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A reappraisal of Microthyriaceae
Hai X Wu1, Conrad L Schoch, Saranyaphat Boonmee
1International Fungal Research and Development Centre, Key Laboratory of Resource Insect Cultivation & Utilization State Forestry Administration, The Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, People's Republic of China.
Fungal Diversity
|March 13, 2012
Summary
This study revises the fungal family Microthyriaceae, reclassifying genera and reinstating Trichothyriaceae. Phylogenetic analysis reveals high genetic diversity and polyphyletic lineages, suggesting Microthyriales may not be a distinct clade.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Fungal Taxonomy
Background:
- The fungal family Microthyriaceae, comprising 50 genera of foliar epiphytes and saprobes, is poorly understood.
- Previous classifications lacked comprehensive phylogenetic data, leading to taxonomic uncertainties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the Microthyriaceae family based on morphological and molecular data.
- To clarify the phylogenetic placement of genera within Microthyriaceae and related families.
- To provide a revised classification of Microthyriaceae.
Main Methods:
- Examination of generic types and morphological characteristics of thyriothecia.
- Phylogenetic analysis using nuclear ribosomal DNA sequence data.
- Description of new genera and species based on integrated taxonomic evidence.
Main Results:
- Nine genera were transferred to Asterinaceae, and two to Aulographaceae based on thyriothecial characteristics.
- The family Trichothyriaceae was reinstated for Microthyriaceae members growing on fungi and lichens.
- Microthyriaceae was reduced to seven genera with specific thyriothecial features.
- Two new genera (Paramicrothyrium, Neomicrothyrium) and one new species (Micropeltis zingiberacicola) were described.
- Phylogenetic analyses indicated high genetic diversity and polyphyletic lineages within Microthyriaceae and Micropeltidaceae, challenging the definition of Microthyriales.
- Aulographaceae, Asterinaceae, and Palmulariaceae may require synonymization due to limited distinguishing features.
Conclusions:
- The traditional circumscription of Microthyriaceae is not supported by molecular data.
- Phylogenetic relationships suggest a need for further taxonomic revisions within Dothideomycetes.
- Future research should focus on broader taxon sampling and additional molecular markers to resolve complex phylogenetic relationships.
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