Exploring the Diversity and Systematics of <i>Phaeosphaeriaceae</i>: Taxonomic Novelties from Ecologically Diverse Habitats and Their Phylogenetic Resolution

The family <i>Phaeosphaeriaceae</i> is a diverse group of ascomycetous fungi that are commonly found in terrestrial habitats worldwide. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the biodiversity of Phaeosphaeriaceae in China, particularly in Sichuan Province, which has not b...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Dhanushka N. Wanasinghe, Sajeewa S. N. Maharachchikumbura
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-08-01
Series:Journal of Fungi
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/9/8/853
Description
Summary:The family <i>Phaeosphaeriaceae</i> is a diverse group of ascomycetous fungi that are commonly found in terrestrial habitats worldwide. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the biodiversity of Phaeosphaeriaceae in China, particularly in Sichuan Province, which has not been fully explored for its high fungal diversity. In our study, we conducted extensive surveys in Sichuan Province to identify and describe new species of <i>Ascomycota</i> with diverse habitats. Here, we present a taxonomic revision of <i>Phaeosphaeriaceae</i> with taxonomic novelties from terrestrial habitats in Sichuan Province based on a multi-gene phylogenetic approach. Our study focuses on the description of four new species of <i>Phaeosphaeriaceae</i>, representing novel additions to the diversity of this fungal family. Using a combination of morphological and molecular data, we provide detailed descriptions of the new taxa and their placement within the family. Additionally, we discuss the phylogenetic relationships of these new taxa with other members of <i>Phaeosphaeriaceae</i>, providing insights into the correct taxonomic classification of the family. Our taxonomic revision contributes to understanding fungal diversity in China and provides a foundation for future studies investigating the taxonomy and ecological roles of <i>Phaeosphaeriaceae</i> fungi. Furthermore, our multi-gene phylogenetic approach provides increased resolution and accuracy in the delimitation of species boundaries within the family. Our study highlights the importance of continued exploration and taxonomic revision in order to fully understand the diversity and distribution of fungal species in China and beyond. <b>New species:</b> <i>Paraloratospora sichuanensis</i>, <i>Phaeosphaeria chengduensis</i>, <i>P. sichuanensis</i>, and <i>Septoriella shoemakeri</i>. <b>New combinations:</b> <i>Paraloratospora breonadiae</i>, <i>P. fructigena</i>, <i>Septoriella ammophilicola</i>, <i>S. asparagicola</i>, <i>S. festucae</i>, <i>S. luzulae</i>, and <i>S. verrucispora</i>. <b>New names:</b> <i>Septoriella paradactylidis</i>, and <i>S. neomuriformis</i>.
ISSN:2309-608X