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Phylogenetic lineages in the Capnodiales.
P W Crous1, C L Schoch, K D Hyde
1CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, P.O. Box 85167, 3508 AD, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Studies in Mycology
|February 20, 2010
Summary
The Capnodiales order includes diverse fungi, some causing disease in plants and humans. This study used DNA sequencing to clarify fungal relationships, revealing saprobic ancestors as the origin of plant pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Fungal Phylogenetics
- Molecular Systematics
Background:
- The order Capnodiales encompasses fungi with diverse ecological roles, including plant and human pathogens, endophytes, saprobes, and epiphytes.
- Some species within Capnodiales are lichenised or parasitic on fungi and animals, highlighting their varied lifestyles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the monophyly of the order Capnodiales using DNA sequence data.
- To resolve the familial relationships within the Capnodiales.
Main Methods:
- Amplification and sequencing of nearly complete nuclear ribosomal small and large subunit RNA genes.
- Utilized DNA sequence data for phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- The family Piedraiaceae was not supported and resolved within the Teratosphaeriaceae.
- A new family, Dissoconiaceae, was established to include Dissoconium and Ramichloridium.
- Lichenisation and saprobic or pathogenic lifestyles evolved multiple times across different families.
Conclusions:
- The study supports the evolution of strictly plant pathogenic, nectrotrophic families from saprobic ancestors, specifically the Capnodiaceae, which represent a more primitive state.
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