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Colletotrichum caudatum s.l. is a species complex
1Systematic Mycology & Microbiology Laboratory, USDA-ARS, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, B010A, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
IMA Fungus
|August 2, 2014
Summary
Colletotrichum caudatum sensu lato, a grass pathogen, was re-evaluated using multi-locus phylogenetic analysis. This study redefines C. caudatum, revealing cryptic species and challenging traditional host-based classifications.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Systematics
Background:
- Colletotrichum caudatum sensu lato (s.l.) is a significant fungal pathogen affecting warm-season grasses.
- Morphological characteristics, including a unique filiform appendage on conidia, distinguish it from other Colletotrichum species.
- Previous classifications recognized C. caudatum as a single species with a broad host range.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the phylogenetic relationships and species boundaries within Colletotrichum caudatum s.l.
- To investigate the host specificity and genetic diversity of C. caudatum s.l. isolates.
- To provide a stable taxonomic framework for C. caudatum through molecular and morphological data.
Main Methods:
- Multi-locus phylogenetic analysis using four DNA sequence markers.
- Phylogenetic species recognition criteria based on genealogical concordance.
- DNA sequencing of the lectotype for C. caudatum and designation of an epitype strain.
- Morphological characterization of isolates.
Main Results:
- Multi-locus phylogenetic analysis supported C. caudatum s.l. as a monophyletic group but revealed four major subgroups and three monotypic lineages.
- Phylogenetic analyses identified four distinct phylogenetic species within C. caudatum s.l., refuting the traditional single-species concept.
- Isolates from different grass hosts often segregated into distinct lineages, suggesting potential host specificity.
- Four new morphologically cryptic species, Colletotrichum alcornii, C. baltimorense, C. somersetense, and C. zoysiae, were described.
Conclusions:
- Traditional morphological and ecological traits are insufficient for recognizing taxa within C. caudatum s.l.
- Molecular data reveal cryptic species diversity, indicating that C. caudatum s.l. comprises multiple distinct phylogenetic species.
- An emended description of Colletotrichum caudatum sensu stricto (s.s.) is provided, along with DNA sequence data from the lectotype for taxonomic stability.
Keywords:
Andropogon gerardiiColletotrichum ciliatumCymbopogonImperata cylindricaSorghastrum nutansZoysiabioenergytallgrass prairieMore Related Videos
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