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Updated: May 12, 2026
09:42
Isolation and Selection of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Soil Samples and Evaluation of Fungal Virulence against Insect Pests
Published on: September 28, 2021
Fungal Planet description sheets: 128-153
P W Crous1, R G Shivas, M J Wingfield
1CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; corresponding author
Persoonia
|April 23, 2013
Summary
This study describes numerous novel microfungi species discovered globally, including new genera like Valsalnicola and Parapenidiella. Detailed morphological and DNA barcode data support these new fungal discoveries.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Fungal Taxonomy
- Biodiversity
Background:
- Microfungi play crucial roles in ecosystems and can impact human health and industries.
- Ongoing exploration is vital for discovering and classifying fungal biodiversity.
- Previous research has identified numerous fungal species, but many remain undiscovered.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and classify newly discovered species of microfungi from various global locations.
- To introduce two new fungal genera, Valsalnicola and Parapenidiella.
- To provide comprehensive morphological and DNA barcode data for the described species.
Main Methods:
- Field collection of fungal specimens from diverse habitats and host plants across Australia, South Africa, and other countries.
- Isolation and cultivation of microfungi in laboratory settings.
- Detailed morphological characterization, including microscopic examination of fungal structures.
- DNA sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region to generate DNA barcodes for phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- Description of 30 novel microfungi species, including species from Australia (e.g., Catenulostroma corymbiae, Devriesia stirlingiae) and South Africa (e.g., Ceramothyrium podocarpi, Cercospora chrysanthemoides).
- Introduction of two new genera: Valsalnicola (Ascomycota) from Austria and Parapenidiella (Hyphomycetes) from Australia.
- Provision of detailed morphological descriptions and ITS DNA barcodes for all newly described taxa, supporting their taxonomic placement.
Conclusions:
- The study significantly expands the known diversity of microfungi, highlighting the importance of continued exploration.
- The newly described species and genera contribute to a better understanding of fungal taxonomy and evolution.
- The provided data serves as a valuable resource for mycologists and researchers in related fields.
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