Delimiting Cladosporium from morphologically similar genera

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Fungal Taxonomy
• Molecular Phylogenetics

Background:

• The genus Cladosporium is morphologically defined by dematiaceous hyphomycetes with coronate scar types and Davidiella teleomorphs.
• Previous classifications relied heavily on morphology, leading to potential ambiguities in species delineation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise and reclassify numerous Cladosporium-like fungi.
• To establish new genera for species that do not fit the strict definition of Cladosporium.
• To clarify the phylogenetic positions of these fungi using molecular data.

Main Methods:

• Morphological analysis of fungal isolates.
• DNA phylogenetic analysis using the Large Subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU nrRNA) gene.
• Comparative analysis with existing fungal type species.

Main Results:

• Several new genera were established, including Hyalodendriella, Ochrocladosporium, Rachicladosporium, Rhizocladosporium, Toxicocladosporium, and Verrucocladosporium.
• A new taxon was described within the genus Devriesia (Teratosphaeriaceae).
• Cladosporium castellanii was confirmed as a synonym of Stenella araguata, and Stenella was phylogenetically linked to Teratosphaeriaceae.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a revised taxonomic framework for Cladosporium-related fungi.
• Morphological and molecular data are crucial for accurate fungal classification.
• The reclassification impacts our understanding of fungal diversity and evolutionary relationships within Capnodiales.