Abstract Currently, the fungal class Archaeosporomycetes consists of one order, Archaeosporales with four families: Archaeosporaceae, Ambisporaceae, Geosiphonaceae, and Polonosporaceae. In the present study, the objective was to re-analyze the phylogeny and morphology of the Archaeosporomycetes from order to genus level. The different ecological strategies and, consequently, distinct evolutionary patterns of these taxa, as well as their morphological characters and other data updated here, suggest the need to divide Archaeosporales into four orders: (i) the type order Archaeosporales, (ii) Ambisporales ord. nov., both with four genera, (iii) Geosiphonales and (iv) Polonosporales ord. nov., both with single families and genera. Remarkably, the order Geosiphonales was described in the past, but was not considered in the Archaeosporomycetes until now. Phylogenetically, the four main clades (orders here proposed) of Archaeosporomycetes are well supported, with bootstrap values higher than 95% in all analyses, except Ambisporales/Ambisporaceae for RAxML-NG FBP analysis in the SSU tree (75%). Ecologically, this class includes three orders of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) forming symbiotic associations with plants, while Geosiphonales form an endocytobiosis with the cyanobacterium Nostoc . Morphologically, there are at least two AMF orders with spore bimorphism, which has not (yet) been described for Polonosporales. The only known species of Polonosporales, Polonospora polonica , forms spores directly on the neck of sporiferous saccules and the spores can morphologically be differentiated from all other taxa in Archaeosporomycetes by the formation of three permanent, rather thick spore walls, of which two form de novo during spore formation. The outer spore wall of Archaeosporales and Ambisporales are semi-permanent, evanescent or even short-lived, or show multiple fissures during aging, when it is more resistant. Ambisporales can easily be differentiated from Archaeosporales for instance by larger spores of the acaulosporoid morph and thicker spore walls. Our phylogenetic analyses suggested that Archaeosporales can be divided into two families: Antiquisporaceae that was described to form intraradical hyphae, vesicles and spores, staining darkly in Trypan blue, and Archaeosporaceae whose hyphae generally do not or only faintly stain in this reagent, and vesicles and intraradical spores have been rarely, if ever reported.

The objective of this study was to re-analyse the molecular phylogeny and/or the morphology of all species, which have been attributed to the so-far mono-generic fungal family Ambisporaceae. The genus Ambispora has been well-known for its spore bi-morphy described even from single spore clusters. Triple-walled spores are differentiated on sporiferous saccules, while mono-walled spores are formed on simple subtending hyphae. New phylogenetic analyses revealed differences of >= 10% in nrDNA sequences of three phylogenetic clades, suggesting the need to divide Ambispora into three genera and perform advanced morphological separations. These advances are primarily based on the composition and phenotypic properties of the spore walls of the acaulo-ambisporoid morph, which are more diverse than those of the mono-walled glomoid morph. While all known species of the triple-walled acaulo-ambisporoid morph have an evanescent to semi-permanent outer spore wall, the middle wall of (i) Am. fennica, Am. brasiliensis, Am. gerdemannii and Am. nicolsonii is smooth and permanent (Am. fennica clade, A), (ii) Am. appendicula, Am. callosa, Am. leptoticha, and Am. jimgerdemannii is alveolate (Am. appendicula clade, B), and (iii) Am. granatensis is smooth and short-lived, easily degrading with age (Am. granatensis clade, C). Consequently, we decided that (i) species of the Am. fennica clade represent the genus Ambispora, (ii) species of the Am. appendicula clade represent the new genus Appendiculispora, and (iii) sequences previously ascribed to Am. granatensis represents a new clade at the rank of genus, here named Ephemeriparies. Two species of an additional morph, with triple-walled spores, but apparently formed on subtending hyphae, and having a diagnostic reticulate, football-like middle wall, are here separated from the revised genus Ambispora based solely on morphological analyses, since molecular identification analyses so far failed and remained merely unknown. This later morph and genus is based on the type species Pelotaspora reticulata comb. nov, and on P. austrolatina sp. nov. Concomitant molecular phylogenetic and morphological analyses are needed to attribute not only Pelotaspora species, but also those, for which hitherto only the glomoid-ambisporoid morph has been observed within the family Ambisporaceae. Without molecular analyses, such species with a glomoid morph recognized, but unknown acaulo-ambisporoid morph have to be retained within Ambispora.

Comparisons of sequences of the ribosomal gene (partial SSU-ITS-partial LSU) of members of some species clades of the recently created family Septoglomeraceae (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) of the phylum Glomeromycota) showed that, molecularly, these clades are diverged by about 10

During a survey in Brazil we isolated two new species of endophytic fungi, Paraconiothyrium sechii sp. nov. (Didymosphaeriaceae) and Poaceascoma brasiliense sp. nov. (Lentitheciaceae), from the leaves and roots of chayotes (Sechium edule). Morphological and phylogenetic analyses using internal transcribed spacer nrDNA, large subunit nrRNA, small subunit nrRNA, and RNA polymerase II revealed that both species were distinct from other species of their genus. Paraconiothyrium sechii was morphologically characterised by globose to subglobose pycnidial conidiomata, discrete conidiogenous cells, and ampulliform to globose or subcylindrical, aseptate, ellipsoid, and cylindrical conidia rounded at both ends. Notably, Poaceascoma brasiliense was non-sporulating on the potato dextrose, malt extract, and oatmeal agar culture media under different conditions.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) is a high-value crop due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and its outstanding nutritional, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic properties. However, this species faces challenges from diseases, particularly root rot. In this study, we identified one of the causal agents of root rot in sacha inchi using morphological observations, molecular methods, and pathogenicity tests. The pathogen was isolated from root tissues showing symptoms of Fusarium infection, observed in a plot in the Picota province. Morphological identification, DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis using the ITS and TEF-1α markers revealed that the isolate causing root rot was Fusarium suttonianum (FSSC 20). Analysis of the PQ636870 (ITS) and PQ639345 (TEF-1α) sequences in the NCBI database, together with phylogenetic analysis, revealed 99.58% and 99.51% similarity with the ITS and TEF sequences, respectively, corresponding to F. suttonianum. Pathogenicity tests confirmed that this species induced the same symptoms observed in the field, fulfilling Koch’s postulates. This study represents the first report of F. suttonianum as a pathogen causing root rot in sacha inchi in Peru. This finding is critical for developing effective strategies for disease management and control, contributing to the sustainability and improvement of sacha inchi production in the region.

The objective of the present study was to revise the recently described order Entrophosporales of the Glomeromycetes. The single family Entrophosporaceae had been divided into three genera, Entrophospora, Claroideoglomus and Albahypha, due to molecular phylogenetic or morphological analyses, but recently these three genera were combined within the type genus of the family, Entrophospora. Our new studies now suggest once more three genera, but Entrophospora and Claroideoglomus were not separated again. In the present study, we resurrected Albahypha with A. drummondii and A. furrazolae comb. nov. and established Alborhynchus gen. nov. with A. walkeri comb. nov. Morphologically, all glomoid morphs of the three genera have hyaline to white subtending hyphae with one spore wall continuous with the subtending hyphal wall. However, the genera can easily be differentiated from each other and from other glomoid species of the Glomeromycetes by the combination of the characteristics of the subtending hyphae, the staining reaction of the spore wall layers in Melzer’s reagent and phylogeny. In conclusion, the three AMF genera, currently recognized in the Entrophosporales, can unequivocally be identified by molecular phylogeny or by morphological characteristics of their spores and their subtending hyphae. An identification key distinguishes all AMF species currently attributed to Entrophosporales.

The global diversity of fungi has been estimated between 2 to 11 million species, of which only about 155 000 have been named. Most fungi are invisible to the unaided eye, but they represent a major component of biodiversity on our planet, and play essential ecological roles, supporting life as we know it. Although approximately 20 000 fungal genera are presently recognised, the ecology of most remains undetermined. Despite all this diversity, the mycological community actively researches some fungal genera more commonly than others. This poses an interesting question: why have some fungal genera impacted mycology and related fields more than others? To address this issue, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to identify the top 100 most cited fungal genera. A thorough database search of the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed was performed to establish which genera are most cited. The most cited 10 genera are Saccharomyces, Candida, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Botrytis, Pichia, Cryptococcus and Alternaria. Case studies are presented for the 100 most cited genera with general background, notes on their ecology and economic significance and important research advances. This paper provides a historic overview of scientific research of these genera and the prospect for further research.

Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, and also considering morphological characters, four new families are separated from the family Glomeraceae within the order Glomerales and the class Glomeromycetes. The revised family Glomeraceae comprises only four genera: the type genus Glomus, Complexispora, Sclerocarpum and Simiglomus. Septoglomeraceae fam. nov. comprises, besides Septoglomus, Funneliformis, Funneliglomus, Blaszkowskia and Viscospora. Sclerocystaceae fam. nov. is represented by the type genus Sclerocystis but also by Halonatospora, Oehlia, Parvocarpum, Rhizoglomus and Silvaspora. Kamienskiaceae fam. nov. encompasses Kamienskia, Microkamienskia and Epigeocarpum. Finally, Dominikiaceae fam. nov. includes the genera Dominikia, Macrodominikia gen. nov. Microdominikia, Nanoglomus and Orientoglomus. The genera Oehlia and Halonatospora form two other clades well separated from Silvaspora, Sclerocystis and Rhizoglomus and might represent two further families within Glomerales. This deeper separation is, in our opinion, fully supported by molecular phylogeny, but in view of the low numbers of taxa, the separation is not yet proposed at this stage of research progress.

This article is the 17th in the Fungal Diversity Notes series which allows the researchers to publish fungal collections with updated reports of fungus-host and fungus-geography. Herein we report 97 taxa with four new genera distributed in three phyla (Ascomycota, Glomeromycota and Mucoromycota), 11 classes, 38 orders and 62 families collected from various regions worldwide. This collection is further classified into taxa from 69 genera with four novel genera namely Jinshana, Lithophyllospora, Parapolyplosphaeria and Stegonsporiicola. Furthermore, 71 new species, 21 new records, one new combination and four novel phylogenetic placements are provided. The new species comprise Acrocalymma estuarinum, Aggregatorygma isidiatum, Alleppeysporonites elsikii, Amphibambusa aquatica, Apiospora hongheensis, Arthrobotrys tachengensis, Calonectria potisiana, Collariella hongheensis, Colletotrichum squamosae, Corynespora chengduensis, Diaporthe beijingensis, Dicellaesporites plicatus, Dicellaesporites verrucatus, Dictyoarthrinium endophyticum, Distoseptispora chiangraiensis, Dothiora eucalypti, Epicoccum indicum, Exesisporites chandrae, Fitzroyomyces pseudopandanicola, Fomitiporia exigua, Fomitiporia rondonii, Fulvifomes subthailandicus, Gigaspora siqueirae, Gymnopus ailaoensis, Hyalorbilia yunnanensis, Hygrocybe minimiholatra, H. mitsinjoensis, H. parviholatra, H. solis, H. vintsy, Helicogermslita kunmingensis, Jinshana tangtangiae, Kirschsteiniothelia dujuanhuensis, Lamproderma subcristatum, Leucoagaricus madagascarensis, Leucocoprinus mantadiaensis, Lithophyllospora australis, Marasmius qujingensis, Melomastia aquilariae, Monoporisporites jansoniusii, M. pattersonii, Monoporisporites valdiyae, Mucispora maesotensis, Mucor soli, Muyocopron yunnanensis, Nigrospora tomentosae, Ocellularia psorirregularis, Ophiocordyceps duyunensis, Oxneriaria nigrodisca, Oxydothis aquatica, O. filiforme, Phacidiella xishuangbannaensis, Phlebiopsis subgriseofuscescens, Pleurothecium takense, Pleurotus tuber-regium, Pseudochaetosphaeronema puerensis, Pseudodactylaria guttulate, Racheliella chinensis, Rhexoacrodictys fangensis, Roussoella neoaquatica, Rubroboletus pruinosus, Sanghuangporus subzonatus, Scytalidium assmuthi, Shrungabeeja kudremukhensis, Spirographa skorinae, Stanjehughesia bambusicola, Stegonsporiicola aurantiaca, Umbelopsis hingganensis, Vararia tenuata, Verruconis pakchongensis, Wongia bandungensis, and Zygosporium cymodoceae. The new combination is Parapolyplosphaeria thailandica (≡ Polyplosphaeria thailandica). The 21 new hosts, geographical and habitat records comprise Acrocalymma fici, Apiculospora spartii, Aspergillus subramanianii, Camposporium ramosum, Clonostachys rogersoniana, Colletotrichum brevisporum, C. plurivorum, Collybiopsis gibbosa, Dictyosporium tratense, Distoseptispora adscendens, Exosporium livistonae, Ganoderma gibbosum, Graphis mikuraensis, Gymnosporangium paraphysatum, Lasiodiplodia thailandica, Moesziomyces bullatus, Penicillium cremeogriseum, P. echinulonalgiovense, P. javanicum, P. lanosocoeruleum, P. polonicum, and Pleurotus tuber-regium. Graphis chlorotica, G. panhalensis and G. parilis are given as novel phylogenetic placements. In addition, we provide the morphology of Tarzetta tibetensis which was missing in the previous Fungal Diversity Notes 1611–1716. Identification of characterization of all these taxa are supported by morphological and multigene phylogenetic analyses.

Allophoma brasiliensis J.L.V.R. Carvalho, J.D.P. Bezerra & Souza-Motta is reported for the first time as endophyte from leaves of Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae) isolated in an agricultural site from Brazilian Atlantic Forest. For species determination, morphological characters were analysed along with a multigene analysis performed using the ITS region of the rDNA, the partial large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU rRNA), the partial second largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II gene subunit (rpb2), and the partial β–tubulin gene (tub2). A key to Allophoma Qian Chen & L. Cai species is provided. This new record contributes to the global fungal diversity, indicating a new geographical distribution, and a new lifestyle.

A new species of Neoarthrinium is described from Brazil based on morphological and molecular analyses. During endophyte collection in the cocoa area of the agroecosystem (Cabruca), Neoarthrinium brasiliense was obtained from the leaves of Lafoensia pacari. Morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on the DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 28S rDNA region (LSU), and tubulin (TUB2) showed that N. brasiliense was distinct from other species of the genus. The new species is morphologically characterized by its ampulliform, doliiform, or cylindrical conidiogenous cells, by conidia acroperogens singly or in chains forming clusters, with varied shapes and longitudinal germ slit. A key to the Neoarthrinium species is also provided.

Cucumbers have great economic and social importance. Annual worldwide production is approximately 80 million tons (FAOSTAT, 2019), 184 thousand tons of which are produced in Brazil (IBGE, 2020). Leaves with symptoms of anthracnose (necrotic brown or angular spots) were observed on cucumber plants grown in organic systems in September 2021, Pernambuco, Brazil (8°7'45''S, 35°16'167''W). About 40% of the plants fields were infected. Samples were collected and fragments were cut from the margins of the symptomatic tissue. The fragments were superficially disinfected with 70% ethanol (30 s) and 2% sodium hypochlorite (2 min), then washed three times with sterile distilled H2O and dried on sterile filter paper. The fragments were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) containing chloramphenicol (50 mg/L) and incubated at 28 ± 2 °C for 3 days. From the fungal isolates obtained, a representative specimen of Colletotrichum spp. was isolated, purified by subculturing from emergent hyphae tips and used for morphological characterization, phylogenetic analysis, and pathogenicity testing. The fungus isolated on PDA formed gray to grayish-black colonies with white aerial mycelia after 7 days. Ascomata were globose to subglobose, 120-200 × 100-150 μm in size (n = 10). Setae formed directly on the hyphae. Asci were 50-70 × 10-12 μm in size, 8-spored, unitunicate, thin-walled, and clavate. Ascospores were 14-22 × 4-5 μm in size (n = 30), hyaline, slightly curved to curved with obtuse to slightly rounded ends. Conidia were hyaline, smooth-walled, aseptate, straight, cylindrical, the apex and base rounded, and 12-15 × 5 μm in size, (n = 30). For molecular identification, the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (nrITS), actin (ACT), beta-tubulin (TUB), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genes were sequenced (Damm et al. 2019). The sequences obtained were deposited in GenBank (nrITS: OP720945, ACT: OP723523, TUB: OP723525, and GAPDH: OP723524). The sequences from the nrITS region, ACT, TUB2, and GAPDH were highly similar to those from C. plurivorum: nrITS - CBS 125474 (539/539 - 100%; NR_160828); ACT - CBS 125474 (270/271 - 99%; MG600925), TUB2 - CBS 125474 (517/518 - 99%; MG600985); and GAPDH - CBS 125474 (197/197 - 100%; MG600781), respectively. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis was performed using Bayesian inference, which showed that the isolate C. plurivorum FPO04 clustered in the same clade as the ex-type of C. plurivorum (CBS 125474). In the pathogenicity test, leaves of five healthy cucumber plants, previously injured in the middle region with sterile needles, were inoculated with 50 µl of a conidial suspension (1 × 106 spores mL -1) prepared from 7-day-old of colonies of C. plurivorum. Sterile distilled water was used as negative controls. The inoculated plants were maintained in a humid greenhouse chamber for 24 hours. After 7 days, the same anthracnose symptoms seen in the field were observed on the inoculated plants. Control plants remained healthy. Colletotrichum plurivorum was reisolated from symptomatic leaves, fulfilling Koch's postulates. This species has been reported from several crops, including Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) (Damm et al. 2019) and Glycine max (soybeans) (Zaw et al. 2019). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. plurivorum causing anthracnose on cucumber leaves in Brazil. This report lays the groundwork for future studies to determine management practices for control of this disease in C. sativus.

Meristematic fungi are mainly defined as having aggregates of thick-walled, melanised cells enlarging and reproducing by isodiametric division. Dothideomycetes black meristematic and meristematic-like fungi have been allied to Myriangiales , which currently has two accepted families, Myriangiaceae and Elsinoaceae , with fungi mainly regarded as pathogens, parasites, saprobes and epiphytes of different plant species. This study aimed to verify the phylogenetic position using four nuclear markers (SSU, LSU, ITS and RPB2 ) of the incertae sedis genera associated with Myriangiales , namely Endosporium , Gobabebomyces , Lembosiniella and Phaeosclera , and the new genus, Endophytium gen. nov. (including E. albocacti sp. nov. and E. cacti sp. nov. ), established for endophytic fungi occurring in cacti in Brazil. Based on morphology, lifestyle and phylogenetic inferences, these black meristematic and meristematic-like fungi cannot be accommodated in Myriangiales . Combining these results, three new orders and two new families are introduced: Endophytiales ord. nov. (including Endophytiaceae fam. nov. for Endophytium gen. nov. ), Endosporiales ord. nov. (including Endosporiaceae for Endosporium ) and Phaeosclerales ord. nov. (including Phaeoscleraceae fam. nov. for Phaeosclera ). Gobabebomyces and Lembosiniella remained incertae sedis due totheir disposition in the phylogenetic tree, that moved among clades accordingly with the gene analysed. Our results show thatthe inclusion of endophytic fungi obtained from plants in dry forests can contribute to the discovery of new taxa,clarify thephylogenetic position of allied taxa and confer information to the estimation of national and global fungal diversity.

The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) offers promising benefits to agriculture in the Amazon regions, where soils are characteristically acidic and nutrient-poor. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential effects of two recently described species of AMF (Nanoglomus plukenetiae and Rhizoglomus variabile) native to the Peruvian Amazon for improving the plant growth of Plukenetia volubilis (inka nut or sacha inchi) and protecting the roots against soil pathogens. Two assays were simultaneously conducted under greenhouse conditions in Peru. The first focused on evaluating the biofertilizer effect of AMF inoculation, while the second examined the bioprotective effect against the root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Overall, the results showed that AMF inoculation of P. volubilis seedlings positively improved their development, particularly their biomass, height, and the leaf nutrient contents. When seedlings were exposed to M. incognita, plant growth was also noticeably higher for AMF-inoculated plants than those without AMF inoculation. Nematode reproduction was significantly suppressed by the presence of AMF, in particular R. variabile, and especially when inoculated prior to nematode exposure. The dual AMF inoculation did not necessarily lead to improved crop growth but notably improved P and K leaf contents. The findings provide strong justification for the development of products based on AMF as agro-inputs to catalyze nutrient use and uptake and protect crops against pests and diseases, especially those that are locally adapted to local crops and cropping conditions.

Colletotrichum species, which are globally distributed, exhibit diverse ecological relationships with a variety of hosts. These species are not only significant pathogens but also exist as saprobes and endophytes. In this study, endophytic isolates of Colletotrichum were procured from Capsicum annuum (Solanaceae) leaves in a conventional cultivation agricultural area within the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil. A multi-locus phylogenetic analysis, which utilised sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase ( GAPDH ), chitin synthase 1 ( CHS-1 ), and actin (ACT), in conjunction with morphological features, identified two new species within the C . boninense species complex. These new species are phylogenetically related and are positioned in a clade adjacent to C . brasiliense, a pathogenic species of Passiflora edulis found in Brazil and China. Colletotrichum pernambucoense sp. nov. is primarily characterised by its formation of unbranched conidiophores, which can be up to 26 mu m long, and cylindrical to ampulliform conidiogenous cells that often extend to form new conidiogenous loci. On the other hand, Colletotrichum capsicicola sp. nov. has setae with 2-3-septate, branched or unbranched conidiophores that can be up to 49 mu m long, and rarely lobate and irregularly shaped appressoria. Both species exhibit a prominent scar at the base of the conidia.

Nigrospora species are found in various substrates as saprobes and are associated with plants as pathogens and endophytes. In this study, we describe N. solani from healthy Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme leaves in an organic farming system in Brazil. Based on morphological data and multi-locus phylogeny using internal transcribed spacer, beta-tubulin, and translation elongation factor 1, N. solani can be recognized as a new species for further research. This anamorphic species is characterized by conidiogenous cells discrete, globose, subglobose, and or ampulliform, solitary, initially hyaline becoming pale brown with age and by conidia solitary, globose to subglobose, black, smooth, and aseptate.

An investigation on endophytic fungi in healthy leaves of Monstera adansonii Schott from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest led to the identification of an interesting fungus with distinctive characteristics. Based on both morphological features and phylogenetic analyses of the ITS and LSU of the nrDNA we propose a new species, Coniochaeta monsterae. This anamorphic species is characterised by conidiogenous cells intercalary, phialidic, solitary, straight and partly wider at the base becoming thinner toward the apex, without visible collarette, by conidia aggregated in heads, hyaline, smooth-walled, biguttulate, ellipsoidal to cylindrical, and microcyclic conidiation occuring frequently by budding.