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A phylogenetic re-evaluation of Arthrinium
Pedro W Crous1, Johannes Z Groenewald
1CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands ; Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands ; Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR), Laboratory of Phytopathology, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.
IMA Fungus
|July 31, 2013
Summary
The molecular phylogeny of the fungal genus Arthrinium was resolved, placing it within Apiosporaceae. This study redefines Arthrinium, includes its sexual morph Apiospora as a synonym, and describes eight new species.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Systematics
- Fungal Taxonomy
Background:
- The fungal genus Arthrinium, often found as an endophyte and of pharmaceutical interest, lacked molecular phylogenetic resolution.
- Its sexual morph, Apiospora, has been recognized, but the phylogenetic placement of Arthrinium remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To resolve the molecular phylogeny of the genus Arthrinium.
- To establish a clear morphological and phylogenetic circumscription for Arthrinium and its sexual morph Apiospora.
- To describe new species within the genus Arthrinium.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis using DNA sequence data from the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (LSU, 28S) and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and 5.8S rRNA gene.
- Morphological examination of fungal specimens.
- DNA sequencing of translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF), beta-tubulin (TUB), and internal transcribed spacer (ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2) gene regions for species redefinition.
Main Results:
- The genus Arthrinium was resolved within the family Apiosporaceae in the order Xylariales.
- The sexual genus Apiospora was treated as a synonym of Arthrinium based on priority and usage.
- An epitype for Arthrinium pterospermum was designated, and eight new species (A. hydei, A. kogelbergense, A. malaysianum, A. ovatum, A. phragmites, A. pseudospegazzinii, A. pseudosinense, and A. xenocordella) were described.
- The genera Pteroconium and Cordella were reduced to synonymy under Arthrinium.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a robust molecular phylogeny for Arthrinium, clarifying its taxonomic position.
- Arthrinium is morphologically and phylogenetically defined, with Apiospora, Pteroconium, and Cordella recognized as synonyms.
- The description of new species expands the known diversity of the genus Arthrinium.
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