Stilbosporaceae resurrected: generic reclassification and speciation

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Plant Pathology
• Molecular Systematics

Background:

• The genus Stilbospora was previously merged with Prosthecium, necessitating a taxonomic revision.
• Distinguishing closely related fungal genera like Stilbospora and Stegonsporium requires integrated approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To resolve the taxonomy of Stilbospora, Prosthecium, and Stegonsporium using molecular and morphological data.
• To describe new species and clarify the phylogenetic placement of fungi associated with Carpinus and Acer species.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analyses using multiple gene markers (LSU, ITS rDNA, rpb2, tef1).
• Morphological characterization of sexual and asexual fungal structures.
• Typification of existing and newly described species.

Main Results:

• Stilbospora has priority over Prosthecium; S. macrosperma is the correct name for P. ellipsosporum.
• Two new Stilbospora species, S. longicornuta and S. orientalis, are described from Carpinus.
• Stegonsporium was maintained as distinct, with three species transferred from Prosthecium and two new S. species described.
• Stegonsporium acerophilum is newly recorded from Europe.
• The family Stilbosporaceae was revived, and three Prosthecium species were placed in unrelated families.

Conclusions:

• The revision clarifies species boundaries and generic circumscriptions within Stilbospora and Stegonsporium.
• The study provides a robust phylogenetic framework for Stilbosporaceae and related families.
• Accurate fungal taxonomy is crucial for understanding host-pathogen interactions and biodiversity.