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Published on: April 12, 2019
The Colletotrichum boninense species complex.
U Damm1, P F Cannon, J H C Woudenberg
1CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Colletotrichum boninense is a species complex, not a single species. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis revealed 18 distinct species, including 12 new ones, clarifying fungal diversity and host associations.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Systematics
Background:
- Colletotrichum boninense is a widely recognized anthracnose pathogen and endophyte.
- Previous studies suggested C. boninense represents a complex of species based on limited data.
- The pathogen affects a diverse range of host plants globally, particularly in Amaryllidaceae, Orchidaceae, Proteaceae, and Solanaceae families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To resolve the species complex of Colletotrichum boninense using multilocus phylogenetic analysis.
- To delineate and describe new species within the C. boninense complex.
- To provide a robust taxonomic framework for this important group of fungi.
Main Methods:
- Multilocus molecular phylogenetic analysis was performed on 86 strains.
- Genes analyzed included ITS, ACT, TUB2, CHS-1, GAPDH, HIS3, and CAL.
- Morphological characteristics of conidiogenous cells and conidia were examined.
Main Results:
- The analysis identified 18 distinct clades within the C. boninense complex, recognized as separate species.
- Twelve new species were described: C. annellatum, C. beeveri, C. brassicicola, C. brasiliense, C. colombiense, C. constrictum, C. cymbidiicola, C. dacrycarpi, C. novae-zelandiae, C. oncidii, C. parsonsiae, and C. torulosum.
- New combinations (C. phyllanthi) and name replacements (C. petchii) were established, with C. dracaenae epitypified.
Conclusions:
- Colletotrichum boninense is resolved into 18 distinct species, significantly expanding our understanding of its diversity.
- The study highlights the importance of molecular phylogenetics in fungal taxonomy.
- Seven new species are currently known only from New Zealand, suggesting potential regional endemism or sampling bias.
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