaea hyalina, Neohelicomyces astrictus, N. brunneus, Parasympodiella hyalospora, Pleurotheciella brevis, Pleurothecium hyalosporum, Pseudonectria hyalina, Rhamphoriopsis brevis, Sarocladium hyalosporum, Xylolentia oblongispora; and three new geographical records, viz. Monilochaetes regenerans, Subulispora longirostrata, Zygosporium pseudogibbum.
Leaf litter plays an essential role in the functioning of forest ecosystems. They are a source of organic matter, act as a protective layer in forest soils, and provide a nurturing habitat for micro- and macro-organisms. Through their successional occurrence, litter-inhabiting microfungi play a key role in litter decomposition and nutrient recycling. Despite their importance in terrestrial ecosystems, host tree species and phylogenies' effect on saprobic fungal dominance and diversity are poorly understood. The present study aims to elucidate saprobic leaf-litter fungal taxonomy, phylogeny and diversity in six phylogenetically related host species in Thailand, using morphological characters and multi locus phylogeny. The host species are Dipterocarpus alatus (DA) (Dipterocarpaceae), Nayariophyton zizyphifolium (NZ) and Microcos paniculata (MP) (Malvaceae), Afzelia xylocarpa (AZ), Dalbergia cana (DC), and Dalbergia cultrata (DCul) (Fabaceae), located in Doi Tung, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. The selected host species are mostly native to the East Asian region. We hypothesized that tree host phylogeny significantly influences the diversity of fungal communities, and that each community is unique across phylogenetically distantly related hosts. The study revealed one family, two new genera, 15 new species, 13 new host records, and 11 new geographical records with two new combinations of fungi which are treated in detail. Additional taxa identified, mostly to the genus level, were considered for the statistical analysis. In cases where different taxa within the same genus were found but could not be identified to species, they were treated as distinct taxa (e.g., sp. 1 and sp. 2). The statistical analysis was performed to estimate the diversity and relative abundance of each taxon visualized in heatmaps and cluster analysis. The study evidenced multiple levels of diversity and host-preference existing within leaf litter fungi. The reported taxa belonged to the Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes, 25 families and 31 genera. Most of the saprobic fungi exhibited host-exclusivity, meaning they were observed and recorded exclusively on specific host species and not on others. This resulted in a lower occurrence and overlap of fungi among the other host species. Therefore, the saprobic fungi indicated specialization on particular hosts, and the term "specialists" referred to the saprobic fungal taxa that are adapted to thrive on specific host species, rather than generalists that can inhabit multiple host species. Host family level harboured a higher number of unique saprobic taxa than host species level, as evidenced by the statistical analysis. Moreover, the saprobic fungal communities were influenced by seasonal effects during the collecting period. A core group of fungi could be identified as "generalists" observed in all the host species. The study highlights the diversity of saprobes dwelling in the leaf litter of forest ecosystems and reveals their high degree of host species-specificity.
Yunnan Province is located in southwestern China, at the core and intersection of the “Himalaya”, “Indo-Burma” and “Mountains of Southwest China” biodiversity hotspots. It is the most biodiverse province in China, acting as a major center for the origin and diversification of numerous species, and of which lignicolous freshwater fungi are one of the rich bioresources. As a part of our ongoing studies on freshwater fungi in Yunnan Province China, we collected lignicolous freshwater ascomycetes from Yunnan plateau lakes, combining morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis (including, ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1-α, tub2 and rpb2) to identify the species and reveal their phylogenetic placement. A total of 293 freshwater ascomycetes were collected, and through rigorous analysis, 126 species were identified, spanning three classes, 24 orders, 39 families, and 70 genera. Most of these fungi belong to Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes, with a few of Eurotiomycetes. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses, we introduce two new genera, Neomoromyces and Rostraeuseptisporum, and 40 new species, viz., Apiospora fuxianhuensis, A. lacustris, Atractospora hydei, Chaetopsina hydei, C. septata, Chloridium hydei, Ch. yunnanense, Dematiosporium hydei, D. muriforme, Dictyocheirospora yunnanensis, Distoseptispora dujuanhuensis, Di. hongheensis, Di. jingdongensis, Halobyssothecium hydei, Hongkongmyces hydei, Kirschsteiniothelia hydei, Mytilinidion hydei, Neomoromyces hydei, Obliquifusoideum hydei, Ophioceras yunnanense, Plagiascoma hydei, Pseudodactylaria lacustris, Pseudostanjehughesia hydei, Rostraeuseptisporum hydei, Sporidesmiella dujuanhuensis, S. guttulata, S. hongheensis, S. hydei, S. lacustris, Sporidesmium dianchiense, Sp. distoseptatum, Sp. dujuanhuense, Sp. hongheense, Sp. lacustris, Sp. kunmingense, Sp. yangzonghaiense, Sp. yilonghuense, Thysanorea hydei, Tetraploa verrucosa, Xylolentia hydei. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of these species are provided, along with a discussion of their phylogenetic relationships and distinctive morphological characters. Furthermore, five new combinations are introduced, viz., Pseudodactylaria flammulicornuta (≡ Dodactylaria flammulicornuta), P. palmae (≡ Do. palmae), P. tunicata (≡ Do. tunicata), P. uliginicola (≡ Do. uliginicola) and Pseudostanjehughesia verrucosa (≡ Ceratosporium verrucosum). Based on molecular sequence data and morphological characteristics, Dictyocheirospora aquadulcis and Dic. lithocarpi have been synonymized with Dic. heptaspora, Dic. alangii synonymized with Dic. appendiculata; Dictyosporium lakefuxianense synonymized with Pseudodictyosporium wauense, Distoseptispora nanchangensis synonymized with Distoseptispora aquatica, Chaetopsina beijingensis synonymized with Ch. fulva. Ten new geographical records are reported in China and 10 species are first reported from freshwater habitats, and 6 species are newly reported both from China and from freshwater habitats. This study fills a gap in the research on fungal diversity in Yunnan Province, and improves our understanding of their ecological roles in freshwater ecosystems. Phylogenetic analysis provides a reliable molecular framework for the classification of lignicolous freshwater fungi, supporting the reassessment of fungal taxonomy and ensuring a more objective and evolutionarily natural classification of species. This work is dedicated to Professor Kevin D. Hyde on his 70th birthday, in recognition of his lifetime contributions to mycology and his extensive research and training of students. His wide-ranging work on freshwater fungi is highlighted in this paper.
Diatrypaceae is among the most species-rich families within Xylariales, exhibiting a global distribution, a broad host range, and diverse ecological lifestyles. However, its taxonomy remains problematic due to overlapping morphological traits, insufficient diagnostic features in historical classifications, and the frequent absence of type specimens and corresponding multi-locus sequence data in GenBank. These limitations have resulted in poorly resolved generic boundaries and hinder accurate identification and natural classification within the family. In this study, we undertook an integrative taxonomic revision of Diatrypaceae by examining 17 herbarium specimens loaned from major international collections (B, BPI, BRIP, E, G, K, NY, PC, PDD, S), supplemented by redrawn illustrations from original descriptions where type material was unavailable. Additionally, approximately 150 fresh collections from China, Italy, and Thailand were investigated through single spore isolation and morphological examination. Molecular data were generated for multi-gene phylogenetic analysis based on combined ITS, tub2, LSU, and rpb2 sequences. Phylogenetic reconstruction using Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference supports the recognition of 183 species within 34 genera, including the introduction of ten novel genera: Allantoideospora, Alloperoneutypa, Brunneosepta, Fusiformiascus, Guttuliascospora, Imitatirotula, Lineariascus, Retiticulatihypha, Sessiliascus, and Trichromostroma. The study also describes 29 novel species, 23 previously known species, and proposes 56 new combinations, all of which are illustrated and compared with morphological data and phylogenetically related taxa. Until further investigation using molecular data is proven, several morphologically characterized genera (Dothideovalsa, Echinomyces, Endoxylina, Leptoperidia, and Rostronitschkia) were placed within Diatrypaceae. This comprehensive morpho-molecular framework significantly refines the taxonomy of Diatrypaceae and provides a foundation for future systematic and ecological studies in this complex family.
The fungal order Botryosphaeriales includes numerous ecologically and economically important plant-associated taxa, yet its genomic diversity and evolutionary mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we present high-quality de novo genome assemblies for three representative species—Botryosphaeria dothidea, Neofusicoccum parvum, and Phyllosticta capitalensis—and perform integrative analyses using comparative genomics, population genetics, and pan-genome frameworks. Pathogenic species (B. dothidea and N. parvum) exhibit significant expansions in gene families related to membrane transport and metabolism, suggesting enhanced adaptability and virulence potential. Selective sweep analyses highlight population-level divergence in metabolic and stress-response pathways, reflecting natural selection in host and environmental adaptation. Cross-species pan-genome comparisons of six Phyllosticta species reveal a conserved core genome, dynamic gene family turnover, and extensive horizontal gene transfer from bacterial, and archaeal sources—potentially driving ecological diversification. Furthermore, effector proteins display striking domain variation across genera, particularly in regions associated with host cell wall targeting, indicating convergent strategies for host adaptation. Together, these findings provide comprehensive insights into the genomic evolution, adaptation, and virulence mechanisms of Botryosphaeriales fungi, laying a foundation for future studies on plant–fungal interactions.
