Finding the missing link: Resolving the Coryneliomycetidae within Eurotiomycetes
A R Wood1, U Damm2, E J van der Linde3
1Weed Division, ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute, P. Bag X5017, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa.
Persoonia
|February 25, 2017
Summary
This study introduces a new fungal subclass, Coryneliomycetidae, from South Africa. It reclassifies parasitic fungi on Podocarpaceae, revealing cryptic species within Corynelia uberata.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Fungal Taxonomy
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- The family Coryneliaceae, which parasitizes Podocarpaceae, has an uncertain taxonomic position within Eurotiomycetidae.
- Existing classifications of fungal ascomata and asci do not fully encompass the unique structures observed in Coryneliaceae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the phylogenetic position of Coryneliaceae within the Eurotiomycetes.
- To introduce and characterize a new fungal subclass, Coryneliomycetidae, based on morphological and molecular data.
- To resolve species complexes within Corynelia, particularly Corynelia uberata.
Main Methods:
- Morphological analysis using light microscopy.
- Molecular phylogenetic analysis using partial nrDNA gene sequences (ITS-1/5.8S/ITS-2, 18S, and 28S).
- Designation of epitypes for key species.
Main Results:
- A new subclass, Coryneliomycetidae, is proposed, characterized by pseudothecial mazaedial ascomata and unique asci.
- Lagenulopsis and Tripospora are confirmed as members of Coryneliaceae.
- Corynelia uberata is resolved into three distinct clades, with two new species, C. africana and C. fructigena, described from Podocarpus latifolius.
Conclusions:
- Coryneliomycetidae represents a unique lineage within Eurotiomycetes, distinct from Eurotiomycetidae and Chaetothyriomycetidae.
- Morphological similarities can mask significant genetic divergence, necessitating molecular data for accurate species identification.
- Further taxonomic revisions are likely needed for species currently identified as Corynelia uberata globally.
Keywords:
CoryneliaDNA phylogenyLagenulopsisSordariomycetesTriposporaphytopathogenic fungisystematicsMore Related Videos
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