Eight new genera, 28 new species, four epitypes, two lectotypes, and 21 interesting new host and / or geographical records are introduced in this study. New genera include: Amesomyces (based on Amesomyces atrobrunneus), Carteromyces (based on Carteromyces arctostaphyli), Scolecofusariella (based on Fusarium peltigerae), Nothoniesslia (based on Nothoniesslia solidaginis), Paraacanthostigma (based on Paraacanthostigma eucalypti), Paraphaeophleospora (based on Paraphaeophleospora tripteridis), Parapolyscytalum (based on Parapolyscytalum minutum) and Subverticillium (based on Subverticillium juncicola). New species include: Bisifusarium duo (from human cornea, India), Capronia parasitica (on Eutypella sorbi on branches of Sorbus aucuparia, Switzerland), Castanediella acericola on dead leaf of Acer cf. pseudoplatanus, Germany), Cladophialophora calamagrostidis (on culm of Calamagrostis arenaria, The Netherlands), Cladophialophora paramycetomatis (on culms of Elegia tectorum, South Africa), Cladophialophora yuccae (on dead leaf of Yucca sp., Germany), Cordana ligni (on dead wood, Germany), Curvularia moniliformis (on leaves of unidentified Poaceae, Chile), Davidhawksworthia rubi (on Rubus stems, Germany), Exophiala ligni (on dead wood, Germany), Fusarium aloetica (on symptomatic leaves of Aloe ferox, South Africa), Harzia cupressicola (on needles of Cupressus sp., The Netherlands), Hoehneliella falsiundulosetulata (on bark of woody host, Germany), Mjuua pseudoclavispora (in association with Fusarium paeoniae and a bacterium, on dead fruit of Alnus glutinosa, Germany), Monilinia yunnanensis (on fruit of Prunus persica, China), Niesslia goniomae (on leaf of Gonioma kamassi, South Africa), Nothoniesslia solidaginis (on dead stems of Solidago sp., Germany), Paraacanthostigma eucalypti (on bark of Eucalyptus globulus, Australia), Phaeococcomyces mesembryanthemi (on Mesembryanthemum schultzii, South Africa), Phialemonium parasulfureum (on algae, Germany), Phytophthora caput-medusae (from rhizosphere soil of Citrus × aurantium, Italy), Pleurophragmium fallopiae (on dead leaf Fallopia sp., Germany), Rhinotrichella carpini (on dead branches of Carpinus betulus, Ukraine), Stagonosporopsis citri (on peel of living fruit of Citrus latifolia, quarantine interception), Subverticillium juncicola (on culms of Juncus effusus, Netherlands), Veronaea parabrunnea (on Eutypella prunastri on twigs of Prunus spinosa, France), Veronaea parasiticola (on Euonymus europaeus, Germany), Verrucocladosporium mesembryanthemi (on Mesembryanthemum schultzii, South Africa). New combinations include: Amesomyces atrobrunneus (based on Chaetomium atrobrunneum), Amesomyces cymbiformis (based on Chaetomium cymbiforme), Amesomyces dreyfussii (based on Chaetomium dreyfussii), Amesomyces gelasinosporus (based on Chaetomium gelasinosporum), Amesomyces hispanicus (based on Amesia hispanica), Amesomyces khuzestanicus (based on Amesia khuzestanica), Amesomyces nigricolor (based on Chaetomium nigricolor), Amesomyces raii (based on Chaetomium raii), Carteromyces arctostaphyli (based on Carteria arctostaphyli), Carteromyces canariensis (based on Carteria canariensis), Capronia americana (based on Cadophora americana), Didymella conyzaphthora (based on Phoma conyzaphthora), Heterotruncatella watsoniae (based on Pestalotia watsoniae), Hoehneliella undulosetulata (based on Paramenisporopsis undulosetulata), Microascus stellatus (based on Humicola stellata), Neoceratosperma marasasii (based on Mycosphaerella marasasii), Paraphaeophleospora tripteridis (based on Septoria tripteridis), Parapolyscytalum minutum (based on Infundichalara minuta), Scolecofusariella peltigerae (based on Fusarium peltigerae) and Veronaea brunnea (based on Exophiala brunnea). Zygophiala is reduced to synonymy under Schizothyrium, Paramenisporopsis and Klebahnopycnis under Hoehneliella, and the descriptions of the order Comminutisporales and family Comminutisporaceae are emended. Citation: Crous PW, Akulov A, Alfenas AC, Alfenas RF, Aloi F, Balashov S, Barreto RW, Bensch K, Cacciola SO, Cantillo T, Castillo R, Conti Taguali S, Czachura P, da Silva NF, Delgado MA, Denman S, de Silva NI, de Vries RP, Figge M, Guarnaccia V, Guterres DS, Hongsanan S, Horta Jung M, Houbraken JA, Hülsewig T, Jung T, Jurjević Ž, La Spada F, Madrid H, Mombert A, Osieck ER, Pane A, Parlascino R, Pereira CM, Piątek M, Piattino V, Riolo M, Sandoval-Denis M, Scanu B, Starink-Willemse M, Stryjak-Bogacka M, Tennakoon DS, van Ingen-Buijs VA, van Iperen AL, Verkley GJM, Lamprecht SC, Wang XW, Braun U, Wingfield MJ, Groenewald JZ (2026). New and Interesting Fungi. 8. Persoonia 56: 457-547. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2026.56.08.
Species of Cylindrocladiella are soil-borne fungi that are distributed in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical regions of the world. Very little is known regarding the biology of these fungi that are mostly considered as saprobes, but there have also been reports of pathogenicity in some cases. Prior to this study, 46 species of Cylindrocladiella were known based on DNA sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses. Only seven of those species have been reported from China, some of which were associated with diseases of woody plants. In this study, soil samples were collected from natural forests and plantations in eight provinces (autonomous regions) of northeastern, central, southeastern, southwestern, and southern regions of China. A total of 914 soil samples were analysed, resulting in 407 Cylindrocladiella isolates. They were identified based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data for the tef1, tub2, his3, and ITS regions. This resulted in the identification of eight known, and 22 novel species. Cylindrocladiella spp. tended to be widely distributed in forest soils across a wide range of climatic zones. The species diversity in warm areas was higher than in cooler areas. Of the 68 species now recognised and verified based on DNA data, these fungi are known from more than 25 countries, of which 57 species were isolated from soils, 18 from plant tissues, and nine from both soils and plant tissues. Species with wide geographic distributions including putative pathogens such as, Cy. peruviana and Cy. parva that have been found on multiple plant species, while others are confined to more limited niches. The exceptionally large number of new species found in this study suggests that Cylindrocladiella species have been poorly sampled and that many more are likely to be found in warm and humid environments. Overall, this study provides a foundation for future investigations aimed at clarifying the evolutionary relationships, ecology, and pathology of this interesting and little understood genus. Citation: Zhou WW, Dong HB, Zhou HX, Crous PW, Wingfield MJ, Chen SF (2026). Forest soils: A species-rich habitat for Cylindrocladiella. Persoonia 56: 548-605. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2026.56.09.
Cordycipitoid fungi, encompassing the four families Clavicipitaceae, Cordycipitaceae, Ophiocordycipitaceae, and Polycephalomycetaceae, have been the focus of intensive molecular phylogenetic and taxonomic research over the past twenty years. Utilizing a six-locus dataset (LSU, ITS, SSU, tef1-α, rpb1, and rpb2) with expanded taxon sampling, this study establishes a robust phylogenetic framework for this group, with particular emphasis on the Ophiocordycipitaceae. Our work significantly expands the documented diversity of cordycipitoid fungi in China through the description of nine new species: Cordyceps multisynnematosa, Metarhizium acrididarum, Ophiocordyceps sungii, O. brunneascospora, O. ramosiphialidica, O. rubella, Paraisaria clavata, Par. cocoonihabita, Purpureomyces fenggangensis and reports three new records: Jenniferia thomisidarum, O. brunneipunctata, and Pleurocordyceps heilongtanensis. Macro- and micro-morphological descriptions are provided to support the taxonomic placement of these new taxa. Beyond taxonomic additions, we have accessed to the morphological diversity of the asexual morphs of Cordyceps, Metarhizium, Ophiocordyceps, Paraisaria, and Purpureomyces, elucidating conserved and divergent features in phialides and conidia. Beyond enhancing knowledge of cordycipitoid fungal phylogeny and diversity in China, this study highlights the pressing need for sustained exploration of entomopathogenic fungi and their ecological roles. Citation: Peng XC, Wei DP, Zhang X, Tangtrakulwanich K, Wang Y, Hyde KD, Kang JC, Jayawardena RS, Liu ZL, Xie SW, Bu J, Wen TC (2026). Nine new species of cordycipitoid fungi (Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes) from China. Persoonia 56: 381-419. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2026.56.06.
As part of an ongoing inventory of Basidiomycota in China, we examined species of the order Hymenochaetales collected from tropical forests. Fungi of this order cause wood rot or diseases in woody plants worldwide and recent studies have substantially contributed to improve their classification system by combining phylogenetic and morphological analysis. However, the species diversity of Hymenochaetales in the high-altitude forests of southwestern China is comparably understudied. We tackled this sampling gap in the present study and provide morphological descriptions, illustrations, and comprehensive notes as well as sequence and phylogenetic data for in total one new genus and 26 new species. As a result of these integrative analyses, we were able to phylogenetically resolve thirteen supported lineages in the Hymenochaetales. While numerous Hymenochaetales fungi have been documented in China, our report clearly shows that the diversity within the family Hymenochaetales remains largely unexplored, leaving significant potential for further discoveries in Chinese tropical forests. Citation: Wang L, He SY, Lambert C, Zhu YG, Zhang JL, Yang Y, Li WL, Zhou HM, Zhao CL (2026). Comprehensive morphological and phylogenetic analyses of Hymenochaetales (Basidiomycota) unveil one new genus and twenty-six novel wood-inhabiting species from southwestern China. Persoonia 56: 328-380. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2026.56.05.
Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia, Marasmius ballator on leaf litter in subtropical rainforest, Marasmius carbinensis on litter and twigs of Hyptis suaveolens, Marasmius clocca on leaf litter of regenerating subtropical rainforest. Bolivia, Aggregatorygma saraanense on trunk of Trichilia inaequilatera. Brazil, Arthropolymorpha endophytica (incl. Arthropolymorpha gen. nov.), from healthy roots of Coffea arabica, Didymella digitariae on Digitaria insularis, Geastrum baseiae on soil, Magnibotryascoma souzamottae as endophyte from cladodes of Tacinga inamoena, Neoleptosporella agapanthi from stalks of Agapanthus praecox, Penicillifer endoradicis as endophyte from roots of Musa acuminata, Sirastachys cavernicola from leaf litter, Toxicocladosporium atratum as root endophyte of Cattleya locatellii. China, Fasciatispora citri on dead twig of Citrus maxima. Denmark, Inocybe leucantheana on wet ground with Alnus, Betula and Picea. Ecuador (Galapagos Islands), Fusarium cristobalense on Scalesia gordilloi, Fusarium scalesiae on Scalesia pedunculata. Finland, Inocybe ranaria on mull soil, near Betula pendula and Abies sp. France, Bullatosporium pinophilum on the bark of Pinus nigra subsp. nigra, Dialonectria eutypellicola on Eutypella prunastri, on branches of Prunus spinosa, Mycobernardia involucriformis on dead Bambusa sp., Pseudocosmospora perforaticola on dead stromata of Hypoxylon perforatum on Fraxinus, Stylonectria colleeniae on Trimmatostroma scutellare, with Lophium mytillinum, on dead branch of Larix decidua. French Guiana, Neocosmospora duolechatii on dead bark of Bauhinia sp. Germany, Inocybe giovannii on soil under Abies alba, Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies, Triseptosporium fallopiae (incl. Triseptosporium gen. nov.) on Fallopia japonica. India, Phylloporia bharatavarsa on living tree of Phyllanthus emblica. Iran, Fusarium phoenicis on roots of Phoenix dactylifera. Italy, Inosperma confusum on soil under Quercus ilex and Pinus halepensis, Inosperma subinodorum on calcareous soil in Picea abies forest. Madagascar, Oudemansiella viscida on dead wood or branches. Netherlands, Colletotrichum urticicola from leaf spots on Urtica dioica. Pakistan, Agrocybe punjabensis on soil on fallen remains of Saccharum officinarum. Panama, Ijuhya panamaensis and Sarcopodium panamaense on twig litter of angiosperm. Poland, Cytospora tatrensis from dead stems of Pinus mugo, Myxotrichum flavum on resin of Picea abies, Symphoricola tarnoviensis (incl. Symphoricola gen. nov.) from sooty mould community on Symphoricarpos albus. Portugal, Hypoxylon azoricum on fallen branch of Laurus azorica, Tuber honstrassii in clayey and calcareous soil under Quercus rotundifolia and Arbutus unedo. South Africa, Paraphaeosphaeria andropogonicola on leaves of Andropogon eucomus, Talaromyces armstrongii from soil. Spain, Geoglossum martinae on soil under Quercus ilex and Cistus ladanifer, Inocybe percastanea on sandy, acidic soils under Cistus ladanifer and Pinus pinaster, Lamproderma stephensonii on twigs of Pinus sylvestris, Ramariopsis alboviolacea on soil under Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica, Russula olivaceopinetorum on acidic sandy soil among Pinus sylvestris needles, Scolecobasidium endophyticum from root-associated soil collected in a grassland, Tuber danielis in acidic soil beneath Cistus ladanifer, Quercus ilex, and Genista scorpius. Sweden, Inocybe adusticans on soil, in snow bed area with Salix herbacea and Bistorta vivipara, Inosperma friesii on soil in mixed deciduous forest. Switzerland, Stylonectria stoeckliana on Cytospora sp. on twigs of Salix sp. Thailand, Neoleptosporella camporesiana on dead branch of unidentified plant. Uganda, Bjerkandera ugandensis on a rotting log. UK (Scotland), Narcissea scotica on decaying dung of Lagopus scotica. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Crous PW, Akram W, Albuquerque GMR, Alfenas AC, Alfenas RF, Altés A, Alvarado P, Amirmijani AR, Arumugam E, Asif M, Bandini D, Barreto GG, Barreto RW, Batista VEC, Bezerra JDP, Bilański P, Bizio E, Castañeda-Ruiz RF, Chaves J, Condé TO, Costa MM, Custódio FA, Courty P-E, Czachura P, Damm U, Darmostuk V, Dearnaley J, De la Peña-Lastra S, Delgado G, de Silva NI, Dovana F, Drummond-Herdman A, Eberhardt U, Esteve-Raventós F, Ferisin G, Ferreira RJ, Ferro LO, Firmino AL, Flakus A, Fournier J, Gardiennet A, Gerbeau-Pissot P, Ghobad-Nejhad M, Gruhn G, Guard FE, Harms K, Heilmann-Clausen J, Hongsanan S, Hülsewig T, Inokuti EM, Jankowiak R, Kaliyaperumal M, Kehlet T, Lacerda SR, Larsson E, Leão AF, Lebel T, Lima AA, López-Villalba Á, Maciá-Vicente JG, Mateos A, Mejía LC, Mendes DR, Möller L, Mombert A, Monteiro MBN, Moreno G, Nagy L, Niskanen T, Nogueira PTS, Oliveira JA, Oliveira PHF, Ortiz DA, Pancorbo F, Paz A, Pazmiño DA, Pereira OL, Piątek M, Plata O, Pordel A, Raaijmakers JM, Ralaiveloarisoa AB, Ramos DO, Ravikumar S, Rigueiro-Rodríguez A, Rivas-Torres GF, Rodrigues JG, Rodriguez-Flakus P, Romero M, Saba M, Sánchez A, Sánchez-Dueñas G, Santana JS, Serrano M, Silva JAS, Stępniewska H, Stryjak-Bogacka M, Tennakoon DS, van 't Hof P, van Vuuren NI, Varga T, Vauras J, Vieira BS, Visagie CM, Wipf D, Woods R, Groenewald JZ (2026). Fungal Planet description sheets: 1868-1920. Persoonia 56: 1-173. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2026.56.01.
In October 2022, disease symptoms in the form of multiple blackened cankers and dieback of shoots and branches were noted in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) in Scotland. Trees were affected across a range of site types, including natural Caledonian pine forests, planted native woodland and commercial plantations. We investigated the geographical extent of symptoms in the UK, which occurred across most regions of Scotland, and identified one of the primary causal agents to be a previously obscure stroma-forming fungal taxon 'Curreya pithyophila'. The fungus harbours immature colonies of the native Scots pine woolly adelgid, Pineus pini, which live beneath the stroma and feed on the tree, initiating wounds. These wounds can then be invaded by secondary agents, such as a fungal pathogen of pine, Crumenulopsis sororia, which is thought to cause the blackened cankers. Historical reports suggest that previous outbreaks of 'Curreya pithyophila' occurred on plantation Scots pine in Perthshire in the 1900s and in north-east Scotland in the 1960s. A literature review of the taxonomy and ecology of 'Curreya pithyophila' is presented. The perplexing ability of this fungus to produce two ascospore forms (phragmospores and dictyospores) from apparently morphologically identical stromata, at the same site and often on the same tree or branch, was investigated. After morphological, culture and genetic analyses of single spore isolates, we conclude that the current population of 'C. pithyophila' in the UK comprises two distinct but co-occurring species. Multigene analyses show that the closely related but separate species occur in the family Leptosphaeriaceae in a clade with Alloleptosphaeria and sister to Leptosphaeria. Morphological comparisons with historical syntypes confirmed that the dictyospore-producing species corresponds to Sphaeria pithyophila (as 'pityophila'), while the phragmospore-producing species matches a syntype of Sphaeria parmeliarum. We retain Cucurbidothis as the correct generic name, designate a lectotype for the type species Cucurbidothis pithyophila, and recombine the second species as Cucurbidothis parmeliarum comb. nov., also designating a lectotype. These species differ not only in spore morphology but also in culture appearance, with C. pithyophila producing grey and C. parmeliarum producing apricot coloured cultures. Both species can also produce a coelomycetous asexual morph comprising brown, ellipsoidal conidia, with pycnidial conidiomata often occurring adjacent to the ascomata in the same stroma. Histological studies showed that both taxa only penetrate between the periderm layers with no evidence of fungal growth in the living phloem and cambium below, supporting the hypothesis that these species are dependent on the adelgids for nutrition. A third species, Cucurbidothis shangrilana comb. nov., is also discussed. Citation: Taylor JE, Stanisz-Migal M, Sharp PM, Tierney-Kitchener F, Lester K, Davidson M, Green S (2026). The enigmatic woolly aphid associated fungus 'Cucurbidothis pithyophila', now threatening Scots pine in the UK, is revealed as two distinct but co-occurring species. Persoonia 56: 175-199. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2026.56.02.
The taxonomy and phylogeny of several clades of the genus Entoloma were revised using morphological and molecular genetic methods. Phylogenetic relationships among European species of the clades /Alboleptonia, /Caeruleopolitum, /Claudopus, /Griseorubidum, /Leptonia, /Olivaceotinctum, /Omphaliopsis, /Pouzarella, /Prunuloides, /Sphagneti, /Turfosa, /Undulatosporum, /Velenovskyi, and /Vinaceum were inferred using 694 newly generated sequences derived from the nrDNA ITS region including 80 sequences from type specimens. Anticipating the second volume of a completely revised monograph of the genus Entoloma in Europe, the following names are neotypified or epitypes are designated where, in case holotypes or lectotypes appeared unsuitable for molecular studies, viz. E. araneosum, E. byssisedum, E. griseorubidum, E. hirtum, E. lanicum, E. neglectum, E. ollare, E. opacum, E. plebejum, E. resutum, E. rusticoides, E. sericellum, E. triste, E. undatum, E. velenovskyi, and E. versatile. New type sequences for E. alliodorum, E. asperum, E. brunneoflocculosum, E. caeruleopolitum, E. calaminare, E. canosericeum, E. cettoi, E. cuboidoalbum, E. indutoides, E. iodiolens, E. jahnii, E. milleri, E. moguntinum, E. olivaceotinctum, E. ostreatum, E. politoflavipes, E. polyangulatum, E. pseudoconferendum, E. pseudonigellum, E. pseudosericeoides, E. ritae, E. sericeoides, E. sordidolamellatum, and E. undulatosporum have been generated and deposited in GenBank. Twenty-nine species new to science are described and illustrated, viz. E. albostriatum, E. amabile, E. assimile, E. bresadolae, E. brunneostrigosum, E. chloridicolor, E. cassiopeia, E. chioneum, E. cognatum, E. cornatum, E. eborinum, E. ermineum, E. fraudans, E. fusconigrum, E. griseopulchrum, E. hirsutum, E. ludwigii, E. nanoalbum, E. nix, E. olivaceovirens, E. ostreatum, E. paraindutoides, E. peraraneosum, E. pilosum, E. pumilionis, E. skadiae, E. umbrinotinctum, E. vilae, and E. weiriorum, and Entoloma sect. Atricoloria is described as new to science. The name E. myochroum is validated and the replacement name E. cobaltichlorum is proposed. Morphological and molecular studies made it necessary to provide new, amended descriptions for E. alliodorum, E. anthracinum, E. araneosum, E. brunneoflocculosum, E. byssisedum, E. calaminare, E. canosericeum, E. dysthaloides, E. griseorubidum, E. flocculosum, E. indutoides, E. inopiliforme, E. hirtum, E. lanicum, E. lidbergii, E. milleri, E. myochroum, E. neglectum, E. olivaceotinctum, E. ollare, E. opacum, E. plebejum, E. polyangulatum, E. pseudonigellum, E. pseudoparasiticum, E. pseudosericeoides, E. pseudoturbidum, E. resutum, E. rusticoides, E. sericellum, E. sericeoides, E. sordidolamellatum, E. triste, E. undatum, E. undulatosporum, E. velenovskyi, and E. versatile. Citation: Noordeloos ME, Reschke K, Morozova O, Jordal JB, Jansen GM, Brandrud TE, Bendiksen E, Larsson E, Karich A, Krisai-Greilhuber I, Ainsworth AM, Nuytinck J, Borovička J, van der Vegte MJC, Frøslev TG, Dima B (2026). The genus Entoloma (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) in Europe: new taxa and amended species concepts in a phylogenetic context; neo-, lecto- and epitypifications of classical names. Persoonia 56: 200-307. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2026.56.03.
The family Morchellaceae Fischerula , Imaia , Kalapuya , and Leucangium . In North America, some Imaia , Kalapuya , and Leucangium species are highly regarded gourmet edible fungi. In this study, we address longstanding questions about the evolution, systematics, and trophic mode of these fungal genera. We used high-throughput sequencing and a custom genome assembly pipeline to sequence and assemble 41 new genomes of epigeous and hypogeous Morchellaceae genera and outgroup taxa from the sister family Discinaceae . Phylogenomic reconstructions based on high-quality de novo genomes and published reference genomes support a single transition from epigeous to hypogeous habit within the Morchellaceae . These results are corroborated by phylogenetic evidence from LSU, tef1 , and rpb 2 with a larger dataset of specimens and publicly available sequences. We also provide direct morphological and molecular evidence that one species of Leucangium from North America forms ectomycorrhizas on Pseudotsuga menziesii in a natural habitat. Stable Morchellaceae also obtain carbon via ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. Phylogenetic and morphological analysis supports the description of two new species and one new combination of Leucangium as well as one new species and one new combination of Imaia from North America. We also discuss additional, undescribed diversity detected in our phylogenetic analyses of these genera derived from fungarium specimens, mycophagous mammal scat samples, and other environmental samples.
As part of a broader survey of lignicolous saprobic fungi, we investigated fungal taxa from the class Sordariomycetes displaying holoblastic-denticulate conidiogenesis, a distinct developmental process and phylogenetically informative trait. Although these fungi appear morphologically similar in culture, they represent distinct evolutionary lineages. This taxonomic study integrates comparative morphological analyses, phylogenetic reconstruction of five nuclear markers, and analysis of biogeographical patterns through environmental DNA data to introduce novel taxa in the Pleurotheciales and Rhamphoriales. A new genus and species Echinodenticula allantospora and three new species, Phaeoisaria parallela, Rhamphoriopsis cuprea and Rh. denticulata, are described. A rarely encountered species Rhamphoria separata is reported, along with its previously undocumented asexual morph. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate the utility of two protein-coding genes, rpb2 and tef1, as complementary barcodes for distinguishing closely related Phaeoisaria species. Our findings highlight the significance of holoblastic-denticulate conidiogenesis as a diagnostic feature of the Rhamphoriales and a prevalent trait in the Pleurotheciales. An unknown ascomycete that produced only sterile mycelium in culture is described here as Melanocrypta curvata and placed at an incertae sedis position within the Sordariomycetes. Additionally, we present short-read whole-genome sequencing data for the ex-type strains of the newly described species, providing a valuable genomic resource for future taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional studies. Environmental DNA data from the GlobalFungi database bring new perspective into the biogeographical patterns of Phaeoisaria, Rhamphoria, and Rhamphoriopsis. The distribution of E. allantospora and M. curvata remains poorly understood, as no records for these species were found in GlobalFungi. This study provides new insights into the molecular systematics, taxonomy, and biogeography of the Rhamphoriales and Pleurotheciales, and highlights the role of environmental DNA metabarcoding in uncovering fungal diversity and distribution patterns. Citation: Réblová M, Nekvindová J, Hernández-Restrepo M, Hradilová M, Kolařík M (2025). Phylogeny, taxonomy and geographic distribution of novel and known fungi with holoblastic-denticulate conidiogenesis in Rhamphoriales and Pleurotheciales (Sordariomycetes). Persoonia 55: 277-311. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.08.
A paper by Johnston and others published in 2019 provided three Leotiomycetes -wide phylogenies, one based on genomes, one a multigene phylogeny with up to 15 genes, and one based on ITS sequences. The genomic and multigene phylogenies provided a backbone phylogeny for the class that has proven to be robust, providing a phylogenetically stable concept for the large order Helotiales . However, a lack of genomic data for the clades outside of Helotiales , towards the root of the tree, meant that relationships in this part of the tree remained somewhat poorly resolved. The ITS phylogeny, although phylogenetically much less informative, provided a wider taxon coverage, focussing on the type species of genera not otherwise treated for which ITS data was available. This paper treats genera listed as Leotiomycetes in the Outline of Fungi 2024. It incorporates newly available DNA sequence data and taxonomic changes, especially for genera, families, and orders published since 2019, into the 2019 multigene and ITS analyses. The genomic phylogeny is not updated.
Cytospora is a widespread fungal genus that causes canker diseases in woody plants worldwide. Recent studies have clarified the classification of this genus by combing phylogenetic analysis and morphological characteristics. However, the species diversity of Cytospora in the high-altitude forests of the Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region in China has not been systematically studied. In the present study, 136 isolates were collected from cankered branches of woody plants in Xizang and identified using multigene phylogenetics, culture characteristics and morphology. As a result of these analyses, the genus was divided into 10 species complexes (Beilinensis SC, Chrysosperma SC, Euonymicola SC, Japonica SC, Kantschavelii SC, Leucostoma SC, Pruinosa SC, Ribis SC, Sacchari SC and Viticola SC) and 12 singletons. In total 50 species were identified, of which 23 were found to be new to science. This study highlights the species diversity of forest pathogens in Xizang, providing valuable information for future disease management practices. Citation: Jiang N, Voglmayr H, Li JR, Xue H, Li Y, Crous PW (2025). Species diversity of Cytospora associated with forest canker diseases in Xizang (Tibet), China. Persoonia 55: 361-438. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.10.
As part of an ongoing inventory of Ascomycota in China, we examined species of the genus Annulohypoxylon collected from tropical forests. Through a comprehensive analysis encompassing phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and morphological data, we provide descriptions, illustrations, and diagnostic keys for 17 species. Among these, 14 are newly described species, while three represent new records for the studied region. In addition, evidence from phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and morphological analyses prompted the re-examination of the taxonomic status of Rostrohypoxylon, resulting in it being reduced to synonymy under Annulohypoxylon. This study underscores the large yet underexplored diversity of Hypoxylaceae in China's tropical forests. While numerous Xylariales fungi have been documented in these regions, the diversity within the family Hypoxylaceae remains largely unexplored, leaving significant potential for further discoveries. Moreover, metabolomic profiling using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and ion mobility tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-IMS-MS/ MS) revealed a hidden diversity of stromatal metabolites among the studied taxa, independent of their taxonomic relationships.
We investigated Lepiota species from Benin and reference species from Europe based on fieldwork, light microscopy, and the analysis of DNA sequence data. As a result, thirteen Lepiota species from Benin are described as new to science, whereas only one previously described species, L. albogranulosa, was found. An identification key to these species is provided. The taxonomical results are supported by a comprehensive multilocus phylogeny based on ITS, LSU, and RPB2 sequences. In addition, the occurrence of amatoxins in basidiomata of Lepiota spp. was examined, in order to detect toxic mushrooms and for chemotaxonomic conclusions for the genus Lepiota in general. To this end, an UHPLC-HRMS2 analysis process was applied and molecular networks were generated to obtain an overview of the chemical diversity encompassed by 46 Lepiota species, with particular emphasis on their amatoxin content, resulting in the first report of a Lepiota species containing amatoxin for Benin. The annotation coverage was extended using DEREPLICATOR and taxonomically informed metabolite annotation (TIMA). Birnbaumins were discovered in several species as well as other chemical features of possible chemotaxonomic interest. This study extends the knowledge about diversity, amatoxin occurrence, and possible chemotaxonomic markers in the genus Lepiota. Citation: Sarawi S, Reschke K, Jagora A, Yorou NS, Le Pogam P, Piepenbring M (2025). Hidden gems of Benin: Unravelling the diversity of Lepiota spp. through phylogenetic, morphological, and chemotaxonomic exploration. Persoonia 55: 313-360. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.09.
Lichen thalli are niches for microorganisms, including microfungi, microalgae and non-photosynthetic bacteria, which form communities of variable composition, often shaped by the environmental conditions under which the lichen thalli develop. In Antarctica lichens represent an important group of organisms characterized by a high percentage of endemism, which have specialized to grow on rocks, as the predominant substrate for colonization. Here, Antarctic epilithic thalli of five endemic and three cosmopolitan lichen species have been investigated for their potential role as fungal species hotspots. The culturable fraction of the Antarctic lichen-associated fungi and algae was uncovered with the aim to isolate as many species as possible and find whether taxa are strictly connected to the Antarctic environment or are cosmopolitan species that particularly associate to lichens in harsh, extreme environments. Over 300 fungal and algal inocula grew in culture, among which we recognized species previously described, as well as five new fungal species in Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, namely: Petrophila complexa sp. nov., Dactylospora endolichenica sp. nov., Knufia elegansiana sp. nov., Pseudeurotium lichenicum sp. nov., and Kurtzmanomyces lichenum sp. nov. These species seem to select lichens as their preferred niche, both in Antarctica and worldwide. Indeed, the major representatives of the lichen mycobiota are fungi that do not show any specificity toward a particular lichen host species, rather toward the lichen thallus in general, as a structure in which spores, yeast cells and mycelia fragments thrive or rest. Particularly in Antarctica, where conditions on rock surfaces are far more selective than elsewhere, lichen thalli would be even more exploited as suitable niches by other fungi for their evolution and diversification. Citation: de Carolis R, Stoppiello G, Turchetti B, Bartolomeo G, Coleine C, Tetriach M, Selbmann L, Muggia L (2025). Cryptic associated fungi and algae isolated from Antarctic epilithic lichens of the Victoria Land and the description of five new fungal species. Persoonia 55: 439-476. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.11.
The myrmecophilous hirsutelloid fungi of the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex are common in tropical forests around the world. They are known as zombie-ant fungi because they manipulate the behaviour of ants, since infected ants are forced to move to specific sites in the forest, with optimal environmental conditions for the development of the fungus sporocarp or sporome and the release of the spores. Once there, the ants grab to the substrate with their mandibles, die, and their body becomes a source of nutrients for the fungus. Most of the species of the O. unilateralis complex have been described from the Neotropics and the East and Southeast Asia. However, it is likely that there are still many unknown species due to the diversity of their hosts and different specific associations. In this study, we describe six new species of the O. unilateralis complex from western Mexico: O. camponoti-striati, O. cephalotiphila, O. deltoroi, O. haraveriensis, O. jaliscana, and O. pseudocamponoti-atricipis, based on morphological characters, phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences (18S, TEF1, RPB1, and RPB2), and ecological data. We found the following host associations: one fungus - one ant, two fungi - one ant, and one fungus - two ants. Furthermore, we confirmed the host species of the ant genera Camponotus and Colobopsis (Formicinae) based on morphological characters and COI sequences, but we also found two species of Cephalotes (Myrmicinae) susceptible to fungal attack, challenging the paradigm that the O. unilateralis complex is a specific parasite of Camponotini (Formicinae) ants. This study provides insights into the evolution and host range of the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex in Mexico. Citation: Ballesteros-Aguirre CE, Sanjuan T, Ramírez-Cruz V, Villalobos-Arámbula AR, Vásquez-Bolaños M, Guzmán-Dávalos L (2025). Zombie-ant fungi from western Mexico: six new species in the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis complex (Hypocreales: Ascomycota) and a new host association with Cephalotes ants. Persoonia 55: 203-237. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.06.
Species of Fusarium and related fusarioid genera are widely distributed and commonly associated with diverse plant hosts, either as saprobes, endophytes, or pathogens. Although fusarioid fungi have been implicated in citrus diseases worldwide, their diversity and pathogenic potential on citrus in China remain poorly characterized. To investigate 2021 and 2024. Symptomatic tissues exhibiting dieback, necrosis, gummosis, canker, and wood decay were collected fusarioid isolates from eight provinces were assigned to six Fusarium species complexes and the genus Neocosmospora , comprising 21 known species (15 Fusarium spp. and six Neocosmospora spp.) and three novel species, namely F. gummosum , N. reticulatae and N. unshiu . Among the known species, 13 are reported from Citrus two represent new records for China. Pathogenicity tests revealed that most fusarioid isolates were pathogenic to citrus branches, with N. unshiu and F. asiaticum being the most aggressive, inducing gummosis and cortex and xylem necrosis, N. unshiu was found to be the dominant pathogen causing citrus diseases in China and provides a basis for future pathogen monitoring, disease prevention, and management strategies.
During surveys for fungal natural enemies of Hemileia vastatrix - the causal agent of coffee leaf rust (CLR) - in its African centre of origin (Cameroon, Ethiopia), as well as in its exotic South American range (Brazil, Paraguay), an eclectic and species-rich mycobiota was encountered. Here, we provide a comprehensive report on an assemblage of "white colony-forming fungi" (WCF), often treated in the earlier literature under the inadequate "label" Verticillium lecanii (=Lecanicillium lecanii). A total of 265 isolates of WCF were provisionally placed in this arbitrary group. We clarified the identity of our assemblage of Lecanicillium-like fungi using a combination of morphological characteristics and sequence data for the large subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA (LSU), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF) and the largest subunits of RNA polymerase II (RPB1 and RPB2) regions. Fifteen WCF species belonging to eight genera across three hypocrealean families (Bionectriaceae, Clavicipitaceae and Cordycipitaceae) were found parasitizing pustules of CLR. Significantly, Lecanicillium lecanii was not found to be present amongst these taxa. Six species belonged to the known genera - Corniculantispora, Gamszarella, Lecanicillium, Ovicillium, Pleurodesmospora and Simplicillium. Two new genera are described, Bettiolomyces and Hemileiophthora, as well as seven new species, Bettiolomyces urediniophagus, Gamszarella uredinophila, Hemileiophthora denticulata, H. nodosa, Lecanicillium hemileiae, Pleurodesmospora hemileiae and Simplicillium hemileiae. The following known WCF species are recorded here for the first time on pustules of H. vastatrix: Corniculantispora dimorpha, Gamszarella buffelskloofina, Lecanicillium uredinophilum, Ovicillium attenuatum, Pleurodesmospora coccorum and Simplicillium subtropicum. Additionally, the new combination Bettiolomyces epiphytus is introduced for Verticillium epiphytum. Citation: Colmán AA, Araújo JPM, Evans HC, Correa Mansur PS, Salcedo-Sarmiento S, Silva AL, Kapeua-Ndacnou M, Belachew-Bekele BK, Pereira CM, Crous PW, Barreto RW (2025). Hidden diversity behind the Lecanicillium-like white colony-forming mycoparasites on Hemileia vastatrix (coffee leaf rust). Persoonia 55: 239-275. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.07.
In this study, we describe four species of Cortinarius subgen. Telamonia sect. Bovini as new to science: Cortinarius acutipes , C. cepiformis , C. schistaceus and C. sericeovelatus . We also provide updated descriptions and synonymies for several known species in the section, including C. pachypus (formerly C. terribilis and C. pseudobulbosus ), C. sordescens (neotypified here), C. turgidulus and C. urbis-veteris , as well as for C. hillieri , here supported as a genuine Bovini member. In addition, through DNA sequencing of its holotype, we fix here the interpretation of C. aprinus , the iconic member of a difficult group of large, fleshy, grey brown Telamonia species often referred to as Aprini or Sordescentes . We also update the taxonomy of C. diffractosuavis (sect. Sordescentes ) and C. testaceomicaceus (sect. Exsulares ), to yield a most comprehensive overview of phylogenetically supported “bovinoid” species from deciduous forests on calcareous soils of Europe. The habitat and distribution of all treated species are presented, and a tentative identification key is also proposed.
Clear distinction of the species of Hericium will aid in natural products discovery, medicinal applications, and breeding for commercial cultivation of these edible and medicinally valuable mushrooms. A phylogeny of Hericium species from North America, together with key taxa from Europe, was accomplished using sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and adjacent large ribosomal subunit (LSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α), and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (RPB2) gene sequences. Compared to previous unresolved phylogenies based solely on ITS data, the species of Hericium were resolved as monophyletic groups, including the type species H. coralloides (synonyms H. flagellum and H. ramosum; Europe and North America), H. alpestre (Europe to central Asia), H. americanum (eastern North America), H. abietis (western North America), H. cirrhatum (Europe and boreal-montane North America), H. erinaceus (Europe), two recently described species of the H. erinaceus species complex, H. asiaticum (Eastern Asia) and H. carolinense (eastern United States), and a third new species in this complex from western North America, H. oregonense, described herein. All taxa, including the newly described species within the H. erinaceus complex, were strongly supported in maximum likelihood analyses. Citation: Koga J, Thorn RG, Langer E (2025). A multilocus phylogeny of Hericium (Hericiaceae, Russulales). Persoonia 55: 141-157. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.04.
The Arctic and Antarctic regions are characterized by low temperatures, high solar irradiation, and successive freezing and thawing cycles. To date, 57 yeast species belonging to 24 genera have been identified as novel taxa initially isolated from Arctic and Antarctic environments. This study comprehensively explored yeast diversity in diverse habitats, including soil, freshwater, seawater, lichens, mosses, vascular plants, dung, feathers, algae, and mushrooms, in the Ny-Ålesund (Arctic) and Fildes regions (Antarctica). Over the past decade, a total of 406 samples were collected, resulting in the isolation of 2215 yeast strains. Molecular analysis revealed 2150 yeast strains across 80 known species in 36 genera. Remarkably, 65 yeast strains - 33 from Antarctica and 32 from the Arctic - were classified as novel taxa. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic analyses, we described 18 new basidiomycetous yeast species across two classes: Tremellomycetes within Agaricomycotina and Microbotryomycetes within Pucciniomycotina. Furthermore, we proposed the establishment of one new family, Pricozymaceae, and five new genera, including Pricozyma, Xiangyanghongia, Chioneozyma, Skadia, and Xuelongia. In summary, this study revealed a rich diversity of yeast species in the Arctic and Antarctica, identifying 98 species across 40 genera, 22 families, 12 orders, four classes, and two phyla, many of which were previously unknown. Novel species described include: Chioneozyma fusiformis, Chioneozyma ovata, Dioszegia frigidiaquatica, Dioszegia dongchenii, Fellozyma antarctica, Genolevuria ovata, Glaciozyma ellipsoidea, Glaciozyma elongata, Phaeotremella nansenii, Phaeotremella polaris, Pseudotremella lichenophila, Piskurozyma viscida, Pricozyma crymophila, Skadia corniformis, Skadia rubropurpurea, Xiangyanghongia terricola, Xuelongia filamentosa, and Yunzhangia cylindrica. Citation: Feng JJ, He CY, Su J, Zhu YW, Mi ZC, Yu LY, Zhang T (2025). Diversity and phylogeny of yeasts in various habitats of the Arctic and Antarctic regions, with descriptions of one new family, five new genera and eighteen new species. Persoonia 55: 93-140. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.03.
